ROGERS PARK — Community members got a second look at Chicago Park District plans for a renovated Touhy Park playground Tuesday night.
After an initial meeting with district officials and the alderman in December, parents and the park's advisory council ordered them back to the drawing board over complaints that they'd be getting less play equipment than before.
Residents bemoaned the dilapidated equipment for years before the project was put on the 49th Ward's participatory budgeting ballot in 2011, and again in 2012, after the project ended up costing more than expected.
The price tag finally settled at $450,000, said Michael Lange, the project's manager.
The new plan saves the existing structure with repairs. Loose and missing screws and rotten wood would be replaced.
New equipment includes a seesaw, six swings, two play pieces for ages 2 through 12 and a new water fountain.
"We are hopefully going to get this playground up and running by the end of this year," said Ald. Joe Moore (49th), who attended both meetings.
Tony Iniquez, president of the advisory council, has been pushing the city since 2005 to rehab the playground.
He thanked people for taking the time to vote in the budgeting elections for the playground.
"This wouldn't have been possible without your vote," he said.
