BRIDGEPORT — Patrons of neighborhood playgrounds, put on your work boots.
Volunteer days are coming to the trio of the neighborhood’s playgrounds that were awarded funding for major renovations as part of the Chicago Plays! initiative, which aims to replace 50 playgrounds a year over the next five years.
Unlike a typical playground renovation, in which the Chicago Park District foots a third of the bill — with the remainder split between the alderman's office and private interests such as park advisory councils — the Chicago Plays! initative picked up the entire tab, courtesy of the park district's capital budget.
Groups seeking money for playground makeovers needed to collect petition signatures (a minimum of 50), get a letter of support from their alderman and provide a conditions report and community impact statement.
But the arrangement does require some more legwork by residents in the form of volunteer efforts.
The first begins Thursday at Donovan Park, 3620 S. Lituanica, where residents will help install Fibar, a wood material placed under playground equipment. The effort takes place 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Similar installations are planned at McGuane Park and Armour Square Park, although dates haven’t been set yet.
