CHICAGO — Bocce ball courts might soon be coming to a city-owned vacant lot in Pilsen.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel submitted an ordinance to the City Council last week that would lease a 2,750-square-foot lot at 2100 S. Halsted St. to the Wicker Park Bocce Club through the end of 2016 for $1.
The Wicker Park organization already set up courts in its namesake neighborhood at 1944 W. Crystal St., under a similar lease approved by the City Council in September.
"Our first one was so successful. We wanted to do a second one," said Alicia Harvey, one of the organization's co-founders. "It's been a fun way to have a different outdoor space than you would normally see."
Earlier this month, a "for sale" sign went up in front of the Wicker Park courts, Harvey said.
The Wicker Park courts are open "sun up to sundown" and have drawn hundreds of players since it opened last year, including about 40 who participated in league play Sunday, Harvey said.
The club has an arrangement with The Boundary, a nearby sports bar at 1932 W. Division St., where players can pick up bocce balls for free.
Harvey said her group has worked with various city departments as well as aldermen, on getting the courts set up.
Neither the Pilsen nor the Wicker Park courts are meant to be permanent. Despite the lease, the city retains the right to market the property to sell. In that case, the club knows it would have to find new grounds.
"We went in with the knowledge that we might have to move around," Harvey said.
While the Pilsen measure awaits City Council approval, the bocce club will look to expand beyond two locations in the city.
"We want to be in different neighborhoods," Harvey said.
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