EDGEWATER — A group of neighbors are leading an effort to revitalize Senn Park, beginning with its playground.
"We want to make sure that we're providing the best greenspace available for area residents," said Tom Welch, president of the park's new advisory council. "We’re looking at it really as one more [thing] to function as an attractor for Edgewater."
Welch said the community got together about a year ago to talk about the park, opened in 1947 and named after Nicholas V. Senn, a prominent North Side physician and researcher who died in 1908.
Resident Karen Dreyfuss, who lives next to the park, said excitement has grown for early plans for new equipment at the park's play lot.
"There were some rooted people that were wiling to join" the effort, she said. "And as the playground itself was aging, people were really excited for a new one."
But Dan Luna, chief of staff for Ald. Harry Osterman (48th), emphasized that even though a Chicago Park District planner had been assigned to the project, planning was in the "very, very, very beginning" stages.
Additionally, he said, "We have no idea what this is going to cost." Updates to the park's other assets, such as the tennis court and play field, are also being discussed.
The park's advisory council has distributed an online survey about how residents use the park and invite others to participate.
A council meeting planned for 6:30 p.m. March 4 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Elmdale Ave., is open to the public.
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