NORWOOD PARK — Oriole Park will host its first fall festival Wednesday as a new advisory council steps up its efforts to bring new life to the park.
The free event featuring bounce houses, obstacle courses, games, crafts and popcorn will take place from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Oriole Park, 5430 N. Olcott Ave., organizers said.
Those at the festival will also be invited to share their ideas for the future of Oriole Park, which is in the northwest corner of Norwood Park, said Liz Dechant, one of the founders of the park advisory council that had its first meeting in September.
"If we want more programs and events, and if we want it to be more vibrant, we need to step up and say that," Dechant said, adding that the council is prepared to ask Chicago Park District officials for more money for personnel and programs.
During the last four years, the park has seen its budget cut in half as the park district — like all city agencies — struggles to make ends meet in an era of budget deficits.
The festival is designed to gather all of the parks' supporters, and figure what they love about it — and what could be better, Dechant said.
Dechant, the vice president of the Oriole Park Community Club, said the group formed after the renovation of the park's two playgrounds through the Chicago Plays! program in 2014.
"The physical improvement to the parks really jump-started people's excitement about the park," Dechant said, adding that many people wanted to know what was going to be improved or replaced next at the park.
"We're just starting out," Dechant said. "It is really exciting."
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