MORGAN PARK — A sprawling field mostly used for youth soccer in Morgan Park has been bought by the Chicago Park District.
Chicago Public Schools sold the 7.42-acre parcel just east of St. Walter Parish to the Park District for $1 on Aug. 30, said Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, a Park District spokeswoman.
Drainage improvements are required on the field between 116th Place and 118th Street and Oakley and Bell avenues. Work will begin on the northern end of the property in the fall, Faulkner said Wednesday.
New dirt and seed will be then added to the southern half of the property in the spring. The two-part strategy is meant to ensure that youth soccer programs run by St. Walter continue this year, she said.
"The field needs work. There are multiple areas that are uneven," said Faulkner, adding that all work is expected to be completed by next summer.
Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) said Tuesday that he also believes Beverly Lacrosse will take advantage of the fields after the renovation.
"Lacrosse is a growing sport," O'Shea said. "I see that trend continuing, because concussions aren't going away."
Indeed, O'Shea said many 19th Ward parents view lacrosse as a safer alternative to football. Otherwise, he said the parcel will largely be kept as green space, though he said a walking path around the perimeter of the field would be a welcome addition.
A 7.4-acre field behind St. Walter Parish in Morgan Park has been purchased by the Chicago Park District. The field is largely used for youth soccer programs and could also host lacrosse. [DNAinfo/Howard A. Ludwig]
In his publication mailed to constituents in February, O'Shea said the property was owned by CPS. Several groups, including the City Council and the Park District board had to approve the deal.
O'Shea also pointed to a 2012 effort by CPS to sell the property, advertising 35 single-family home sites. He credited the Southwest Morgan Park Civic Association for helping to collect thousands or signatures on a petition opposing the sale.
After the sale was blocked, O’Shea rezoned the property to prevent any further attempts to use the space for commercial, residential or industrial purposes. He said the Park District will maintain the property, and he foresees no plans to add baseball diamonds or other structures to to the land.
"I'm not looking to build a field house," he said.
