Parks and Greening

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Category Administration

(How are we defining this category/section? What is included and what is NOT included?)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

  • Anne Comeau, Chair (NET, Senn Park Advisory)
  • Jason Cox, (Andersonville Representative)
  • Chris Swan, (WEAR/WANT Block Club Rep 2010)
  • Sharon Metzger, (NEW Block Club President/EB)
  • Rebecca Rossof, (Lincoln Park Advisory Council Rep)
  • Nancy Schmitt, (NET Block Club President)

(Thanks to Joe Drantz and Brandon Daley for their support at the start of EESP Project Planning)

The Parks, Natural Areas and Green Spaces committee will engage the public, businesses and government in expansion of Edgewater's parks, natural areas and green spaces, with sufficient trees and plantings to promote

  • Reduction of carbon emissions and urban heat, as well as,
  • Providing respite from dense residential areas,and
  • Providing an outlet for recreation, and
  • Providing a showcase for public art.

In order to set goals and planning strategy, the Parks & Green Spaces Committee will:

  • Survey the community regarding the interest in each area of Edgewater in order to determine level of understanding and involvement in sustainability practices and environmental issues. (Initial surveys done by Loyola undergraduate classes in 2009 and more substantive online and manual surveys taken in 2010.)
  • Educate the community (residents, garden & block clubs, business, government,institutions) on the need to create and expand the parks, gardens, natural spaces and public art in Edgewater. (In cooperation with, and led by, the Education Awareness planning team)
  • Identify potential areas or lots where parks, natural areas and public art can be created and prioritize the development opportunities
  • Survey and categorize an inventory of current parks, gardens, green spaces and public art as of 2008 to use as a baseline (see Current State Category)
  • Work with Garden Clubs, Block Clubs, GreenCorps, Neighborspace, Chicago Park District, elected officials, institutions and businesses to implement and find funding for the projects as well as establish long term maintenance or advisory committees for each space.
  • In 2010, Edgewater Beautiful committee became part of the EESP project. Its mission remains unchanged and it will continue to function as the neighborhood beautification and greening team. Green and Clean Go To volunteers will represent block clubs or areas of Edgewater and work cooperatively on local projects in their scope.

The program will not be directly involved in the purchase of land, or the design or funding of the landscaping or planting of the parks, natural spaces or public art but will encourage and support all entities engaged in this endeavor.

Definition

(How are we defining this category/section? What is included and what is NOT included?)

  • Traditionally - Parks are areas of recreation and leisure; however, in order to create a balance for our Edgewater Community, our aim is to not only establish new recreational parks, but also to provide for natural habitat & green plantings.
  • New parks - as well as natural and green spaces - Will be defined & planned following urban sustainability practices. The Chicago Climate Action Plan will also provide a model for planning.
  • The strategy - Will encourage careful planning of our urban parks and natural spaces, to ensure that carbon emissions are absorbed, air quality improved, and residents will find both respite and recreation.
  • Established parkland - Should be carefully examined and discussions begun with residents and public officials to return portions of them into a natural state. (Many of our parks resemble savannas or sparsely planted open woodlands, and grass (when not artificial turf) has been kept short by power mowing. Current parks have been mainly utilized for sporting activities, picnics or children's play areas - all of which would continue to be encouraged in balance with nature.) Because in the past there was usually little or no consideration given to the encouragement of natural prairie, native trees or careful management of the parkland to balance the emissions from the dense city space, our focus must now include those elements.
  • New park area development - We would propose to work with the community, public officials, the park district, garden clubs, botanic groups and developers so that soon to be vacated property and/or vacant lots, will have sections transformed into parks, green spaces and/or habitat refuges that may also be useable for recreation - with a balance of nature and nurture.
  • Spacing and placing - Of the parks and natural/green spaces, will be carefully considered so that all Edgewater residents have access to some park area.

The Parks and Greening category will not engage in the purchase or development of spaces, but will encourage other Edgewater and supportive groups in that endeavor.

Metrics

(What are the key measures that are relevant to this category? What ‘needles’ are we trying to ‘move’?)

  • This category's prime measurement will be the additon to "Green and Natural" spaces created in Edgewater - beyond those that were listed in the baseline 2008 survey shown under the section Current States.
  • Key measurements for success of the project to expand Green and Natural Spaces will be establishment of:
    • new Garden areas(defined as formal plantings of flowers, trees, shrubs or natural plantings to encourage wildlife, butterflies and bees),
    • new Green Roofs set up,
    • parkland expanded or created,
    • new corner or median plantings,
    • plots created in private or public property to be used by residents and dedicated to food growing or beekeeping
    • Expansion of natural plantings in those areas that are now subject to power mowing
    • Return or re-establish, where possible, bird migration habitat
  • Additional Public Art projects or pieces will be part of the Metric results

Current State

(Where do we currently stand in this category/section, in terms of the key defining metrics?)

"The parks, natural spaces, gardens and public art that was in place in Edgewater was inventoried as of December, 2008. Information was retrieved from the Chicago Park District and other public information channels. An excel spreadsheet has been created and distributed to the members of the committee in order to satisfy the baseline assessment data requirement and is included in the following Wiki inventory. Individual, business, government and institutional support will be needed to expand the parks, natural areas, green spaces and public art available in each quadrant of Edgewater"

Available Data Review

(What baseline data do we have – or exists elsewhere that we can easily obtain – that can help us create a baseline assessment of where we currently stand?) 

Original Baseline Assessment December 13,2008. Note those PlayLots that are mainly equipment with few trees/shrubs, not shown as Parks

Items added and in bold denotes new park, green spaces or public art dedicated or expansion in progress after baseline established:
Park/PlayLot Name Street Address Contact Zipcode Ward Block Club Garden Comment
Andersonville Play Lot 5233 N. Ashland Ave CPD 60640 40th WANT Playlot,Trees
Berger Park 6205 N. Sheridan Road CPD 60660 48th NEBA/ASCO totlot,beachfront,green area w/trees LPAC grant received to improve Park 2010
Broadway Armory (Some Landscaping at Parking/Front) 5917 N. Broadway CPD Bojko 60660 48th TAHBS landscaping/parking lot
Bromann Playlot Park 5400 N. Broadway CPD Bojko 60660 48th LBRC playlot,trees,2009 Addl Lot acquired via Ald Smith/TIF Funds & greenspace expanded. Dedicated August 2009
Cedar Playlot 5311 N. Winthrop CPD Bojko 60660 48th EBNA playlot,trees,greenspace,recycle bins
Cochran Playlot Park 5554 N. Magnolia Ave. CPD 60660 48th LBRC trees,playlot,flying pig art missing?
D'Elia Playlot 6340 N. Lakewood CPD 60660 49th ENN Long & thin, 2 trees only
Lakefront Park at 6151: Goal 2010 6151 N. Sheridan CPD 60660 48th ASCO/Lincoln Park Advisory Empty lot/CPD/Smith Acquired - transformation to Contemplative park begun 2009 - lead remediation completed summer 2009. Park nearly completed 2010 and Name to be Chosen with Public Input
Foster Beach Park(Lincoln Park) 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive CPD 60640 48th ASCO/LPA/EBNA Trees, Beach, Looking for Native Plantings
Hollywood Beach Park(Lincoln Park) 5600 N. Lake Shore Drive CPD 60660 48th ASCO/LPA Improvements Being Requested from CPD
George Lane Beach Park (Lincoln Pk) 5915 N. Sheridan Rd CPD 60660 48th ASCO/LPA beach and trees, 2009-2010 landscape improvements to Park negotiated by LPAC with Tot Lot added
Kathy Osterman Beach (Lincoln Pk) 5800 N. Sheridan Rd CPD 60660 48th ASCO/LPA Beach & Park Improve. LPAC approved Beach House design- Building in Progress 2010
Meadows Park Area Bounded by Lake Shore Drive/Berwin/Sheridan/BrynMawr CPD 60660 48th ASCO/LPA LPAC monitors change. Suggestion made to create an organic garden space. Residents are sending requests to 48th Ward.
Mellin Playlot 5553 N. Ashland Ave. CPD 60640 40th WANT playlot,very few trees on east side of Ashland in Andersonville zone
2010-11 Planning for NEW Park/Garden/Green Space Project Space Being Sought Space Being Sought 60660 40th NEW 2010-Preliminary Due Diligence. Block Club approved 3-10 Mtg with FOTP for strategy 5-8, Mtg. With Aldermanic Staff 5-25
Peirce School Playlot 1423 Bryn Mawr Ave. CPD 60660 48th ETNA playlot,trees.greenspace,shrubs
Schaalman Park 5900 N. Sheridan Rd. CPD Bojko 60660 48th TAHBS/ASCO ornamental park,seating,well landscaped
Senn Park Triangle Sports Complex & Main Linkage Park 5934 N. Ridge Ave. CPD Bojko 60660 48th NET/EPIC/BARGE Community Involved with CPD in Maint./Public Events
Senn Playlot Park (Senn Linkage Park) 1550 N. Elmdale CPD Bojko 60660 48th NET playlot,trees,greenspace,seating,landscaped
Shade Garden on Thorndale (Senn Linkage) 1532 N. Thorndale Ave CPD Bojko 60660 48th NET greenspace,trees,gardens,seating
Senn Unity Garden Agricultural Plots(Senn Linkage) 1519 N. Thorndale Ave CPD Bojko 60660 48th NET greenspace,organic veg. gardens,trees
Planning for 2010-11 WEAR Park Project/EMC Site 5700 N. Ashland Ave Dexia Bank Owner 60640 40th WEAR 2010 EMC Bankruptcy Settled. WEAR requesting Park on site. Community meeting with Alderman 4-21-10
Community Garden/Green Space Street Address Contact Zipcode Ward Block Club or Sponsor
Ardmore-Glenwood Native Garden 1340 W. Ardmore Ave D. Howell 60660 48th BARGE parkway planting maintained by homeowners
Ardmore-Wayne Native Garden 5800 N. Wayne Ave D. Howell 60660 48th BARGE parkway planting maintained by BARGE
Ashland Ave/Clark St. Parkways (City Maint.) Ashland: Foster to Victoria-Clark: Victoria to Devon) City 60640 40th City Parkway yes-maintained
Community Ivy Planting Project CTA Track Walls (Various Areas) R. Cercle 60660-40 48th SSA/EB Winter Die Back/Owner Maintenance a Problem
Devon Streetscape Devon from Sheridan to Ravenswood 40th ward, NEW & Devon businesses & Neighbors 60660 40th NEW Neighbors & Rogers Park Garden water & weed Goal Met Completed 2009 - permeable bricks,trees,planters
Edgewater Gateway Garden 1235 W. Hollywood Ave. D. Howell 60660 48th BARGE/Neighborspace tri:1&2landscaped,3rd:not Improvements made & new plantings added 2009 with Loyola shrub donations and GreenCorp plants and bulbs
Gethsemane Parkway Plantings 5739 N. Clark Circle Gethsemane 60660 40th Andersonville beautifully maintained
Hayt School Environmental Club 1518 W. Grandville Principle 60660 48th EGA playlot,trees,student garden
Magnolia-Hollywood Triangle Garden(SW) Magnolia & Hollwood SW Corner D.Howell 60660 48th BARGE/Neighborspace maintained by volunteers Greencorps certification achieved 2009. Recd Plants/bulbs
Peace Garden Ridge/Hollywood/Wayne Intersection ETNA 60660 48th ETNA maintained by volunteers Greencorps certification achieved 2009 ..Recd plants/bulbs
Helen Peirce Elem School Gardens 1423 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Principle 60660 48th ETNA playlot,trees,greenspace,shrubs
Hollywood-Early Garden 1239 W. Early D. Howell 60660 48th BARGE/Neighborspace maintained by volunteers Greencorps certification achieved 2009. Rec'd plants/bulbs
Magnolia Early Parkway 5700 N. Magnolia D. Howell 60660 48th BARGE/Neighborspace maintained by volunteers Greencorps certification achieved. Rec'd plants & Bulbs
Ridge/Wayne Native Garden 1400 W. Ridge Ave. D. Howell 60660 48th BARGE parkway garden maintained by building owner
Goal Met 7-09-Senn/RickoverAcademies Front& Back Green Spaces 5900N.Glenwood/5900 N.Ridge R.Norman/M.Biela 60660 48th Steans/ECC/SennParksTeam Installed Raised Organic Garden Beds Front Summer/Fall 2009 by Freshmen/WeFarmAmerica/Neighbors

After School Matters group (with EESP/EB teachers) will clean up site and assist new gardeners 2010-11

Goal Met 3-09-Thorndale Community Garden(Senn Linkage Park started 9-08) 1500 W. Thorndale N.Schmitt/A.Comeau 60660 48th CPD/NET Goal Met 2009 - landscaped,trees,greenspace. Greencorps certified 2009. Parkway Foundation Grant Application Fall 2009 for Landscaping Improvements and Tools. Grant approved.
Goal Met-8-09 NEW Metra track Linear Garden Installed Ridge to Granville on Ravenswood NEW/Sharon Metzger 60660 40th N.E.W. Neighbors, After School Matters Green Team, ECC/EB Linear Garden 1st 200 ft Dedicated August 5, 2009
Senior Garden plots..METRA stop..may move to new loc. Peterson to Ridge on Ravenswood Senior bldg and CHA bldg 60660 40th/Osterman No Sponsors - Seniors/Immigrant Gardeners garden plots,flowers & veg. When Metra stop installed. Garden will be moved with EESP/EB and Osterman assistance.
WANT Metra Track Linear Garden 5200 N. Ravenswood WANT 60640 40th WANT linear garden:trees,shrubs,flowers
WEAR Metra Track Linear Garden 5400 N. Ravenswood WEAR 60640 40th WEAR linear garden:trees,shrubs,flowers
Wayne Ardmore Native Garden 5845 N. Wayne Ave. D. Howell 60660 48th BARGE parkway planting
Broadway Flowered Planters Broadway (Foster to Granville) T. Jerome/SSA26 60640-60 48th Edgewater Chamber/SSA maintained
Bryn Mawr Planters/Flower Baskets Bryn Mawr to Ridge Task Force 60660 48th Bryn Mawr Task Force maintained
Clark Street Planters Clark Street: Foster to Bryn Mawr ACC/ADC/SSA 60660 48th Andersonville Chamber/SSA maintained
Devon Avenue Planters Broadway to Clark 'Expanded to Ravenswood 2009 S. Masiuk 60660 48th Devon Green Team/Edgewater Chamber/NET/Businesses maintained by volunteers. Streetscape installed 2009 Clark to Ravenswood
Ridge Ave.Planters Broadway to Clark Constantino/Block Clubs 60660 48th ETNA/BARGE/Edge.Beautiful maintained
Adopted Corners & Traffic Circles 400 with 250 adopted D.Howell-10/S.Metzger 60640-60 40th & 48th Edgewater Beautiful some done,some summer 2009

Adopt-A-Corner Brochure


Green Roof Gardens/Other Green Initiatives Address Contact Zipcode Ward Sponsor Comment
True Nature Foods 6034 N. Broadway P. Companio 60660 48th Business green roof-grows organic sold
Goal Met/Organic Roof 7-2009 Uncommon Ground 1401 W. Devon Ave H. & M. Cameron 60660 48th Business First Chicago Certified Organic Green Roof Farm Dedicated 7-09'
Green Roofs on Red Line Edgewater Red Line/Varied Locations Urban Habitat/48th Ward 60660 48th Multiple Sponsors Project in Planning Stages 2009
Public Art Location or Address Contact Zipcode Ward Block Club &/or Sponsor
Andersonville Eagle Memorial & Peaches Memorial Fountain Ashland/Clark Intersection City/Andersonville Chamber 60660 40th City/Gethsemane No change
Bricolage "Living 2007" Bryn Mawr Ave Underpass @LSD North Wall Constantino 60660 48th 48th/TAHBS/Students Installed
Dedicated: Bricolage "Growing 2008" Bryn Mawr Ave Underpass@LSD South Wall Constantino 60660 48th 48th/EBNA/Students Installed
Dedicated 8-09: Bricolage "Indian Land Dancing" Foster Avenue Underpass@LSD both North & South Walls Constantino 60660 48th 48th/EBNA/Students Goal Met-Bricolage Installed
Flying Pigs@Cochran Park 5554 N. Magnolia Ave R.Cercle 60660 48th LBRC Pigs Missing Summer 2009
Edgewater Gateway Signage Hollywood/Ridge Intersection ECC/Edgewater Beautiful 60660 48th ECC/EB/BARGE No Change
Mosaics(4)@Cafe Berger 6205 N. Sheridan CPD 60660 48th NEBA/CPD No change
Mural Northside ECC Bldg 6044 N. Broadway ECC 60660 48th ECC No change
Painted Water Tower Above Swedish American Museium Museum 60660 48th Museum No change
Parkway "Art" Columns SE Crner Glenwood/Rosemont Gary Jackson 60660 48th ENN No Change
Peace Pole/Ebenezer Lutheran 1650 W. Foster Ave. Church 60660 48th Church No Change
Peace Pole/St. Gertrude 1500 W. Granville Church 60660 48th Church No Change
Peace Pole Ridge/Wayne Intersection Not Known 60660 48th ETNA No Change
Swedish Horse Farragut/Clark Corner Swedish American Museum 60660 40th Museum/WANT No Change
Senn Unity Garden-Totems/Mosaic 1517 W. Thorndale CPD 60660 48th CPD/NET/SENN No Change
Young Abe Lincoln Statue @ Senn Park Senn Park/Ridge & Clark Intersection Bojko 60660 48th CPD/Net No Change

Additional Data Needs

(What additional data is needed and how will we be able to address them, e.g., through the Loyola student projects?)


Individuals Input will be requested from residents via Block Club Meetings and Loyola student project surveys as to the interest in new parks, gardens or public art as well as the potential for placement. The surveys should include a measurement of the interest in participating in creating an advisory group and assisting in the ongoing maintenance of the entities. The survey should also ask for input as to potential viable areas for placement.

Business Chambers and Development Councils will be asked to survey members on their support and willingness to be involved in green business and/or community improvements - be they

  1. installation of green roofs;
  2. maintaining parkways, corners, or planters; or
  3. adopting park areas and natural habitats.

Concerns regarding the bottom line or what it would take to participate in these efforts, should also be part of the survey data request so that the committee can assess and address those questions.

Institutions Input from the Edgewater Faith Community, as well as our Public and Private schools, will be requested to measure current activities with respect to green and natural space development and/or maintenance of any such space or public art that we have not identified on the inventory. We will also request information with respect to future plannning.

Block Clubs will be a key component in gathering current data regarding potential spaces, as well as partnering with the committee to strategize on implementation of parks, and natural green spaces in their neighborhoods. Block Club Members may be a resource to find or develop Cost/Benefit ratios.

Government Data will need to be gathered from government sources in order to support the greening initiatives including but not restricted to:

  1. air quality studies,
  2. liveability studies (e.g.crime reduction), and
  3. environmental impact studies (urban heat reduction calcs if available which show the effect of parks on that problem.

Data will also be collected on grants or funds available to support Park and Green expansion.

Future State

(What is our Vision for this category/section? What are our specific goals in terms of key metrics defined above? What implications & benefits will there be at an individual, business, and governmental level?)

1. Expand Edgewater's useable parks, gardens and green spaces by a quantifiable percentage by each of the target years: 2010; 2015 and 2020.

2. Include Public Art where practicial within the parks and examine other locations for placement of visible public art that celebrates the environment and sustainability.

3. In those areas of Edgewater that are under-served, work with the neighborhood associations, businesses and public officials to develop a green space, community garden or park area.

STATUS REPORT AS OF JULY, 2010

Parks & Green Spaces - Current Actions:

1) WEAR Block Club (Chris Swan is heading this committee) is working with the Alderman and neighboring associations(WANT) to have the former Edgewater Medical Center Site developed into a combined park, green space and tot lot for use by the local community. This area is considered park poor as defined by the City of Chicago. (No green space within the block club boundaries.) In order to reach any parks/playlots or green spaces in Edgewater they must cross high speed boulevards, railroad lines or drive – all of which are unacceptable for safety and for quality of life concerns.

2) NEW Block Club (another underserved area for parks, etc..) has expanded and filled out their linear garden planted at the Ravenswood tracks from Ridge to Paulina. The next phase will extend it to Granville and may include some organic garden plots. Sharon Metzger has led this process. Thanks should be given to Patrick O'Connor & staff, 40th Ward; Union Pacific RR; Rep. Osterman & State Sen Steans. NEW is also looking for a lot that could be converted to a combined play lot, park, garden area. Their issues regarding access are the same as experienced by WEAR.

3)Green & Clean Go To Volunteer Project: Edgewater Beautiful (Sharon Metzger) and EESP Cleaning the Neighborhood (Allen Stryczek) have combined to focus their missions on establishing a grassroots local volunteer network. Block clubs, neighborhood organizations and other groups have been asked to nominate or suggest potential volunteers to serve as the focal point for the neighborhoods on green or clean projects, issues and maintenance. Cooperative interaction between the network of volunteers could include garden or plant information, plant swaps, volunteer calls for work days, etc. The first meeting of the Green & Clean Volunteers will be held Thursday, August 26th, 2010. (The Recycling Committee agreed to have their established RBCs assist in spreading information on events and work sessions through their network.)

Parks & Greening – EESP Involvement since 2008(Goal in 2010 met for parks, green spaces, gardens *goal was +10% expansion from original December, 2008 survey*).

1) With the assistance of our aldermen, state office holders, park advisory councils and generous support from Loyola, Patch Landscaping and private plant & shrub donors, and the involvement of EESP members, the following gardens, parks and other landscaped areas were developed:'

  • Thorndale Community Garden at 1500 Thorndale (Senn Park Planning Council)
  • NEW Linear Garden at Ravenswood (East of Ridge)
  • Devon Avenue Streetscape (West of Clark)
  • Ivy Planting on the CTA abutments continued and in 2010 Loyola student volunteers will plant another large set of donated ivy plants. (Goal is to have flourishing green walls from Berwyn to Devon).
  • NEW Block Club actively recruited their membership to adopt, plant and maintain more corner, parkway, and circle gardens
  • Edgewater Gateway Garden transferred to Neighborspace/BARGE/Edgewater Beautiful and the Triangle Garden (SW Corner Hollywood/Magnolia) was re-landscaped.
  • Private Organic Garden on half lot established by Hood neighbors-EESP supported with seeds and planting information
  • Private Rain Garden established on Norwood (half linear lot) by EESP Planning & Development Co-Chair.
  • Note: Edgewater Beach Apartments which are a visible icon of Edgewater were captured in a painting by John Garrison which was used on 50th ECC Anniv.cookbook cover. Posters were also printed and were donated by Rae Ann Cercle to block clubs as a method to raise funds for greening projects. NEW raised & used their monies to establish a more workable watering system for their linear garden. BARGE used their funds for garden supplies needed at the Gateway Garden area.

2) The following parks,green spaces & public art were created or had expansions during the same period with the support of EESP.

  • 6151 N. Sheridan Road Contemplative Park (Lincoln Park Advisory Council)
  • Bromann Park & Play Lot Expanded with acquisition of another Lot (48th Ward and local neighbors)
  • George Lane Park added a Play Lot and Landscaping (LPAC)
  • Public Art - Foster Avenue's Lake Shore Drive underpass bricolage was completed & dedicated 2010 with the addition of Indian Land Dancing - both north & south walls.

3)Roof Garden & On Site Green Landscaping Expansion with Organic Garden supplying Diners – Recognition of an EESP Member

  • Uncommon Ground on Devon was recognized in a ceremony held on July, 2009 as the country’s first certified organic rooftop garden (M.O.S.A, Oct. 2008). In addition it is the:
    • Winner of the City of Chicago Mayor's Landscape Award 2009
    • Winner of the prestigious USGBC Environmotion Award 2009
    • Green Business of the Year 2009 Edgewater, Chicago Chamber of Commerce

Statement - We believe that each action, which creates a public or private green space or park, begins a ripple effect that expands the interest and involvement of more of our neighbors in making Edgewater an environmental oasis for all of its residents.

Ideal

(What are the key measures that are relevant to this category? What ‘needles’ are we trying to ‘move’?)

High Level: To follow the recommendations and goals of Chicago Action Climate Plan. This Topic is focused upon Edgewater's Parks, Natural/Green Spaces and Public Art; and our actions will be tailored to expanding those venues in the Edgewater neighborhood in cooperation with residents, businesses and institutions

Individuals

  • Recruit residents to become involved in supporting the Parks and Greening Initiative,
  • Create Planning or Advisory Groups by quadrant or by Neighborhood Association and Block Clubs,
  • Involve youth and student volunteers in greening projects and public art initiatives,
  • Involve seniors in stewardship activities.

Businesses

  • Include business partners, development corporations and councils in the planning process and publicize their involvement as agreeable.
  • Develop methods and procedures to include green spaces within or outside of businesses (green roofs, green patios and planter areas, etc.

Government

  • Work with Planning & Development and LEED ND Topic task forces to encourage ordinances and legislation for green and natural spaces as well as public art.
  • Support public officials who are active in environmental issues and funding of park and greening community projects

Institutions

  • Involve Edgewater institutions and seek their active engagement in all of the above

Minimum / First Steps

(What, if any, criteria are fixed/unchangeable or independent from this analysis?)

'Edgewater Green: Parks and Green Spaces Committee Meeting minutes 12/09/08'- First Steps

Attendees: Sharon Metzger, Jason Cox, David Rowe, Joe Drantz, Nancy Schmitt,Anne Comeau(Unable to attend –Kimberlee Guenther)

Discussion: Future State of Parks, Green/Natural Spaces, and Public Art

  • Parks, as well as Natural and Green Spaces can be important hubs of local activity and neighborhood involvement, in addition to their traditional function of being places for recreation and respite. Including public art can enhance the sense of community.
  • It is important to continue collaboration and planning with residents, CPD, environmentally active groups, neighborhood block clubs, councils and development corporations, to plant additional trees where space permits and area is available
  • Planned in conjunction with community input, and properly placed, green areas may also encourage residents to remain within the neighborhoods for their daily needs. Theme: shop and walk locally.

2009 Goals and Timelines (Varied Committee Members & Other Volunteers to Participate in Survey Gathering):

1) Begin in depth survey(see item 2 for criteria) of all existing public parks, gardens,public art, green roofs & spaces by end of February, 2009 and complete this survey by the end of the 2nd quarterof 2009.

2) Develop background details

  • Determine who owns or manages these spaces (Chicago Park District, etc)
  • What do they contain? (flower beds, baseball diamonds…)
  • How /when does the neighborhood currently use this space?
  • Can there be physical improvements so that the neighborhood can more fully experience these areas and can we tie in /add public art to enhance them.

3) Survey existing vacant lots in the same time frame and documentation as above.

4) Contact neighborhood assoc. and Alderman’s offices to find out where these vacant properties are and who owns them. Complete the following by end of third quarter.

  • Involve Neighborhood Associations (Block Clubs). and Aldermanic offices to determine the political and fiduciary climate of these spaces---what is the history of these spaces and how do they currently impact the neighborhood.
  • Place make: how do the neighborhoods want to use these spaces? Tie them into public art, public squares, farmers markets, small parks, natural habitat areas, etc.
  • When ready, set up timelines in conjunction with item 5, to involve additional groups to assist in development and future maintenance of spaces: Local Garden or Advisory group; Neighborspace, GreenCorps, Park District etc.

5) Prioritize (with timelines) which areas to develop first.

6) Can we determine best options to fund these projects?

  • Find out where TIF money can be used
  • Look ahead to President Elect Obama’s Green Initiatives
  • Explore other funding options or vehicles

Gaps

(Given available data & analysis, how far apart are the key elements (metrics) of our Current & Future States?)

  • There is much work to be done to move to the Future State envisioned under LEED ND - given our population density and long established urban housing patterns.
    • Gaps in coverage: this includes areas in Edgewater that have no parks or public natural/green spaces
    • Gaps in perception: Residents, Businesses and Public Officials need to be convinced of bottom line Economic Benefits and Property Value increases in developing and providing ongoing support for various types of green, park or garden areas.
    • Gaps in funding or grants: economic and job development potential, as well as the will of the people for positive results, could play a key role in meeting the goals.
    • Gaps in public awareness: that walkable, clean, and safe local parks and garden spaces benefit all of Edgewater and are there for every resident's use, whether it be social, for relaxation or for recreation.
  • A Public awareness campaign is needed to develop volunteer park and garden advisory groups which will provide active support to bridge these gaps and this will be a factor in achieving the plan's Sustainability goals.
  • An Implementation Action Plan should take into account the gaps identified and continue intermittant surveying of the public

Resources

(What kind of resources – time, money, people, agreements/support/relationships – are needed to address each of the gaps described above?)

  • Support of the residents to increase green spaces and maintain them
  • Financial resources for acquisitin of land if needed and support of Neighborspace or CPD for land ownship transfer to them.
  • Financial support from residents, business and public officials to provide the landscaping, composting and seeds necessary for all to participate
  • Participation by social, environmental and planning development groups when help is needed to encourage green development and good building practices.
  • Cooperation with public officials, Chicago Park District and the city to follow the Chicago Climate Action Plan within the Edgewater neighborhood by providing us with the tools and technical advice to make the changes needed.

Priorities

(Given the potential impact & benefit and the related costs (resources) required, in what order should we attempt to address/resolve the gaps?)

Purpose of Parks, Green & Natural Spaces: To reduce Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, we will promote leadership in expanding and creating Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Green Spaces with Edgewater.

The following are the overall goals that are envisioned as necessary and obtainable by the Parks and Green Spaces Committee. We seek to:

  • Increase the Number of Useable Green Parks and Natural Spaces,
  • Add Green Roofs, Urban Agricultural Plots and Backyard Gardens,
  • Expand Natural Plantings throughout Edgewater and its parks,
  • Add Public Art in Park Planning & Public Way to promote community bonding and local interest.


IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2009 - 2020

Education and Communication

    • Engage Residents to determine interest in park and green space expansion and recruit volunteers from block clubs and community groups: Ongoing
    • Survey parks, green spaces and public art in Edgewater: Completed 2009
    • Complete Parks, Green Spaces Planning Document by October, 2009: Outline complete, technical writing tbd
    • Work with Education/Publicity to create a broad publicity campaign: Ongoing throughout timeline
    • Coordinate with Park Advisory Groups, Garden Clubs and other Environmental Groups in Edgewater and Chicago: Ongoing throughout

Planned Developments (Coordinated with All Community Partners) Bolded items are new initiatives or clarifications added after 2010

    • Ravenswood NEW Landscaped Garden at Metra Tracks (Ridge to Granville)- NEW Block Club sponsoring: 2009-2010
    • 6411 Sheridan Road Passive Park by CPD (digging begun, but lead contamination found/clean up needed. Remediation done Sept. 2009) Park landscaping begun Fall 2009 - Completion 2010
    • Last Four Miles - Lake Shore extension of Park: Walking and Bicycle Paths - 2009 Plan Design & Cost Released at Loyola by FOTP; 2010-2016 Public and Private discussions and potential phased implementation. Note that this remains a controversial project because of some lakefront resident's concerns regarding scope and disruption of project. EESP remains respectful of community opinions; however, open and calm discussion should continue on pros and cons of this proposal
    • Bromann Playlot expansion of Park/Green Space - 2009 completion and dedication
    • Ridge Avenue Historic Firehouse Rights transferred to CPD 2009 - Lot to east with city and alderman for aquisition for Park & Art Space - 2009-2011
    • Ridge Avenue Greening and Arts Corridor - Glenwood/Ridge Art Community; Varied Green Initiatives: 2010 - 2020
    • Urban Agricultural Space Expansion in Public Spaces - Study 2010; Advisory Group Created 2011; Lot Allocation 2012 -2020
    • Backyard Organic Gardening - Education/Seed Distribution 2009; Support 2010 Ongoing** 'Lake Shore/Lincoln Park Natural Planting/Dune Restoration - 2012 - 2020 support Lincoln Park Advisory Council
    • Bricolage Art added to Lake Shore Drive Underpasses - Native American theme Foster Avenue both sides completed 2009
    • Edgewater Medical Center - 2010-2020 - WEAR Block Club monitoring owner development plans so that park and green space will replace in whole or part the abandoned EMC site. (Contact is Chris Swan at: <Swan@rsmr.com> )

Other Ventures - to be Developed in coordination with Partners

    • Coordination with Public Officials, CPS & CPD when vacant or unused land is available. 2009-2020
    • Work with Planning & Development team to determine if new regs needed for Green Development in existing urban neighborhoods. LEED ND adjustment may be needed to create criteria for such dense neighborhoods. 2009-2020
    • Recruit more corner and circle plantings with Adopt-A-Corner plan: 2009 -2020
    • Vacant Lot Conversion to Organic Garden: 2009 (1404-06 Hood with owner) Active Garden/included Neighbors 2009-10
    • Senior Gardeners plant at a lot between Peterson & Ridge on METRA property. Not approved by CHA or METRA. Note This garden area will need to be relocated once METRA station work begins. NEW Block Club, EESP, Alderman O'Connor, Rep Osterman are vetting potential sites, which may include park/playlot combination. Working with seniors and CHA to meet needs of seniors for safe passage and good garden area. FOTP providing advise.
    • Green Roofs: Support light weight installations (e.g. Urban Habitat coordinating with Aldermanic office on CTA track corridor): 2010-2020 Garden Green Roofs also to be encouraged where feasible: Models - Uncommon Ground & True Nature Foods 2009-2020 For information on the principal Green Roof Technology Components go to <www.greenroof.org>
    • Green Walls: Continue planting of ivy at CTA abutments: 2009-2020

Solar Lighting for Parks

    • Promote idea of adding solar lighting in Parks when upgrades are made to lights: 2009 to Alderman as part of Senn Park plan
    • Work with Renewable Energy team to encourage solar lighting along Lakefront path: 2010-2012 LPAC is key partner for coordination with CPD
    • Solar Lighting should be new template for park lighting used by CPD: 2010-2020

Implementation Plan

(What are the first/next steps required to address the priority gap areas, secure the required resources, etc.? How will the implementation of priorities in this area be balanced against those of others?)

  • Adjust focus of Environmental teams so that the plan becomes a project that will be funded and its key achievements identified, monitored, tracked and completed through 2020.
  • Collaborate with other Environmental Project teams and local groups involved in enviromental issues (LPAC, Senn, Block Club & School Green Teams, Faith Groups, etc) to ensure continuation and success of goals and addition of new or expanded green and natural spaces in Edgewater.
  • LEED ND was being revised and input requested in May-June 2009. Members of the overall committee who were members submitted input requesting existing urban neighborhoods receive distinct recognition and methods to become LEED certified. USGBC mulling over adjustments to LEED as of 2009.
  • The team will continue speaking in public regarding the Edgewater Environmental Plan and the role that Parks and Green Spaces plays for the plan to be successful. (Rotary, Green Festival, Block Clubs, Green Room Sessions and other events at Uncommon Ground and other venues)
  • Follow through on the goals outlined in the plan shown above: Work with the public officials and the residents involved
  • Reach out to city, state and federal environmental groups for support and expertize in parks and green spaces strategy.
  • Begin the fund raising process and examine other funding vehicles to meet the goals.
  • Revise the goals as needed in order to maximize the success of the plan.
Retrieved from "http://www.edgewater2020.org/index.php?title=Parks_and_Greening"
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