I know The Park District has a sizable job. Abbott Park is much cleaner than it has been in the past. So Cleaning isn’t as much of a concern here—But the Park District has other things that need to be done, like to landscape in front of cultural center, fix broken benches, put Bollards (concrete blockades) on Michigan to stop parking/driving on the grass or more security. But there are other things that are dangerous to visitors, who use the park and need to be addressed NOW!
The seniors who use the center are concerned about a row of fencing along the pedestrian walk that is falling down with poles on angles that are very dangerous if someone should fall. There is also fear of falling from uneven pavement on walk from parking lot. However the most upsetting concern is the condition of the playground. The play lot has equipment with shape broken edges, missing parts, a platform with missing planks (a father pointed out to me) and a set of swing where the support pole is broken! Despite request from park supervisor the area is still in disrepair!
Obviously, because of funding the Park District has let some things fall through the cracks, but it should not be our children! Abbott's employees can only do so much. The job of making sure each city department does its job and works with the park employees to maintain, and improve, our front yard seems to be up to us for the long term. Everyone agrees we need to aggressively act before a child or senior is hurt. I need you to serve as our eyes and ears, and tell the park supervisor about broken equipment , benches and the torn-up pavement or anything you see in disrepair. Copy this Email show it to other people that use the center and other park visitors. Ask them to Call 311 or Email the Chicago Park District. Lets keep our children save!
