North River Commission

NORTH RIVER COMMISSION, NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY SCORE WITH AREA YO

Jun 19, 2001

Youth from the North River community will enjoy games, clinics, and athletic instruction on a newly renovated field thanks to a project sponsored by the North River Commission and North Park University.
At a May 2 news conference, the Chicago Bears and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced a $100,000 grant for renovation of the North Park University football field at Foster and Albany Avenues. Chicago Bears Glyn Milburn and Bryan Robinson and team officials joined North Park University President David G. Horner, North River Commission President Wendy Jo Harmston, and Andrew Mooney, Senior Program Officer of LISC/Chicago for the ceremony.
?“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting initiative,?” said Andrew Mooney. ?“While we build the housing, retail and industrial centers that form the foundations of communities, we know full well that it is the cultural and recreational life of a community that keeps it healthy in the long run. In Chicago, we are lucky enough to have not only a great sports team but community partners like the North River Commission and North Park University that share this broad community-building perspective.?”
North Park University, a nationally recognized liberal arts university, is a founder and longtime partner of the NRC. The renovated field will serve as home for an array of youth activities, in addition to its use as the University?’s home field.
The 80,000 square foot facility will include high-quality artificial turf, improved drainage, lighting, landscaping, and updated bleachers and concessions. Site preparation will begin later this year. The field will be completed for the 2002 football season.
?“The North River Commission is delighted that the Bears and LISC are supporting our partnership,?” said NRC President Wendy Jo Harmston. ?“North Park University and NRC have teamed for years on projects. North Park is a partner in our North River Education Initiative to improve area schools. Now, we are expanding our efforts to create more and better opportunities for neighborhood youth.?”