Having safe spaces to gather for recreation and community is important to residents’ wellbeing. We believe that a community-driven strategy to reclaim public places as safe spaces is an important element in improving the quality of life in Garfield Park.
In 2021, we engaged in a community planning and design process, and worked with the City of Chicago through its Neighborhood Activation program, to turn an open-air drug market into the Garfield Park Community Plaza and Skate Park. The plaza, located at Madison and Pulaski, is co-managed by GPRWC and the Chicago Park District. School groups, organizations and community members enjoy the park during regular day-time hours in spring, summer and fall. In the first year of operation, GPRWC organized and managed 12 well-attended public recreational events at the Plaza and used the Plaza for additional community-building activities. Approximately 5000 people benefited from visiting the Plaza or attending special events there.
Reopening August 2024.
In 2021-2022, we learned that while the recently renovated Legler Library offered excellent activities, services, and programs, many residents were either not aware that the library was open or did not feel safe going there. In response, we gathered ideas from the community and worked with the library to institute improvements such as hanging welcoming banners, securing the alley and adding temporary furniture on the front lawn.
Studies have shown that tree cover and street-level improvements can reduce violence, and community members have similarly emphasized the importance of these investments in improving their overall sense of safety. We have accomplished short-term investments including tree planting, medians, raised crosswalks, lighting improvements, street pole banners, and vacant lot cleaning and greening. In addition, we completed a mural project near Madison and Pulaski. We expect to seek out further opportunities for this kind of work in the coming year.
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