WPAC Issues

Current Park Issues (as of Jan. 2010);

Rescind "Blackout Dates" on Sport's Fields (added 1/20/10)
Enforcement of illegally parked vehicles on the grass
Making Bridal path more runner friendly (updated 4/15/09)
Baseball/general playing field conditions & maintenance
Festival relocation (Updated 6/17/09)
Restroom access during park hours
Regular garbage removal
Bynum Island
Improved lighting allocation

Rescind "Blackout Dates" on Sport's Fields
Issue:
The Ball players as well as the WPAC, is also asking for the Park District to rescind blackout dates on field use before, during and after festivals that happen in Washington Park, as some festivals are not even on sporting event grounds. (first mentioned at 1/20/10 meeting)

Enforcement of illegally parked vehicles on the grass
Issue:
The Chicago Park District has special passes that are placed on a vehicles dashboard to show they are authorized for the day to drive or park on paths designated for foot or bike traffic only. Park users can often be found parking their cars on paths near the ball fields or areas more ideal for picnicking. This event increases on holiday weekends. first mentioned at 6/20/07)

WPAC Requested Solution:
It would be nice to see the park district place signs on pathways that have a connection to streets or parking lots stating that only authorized vehicles are allowed on pathways or park grounds. Someone from the council should make a point on attending the CAPS beat meeting that includes Washington Park to voice this concern. Residents and park goers should be encouraged to call the police to inform them about parking violations in progress.

Making Bridal Path more runner friendly
Issue:
The new bridal path looks great and flooding problems are not as common anymore. However, the crushed rock used for the resurfaced path can be hard on the joints and bones of the runners.

WPAC Requested Solution:
Runners are interested in having the park district create a 2 foot wide path along side the bridal path similar to what runs along side of the lake front bike paths. The current crushed rock bridal path has little give and causes greater impact on the park's runners.

Baseball/general playing field conditions & maintained
Issue:
Ball players concerns about quick dry made available for games after rainy days, as well as Park District crews general maintenance of fields, including chalking. (More info to follow) (first mentioned at 5/16/07)

Solution:
The Park District will make sure that crews & supplies that members pay dues for are made available.

Festival relocation (updated 6/17/09)
Issue:
Festivals, which are all held on the northeast side of Washington Park, have long been a sore point for residents of that area as well as players who use the playing fields. Residents along Cottage Grove & 51st Street are not happy with current parking restrictions noise levels that are a result of the festivals. (first posted 5/16/07)

Solution:
The WPAC would like to see all festivals relocated to the Russell Drive/Seven Hills area or moved inwards away from neighboring residential areas.

Restroom access during park hours
Issue:
There are now 3 permanent restroom structures in Washington Park. Including the just built location on the north side by Dyett High School. Unfortunately these facilities are rarely open. Joggers, bikers & general patrons of the park have to play a guessing game as to when and where they will be able to use a toilet. The WPAC made a trip to all 3 restrooms before our May council meeting and discovered that at 3 p.m. not one of these were open to the public.

Solution:
The Chicago Park District should make them available during normal park hours.

Regular garbage removal
Issue:
Trash cans located outside of the playing fields area are often neglected and go un-emptied for weeks.

Solution:
Trash cans park wide should be emptied on a weekly basis.

Bynum Island
Issue:
Bynum Island was at one time open to the public (it still is if you can squeeze through a broken fence) and it was home to Kiddieland. Currently the island sits unused, except for homeless people and teenagers who want to make out. While it has been set up for a team building activities course, that course has rarely been used and the island has been so under maintained it would most likely be more of a team building lawsuit course. With limited access currently the area poses more of a safety concern now than if left open to the public.

Solution:
Remove the fencing and the dozen or so obstacles, mow the grass and trim the hedges and open the island back up to the park goers & nature lovers. Any concerns about safety are unfounded as the area is a 1/10 the size of the island at Jackson Park and is easily access by car (police) if needed.

Improved lighting allocation
Issue:
Ever wonder who's playing baseball at Washington Park at 2 a.m.? So do we. We've been told by park district employees that the reason that dozens of 1500 watt lights are left on is for safety. At the same time light poles along the paths in Washington Park are off or damaged so bad they no longer work.

Solution:
The Park District is wasting much needed money for park improvements city wide, as Washington Park is not the only park where field lights are left to burn over night. Smaller street light type lighting should be installed and power hogging field lights can be turned off after play. Walking path lights in Washington Park should be maintained and addition path lighting should be added.

Past Issues

2006 budget requests:

There must be more comfort stations and better upkeep of present, more portable toilets for festivals
Ball fields need to be redone with better facilities including lighting, and a better upkeep program.
Festival management and movement is needed. Appreciation was expressed for attention this year.)
The bowling green Chalet should be restored with concession and rentals; ditto the latter for the Refectory.
Field house needs more staff so they can really work with the kids.
The park needs as real band shell for the many stars attracted.
Bring the Williams sisters here to spark tennis and tennis court use.