Users of the main playground at Welles Park may have noticed that it is showing it’s age. Originally installed as part of an Advisory Council advocacy and fundraising campaign and opened in 2010, the playground is in need of repairs, primarily in the rubberized surfaces and wood chip swing and climbing section.
This was discussed at WPAC meetings for the last few years and thankfully our concerns have been noted by Ald. Martin and the Chicago Park District. Repairs to the playground were successfully chosen during this past year’s participatory budgeting vote and Ald. Martin has dedicated $100,000 to repair or replace the surface!
From his 9/18 newsletter: The Park District and I also agreed to replace the surface of the playground at Welles, which has become quite worn down due to regular use. My office will allocate $100,000 in local infrastructure funds to help ensure a full replacement takes place.
While we don’t yet have a timeline for this work to be completed, a full scope of work is being identified and funds are set aside to make these improvements. In the meantime, we ask users to be careful, especially around uneven sections and watch out for the little ones as we wait to enjoy a refurbished playground next year.
If you want to learn more or get involved in bringing the next great project to Welles, please join us at an upcoming PAC meeting.
Welles Park Advisory Council 