Englewood nonprofit I Grow Chicago will break floor Friday on a brand new playground in an effort to rework vacant heaps into peaceable group areas.
The lot, 6415 S. Honore St., sits in the midst of a block with many vacant houses, stated Robbin Carroll, I Grow Chicago founder. Also on the block is the I Grow “Peace House,” a reclaimed deserted home that now serves as a group middle.
“What we’re really trying to do, in a block that’s been pretty much abandoned, is allow for connection and belonging and community space for gathering again,” Carroll stated.
Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) will converse on the floor breaking. Construction is predicted to be completed by the tip of October.
Carroll stated I Grow held three group boards to debate the playground and what group members needed to incorporate within the new house. The playground will use repurposed supplies from deserted homes in an effort to keep true to the character of the neighborhood, she stated.
Even the fenceposts of the park pays homage to the neighborhood, she stated. Each one will likely be painted with photos of influential group members to function “pillars” of the group.
Carroll stated she hopes the brand new playground will assist carry pleasure and a way of group again to the neighborhood.
“For a long time we’ve been wanting to do this, but I think that it’s taken us as a community a long time to feel safe enough to be able to do it,” she stated. “I hope we inspire others to do the same on their blocks.”