Turf Restoration & Well Being of the Trees.

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The Advisory Council is dedicated to maintaining the Park's health and beauty.

 

What’s Going on with the Grass?​

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Grass is difficult to grow in shaded tree areas throughout the park, in which needed watering does not occur during the dry Summer season.  Limited economic resources of the Chicago Park District do not support these environmental needs.  Since 2016 uncountable man hours have been dedicated to reviewing and meeting with Park District teams to establish a directive to assure the Park's environmental health. 

 

The Bark Bathroom – created in 2021, this special dog area was created for dogs to relieve themselves, with the intent to protect the trees and park greenery. In the Spring of 2021,  a natural material, the bark base was set down in the barren north quadrants to absorb urine and protects the growth of bacteria and harmful elements to the ground and trees. Prior hot, dry summers and overuse during a two year pandemic had ravaged the green lawns.

 

The most recent Council meeting of May 14, 2025 organized and conducted by Alderman Brian Hopkin's office , dedicated to the neighborhood the green spaces of the Park for their enjoyment. The effort to reseed the Park and shut down multiple quadrants for planting was dismissed.  The voice of the neighborhood prioritised the "community of the Park" as an active and vibrant element.  To date the reseeding and planting of more evasive weeds has been delayed.

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The Advisory Council's Dedication:

 

The Park, a unique fenced space with over 93 trees, offered shade and park benches that were filled most of the day and into night. In 2021, a two year pandemic made this haven of nature a most desirable destination, but the Park experienced stress, and was victim to overuse.

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The Chicago Park District replants trees regularly. In 2016, 13 trees were planted. In 2022, 6 trees have been planted, trees that will tolerate the changing weather, trees that will increase the biodiversity of the park. Now in 2024 an additional 7 trees have been planted in the South and West quadrants, including 2 Bur Oaks, 1 Swamp White Oak,1 Redmond Linden,1 Silver Linden and 2 Kentucky coffee trees.  All are appropriate growers for Chicago city climate and offer unique shading capability, color change and distinct leaf variety and most critically hardiness to the changing seasons.  Experts in forestry and Master gardeners have been advised in the selection of every tree. The Advisory Council remains dedicated to requesting trees, yet it is the responsibility of all to care for these trees offering young saplings protection from dogs.