Ahead of the Gary Common Council’s next meeting, some members learned more about updates to the city’s jewel parks project.
The council is soon expected to vote on salary and operating budgets for the city’s jewel parks construction funds. Gary council’s finance committee — overseen by Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-3rd — will first look at the budgets.
The council’s parks, recreation and culture committee heard an update about the jewel parks project, both from Director Mattiee Fitzgerald and Parks Manager Charles Prewitt.
“Our intention for the city of Gary is to revitalize our parks, to make them more park friendly,” Fitzgerald said, “not only for our residents, but for visitors who come through the city of Gary.”
Council members present at the parks, recreation and culture committee meeting were acting President Lori Latham, D-1st; Parliamentarian Linda Barnes Caldwell, D-3rd; Councilwoman Marian Ivey, D-4th; and Councilman Dwight Williams, D-6th.
Gary’s jewel parks are spread throughout the city, with one in each district. The locations are Glen Ryan Park in the First District; Brunswick Park in the Second District; Tolleston Park in the Third District; Ironwood Park in the Fourth District; Roosevelt Park in the Fifth District; and Howe Park in the Sixth District.
Each of the parks was determined to be a major renovation focus because of activities and recreation for children, according to Post-Tribune archives.
Conversations about renovating the city’s parks have been had for more than 15 years, and Gary said parks would be in “workable shape” during the summer of 2012, according to Post-Tribune archives. City leadership and teams have continued work on the six projects in the years since.
In former Mayor Jerome Prince’s 2021 State of City address, he expressed that his administration was working with the council’s district representatives for the jewel parks project.
Before Mayor Eddie Melton was inaugurated, he also expressed his commitment to the renovations.
Each district received $500,000 to renovate the parks, Prewitt told council members March 20. The renovations are about 60% complete, he also said.
“The main focus of our work to be done will be asphalt paving of the basketball courts, tennis courts and pickleball courts,” Prewitt said.
Prewitt gave updates on the six parks and what updates still need to be done, most of which included repaving of the courts.
Glen Ryan Park has received new signage, a new playground and shelter upgrades, which include a new concrete pad, an electrical system with outlets and picnic tables. The parks department is still working to resurface and pave the basketball courts, which have received quotes of $150,000 and are awaiting a contractor selection.
Prewitt hopes to have all asphalt paving completed by Memorial Day.
Brunswick Park has received new signage and a new playground. The city is still resurfacing and paving the basketball court, which has received the same quote as Glen Ryan Park.
Brunswick’s pavilion is at “ground zero” due to vandalism, and a roof has not been installed because of a leak at the gym. The shelter’s architectural shingles also have not been installed.
Tolleston Park has received a new pavilion, signage, shelter and playground area. The park is still resurfacing and updating its basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, which also received a $150,000 quote.
In the Fourth District, Ironwood Park has received sidewalk repairs and a new playground installation. The city is still resurfacing and paving the park’s basketball, pickleball and tennis courts.
Roosevelt Park is still in progress, with a tennis court being converted into a roller rink, astro turf replacement at the pool area, new ADA entrances, decorative lightpoles in the center of new picnic tables and basketball court resurfacing and paving.
Howe Park in the Sixth District has received new concrete in its shelter areas, pavilion renovations and a new playground area. The city is still focused on basketball court resurfacing and paving at the park.
Council members asked questions about what can still be added to the parks, with multiple members wanting an emphasis on programs for senior residents. Ivey asked if a walking track could be added at Ironwood Park.
Ivey first asked about updates to the track at Tolleston Park. Latham told her the track is now owned by the Boys and Girls Club, which is located next to Tolleston Park.
Williams asked about Roosevelt Park’s pavilion, which has been renovated through the project, and if a local senior group was meeting there like before. Prewitt and Fitzgerald told Williams that they’re no longer meeting there, but that the pavilions at Roosevelt and Tolleston have “some type of event” there each weekend and are generating revenue.
Latham told Williams that the group, which focused on exercise and socialization, wasn’t funded by the parks department and received a grant that is no longer funded.
Pavilions at Glen Ryan, Roosevelt and Tolleston parks have all been completed, Fitzgerald told council members.
“I must say myself, those are really nice, so those are available for rental and community events as well,” she added.
Williams asked Fitzgerald if any senior projects are focused at the three pavilions yet. The parks have nothing on the calendar, Fitzgerald said, but they’re open for senior residents to use pavilions. Gary’s Age-Friendly Advisory Council, which was announced in February, could help with senior events at the parks, Latham said.
The council will vote on the parks construction fund at a later meeting, which is expected to be in April.
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
