The Washington Heights neighborhood in Chicago is set to experience a significant transformation with the construction of a new fieldhouse at Jackie Robinson Park. This development, a collaborative effort between the Chicago Park District, 21st Ward Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley, and 27th District Representative Justin Slaughter, represents a vital investment in community infrastructure and recreational spaces.
Funded by a $15 million State of Illinois grant, the 18,000 sq. ft. facility is designed to meet the growing demand for diverse, year-round programming and will replace a long-vacant Chicago Public Schools annex building.
Chicago Park District states that the new fieldhouse, planned to be completed by summer 2025, is a much-anticipated addition to the 12.3-acre Jackie Robinson Park. The project is a testament to the commitment of local and state officials to revitalizing community spaces and promoting multi-generational engagement. Start of construction is projected for Summer 2024.
“A new fieldhouse is a meaningful addition to any community that acts as an anchor for personal enrichment, wellness, creative development, recreation, and socialization. With support from our local elected officials, the Park District is empowered to build places like the Jackie Robinson Park fieldhouse that address community needs, contribute to the betterment of quality of life of our residents and help strengthen our neighborhoods.”
Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO | Rosa Escareno
Design and Features
Booth Hansen, the architecture firm contracted for the project, has developed a design that is both compact and efficient. The fieldhouse will feature welcoming entrances that seamlessly integrate the building with the adjacent park and Mt. Vernon Elementary School.
The new fieldhouse will include:
- Full-sized gymnasium
- Two multipurpose clubrooms
- Fitness center
- Teen room
- Pantry
- Restrooms
- Offices
- Lobby
- Storage space.
Additional fieldhouse and park landscape improvement features include the following:
- The indoor Multi-purpose gymnasium will include a full-size basketball court and with retractable bleachers.
- The two multi-purpose clubrooms will serve as a meeting space for community use and for Park Kids after-school programming.
- The adjacent pantry/kitchen will allow for food preparation for lunch as well as catering services for rentals.
- The fitness/wellness center will feature new multi-generational equipment.
- The teen center will allow space for teens to engage in enriching recreation and educational activities year-round.
- The building will be designed to be sustainable and efficient with low maintenance and durable materials.
- The site will be landscaped with some hardscape and lawn area surrounding the building.
- The outdoor basketball court and volleyball court will be relocated on site.
Construction Aspects and Challenges
The construction of the fieldhouse in the busy Washington Heights neighborhood presents unique challenges. Careful planning is required to minimize disruption to the surrounding community and to efficiently utilize the available space.
Sustainability and efficiency are key focuses in the fieldhouse's construction. The use of low maintenance and durable materials, along with a design that incorporates a large number of windows for natural light, reflects a commitment to environmentally responsible building practices.
In keeping with the park’s namesake, the building will include visual homages to Jackie Robinson. This includes retractable batting nets in the gymnasium, ensuring that the park's little leaguers have state-of-the-art facilities to hone their skills.
The construction of the new fieldhouse at Jackie Robinson Park is more than just an infrastructure project; it represents a significant step towards revitalizing the Washington Heights neighborhood and fostering a vibrant, engaged community. As construction progresses, this development is set to become a model for community-centered urban renewal, providing a blueprint for future projects across Chicago.
