By Mary Jo Viero
The first meeting of the new Ridge Park Advisory Council (RPAC) was held in July, with several community members joining in the conversation about how to best serve this neighborhood park.
The RPAC will be working with the Chicago Park District and Ridge Park to make improvements and support programs, and to promote park events and opportunities to area residents.
The discussion about programs yielded several good ideas, including expanding senior programs and yoga, and creating a walking club.
RPAC members discussed facilities and grounds issues that included improving landscaping, better tending of the playlot and parkway areas, and the need for tree trimming.
There were several ideas for improvements for the fieldhouse building such as painting, fixing up the West Room, and updating the kitchen and locker rooms. Larger scale ideas for improvements included air conditioning and a new roof.
Information about the RPAC has been sent to the Chicago Park District, and the Council has been invited to participate in a New PAC seminar on Oct. 1. The COD budget meeting will be held in October, and the RPAC plans to submit improvement requests to be considered.
The next meeting of the RPAC will be Mon., Aug. 29, 7 p.m., Ridge Park. On the agenda are electing the board and adopting bylaws, creating subcommittees and setting up a Facebook page.
Neighbors interested in learning more about RPAC or volunteering to help are welcome to contact me at mjviero@bapa.org or 773-233-3100 ext. 206.
