State EPA, Sen. Durbin help clean up Ping Tom Park
By Susan Fong
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IL EPA) Director Doug Scott, U.S. Senator Richard Durbin, and local officials gathered at Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown to highlight the removal of illegally dumped waste that is a prerequisite for starting Phase 2 of park expansion.
“The goal of the cleanup that we are witnessing today is to two-fold," Scott said. "It not only will remove an environmental eyesore which has grown over the years, but it will create a space for families to enjoy the outdoors in their own community for generations to come.”
The cleanup is part of the Illinois Removes Illegal Dumps I-RID) program which, in 2006, thanks to Governor Rod Blagojevich and the Illinois General Assembly, received its first substantial funding to clean up illegal dumps. Since then, more than 130 of these often long-festering open dumps all over the state have been properly cleaned up by contractors hired and overseen by Illinois EPA. This program also gives authority to the agency’s director to seal harmful sites.
The quick removal of old railroad ties and other debris at Ping Tom Park will make way for two major projects that still are in the development stage, one being the expansion of athletic field facilities to include a youth soccer and baseball diamond.
IRID inspector/project manager Wally Poleski said there was much more debris than earlier anticipated and much of it had disintegrated into the ground. However, because the railroad ties were older, they were less toxic than newer ones might have been, he noted.
The clearing of the materials began on March 10 and was completed in mid-April. The IL EPA also will examine soil samples to determine the safety of the cleared area.
“Of the larger debris, there were also concrete and asphalt blocks," Poleski said. "These however were left so that they can be used to help shore up the shoreline.”
With the growth of the South Loop, the park has become of increasing importance not only to the Chinatown, but also its neighboring communities. In 2002, the Chicago Park District acquired an additional five acres northeast of the park.
“Ten years ago, the spot we’re standing on today was an abandoned rail yard and the children living in this neighborhood hadn’t had a park of their own for more than 30 years, said Durbin. "Today, this is one of the most beautiful and unique parks and playgrounds in the city—thanks to a great Illinois EPA program.”
In 2003, Sen. Durbin secured $450,000 in federal funds for the development of the park. “I applaud the Illinois EPA for cleaning up Ping Tom Memorial Park,” he said.
“I would like to thank both Director Scott and Senator Durbin for their help,” said Leonard Louie, president of the Ping Tom Memorial Park Advisory Council. “The cleanup of the expansion area solves a major cost factor and will allow the Ping Tom Park Advisory Council to move ahead with fundraising plans for Phase 2 of the park.
Hanlon describes his soccer league as a small "United Nations" where the youngsters can meet others from different cultures. The league includes nearly 350 youngsters from the South Loop, Chinatown, Pilsen and Bronzeville neighborhoods.
There still is work to be done, explained Poleski. The next phase requires that the Chicago Park District come out with a barge to test the waters before shoring up the water line.
With all that in mind the park’s advisory council must focus its efforts on community, government, and private funders to secure to complete the park’s development. Completion of the Ping Tom Park project still needs almost $25 million for the fields and a field house.
Regina Hayes, marketing and communications manager of the Central Region for the Chicago Park District, said Park District would be glad to have a dialogue with the council about obtaining matching funds.
For more information on how to support the Ping Tom Park Advisory Council, contact Leonard Louie at lmlouie@juno.com.
