Construction for a new fieldhouse at Jackie Robinson Park in Washington Heights is expected to begin later this year, city officials say.
The new South Side fieldhouse will replace an existing Chicago Public Schools annex building that has been vacant since the 2010s, according to the Chicago Park District.
The 18,000-square-foot building will be constructed with a $15 million grant from the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, city officials said.
Proposed design for the new Jackie Robinson Park fieldhouse.
Chicago Park District
The fieldhouse would include a full-sized gymnasium, two multipurpose clubrooms, a fitness center, a teen room, a pantry, restrooms, offices, lobby and storage space. The multi-use space will also help accommodate year-round programming, city officials said.
“A new fieldhouse is a meaningful addition to any community that acts as an anchor for personal enrichment, wellness, creative development, recreation and socialization,” said Rosa Escareño, superintendent and chief executive of the Chicago Park District.
Designs for the new fieldhouse were presented to the public during a virtual meeting Wednesday. Construction of the fieldhouse will include demolition of the annex building and relocation of the existing outdoor basketball and volleyball courts.
“This building is a community anchor, community institution, one that brings us together,” Ald. Ronnie Mosley (21st) said.