RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the 25th anniversary of Ping Tom Memorial Park
Body
WHEREAS, in 1962, construction of the Dan Ryan Expressway necessitated demolition of the two public parks located within the Chinatown community on the south side of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, in the mid 1970’s, a small strip of land in the Chinatown community was developed into a park. This space was later purchased by the Chicago Park District for use as a public park; and
WHEREAS, the Chinese community felt that this park was inferior to other parks located throughout Chicago and continuously voiced their concerns; and
WHEREAS, in 1984, after many years of advocating for a new park, civic leader Ping Tom formed the Chinese American Development Corporation (CADC). Five years later, the CADC purchased thirty-two acres of land and began construction of Chinatown Square; and
WHEREAS, six acres of the land purchased by the CADC located along the Chicago River remained undeveloped. Eventually, the Chinatown Riverside Park Advisory Council was formed to work with the Chicago Park District on developing the remaining parcel of land into a public park; and
WHEREAS, in 1991, the Chicago Park District purchased the six acres of land from the CADC, along with an additional six acres, for the creation of a park; and
WHEREAS, Ping Tom passed away in 1995, three years before the construction of the park began; and
WHEREAS, in March of 1998, the Chinatown Riverside Park Advisory Council recommended naming the park in honor of Ping Tom; and
WHEREAS, on October 2, 1999, Ping Tom Memorial Park officially opened. The park incorporates many facilities, including a boat launch, pagoda, gymnasium, pool, playground, clubrooms, baseball field, and a fitness center; and
WHEREAS, Ping Tom Memorial Park is a beautiful example of not only the park being designed around the river and the community, but the community being designed around the river and the park; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the 25th anniversary of Ping Tom Memorial Park; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: September 19, 2024