Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced more than $10 million in infrastructure improvements selected through the Chicago Works Community Challenge. The winning projects, valued up to $1.5 million each, will improve four Chicago Park District (CPD) facilities, a pair of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) facilities, and a Chicago Public Library (CPL) branch.  The Chicago Works Community Challenge invited neighborhood stakeholders to submit ideas for improvements to public parks, schools, libraries, and City-owned residential lots. The City received nearly 500 submissions through an online application process last summer. A City of Chicago selection committee evaluated the applications and short-listed 21 projects for consideration.  A few of the winning proposals include:  

Matthew Gallistel Language Academy, 10347 S. Ewing Ave. 
Far South 
Submitted by Rogelio Lopez, a school counselor at Gallistel Language Academy, the project will modernize an antiquated playground with contemporary climbing equipment, landscaping, and areas for active and passive recreation. The work will also include the creation of new spaces for outdoor instruction and community socialization. 

Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave. 
North 
Submitted by Pamela Stauffer on behalf of the Warren Park Advisory Council, the project includes site improvements for activities such as cricket, horseshoes, bocce, and pickleball to foster multi-generational engagement and healthy lifestyles. 

Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Ave. 
Northwest 
Submitted by Casey Guerra on behalf of the Kelvyn Park Advisory Council, the project will repair the roof of the park fieldhouse and auditorium and make long-needed building upgrades, including ADA accessibility. 

Project scopes and designs are expected to be finalized and approved by the respective agencies later this year, with work expected to start in late 2022 or early 2023.