Tragedy Stricken Neighborhood Gets A Makeover

WBBM-TV:

The goal is to beautify the neighborhood, give it a green makeover and drive out gangs. Volunteers have been working hard to bring a hint of natural beauty to Englewood, creating a green space they call Heritage Park. This project has been the dream of Englewood resident Terina Cranshaw for 3 years.

"Getting people to work in urban garden settings, help in urban agriculture, and grow food for our community… All are things we need to get our communities back together."

Residents are looking to restore a buried treasure around the neighborhood. What has been a longtime eyesore, a dumping ground in the middle of the neighborhood park, actually holds historic significance. High above the park site, the old 63rd street rail station was an important gateway to Chicago for African Americans moving north.

John Paul Jones of the volunteer group, Sustainable Englewood, notes that the rail station is also where Emmett Till left for Mississippi.

Workers are planning a mural that will recall this history. They hope that the changes made to the park will provide green jobs and a nursery for plants and seedlings.

Zorayda Ortiz of the volunteer effort, Imagine Englewood, of hopes this new initiative provides a positive alternative for the younger residents in the neighborhood. "Staying inside, playing videogames, standing on the street corner… there's better things to do."

Mentioned in the article is the recent homicide of a 9 year old girl. This is the good news that we should hear residents of a neighborhood working to make a change, although it's unfortunate that a child's death has to be the catalyst. I look forward to seeing the proposed mural and perhaps even enjoying the recreation space in the near future!