Friends of the Parks

Lawsuit Challenges Latin School Soccer Field Plan

On November 2, 2007, the Latin School began construction of an artificial turf soccer field in Lincoln Park despite strong opposition from local community groups, Friends of the Parks and nearby residents. The action to start construction of the artificial turf soccer field was an end-run around recent action taken by Aldermen Vi Daley, Brendan Reilly and Tom Tunney to introduce a resolution to have public review of the Latin School soccer field at a Parks and Recreation Committee of the City Council.

Background

With no public hearings or notice to the neighborhood or to the broader community, the Chicago Park District on October 25, 2006 approved a contract for the Latin School to construct an artificial turf soccer field at the south end of Lincoln Park. No plan or presentation was made to Lincoln Park community organizations or to Friends of the Parks.

Crain’s Chicago Business later reported on the contract agreement with the Latin School. Crain’s reporter, Greg Hinz, analyzed the contract and wrote an article with the headline “Prestigious Prep School Lands Sweet Deal for New Lincoln Park Field”. Additional newspaper articles brought the issue to light and community groups voiced their opposition to the use of public land for a private school. In September, after months of community activism, Alderman Vi Daley and Alderman Brendan Reilly held a public meeting at the Latin School where hundreds of citizens voiced their opposition to the Latin School proposal.

Construction Started

With construction underway in November, Alderman Vi Daley called together representatives from community groups including the Lincoln Park Advisory Council, the Lincoln Park Conservancy, Gold Coast Neighbors and Friends of the Parks to meet with the Park District and Latin School officials to review the construction plans. Friends of the Parks reiterated its basic position that public parks are for public use only. We oppose any lease, transfer or sale of public parks for private use.

The Park District maintained its position that the contract had been approved and the soccer field project was moving ahead.

Lawsuit Filed

On April 15, 2008, a new group called Protect Our Parks, Inc. filed a lawsuit against the Latin School, the Chicago Park District and the City of Chicago in the Circuit Court Chancery Division. The suit sought an injunction to halt the construction of the soccer field and a return of the site to its use as a natural grass playing field.

Circuit Court Judge Kinnaird ruled that the Park District could not construct bleachers, install lighting or other major elements as part of the construction. The Park District and Latin School quickly appealed the Circuit Court decision. On May 2, 2008, the Appellate Court sustained the earlier court decision and further issued a temporary restraining order to stop construction of the soccer field.

The lawsuit continues in court. Watch for additional updates.