Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly and members of the Brighton Park community gathered at Kelly High School to announce plans to build a new artificial turf soccer field at Kelly Park.

“Chicago is a City of neighborhoods, and our future as a City is only as bright as our neighborhoods are strong,” said Mayor. “I’m working collaboratively with Aldermen and residents across the City to help strengthen and rebuild every neighborhood, just like we’re doing here with Alderman Cardenas and Brighton Park residents to make an investment that is wanted and needed by this community.”

The new field will allow for greater access and use of Kelly Park. The installation of extension drainage improvements and regulation lighting will vastly improve the playability of the multi-use athletic fields for local students and neighborhood park patrons of all ages. Additional improvements will include storm water storage, new fencing and landscape throughout. The project is expected to be complete by October of 2014.

“The safety and well-being of our children is a top priority for all of us in Chicago,” State Senator Tony Munoz said. “Developing facilities like Kelly Park encourages them to lead healthy lifestyles and shows we’re continuing to put our communities first.”

The $2 million project includes investments from the Park District, State of Illinois, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Chicago Public Schools and with strong support from the Brighton Park community. For more information, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.PLAY, 312.747.2001 (TTY).