Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael P. Kelly, Chicago Housing Authority CEO Eugene Jones Jr., Alderman Pat Dowell and Alderman Sophia King joined community members and Quad Communities Development Corporation to celebrate the opening of the new arts and recreation center at Ellis Park. The development is part of Mayor Emanuel’s Building on Burnham plan, a comprehensive vision to bring arts and recreation to Chicago’s neighborhoods and invest in Chicago’s parks and open spaces. The facility includes a full-size gymnasium with two basketball courts, an indoor pool, art and education club rooms, a fitness center and studio, meeting hall, and music and theater performance spaces. The center also offers space for arts and cultural programs that can support after school programs for local elementary and high school students.

The Park District, Chicago Housing Authority and the Chicago Housing Authority’s partner, The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) led the development of the property and the financing for a new 32,482 square foot field house and community (arts and recreation) center. The $17.5 million facility will serve the greater Oakland, Douglas and Bronzeville communities. Funding sources include the Chicago Housing Authority, TIF funds and New Market Tax Credits from The Community Builders. With the completion of this facility, day camp is underway at Ellis Park for the first time ever. The inaugural class of day campers is made up of approximately 150 children that will utilize the arts and recreation center this summer.