News and Updates
January 7, 2013—Demolition!
September 5, 2012—Public Design Meeting
The Chicago Park District and landscape architects from Site Design Group presented an exciting design for the new playground, which includes an organic overall feel, two play structures, many new trees, and soft surfacing. See the design here.
Demolition is planned for November, and depending upon the weather, construction will begin as soon as possible this fall or spring. Because pouring soft surfacing requires consistently dry, 50-degree weather, the park will be completed and reopened next spring, as soon as weather allows.
What does that mean? It's time to order your family's brick!
For more details, read the meeting minutes.
August 8, 2011—Meeting with Rep. Ann Williams
Members of the advisory council sat down with the 11th District Representative to talk about our progress and ways Rep. Williams can make introductions and show her support.
July 25, 2011—Great meeting with Alderman Pawar
Alderman Pawar graciously made time in his schedule to get acquainted with the advisory council, confirm that he supports the Merryman Park playground renovation (Ward 47 has already committed $100,000 to the project) and talk about way to keep the project moving forward! Click here for the story about it that ran in the local News Star and Inside Booster newspapers.
Sunday May 15, 2011—Chicago's Pizza Parties
A huge thank-you to Martin Flores and Chicago's Pizza for donating all the proceeds from two family pizza parties. The park brought in more than $1000 from the events.
11th District Representative Ann Williams (3rd from left) with members of the Advisory Council
Chicago's Pizza owner Martin Flores with members of the Advisory Council
Happy diners
Saturday May 14, 2011—Playground Cleanup
Thanks to the more than 40 volunteers who came out for spring cleaning, a coin drive and a chance to play after a cold winter. We brought in just under $200 in spare change. And, of course, a few pics from the day:
January 20, 2011
A huge shout-out to Alderman Schulter, who has been a tremendous supporter of the neighborhood parks. He has officially earmarked $100,000 for the Merryman Park renovation. Big smiles today!
October 24, 2010
We pulled in $1,000 at Trick or Treat on Southport! Thank you to all of the great businesses who donated gift certificates and items, our terrific volunteers and everyone who bought a mailbox key. We hope you're enjoying your prizes!
Click here for a list of donors and be sure to support them throughout the year.
October 13, 2010
Thanks to everyone at Click Shoes & More and all who came out to enjoy a night of wine, shopping and girly fun! Paula and her team at Click were amazing at helping us find great fall styles, and we had a terrific time doing it. If you haven't already shopped this cute Southport boutique, make sure you give them a try.
August 29, 2010
Our fundraiser at The Piggery's block party was a huge success, raising $1000 toward the cause. A huge thank you to The Piggery for the ideas and support!
August 24, 2010 Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2010
Inside-Booster newspaper helped spread the news with a cover story. Click here to download.
August 8, 2010
After a chilly, wet start, our first lemonade stand was a big success (and a lot of fun)! Families from the 3800 block of Marshfield pulled together to make lemonade, bake cookies, and charm Cubs traffic and Southport shoppers.
July 19, 2010
We've created an account with GoodSearch (powered by Yahoo!) and GoodShop. There's no cost to you, but they'll make a donation every time you search the web or shop at some of your favorite online stores. Give it a try!
June 22, 2010
It's official. Merryman Park Advisory Council is part of the Friends of the Parks 501(c)(3) umbrella. We are currently taking donations and have prepared a solicitation letter that can be presented to local businesses. Download it here, then personalize and print!
June 16, 2010
We had a great meeting with Alderman Schulter and his legislative aide, Sheila Pacione. The Alderman has graciously offered to get a sign made for the park entrance, and has shared some great ideas for moving this project forward.
April 29, 2010 Meeting Minutes
