The newly renovated Lin Park in the South Loop opened Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The 0.27-acre park under The L tracks at 18th and State received a half-million dollar makeover with help from DePaul University. The renovations include resurfacing the basketball court, a new half court facility, new bleachers, benches, lighting and a drinking fountain.
"The improvements to Lin Park are more than just structural investments. These enhancements are a commitment to our future generation of players that will seek this destination to interact with their peers, engage in the sport of basketball, and build their self-esteem through active physical play," said Rosa Escareño, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO.
"It's important to us, on our 125th anniversary, to give back," said University President Gabriel Esteben.
Josh Ellis, who lives in the neighborhood, is happy with the renovations.
"If you were here a year ago, there would have been potholes under the hoops. There would have been puddles there would have been all sorts of stuff. There was no water fountain no benches," Ellis said.
The park first opened in 1970 and was renamed in 2004 after Dr. Margaret Hie Ding Lin, a Chinese immigrant and physician in nearby Chinatown neighborhood.
Sylvia Wu, a family friend, also attended the event and was happy to see the park changes.
"It is beautiful. And I'm sure that anyone who uses it would be so proud and I pray that they would keep it clean too," Wu said.
