Jackson Park Problem Reports

This site is a project of the Jackson Park Advisory Council. Its goal is to allow users of Jackson Park to report issues that they would like the council to amplify.

The council will review issues periodically and decide on how to move them forward.

We encourage users to also report issues to Chicago 311 and the Park District.

Problem Reports

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Filtered by Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Filter by zone: Area 1 Area 3 Area 2

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Filter by project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 3 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Illegal parking was observed in and near the 59th Street Harbor. CPD employees were trimming weeds at trees around the area but had no interest in reporting the illegal parking. I believe this is a regular occurrence. I did take a picture of a McCollister truck. Maybe we should write to them for a donation to the Chicago Park District for their parking space!

Location:

Observed: 2024-08-17

Reported: 2024-08-21

Category: Other

Zone: Area 3

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 3 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Broke water fountain. Looks like it was also used for a barbecue.

Location:

Observed: 2024-08-18

Reported: 2024-08-21

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 3

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 3 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Spare signs and graffiti.

Location:

South of Science Drive.

Observed: 2024-08-17

Reported: 2024-08-21

Category: Other

Zone: Area 3

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 3 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

I am writing a General Note that typical of the other areas I have walked in the past few months, the Phase 3 area has significant landscape overgrowth (especially around the harbor bridge at Lake Shore Drive and south of the poorly maintained tennis courts...horrific!), distressed trees, pot holes seemingly everywhere, incomplete work at new construction, a missing monument or two, etc. There is no point to continue to take the same pictures of this area as it is consistent with the other areas I have walked.

Location:

The Phase 3 Area is just off Lake Shore Drive at Science Drive, then north to the edge of the Griffin museum, then south including the 59th Street Harbor to the area north of the poorly maintained tennis courts, west around the harbor to all of the parking areas excluding the Darrow Bridge.

Observed: 2024-08-17

Reported: 2024-08-21

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 3

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Recurring problem with sand accumulation on lakefront Trail

2 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Sand regularly accumulates to a significant depth across entire width of lakefront Trail at 57th Street Beach, a narrow and extremely busy section of Trail, producing hazards for cyclists and conflict between pedestrians and cyclists

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Last Confirmed: 2024-08-06

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Cracked concrete Trail surface

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Concrete Trail surface of walking portion of lakefront Trail north of 63rd Street Beach is cracked and has completely failed in some places, leading to a narrower usable Trail and causing bike and pedestrian conflicts at times

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Unsafe Trail crossing

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Lakefront Trail crossing of 63rd Street beach parking lot entrance is extremely unsafe for vulnerable users. Turning drivers do not yield to Trail users consistently and are frequently traveling at high speeds. Drivers exiting parking lot do not stop at stop bars and make illegal right. Turns on red on to the drive. Consider camera enforcement or an underpass or rerouting Trail via underpasses to travel on the west side of DuSable Lakeshore Drive through this area to avoid conflict. It is only a matter of time before there is a fatality at this crossing.

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Corrosion and collision damage to railings protecting path from dusable Lakeshore Drive

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Metal crash barriers protecting lakefront Trail from dusable Lakeshore Drive shows significant corrosion and multiple areas of failure, likely due to collisions

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Degraded path pavement

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Where Trail on Eastern side of inner harbor reappears approaching animal bridge from the north, the pavement is of poor quality and degraded

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Dead or damaged trees

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Dying, distressed or significantly damaged trees, including one upper rooted in recent tornado

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Path disappears

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Path along east side of inner harbor which exists on maps effectively disappears for large stretches where it has been buried under dirt and grass. This Trail should be reconstructed to provide a safe, alternate, walking and biking route that avoids the major conflict point of this 63rd Street beach parking lot exit to dusable Lakeshore Drive

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Major overgrowth blocking path

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Path along east side of inner harbor south of public boat launch becomes impassable due to dense overgrowth, likely also poor pavement conditions

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Abandoned jet skis

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Two jet skis have been left abandoned south of inner harbor public boat launch. One is blocking path south of boat launch.

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Other

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Trail crosses boat launch without curb cuts

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Trail along Eastern edge of inner harbor crosses public boat launch with no ramps or curb cuts, limiting use by those who are not on foot. Ideally Trail should be rerouted not to directly cross boat launch.

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Path, pavement, degradation and overgrowth

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Trail between Hayes Drive bridge and public boat launch at northeast corner of inner harbor is degraded and significantly overgrown, making it nearly impossible to use.

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Overgrowth affecting path approaching Hayes Drive bridge

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Path approaching bridge on south side of bridge is significantly narrowed due to major overgrowth

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Distressed trees

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Multiple distressed or damaged trees visible along path on west side of inner harbor

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Frequent path flooding

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Path along west side of inner harbor north of yacht club entrance gate frequently floods and becomes impassable

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Two overgrown benches

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Two benches, Southwest or west of inner harbor along Trail are overgrown and not easy to sit on

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Pedestrian crossings without crossing the signals

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Pedestrian and bike crossings of Richards Drive have lights that lack crossing signals, and the light on one of them is rotated to face incorrectly

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Lack of sanctioned parking leads to illegal parking

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Southern edge of inner harbor is a popular fishing spot and a lack of sanctioned parking has led to illegal parking and consequent damage to grass and pavements

Location:

South of inner harbor north of Marquette Drive

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Parking Areas

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Bridge wall concrete spalling

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Evidence of spalling in concrete of animal bridge abutment on east side of bridge, near where a railing post is affixed

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Vine growth blocking sight lines on animal bridge

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Vine growth in bridge railing along lakefront Trail on animal bridge block sight lines at a dangerous pinch point and curve in the trail, increasing risk of bicycle and pedestrian collisions

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Trail pavement failure

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Segment of asphalt pavement connecting animal bridge to walkway along concrete revetment is undermined by erosion and buckling

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Dead and dying trees

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

At least too large and several small trees are nearly or entirely dead

Location:

East of dusable Lakeshore Drive between Coast guard Station and animal bridge

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Overgrowth South of Coast guard Station

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Unchecked scrub growth inside fence to south of Coast guard Station

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Wood shakes blowing off roof

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Wooden shakes have blown off the roof of the Coast guard station and associated garage

Location:

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Buildings

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Overgrowth

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Several areas of overgrowth or tree limbs. Touching ground impair sight lines and create areas where garbage collects and weeds are not cleared

Location:

Multiple locations south of 63rd Street beach parking lot

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Collapsed bench

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Location:

Southwest of 63rd Street beach parking lot

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Collapsed grills

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

At least six permanently installed grills unusable because posts on which they are mounted have penetrated bottom of grill causing grill to collapse

Location:

South of 63rd Street beach parking lot

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Overgrown benches

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Benches unusable due to overgrowth engulfing them

Location:

Facing seawall South of 63rd Street beach parking lot

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Cracked and failing concrete railing along the seawall

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Multiple areas where concrete railings are spalling, exposing, rusted, rebar, and concrete pillars. Supporting railings are cracked and collapsing.

Location:

South of 63rd Street Beach, west of 90° bend in seawall

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Erosion of dirt behind seawall

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Multiple areas of significant erosion behind seawall, some more than 1 ft in depth, filled with overgrowth and trash

Location:

South of 63rd Street beach parking lot along seawall East from the 90° bend in seawall

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Distressed or dead trees

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

At least two trees with significant quantities of dead branches, and one tree with a stump requiring removal

Location:

Area south of 63rd Street beach parking lot

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Pile of dredged dirt

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

One pile of dredged dirt near 63rd Street Beach has been removed, but another further east remains for a second year.

Location:

Southeast of 63rd Street beach parking lot

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Sand covering most of paved path

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Deep drift of sand covering paved path makes it unusable for bicycles and difficult to walk on

Location:

South of 63rd Street Beach parking lot, near Eastern end of parking lot

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Pillar with crossing button destroyed by car

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Killer supporting beg button for pedestrian crossing has been knocked over, also damaging concrete on which it was mounted. This crossing, which is inadequately protected from high-speed traffic.

Location:

South side of entrance from dusable Lakeshore Drive to 63rd Street Beach parking lot

Observed: 2024-07-20

Reported: 2024-07-20

Category: Parking Areas

Zone: Area 2

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Landscaping growing thru benches and fences. From the caliper of the trees and bushes at benches and fences where this situation occurs, one assumes that CPD has been walking past these situations for years/decades and not maintaining these areas. What is CPD's response?

Location:

Jackson Park Phase 1 Area

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Trunks of tree and bushes are completely surrounded by plantings right up to the trunk, no clear space. This differs notably from approach to trees on Midway Plaisance where spreading mulch around trees is a major priority. Need to understand landscaping guidelines used by CPD in Jackson Park, different guidelines for different locales, etc.

Location:

Jackson Park Phase 1 Area

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-20

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

CDOT did a good job with new sidewalks along Hayes, but it did nothing to link with/repair/improve park paths (asphalt or otherwise)leading north from sidewalks (presumably because such maintenance was a CPD responsibility).

Location:

Jackson Park: Phase 1 Area

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Park path leading to Wooded Isle Bridge (next to baseball field) deteriorated in several sections.

Location:

Near Wooded Isle Bridge

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Path meeting sidewalk, west of bridge by Statue intersection: rough gap to be filled in. Ditto for second path west of bridge, opposite Statue.

Location:

Near Statue intersection

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Asphalt path leading north, just east of Hayes Bridge needs repair where it meet Hayes Drive sidewalk.

Location:

Hayes Bridge

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

West End of Hayes Bridge-washout under new sidewalk and west end of bridge edge. CPD or CDOT should repair ASAP.

Location:

West end of Hayes Bridge

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-20

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Examples of distressed trees combined with significant overgrowth of plantings are included in the attached file. This situation was observed in many locations throughout the study area.

Location:

Phase 1 Area off Hayes Drive

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-19

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Significant potholes were observed throughout the Phase 1 Area, collecting standing water, debris, etc. These potholes are in need of patching. Representative photos are attached.

Location:

Phase 1 Area off Hayes Drive.

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-19

Category: Hardscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Barren planting area adjacent to basketball courts. Could this area be trimmed out with small stones/rocks or replanted?

Location:

Near basketball courts Phase 1 Area.

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-19

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Observed overgrown planting areas along all paths in the Phase 1 area. Does CPD have a standard for trimming growth back from a path? These areas are also collecting litter and debris. Representative photos are attached.

Location:

Pedestrian walking paths in the Phase 1 Area.

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-19

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Identified examples of many distressed trees throughout area, approximately 35 acres. Some of these trees are near areas used by park guests and could be a life safety matter.

Location:

Trees were observed throughout the Phase 1 Area.

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-19

Category: Landscaping

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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Jackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area

1 park visitors share this problem

Description:

Parking lots in Phase 1 area: Tree islands are overgrown with weeds, and then collects litter. Is there a CPD guideline for this condition? Is mulch available for the islands? Mulch applications can control weed.

Location:

Parking lots off Hayes Drive in Phase 1 area.

Observed: 2024-05-18

Reported: 2024-05-19

Category: Parking Areas

Zone: Area 1

Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey

Status: Reviewed By Pac

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