City wins nearly $2.0 million NPS grant for Comiskey Park Phase 2; work planned for 2026
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Summary
The council authorized acceptance and execution of a $1,980,698.75 National Park Service Outdoor Recreation Legacy grant to fund Comiskey Park Phase 2, which will add basketball courts, shaded picnic areas, a multi‑use field, trails, a 53‑stall parking lot and landscaping as part of a multi‑phase park rehabilitation.
The City Council voted 7-0 to accept and execute a $1,980,698.75 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant from the National Park Service to fund Reimagine Comiskey Park Phase 2. Staff reported the grant is the principal federal contribution to complete a multi‑phase rehabilitation of the neighborhood park.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Steve Fasel described Phase 2 elements: two additional full‑size basketball courts, replacement of a skate spot and tennis court with a multi‑use playing field, shaded picnic areas, trails, a new park entryway, a 53‑stall parking lot and substantial tree and native plantings. Phase 1 — opened June 29, 2023 — included a playground, splash pad, one new court, seating, shelters and landscaping and totaled $2.456 million in investment.
Phase 2 will bring total investment in both phases to approximately $6.417 million, with 52% of the combined cost covered by grants and Community Development Block Grant funding. Fasel said final design is 98% complete, permits are in hand and construction is expected in 2026.
Councilmembers praised staff and community partners' work to secure the funding; Councilmember Sprank noted Phase 1’s positive neighborhood reception and thanked staff for advocacy and grant writing. The council’s motion to accept and execute the grant agreement passed unanimously (motion by Sprank, second by Resnick).