MAYOR JOHNSON, PARK DISTRICT CEO RAMIREZ-ROSA AND ALDERMAN MOORE ANNOUNCE NEW FIELDHOUSE FOR OGDEN PARK AS PARK BOARD APPROVES DESIGN CONTRACT

MAYOR JOHNSON, PARK DISTRICT CEO RAMIREZ-ROSA AND ALDERMAN MOORE ANNOUNCE NEW FIELDHOUSE FOR OGDEN PARK AS PARK BOARD APPROVES DESIGN CONTRACT

The new fieldhouse will include a gymnasium, boxing gym, fitness room, dance studio, and a teen room in addition to community support facilities.

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Park District CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and Alderman David Moore (17th) joined members of the West Englewood community to announce the first step toward constructing a new fieldhouse in historic Ogden Park at 6500 S. Racine. The announcement follows the Chicago Park District Board vote to approve of the design contract for the new fieldhouse, marking a new chapter for the historic park and surrounding community. The $25 million project will be partially funded by $12 million in City TIF dollars in addition to Park District and state funds.

"Investments like the one we are celebrating today are about more than just a space for play and recreation, they are about ensuring that all Chicagoans have access to shared places that build a sense of belonging and pride in their community,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Ogden Park already serves as a community hub for Englewood residents, this new fieldhouse will only expand the opportunities available to young people, families, and seniors across the neighborhood. I want to thank the Chicago Park District and everyone who helped make today possible for investing both in this project and the future of our city.”

The Board authorized the District to enter into an agreement with Booth Hansen Ltd. to design, construct, and provide administrative services for the new Ogden Park fieldhouse for Ogden Park. The new fieldhouse will replace the existing deteriorated structure that dates back to 1904 and no longer meets the needs of the West Englewood community. The fieldhouse design shall include a gymnasium, a dedicated boxing gym, fitness room, dance room, teen room and clubroom in addition to support facilities including restrooms, storage, offices and utility rooms. This project underscores City’s and the Park District’s commitment to prioritizing historically disinvested communities.

“This project reflects a dream fulfilled and I’m excited to join Mayor Johnson, Alderman Moore, and residents of West Englewood to celebrate a huge win for the community,” said Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “Park fieldhouses are designed to bring people together, expand opportunities for recreation opportunities, and support the wellbeing of patrons of all ages. Ogden Park has long been in need of a new fieldhouse the supports the needs of this active community. As we prepare to launch the design phase of this project, we look forward to engaging the residents and other stakeholders to ensure this investment makes a positive impact for generations to come.”

“I want to first thank the children in our community especially the Ogden Park Vikings Football Team and Cheerleaders for requesting me, as their Alderman, to make this a priority,” said Ald. David Moore. “I want to thank those, including all the elected representatives who advocated and put resources to get to this announcement today. I especially want to thank Mayor Brandon Johnson and his team for keeping their word to make this happen for the region. A big thank you to Park Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa for making this project a priority. No man is an island unto himself. Therefore, without the consistency of partners like Teamwork Englewood, R.A.G.E, Imagine Englewood If, the Ogden Park Advisory Council, the leadership of Ogden Park's Supervisor David Bailey and many others; we wouldn't be at this point today. We all thank God and give him the praise and glory for this day.”

Ogden Park is a 60-acre park that features a gymnasium, fitness center, boxing gym, dance studio, and a multi-purpose room. Outdoor features of the park include a nature garden, three playgrounds, a carousel, walking track, swimming pool, baseball diamonds and basketball and tennis courts. The park offers a robust menu of programming year round including Park Kids after school programming, summer day camp, Junior Bears, boxing and teen programs.

The Park District will begin engaging the community on detailed design features of the new fieldhouse in Spring 2026.




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