RIVERDALE PARK DISTRICT CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW CREATIVE SPACES THROUGH ARTSPARK


RIVERDALE PARK DISTRICT CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW CREATIVE SPACES THROUGH ARTSPARK

Community-Led Creative Placemaking Initiative Expands Opportunities for Art, Gardening, Storytelling and Connection in Riverdale


On Saturday, August 29, The Riverdale Park District celebrated the opening of new creative spaces through ARTSpark, a community-focused creative placemaking initiative designed to bring art, wellness, storytelling and community engagement together in Riverdale Park.The initiative includes the newly developed ARTSpark Creative Art Center with a Creator Lab and Podcast Studio, and a community garden, along with community-created artwork and improvements that bring new opportunities for residents to create, connect, learn and contribute.


The project was supported through the Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grant program, a Cook County initiative implemented in partnership with LISC and Arts Alliance Illinois. Through ARTSpark, the Riverdale Park District is transforming a community asset into a place where residents of all ages can participate in creative expression, hands-on learning and community life.


“It has been wonderful to see this project move from an idea into something the community can experience and enjoy,” said Mari Barnes, Grant Manager for Riverdale Park District. “I’m especially proud of the gardens and the way they provide space where people can come together and enjoy both health benefits and beauty. Seeing all of the pieces of the project connect makes the work that went into getting us here truly rewarding.”


The Riverdale Park District marked the project milestone with ARTSpark: The First Spark, a community celebration that invited residents, artists, partners and local leaders to explore the new Creative Art Center and participate in art, wellness and family activities. The celebration included an official ribbon cutting and open house of the ARTSpark Creative Art Center, community art displays, creator and maker activities, a community garden showcase, interactive drumming and opportunities for residents to learn about future ARTSpark programming.


“ARTSpark started with a simple idea: creativity can change the way people experience their community,” said Kimberly Haynes, Recreation Supervisor for Riverdale Park District. “We wanted to create spaces where residents could make something, grow something, tell their stories and see their own contributions reflected around them. The First Spark celebrates what we’ve started, but more importantly, it represents what we believe can grow from here.”


ARTSpark combines physical improvements with opportunities for residents to actively participate in the spaces being created. The ARTSpark Community Garden provides a setting for gardening, environmental education, wellness and community connection, while the Creative Art Center creates space for art and creative programming. The project also includes opportunities for community-created artwork, an artist gallery, community mural areas and an art pavilion for creative programming and workshops.

The Creator Lab gives local youth and community members opportunities to contribute to creative projects for Park District spaces, while the Podcast Studio provides a platform for residents to tell stories, share ideas and document the voices and experiences of the community. Additional improvements, including restroom upgrades, are designed to improve accessibility and support increased community use of the site.

“We’re proud to help the Riverdale Park District continue finding new ways to bring valuable opportunities to our community,” said Commissioner and Board President Betty Ervin-Robinson. “Our role is to support a strong team, give them room to develop good ideas and help make sure they have the resources and partnerships to move those ideas forward. ARTSpark is a great example of what can happen when that trust, creativity and community partnership come together.”

“Cook County Arts is a transformative program that encourages residents to unite and engage in creative projects that uplift the unique spirit and stories of their community,” said Cook County Bureau of Economic Development Chief Xochitl Flores. "This investment in Riverdale Park and ARTSpark Creative Art Center will bring inspiration and opportunity to creators of all ages while establishing a stronger, more vibrant Riverdale community.”

ARTSpark is also planning continued programming that connects creativity with wellness, volunteerism, storytelling, environmental stewardship and community partnerships. Through the initiative, the Riverdale Park District aims to create an evolving network of spaces, programs and experiences that encourage residents not simply to attend activities, but to help shape the life of their community.

Project team members and community partners include the Riverdale Park Foundation, Sertoma Star Special Recreation Services, UCAN, Urban Male Network (UMN), The ACE Project, M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment,  Brian Gay, formerly with Youth Guidance’s Digital Art and Graphic Design programs; and Lori Bortnick, artist and educator.

Cook County Arts is a pilot initiative of the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development made possible by $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grant program is implemented in partnership with LISC and Arts Alliance Illinois. With a focus on suburban Cook County, Cook County Arts provides support for artists and nonprofit arts organizations, and seeks to mitigate the lingering negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the suburban arts sector in the long term.


Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking grants are supporting community-driven projects throughout suburban Cook County that integrate arts, culture and design into broader efforts related to public space, economic development, education, neighborhood identity and community engagement. Unveilings are already underway and will continue throughout the fall of 2026.


For more information about Cook County Arts Creative Placemaking, visit cookcountyarts.org. For more information about the Riverdale Park District and ARTSpark, visit riverdaleparkdistrict.com.

Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Things The Elderly Need To Know To Stay Healthier