Title
REQUEST TO OFFICIALLY NAME
THE PLAYGROUND, A FEATURE, IN SHERIDAN PARK IN HONOR OF JOSEPH M. "JOE" ESPOSITO
Body
To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District
I. Recommendation
It is recommended that an order be entered authorizing the General Superintendent or his designee to officially name the playground in Sheridan Park in honor of Joseph M. "Joe" Esposito.
II. Park Naming Information
Proposed feature: Playground Location: Sheridan Park
Community Area: 28- Near West Side
Ward: 25
Proposed Name: Joseph M. "Joe" Esposito Playground
III. Park Naming Procedures
Pursuant to Chapter VII, Section E (1) of the Code of the Chicago Park District, this request to name the playground in Sheridan Park was forwarded to the Secretary of the Chicago Park District, who filed a copy of this request with the Committee on Programs and Recreation and initiated a notice period to solicit public input. Notices were posted in parks and sent to advisory councils located within a one-mile radius of the park site. Elected officials were also notified of the proposal, including the alderman of the ward in which the park is located.
The notice period of forty-five (45) days soliciting public input regarding the naming proposal was initiated on April 20, 2016. There has been positive support for this proposal from the Sheridan Park Advisory Council and 25th Ward Alderman Daniel Solis.
IV. Explanation
Joseph M. "Joe" Esposito (1945 - 2011) was a lifelong resident of Little Italy who was deeply devoted to the community and to Sheridan Park. After graduating from Lane Technical High School, Joe served in the Armed Services during the Vietnam War. He then served 30 years with the Chicago Police Department. Joe was founder and head of the Near West Neighbors Committee, which worked on behalf of the Near West Side residents. He was involved in the programming and development of Sheridan Park for years. He played a significant role in the updating t...
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