Many New Eastsiders consider Lakeshore East Park to be our own backyard.
The park holds a special place in our hearts, and we want to see it operating at its full potential. However, some residents have voiced concerns recently about issues ranging from park infrastructure in need of repair to playground vandalism.
When local mom Natalie Heitmann saw that the playlot had been vandalized in late June, she said, “It’s really disgraceful to see a playground look this way.” Her 3-year-
old son even asked why the playground looks so dirty.
New Eastside resident Nicole VandeBoom came across some obscene graffiti on the playground equipment on the morning of June 29 when walking her children to summer camp. She photographed the graffiti and reported it via the 311 app. Later that day, when she returned to the park, the graffiti was mostly washed off, but there are still subtle remnants of the vandalism visible on the equipment.
A Park Homes homeowner, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the neighborhood has been dealing with homeless people sleeping on the porches and other folks making threatening remarks to homeowners.
Dan Koz, head volunteer of the Masters Association, said, “People can call 311 for park issues and anything related to the Master Association filters back to us. [The park issues] are the Master HOA’s responsibility.”
Vanessa Casciano, community relations director of Magellan Group adds, “If anyone sees criminal behavior, they should call 911.”
Other residents have noticed lights around the perimeter of the park that have burned out or been broken for a long time.
“It’s on the electrician’s schedule since it has got a short somewhere and needs diagnosis. It’s a very large, expensive project that’s on the list,’ Koz said. “We’ve been concentrating resources on the areas that affect the most people with security coming up as an unexpected issue these past several months.”
Another way to report park issues is through the Chicago Park District website. Anyone can lodge an online complaint for problems such as garbage, graffiti, a light out, a tree down, misconduct, security or any other concern. The form can be found under the “Contact Us” tab at chicagoparkdistrict.com
Published August 2, 2018
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