Mount Greenwood Women Lead the Way for the Kids

About two weeks ago I had the pleasure to meet several young women from the 19th Ward who really came through for their neighborhood. Rather than wait for things to happen, these tough-minded and lovely girls made things happen. Recently, local author John R. Powers ("Last Catholic in America; "The Unoriginal Sinner and the Ice-Cream God" & etc.) donated his one man show performance to the Mount Greenwood Playlot Initiative at Mount Greenwood Park. All of these women are deeply involved in all aspects of the neighborhood life - parishes, local school councils, the library, and the many Mount Greenwood community groups.

Here's their link

http://www.mountgreenwoodpark.com./

Here is a little about the Playlot Initiative Taken from their Great Website - Give it a look!

All about the Initiative

Average Chicago lots in our neighborhood are about 25ft wide. Therefore, the local park is where kids in the city play, learn, and socialize. Mt Greenwood is largely populated with families and the playground is essential in a child’s development and growth. Do you remember which park you played at growing up? Let's give our children lasting memories of their neighborhood park. The new design will ensure that it’s a place where children of all abilities can play together. We, as residents and parents, see the importance of coming together and taking pride in an area we so fondly cherish. With talent and time in our community we know that we can achieve something wonderful, memorable and fun.

How it all got started

One evening in Spring 2005, at Alderman Rugai’s Town Hall meeting Mary Vogwill expressed her concern for the playground in Mt. Greenwood Park. She was passionate at how important the park is for residents. She felt that the neighborhood could really benefit from a newer more updated playground. Ginger suggested that she form a volunteer group with members of the community that shared her enthusiasm. Terri Oliver and Pam Waldrom attended this meeting and felt a calling to be involved. They knew the playground had so much potential and wanted more for the space they visited so often. These determined women exchanged contact information and started forming a plan to bring a new playground to the community of Mt. Greenwood.
Meetings were held, ideas were discussed and a great deal of research was conducted. Jennifer Lucid was introduced to the team and a Playground committee was formed. Since its inception the women of the Mt. Greenwood playground committee have spearheaded this initiative and have been tireless in their efforts. They have learned the hardships involved with fundraising and grant writing. With more volunteer help and assistance they can make this playground a reality and help enrich the young lives of all those that visit.

Senator Edward Maloney and State Representative Kevin Joyce generously pledged state funds of $100,000 each. The Chicago Park District matched these amounts with $200,000. More than half way to our goal we have a big challenge ahead of us and need to raise $300,000! We are confident that this task is attainable with your support. We welcome all those interested in joining our team. Ideas and suggestions are appreciated. E-mail us!!

The people behind the initiative

Mary Vogwill;Terri Oliver;Pam Waldrom;Jennifer Lucid;Kathleen Riordan;Maureen Chausse; and Liz Guinn;

These are real grass-roots activists - unlike the hair-shirts that usually 'co-opt' that apellation - they actually get something done. The superior gender!