The completion of Park 542 in the West Loop was feted by two dedications—one on Aug. 19, presided over by Mayor Richard M. Daley, and another on Aug. 21, led by Alderman Robert Fioretti (2nd Ward) and Alderman Walter Burnett (27th Ward). The land, now in the 2nd Ward, had been in the 27th before rezoning.

“This is a quality outdoor urban area in a most challenging time of limited resources,” Fioretti noted, and thanked the Chicago Park District and community groups that helped make the park a reality.

Fioretti has proposed that Park 542 be named for Mary Bartelme, a pioneering female lawyer who was a member of a committee that founded a Juvenile Detention Center in a home close by. Bartelme was a feminist who fought for women’s right to vote and who served as president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois from 1927 to 1928. The naming must be voted upon by the City Council.

Burnett said, “Never in my wildest dreams would I think this park would be so beautiful.” He noted how he, former 2nd Ward Alderman Madeline Haithcock, and current Alderman Fioretti workedwith various groups to create the park.

Warren Chapman, representing the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), noted that Park 542 formerly was home to a UIC ear and eye infirmary. UIC, he noted, has “worked with the West Loop Community Organization to have this land transferred to the City.”

The northern end of the property had been owned by a private firm. The Trust for Public Lands, headed by Steve Baird who also is president of Baird & Warner, was involved with the negotiations to have the privately held property donated to the City.

“We were able to acquire the northern end of the property in 2007, and it’s exciting to see such a magnificent park,” Baird said.

The park’s amenities include a fountain plaza, a children’s playground, a dog park, an open lawn area, a viewing hill, and an enclosed seating area with native landscaping.

The playground, located in the northeast corner of the park, is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and provides creative play without traditional playground equipment.

Leslie Recht, a lawyer and 2nd Ward volunteer school and parks liaison, served as master of ceremonies at the Aug. 21 event.

Eric Sedler, vice president of the West Loop Community Organization and past chair of its parks committee, said “Things that are worthwhile take a long time. When we see this extraordinary park, we should all be proud.” He added that volunteers are needed to maintain the park and raise funds.

—Marie Balice Ward