The document contains comments from multiple individuals opposing the proposal to build a soccer field for Latin School in Lincoln Park. The comments argue that Lincoln Park is a public park meant for all citizens to enjoy, not a private area for one school. Building new structures or giving away public land would set a bad precedent and privatize an important community space. The comments call on officials and aldermen to stop the proposal and keep Lincoln Park fully public.

1. “I live 2 blocks from Lincoln Park Zoo. We have enjoyed many
hours wandering through the park. While a soccer field may be an
improvement to the park--in addition to the softball fields, I would
be against any new structures being built on the land. We don't
need more concrete. We need more green areas. Let the visitors
who go to watch games bring their own lawnchairs. If Latin wants a
stadium, why don't they consider building a rooftop soccer field
onto their high school. This would promote quot;greeningquot; in the city
and would not privatize one of the city's greatest assets--Lincoln
Park.”
- Janet Farr
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

2. “We moved to the neighborhood for the parks.
Please don't take those away from us.”
- Martha Gardner
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

3. “I do not agree to private deals that do not address the
needs of the entire community, and only the needs of a
small groups. All agreements must be transparent. We
also need to acknowledge the Montgomery laws that
were passed to prevent the privatization of the parks and
construction on their grounds.”
- Cheryl Ritzi
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

4. Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

5. “Even the wealthy leading men who built this city over a century ago had
the foresight and wisdom to preserve our valuable lakefront and believed
that this property should be owned by no one and preserved for the public
to enjoy as residents of this city. I agree, this is a dangerous precedent &
opens doors for anyone with means to purchase a part of our park system.
Our lakefront will become a grotesque and disgusting display of advertising
& exclusivity. And if schools are allowed this privilege, then why not
developers? Good-bye lakefront. How about this idea instead? If Latin
School is short on space, why not begin a petition for a public children's
stadium to be shared by all? We have baseball parks in many of our public
parks, so why not also have soccer fields within? Have a heart & soul &
JUST KEEP IT PUBLIC.”
- Rosanne Provenzano
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

6. “I'm completely shocked that something like this can
happen.”
- John Cronin
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

7. “I'm as big a free market capitalist as you'll find and this
deal and the manner in which it was struck are
disgusting. If a developer wanted to build townhouses on
this space, the proposal wouldn't even get through the
Park District's front door. Stop this deal now.”
- Todd Chalem
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

8. “This stuff has to stop! The officials play dumb until it's
too late, and the taxpayers get screwed.”
- Anonymous
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

9. Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

10. “The Chicago Park District should not be in the business
of giving away public land. The privatization of this land
for the use of the Latin School should be stopped!”
- Evelyn Johnstone
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

11. “Lincoln Park is for the enjoyment of all Chicago citizens and visitors, not
for an elitist group from the Latin school. The Aldermen are responsible for
serving the the public at large and not just the parents of students at the
Latin school. When the Latin school chose their location they knew there
was not sufficient land at the school for a sports field. If the school has
decided that they need a sports facility , the school's board of directors
needs to evaluate relocating to a different location and not take four prime
acres of Lincoln park from other Chicago citizens. It is my understanding
the project has been started but the Aldermen have a responsibility to their
constituents to have this project stopped immediately. The park belongs to
all Chicago citizens not just the Latin school.”
- Mary Briscoe
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

12. “I went to Latin and grew up in the neighborhood and
STRONGLY believe that Lincoln Park should remain a
city park, not the private property of a private school.”
- Margot Leonard
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

13. “Having grown up in Lincoln Park, I view it as a place for everyone.
It would kill the neighborhood and the fact that all of Lincoln Park is
built around the park as its focal point. The zoo, the lake, and the
parks of Chicago are all public places. They are not intended to
become privately owned. I object as a former resident, a graduate
of Francis W. Parker, and a concerned realtor for all those whose
real estate values will plummet upon news of a sale. Daniel
Burnham would roll over in his grave!”
- Blair Thrush Lele
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

14. “Keep Lincoln Park for everyone.”
- Jim Powers
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

15. “I can't believe that the park district believes it is doing
the right thing by taking the land meant for all of us so it
can raise money for itself. To do this behind secretive
closed doors is wrong and offensive.”
- Porter Draper
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

16. “The Chicago Aldermen that have allowed it to go this far need to be reminded that
Lincoln Park belongs to all Chicago tax payers and not be swayed by the Latin
school and the families who are wealthy enough to send their children to this private
institution. Rather than serving the few the Aldermen should step up to the due
diligence responsibility entrusted to them by the citizens and meet the needs of the
total community. Chicago fore fathers recognized that the quality of a city is
preserved by open park lands. When the Latin school chose to locate their facility on
Clark, they were aware of the space available to them. If the property no longer
meets their needs they should, like other private companies and institutions,
relocate from the area and not impose their needs on the rest of the community. Any
action to grant four acres on prime park property to a private school is of such
importance that it should be brought to the citizen for a vote not decided by the
Aldermen.”
- Robert Briscoe
Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org

17. Committee to Keep Lincoln Park Public - www.cklpp.org