Dec. 12--A Bronzeville neighborhood playlot will be redeveloped and renamed in honor of slain student Hadiya Pendleton, officials said.
The Buckthorn Playlot, 4345 S. Calumet Ave., will be expanded to about three acres and will include a walking trail, a spray pool for children, exercise areas, new lighting and landscaping, and updated playground equipment, said Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd)
"I'm delighted that we're going to be able to memorialize this accomplished young woman in this way,'' Dowell said.
Construction is scheduled to begin this spring, with a fall, 2015, completion date.
"It's exciting, because we get to honor her and at the same time provide amenities to the residents of Bronzeville,'' said Dowell who said Hadiya lived in the area of the park at the time of her death.
The cost is expected to be about $1.2 million, according to Dowell.
Hadiya, 15, became a national symbol for the city's struggle with violent crime after being gunned down while taking shelter from rain with schoolmates in a South Side park, near President Barack Obama's Kenwood home. She was a student at King College Prep High School and a band majorette who marched in Washington as part of Obama's inauguration.
Chicago Park District spokeswoman Jessica Maxey-Faulkner said an advisory board met Thursday night and discussed the renaming.
"Her parents have been very supportive of our efforts,'' said Dowell.
