The Chicago Park District, Alderman Ray Lopez, the Chicago Fire Foundation, the Kellyn Acosta Foundation Gather June 26 to Cut Ribbon at Gage Park Turf Soccer Field

Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareno will join 15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez, Chicago Fire FC President of Business Operations Dave Baldwin, representatives from the Chicago Fire Foundation, Chicago Fire midfielder Kellyn Acosta and the Kellyn Acosta Foundation, along with community members on June 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. to cut the ribbon on the revitalized turf field at historic Gage Park, located at 2411 W. 55th Street.

The beloved and highly used Gage Park artificial turf field was originally built in 2011 and was due for restoration. The scope of the project includes a full recarpet of the artificial turf field and new field goal posts that serve both football and soccer. The $720,000 total project was funded through the Chicago Recovery Program and with support from the Kellyn Acosta foundation and the Chicago Fire Foundation.

The celebration will feature a series of remarks from contributors to this project, followed by a meet and greet with Kellyn Acosta, United States Men's National Team member and midfielder for Chicago Fire FC. To culminate the event, a soccer clinic organized by the Chicago Fire will allow children 8 to 12 to test their skills on the new pitch.

"The revitalization of the Gage Park turf field is testament to the Chicago Park District's commitment to constructing and providing resources for children and families to recreate in their neighborhoods," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. "Thanks to the coordination between the Chicago Fire Foundation, the Kellyn Acosta Foundation, and the Chicago Park District, the Gage Park community will have a fully refreshed, state-of-the-art field to enjoy programing and impromptu competition for years to come."

The Chicago Park District currently stewards over 70 artificial turf fields citywide. This year, the District is prioritizing the recarpeting of six fields built over a decade ago. Replacement of the turf carpeting will ensure the fields are viable for another decade of play. In addition to Gage Park, fields prioritized for restoration this year are within Garfield, Humboldt, La Follette, Pasteur, and Riis parks.

In 2023, the Chicago Park District delivered over 700 soccer programs, boasting over 10,500 enrolled patrons throughout the calendar year, 62% of which were ages 6 to 12. As of June 25, 2024, soccer program enrollment has already exceeded that of 2023, reflecting the mounting demand for the sport.

In addition, we are building new artificial turf baseball infields in Burnham Park at 48th Street, at Winnemac Park in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, and at Park No. 528 and Trebes Park through state grant partnerships.

"I am excited to be working with the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Fire Foundation on this field." said Chicago Fire FC midfielder Kellyn Acosta regarding the Gage Park turf field revitalization project. "It is important to me as a player to give back to the community and make soccer more accessible for all. This field will provide the opportunity for all of Chicago's neighborhoods to enjoy the beautiful game."