CHICAGO — On Saturday, community leaders and residents gathered on the Far South Side for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Chicago Park District fieldhouse honoring baseball great Jackie Robinson.
After years of anticipation, Washington Heights community leaders joined with the Chicago Park District for the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility.
“This day has been a long time coming,” Executive Director of Jackie Robinson West Little League Organization William Haley said.
The ceremony celebrated the long-awaited fieldhouse coming to Jackie Robinson Park, where teams, including the Jackie Robinson West Little League Team, play.
“This is for you, this is for our future, our young people to know that they deserve the best,” Ald. Ronnie Mosley (21st Ward) said.
Robinson was the first African American to play major league baseball.
The new 18,000 square foot fieldhouse bearing his name will include a full gymnasium, two multi-purpose club rooms and a fitness center.
“This $15 million investment in our community is part of the billion dollars we are going to see over the next four to eight years. It is an investment that is long overdue,” Mosley said.
State Representative Justin Slaughter said the up-and-coming facility is just one of several regional projects on the horizon.
“This project represents a beacon of hope. A beacon of inspiration,” Slaughter said.
According to Slaughter, the completed fieldhouse will embody African American history and pay respect to Robinson and his accomplishments.
“When you use the facility, you will always get a rich strong reminder about the impact Jackie Robinson continues to have,” Slaughter said.
Haley said the fieldhouse will represent legacy.
“When we’re long gone this project will have a positive impact and will have a legacy on these kid’s grandchildren,” Haley said.
Officials say construction is expected to begin in July and the facility is estimated to be completed by September 2025.