Chicago Park District Plans To Contribute $20 Million For Olympics

By Staff in News on Sep 13, 2009 7:30PM

If the Summer Olympics do indeed come to Chicago in 2016, the Chicago Park District promised this week that they will contribute $20 million to aid in building a canoe and kayak slalom course on Northerly Island, which is double what their required financial commitment is set at. The contribution has not been submitted for board approval yet.

To share construction costs for the $40 million Olympic venue, the Park District plans to find a private developer to cover its $20 million offer. After the Olympics end, the District wants the developer to continue operating the slalom course as a white-water rafting attraction for tourists.

However, not everyone is on-board with the District’s decision. Friends of the Parks, a group that tracks parks operations, opposes the idea of a white-water rafting course. Erma Tranter, president of Friends of the Parks, commented on the issue to the Chicago Tribune, “It's pretty clear that we don't need or want a white-water rafting legacy project on Chicago's lakefront, given that we are Chicago and not Wyoming,” Tranter said.

Tim Mitchell, the District’s Superintendent, claims that the District is not committed to paying for a permanent slalom course, regardless of the fact that the 500-page bid book which outlines Chicago’s vision for the games mentions that “The Chicago Park District has committed to constructing the permanent venue components of the Olympic Island Slalom Course.” “I have several years ... to make the business decision," Mitchell said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. “I do not have to spend any money.”

Post by Anna Deem