Over the past few months, there have been some developments around the Oak Park area. A notable one is the new Barnes & Noble on Lake Street. Just across this new installment is the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, which I think could use some of these developments in the park area. As a college student, who has waited by the Lake/Harlem bus stop countless times, I have noticed heaps of trash around the area. There is a parapet wall surrounding the park entrance and behind it there are always cups, bottles, and wrappers. There is also a seating area that hardly anyone sits at because the tables are not maintained well. The park could have so much potential if the upkeep of the area were consistent.
To me this is also an environmental concern, since animals consider this their home. All of the filth would be absolutely harmful for these living creatures. Litter also affects the quality of living for many around the Oak Park area.
Volunteers are always essential to contributing to our communities. To make it more interactive, the district should host events to participate in a park clean up. They should also think about updating seating areas and benches. If no action is taken, wildlife will be at risk, and people will not get to enjoy the beauty of what the park could be.
Developments should be made to the park at Harlem and Lake Street. To conserve this area, it is important for us as a community to act and volunteer. The districts should also be involved in creating tidy-up events and implementing upgrades to the park for the public.
Jennifer Flores
Chicago