A little green went a long way in Logan Square on Saturday, as the opening of the Unity Playlot settled a long-fought battle that had divided residents of the Northwest Side neighborhood.
Joined by Mayor Richard Daley, Ald. Vilma Colom (35th) and 100 neighborhood residents marked the end of a two-year debate on whether basketball courts would increase gang activity in the area.
The compromise: ample stretches of lush green grass, two swing sets and a half-size basketball court. The scaled-down version is equipped with basket stands that can be folded and stored at the end of the day, said Cynthia Moreno, central region manager for the Chicago Park District.
The stands are something “that everybody was happy with,” said Joel Monarch, a member and former president of the Unity Playlot Advisory Council. The council had fought for the court when its future looked bleak two years ago because of opposition from people such as Larry Ligas.
“There are federal and state studies that show basketball hoops attract problems,” said Ligas, chairman of Logan Square Concerned Citizens. “We believe our youth should not be exposed to vulgarity and thugs.”
