The South Shore Nature Sanctuary is part of the Chicago Park District. It is an important respite for local visitors and migratory birds alike. There are plans to use part of the Sanctuary to expand and enhance the existing nearby Jackson Park and South Shore golf courses into a single, PGA-caliber course. The view at the peninsula at South Shore Nature Sanctuary is considered a "money shot" for televised golf tournaments. But it may be possible to add value to the existing golf courses for Chicago residents without harming the Sanctuary that so many local residents enjoy.
The 14th, 19th and 37th precincts of the 5th Ward may have on June 28th a chance to answer the question: "Shall the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District stop cutting down trees in Jackson Park and preserve the trees in South Shore Cultural Center Park?"
The rest of us can contact Mayor Lori Lightfoot (letterforthemayor@cityofchicago.org) to ask for a review of the plan -- first proposed during the previous administration in 2016 at a cost of $30 million -- in light of more progressive social and environmental concerns. Also, contact acting Park District Superintendent Rosa Escareño (Rosa.Escareno@chicagoparkdistrict.com) with support for accessible golf in Chicago that can still protect the rights of non-golfing community members who use the parks, enjoy the mature trees on and around the courses, as well as the Nature Sanctuary.
