To that end, we started an online petition that we hope you will be willing to add your name to. Besides adding your own name, please spread the word on Facebook, Twitter or through email, to your own network of friends (just use the share buttons below).

The Schoolyard project will be presenting to the Oak Park Park District on March 1st, 7:30 PM at the Oak Park Conservatory. It will be extremely helpful to the project if we could have a supportive crowd at this presentation so plan on attending.

Thank you again for continuing to support this wonderful project. With your help, we can make this project a reality.

The Park District does not own the land at Irving and their participation would be very unusual.  This is just an informational meeting for the PD board and no funding decisions will be made at the meeting or until the next budget cycle begins.

March 1st, 7:30 PM at the Oak Park Conservatory.

PLEASE PLAN ON ATTENDING!

Help spread the word so we can pack the house.

If you can’t attend but would like to convey your support for this project anyway, consider signing our online petition (look to the right) or contacting the Park District Board directly:

Paul Aeschleman, Commissioner

Phone (708) 725-2712
Email: PaulA@oakparkparks.com

Marty Bracco, President

Phone (708) 725-2711
Email: MartyB@oakparkparks.com

Jessica Bullock, Treasurer

Phone: (708) 725-2713
Email: JessicaB@oakparkparks.com

Christine Graves, Vice-President
Phone (708) 725-2714
Email: ChristineG@oakparkparks.com

Victor Guarino, Secretary
Phone (708) 725-2715
Email: VictorG@oakparkparks.com

As a resident of Southeast Oak Park, I enthusiastically support the efforts of the Irving Elementary School community to transform the existing schoolyard into one that our neighborhood’s children deserve. An inviting, functional schoolyard and playground will enhance the appeal of our entire Southeast Oak Park neighborhood.

Irving School has a great reputation academically. The Herculean efforts of its phenomenal principal, teaching and administrative staff and the PTO have helped our kids succeed. Yet the schoolyard fails to provide our children the opportunity to combine outdoor play and learning in any significant and meaningful way. How could it not fail when the only thing it offers is 80,000 square feet of blacktop and a tiny play lot?

This year, the team has set a goal of $7500. All of the money we raise toward our goal will be contributed to The Irving Schoolyard Project. We are currently taking contributions at the link below or via check by mail to The Irving School PTO 1125 S. Cuyler Ave. Oak Park, IL 60304 payable to Irving School PTO – Ragnar Relay

Follow our progress here on the Irving Schoolyard blog or on our Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/schoolyardeagles.

A blacktop that currently sits behind Washington Irving Elementary School on the southeast side of Oak Park could soon become a sustainable and environmentally friendly green space – if the community can raise the funds.

Dozens of community members gathered Wednesday night at Irving School for a community forum for a presentation of the three-part, $3.2 million project to renovate the school’s existing open space, entryway and parking lot from their current asphalt state to a more eco-friendly and interactive area.