Homeowners' Association Plans Update for Ridge Park

By Christine Schmidt

Coming soon to Ridge Park: a new foyer and playground, presented by the Beverly Ridge Homeowners’ Association. 

The group has arranged to give the fieldhouse’s entryway a new look, with an updated counter, woodwork, lighting, flooring and paint. 

“It’s a major park in our community. We want it to be more presentable,” BRHA President Josh Barron said. He said Ridge Park has landmark status and is one of the most used parks in the city. 

The project has been in the works for six or seven months, according to Barron, and is geared towards revitalizing the foyer and involving the community.

Jim Gorski, a BRHA member and an architect, and Ellen Murphy, a local interior decorator, are the main planners. 

“We want to bring it back to life,” Barron said. “Ridge Park is a gem…it has a lot to offer.” 

Now, the foyer project is stalled as the BRHA and the Chicago Park District sort out the funding, labor and scheduling involved with it. Barron said the cost of the renovation is still undetermined. The playground update is scheduled for next spring, according to Barron.

“We brought it up to the 19th Ward and the park district,” he said. “We signed petitions and sent letters.” 

Community involvement is a big part of the BRHA, which has actively been a part of the neighborhood for two years. Its serving area encompasses 95th St. to 103rd St. and Western Ave. to Longwood Dr. and its funding primarily comes from memberships and donations. 

“It’s a way to voice our concerns and be involved in problem-solving,” Barron said. He described the organization as a “conduit” to the 19th Ward and the Beverly Area Planning Association.

"Local homeowners' associations are so important to our community," said Ald. Matt O'Shea. He added that the revival of the BHRA is already a force for improvement in the area. 

Barron cites safety and community improvement, specifically parks, streetscapes and streets, as two of the BRHA’s highest priorities. 

“Community activism is the way to get things done,” Barron said. “More awareness leads to better activism, which leads to a better community…. You can’t just be someone who’s going to complain.”