Phalanx and Far South Reveals New Park in Roseland

Phalanx Family Services is an organization that focuses on the issues that the youth face in the city of Chicago. There are some partnerships that help them in more ways than one. The goal remains the same however you may look at it. There are some factors that come into play, but the community itself stands among them all. Recently, Phalanx partnered with Far South Community Development Corporation to reveal the first new park in the Roseland area in 50 years.

The plans to add another space, like a park for the community to enjoy, were set way back last year due in part to the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic over the winter. The fundraising and organization of it all were built on the shoulders of the youth within their own community.

Symbol of Hope

In Chicago, there are not too many open areas that are marked safe not just for youth, but the population in general. From the elderly to toddlers, safety is a number one priority. Far South Community Development Corporation and Phalanx made sure that this park wouldn’t be catered towards a specific group, but would be a space for anyone regardless of age or background. The park is located around Halsted and 115th Street, and has multiple features such as a stage, a community garden, and a beautiful mural that sits along the far back wall.

A local resident stated, “I live close in the area and there wasn’t anything but grass and dirt over here. I like that I can come here and be able to play basketball amongst just being able to be outside. My parents normally worry about my safety a lot and I know why, especially living on the deep south side of Chicago.”

Phalanx and Far South Community Development Corporation worked in coordination with the local Alderwoman, Carrie Austin, in garnering approval for the location of the park. State Representative Justin Slaughter also played a crucial role in the endeavor.

Focusing On The Future

Phalanx Family Services focuses not just on youths’ current well-being, but their futures as well. One of Phalanx’s “Community Conversation” podcast members commented on the new addition to the neighborhood, “It’s nice to know that there are programs for people like me. I never would have even known anything about this park except for the basketball rim. We could do yoga, garden, walk, read, and even bring the family out. It’s a struggle, but I’m glad there is always a way.”

The youth of the community are the future of the community, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that and lose focus on them. The world that they live in is not particularly kind to them. It’s a harsh reality to learn that in the very beginning of life. The mental and physical preparation that the youth have to worry about is self-taught due to the environment of their community.

Building a Legacy

Now that the hard work of building the park is done, the park’s legacy becomes the new focus. Generations upon generations will be around to support the safe zones of their community, and help them last a lifetime. Bringing the future to a location that was meant for the present is a big deal.

This hopefully will not be the end of seeing multiple organizations come together for the better part of more communities. This park was only the beginning for Phalanx and Far South Community Development Corporation as there are now other projects like this in the works. It’s safe to say that the next generation can already be on the path to succeed based on the strength of support coming from by these organizations. Will it be another safe zone like this park or even a community center? Those questions are up to the community and more importantly the generation of tomorrow.

Written by Semetrius Holmes

Sources:

Interviewed: Neighborhood Resident on October 29, 2022

Interviewed: Mr. Hicks on October 29, 2022

Photos Courtesy of Semetrius Holmes