Making Things Happen

Here's an example of someone who doesn't just look at a bad situation and wait for change to occur.  Evanstonian Ness Baagil is making change happen, and she needs your help.

Ness noticed that Larimer Park -- located at the corner of Oak Ave. and Crain St. -- is in desperate need of some TLC.  Moreover, she discovered the park hasn't been updated for 17 years. 

The online petition she created (http://www.thepetitionsitecom/1/Renovate-Larimer-Park) includes this information: 

"Larimer Park (located at Oak and Crain) was last updated over 17 years ago (1993) and currently is in desperate need of renovation due to outdated and broken equipment.  Neighborhood families, nearly 250 YMCA children as well as Parent Day Out preschoolers regularly use Larimer Park.  Despite the park's current condition and its heavy usage by Evanston residents and their children, the park is not being targeted by City of Evanston for renovation and is not earmarked for the City's 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (which would make it over 22 years since the last renovation).  Please sign this online petition to urge the City of Evanston to put Larimer Park on the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and to prioritize it as a park for renovation under the terms of the CIP."

Ness invited neighbors to help out this Saturday, Sept. 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to paint monkey bars, trim bushes and plant a community garden.  Volunteers are asked to bring paint brushes, sand paper, shovels, pruners, loppers, hedge trimmers and garden gloves. 

Ness secured thousands of donated plants from local nurseries and the Evanston Home Depot.  She's arranged to serve coffee and donuts to any volunteers who come out to help on Saturday.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Ness at ness_baagil@bus.emory.edu

Or, consider signing the online petition to renovate Larimer Park:  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Renovate-Larimer-Park