West Cook News

Town President Larry Dominick broke ground on Monday, September 23, 2024, on Cicero’s first fully disability-accessible playground. The event took place at 1844 S. Laramie Avenue and was attended by officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), state, county, and town leaders.

The new playground, named “Phil Fuentes Ability Park,” honors local businessman Phil Fuentes, who has overcome his own disability. Cicero, with a population of over 85,000, contracted architect Terra Engineering to build the park. The design incorporated input from United Cerebral Palsy Seguin of Greater Chicago and the special education departments of Cicero School Districts 201 and 99, as well as Morton College.

“Cicero has a new future and that is what we are about, creating opportunities for everybody especially the kids and the seniors. That’s who I take care of the most. Kids and seniors have always been my goal. From day one, I have said I want to make one kid's life better every day. And I guarantee you, we have done that. We have a great team here. Everyone works together. There is no ‘me’. It’s all us,” Dominick said during his speech at the groundbreaking.

State Rep. Lisa Hernandez praised President Dominick’s vision: “We have made amazing progress; we have much more to grow. When it comes to making our disabled community feel more included in the future we are all building...a brighter future is not built alone but by many.”

Health Commissioner Vanessa Parrish described the park as “a milestone in our community” where everyone belongs: “Today, we officially break ground on our new all-inclusive park...a space that embodies our commitment to creating an environment where all individuals regardless of age or ability can come together.”

Tom Tomschin from the Town of Cicero Department of Housing noted that funding for the park came from multiple sources including HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coronavirus grants and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). He emphasized how far Cicero has come: “Our parks have been updated...And now we are going to create a space for kids of any ability.”

HUD officials acknowledged Cicero's investment exceeding $9 million in CDBG funds over their longstanding partnership with HUD since its inception 50 years ago.

Phil Fuentes expressed gratitude for the honor: “I have been lucky in life working with a disability all my life...The key is inclusion and accessibility.” He thanked Larry Dominick for his continued commitment to helping children with disabilities.

Diana Dominick highlighted her husband's long-standing dream: “Larry has dreamed of this inclusive park for many years...Children of all abilities will have access to wheelchair-friendly spaces and features that offer them safety and independence.”

President Dominick also extended thanks to various contributors including state officials who provided funding assistance through different grants.

Attendees included State Rep. Mike Porfirio, former State Senator Antonio Munoz, State Senator Javier Cervantes among others.

The Roosevelt Group assisted in securing funding for Phil Fuentes Ability Park.

###