West Cook News

The Town of Cicero has officially opened the Phil Fuentes Ability Park, a new recreational space designed for children of all abilities. The park is located on Laramie Avenue, an area that was previously industrial but has now been redeveloped into a family-friendly corridor.

Town President Larry Dominick led the project with support from First Lady Diana Dominick. At the opening ceremony, Town Chaplain Ismael Vargas began with a prayer, describing the park as “a refuge — a place of unity, substance, and understanding.”

Design lead Vanessa Parrish explained the intention behind the park’s creation: “Our goal was simple but powerful,” she said, “to create a park where everyone can belong.” Mrs. Dominick also recognized Parrish and her team for their work. “I want to take a moment to recognize Vanessa Parrish, our design lead, whose creativity, dedication, and heart helped bring this vision to life. Vanessa, along with her talented team, Craig Pesek and Tom Tomschin, worked from the very beginning with care and compassion to create a space where children with disabilities — and truly everyone in our community — can come together, play, and feel included.”

Mrs. Dominick added: “Their hard work, vision, and attention to detail turned years of planning into the warm and welcoming park we’re celebrating today. Thank you, Vanessa, Craig, and Tom, for making this dream a reality for so many families.”

Town Project Manager Craig Pesek spoke about how the initiative started: “None of this would have happened without a dream,” he said. “That dream came from Town President Larry Dominick, with First Lady Diana Dominick supporting the community every step of the way.”

Tom Tomschin—Executive Director of Housing and District 99 School Board President—commented on changes in land use around Laramie Avenue: “We’ve rezoned this corridor for education, open space, and community use — no more polluting industries. This park truly represents inclusion.”

The event included participation from students at District 99’s Sherlock Elementary School as well as District 201. They were among the first children to use the playground facilities during a special field trip organized for opening day.

Phil Fuentes—a local business owner honored by having his name on the park—provided lunch for attendees at the celebration. He stated: “I’m truly blessed and grateful,” Fuentes shared. “President Dominick’s focus has always been on improving the lives of children, and with First Lady Diana Dominick’s dedication, this park is proof of that.”

Local officials attending included Town Assessor Emo Cundari; Town Collector Fran Reitz; Town Clerk Maria Punzo-Arias; Trustees Blanca Vargas and John Cava; as well as representatives from Senator Javier Loera Cervantes’ Office; State Representative Lisa Hernandez’s Office; and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle’s Office.

A ribbon-cutting marked what officials described as a new chapter for Cicero families.