CASE STUDY
Open Space and Recreation: St. Dorothy Catholic Church
St. Dorothy Catholic Church’ s lush green lawn at the corner of South Eberhart Avenue and East 78th Street in Chicago’ s Chatham neighborhood is an oasis in an area lacking in open space that is accessible to the public. Father Robert Miller, pastor at St. Dorothy since 2006, is intent on fostering an inclusive atmosphere in the space, which measures about a quarter of an acre.
Without open space( outside of vacant lots on busy commercial corridors), providing safe, inclusive green space to the community is important to Father Miller. The lot is wellused throughout the year by the community, which uses it to play spontaneous football games that are catalyzed by neighborhood children, as well as the parish. In fact, Father Miller— a Civil War buff— has used the lawn to host Civil War reenactments( see adjacent photograph).
Each year, the green space enables St. Dorothy to host a community – wide block party, which includes activities for children and adults alike. During the most recent event, close to 500 people passed through to enjoy the water slides, horseback riding, dancing, and bingo— among other amusements.“ The event started about ten years ago, when I got here to bring our community together and the neighborhood together,” said Father Miller.
Recreation Space— Congregations often provide community playgrounds and park-like green space, playing courts, and other outdoor recreation space, on average attracting 237 uses by community members each year. The average economic value of green space and recreational usage was $ 2,425( with a low of zero and a high of $ 79,643). Overall the contribution attributed to recreation and open space was very small(. 1 %), but its value may grow over time given that city parks and recreation budgets are strained, and access to green space is limited in many urban neighborhoods.
Civil War reenactor engages students on the grounds of St. Dorothy Catholic Church in Chicago. Courtesy of St. Dorothy Catholic Church.
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