Jonquil Park Advisory Council Expands to Become Wrightwood Area Parks Advisory Council
New Era of Community-Led Support Begins for Jonquil, Supera, and Wrightwood Parks
CHICAGO, IL – At a well-attended public meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, held in partnership with the Wrightwood Neighbors Association, the Jonquil Park Advisory Council voted unanimously to expand its role and rename itself the Wrightwood Area Parks Advisory Council (WAPAC).
This expansion reflects the growing community commitment to supporting and improving three key neighborhood parks: Jonquil, Supera, and Wrightwood.
“With Jonquil’s long-awaited renovation now in motion, it became clear we had an opportunity to do more,” said Courtland Hickey, longtime Lincoln Park resident and President of WAPAC. “Rather than wrapping up after years of planning, we realized we could build on what we’ve learned and help improve more parks for more neighbors. We’re creating a structure that allows the community to carry forward this work—and invite new voices to join us.”
Jonquil Park Renovation Underway
Jonquil Park is currently undergoing a major renovation, made possible by a DECO grant from the State of Illinois, secured with the support of State Representative Ann Williams and Senator Sara Feigenholtz. The project is the result of more than five years of community input, planning, and perseverance.
Improvements include:
- Leveling and reseeding of the field
- Recutting of the baseball diamond with a new backstop
- Upgraded lighting and pathways
- New soft surface playground turf
- Equipment repairs and safety enhancements
Additional project funding has been pledged by 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen, ensuring sidewalk and parkway repairs surrounding the park are also addressed.
Honoring a Neighborhood Icon
WAPAC is also actively fundraising to restore the iconic Eagle Column sculptures by internationally renowned artist Richard Hunt, who generously donated them to Jonquil Park over 40 years ago. Hunt’s studio still stands just steps away on Lill Street. The beloved artist passed away in 2024, and the council sees the restoration as a way to honor his legacy and ensure his work remains a proud centerpiece of the community.
“We’ve been gifted with extraordinary public art, and it’s our responsibility to care for it,” Hickey said. “It’s part of what makes this neighborhood so special.”
A Vision for the Future
With this reorganization, WAPAC now sets its sights on Wrightwood Park, a larger and more complex space that includes a pool, fieldhouse, and athletic fields. Community leaders and volunteers are committed to bringing the same level of passion, planning, and partnership to Wrightwood and Supera as they’ve brought to Jonquil.
“Parks are the beating heart of our neighborhood,” said Riesa List, WAPAC’s newly elected Secretary. “Every day, families rely on these green spaces for connection, play, and peace of mind. These upgrades aren’t just improvements—they’re investments in the daily lives of our neighbors and the future of our community.”
For more information on WAPAC and how to get involved, visit jonquilpark.org and wrightwoodneighbors.org or email jonquilpac@gmail.com.