One of the topics I don't see in any of the materials I've looked at so far is planning for dog parks. They're a good use of relatively small spaces and add a high level of community involvement: people take their dogs to run and interact, and the people interact too. Dogs add a level of security to neighborhoods because owners take them out multiple times a day, which increases everyone's safety on the streets by that much. Dog owners are very street-conscious since they have to be out there each day, so that's a good demographic to support and even mobilize for other green planning, since we gravitate to parks and greener spaces (bottom line--planted streets are pleasanter to walk). But our dogs need safe spaces to run and interact, which means fenced-in parks. The little dog park within the park on Lombard at 10th is the best model I know, in terms of features. It's well planned and maintained with a fair amount of private support (public-private partnership). In a fenced-in area dogs are off-leash which means a lot less aggression and safer conditions for them and their owners, and the provision of a few benches and walls for owners to sit on encourages conversation and interaction as well as self-policing of clean-up regulations.

Next topic: my street evidently used to be well-shaded with large, established trees (before my move here 18 months ago), but many were cut down, I've heard because they interfered with power and phone lines. Maybe this program could recommend a policy in which trees that need to be removed for such safety reasons are replaced with better-located saplings. There are lots of places near me where trees could safely have been replanted, adding value to our properties and enhancing the neighborhood. I've been planting my yard, but the curb-side portion of my property as I understand it is technically not within my rights to plant, or to object if the city removes "my" trees, so it would be good if there were actual support from the city for tree planting that will not endanger power and communication lines.

Additionally, like many people, I get trees sprouting in my yard, from blown seeds and the work of squirrels and birds. I don't mind my yard serving as a nursery for seedlings while they get established, but how about ways to swap these "volunteers" or plant them in public areas? I live just off of Haverford Ave, and the Avenue would be a lot more appealing with more trees and plantings. Because commuters from the mainline use it it gets a lot of visibility, and it could become a more viable commercial district (that brings money in to locally owned businesses) were it a more attractive street. If there were a program for community involvement in plantings, whether container gardens or tree plantings, I'd be happy to contribute some time, tree volunteers, maybe more.

Vacant lots, Shepard recreational Center, Vacant building at 55th Popular it is a major eyesore, trees (lack of and the state of current trees), Poor street lightening and please NO More Murals in our community!!!

There are a sizeable number of vacant lots scattered throughout the Haddington neighborhood. they are a eyesore full of trash and other unsanitary debris as well as other health and saftey hazards. Vacant lots spiritually bankrupt our neighborhood and are very depressing. We also have a recreational center that is in shambles. It could well serve as a beacon of pride with some TLC. Basketball courts have cracked pavements with weeds growing abundantly. The old building at 55th and Popular needs to be renovated and converted to something that the community needs. It has been sitting there for years and years. It is a constant reminder of a deteriorating and abandoned community.
Another factor that contributes to evironmental blight are the lack or state of trees in Haddington. Old trees are half dead or cut down with unslightly stumps. We could benefit greatly if we had more tree lined streets.
These are just a few open space issues i feel need attention in Haddington.

My top three concerns for open spaces are the following:

1. Open spaces should be as green as possible and dedicated to public use, like playgrounds and public recreational facilities whenever possible.

2. Open spaces should not be available for private acquisition.

3. Planning for open spaces should include sufficient funding for regular and ongoing security and maintenance, including landscaping.