Game Changers – Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and Group1001 partnered with the Chicago Park District to unveil a multisport playing field at Park 580 “Read-Dunning” in the Dunning Community Area of Chicago. 

The new park with synthetic turf athletic field will serve the future Taft Junior High School’s athletic teams, Saint Patrick High School athletic teams, Chicago Cubs RBI, as well as community little leagues and local elementary schools, providing local youth with a safe place to learn, play and compete.

The multisport synthetic turf playing field is flexible enough to be used for youth baseball/softball and soccer and comes complete with a digital scoreboard, backstop, dugouts, and fencing.

Also, the Chicago Park District will manage and maintain the field and work closely with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and other partners to create programs to engage at-risk youth in disparaged communities. 

Over time, these programs will address a variety of youth development needs, which include character development, health and physical education, and Chicago culture and history. 

To learn more about the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, visit ripkenfoundation.org.