New Children’s Playground to be Constructed in Memory of Thomas Wortham IV in Cole Park
The tragic death of Thomas Wortham IV on May 19, 2010 inspired Friends of the Parks, the Cole Park Advisory Council, the Park District and his friends and family to create a lasting memorial in Cole Park, the park Tom so loved. The groups agreed that a playground constructed by volunteers using the community-build model would be a lasting tribute to this great Chicagoan. When completed, the new playground will be officially named the Thomas Wortham IV Playground by the Chicago Park District.
Planning and fundraising are underway. The Cole Park Advisory Council met in July and August to discuss the design and scope of the new playground. A committee was established to visit other playground sites for design ideas. A playground design will be completed in fall and the equipment ordered. Friends of the Parks, the Cole Park Advisory Council, Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Chicago at Children’s Memorial and the Park District are currently fundraising for the new playground.
Thomas Wortham IV was the President of the Cole Park Advisory Council and was active on a city-wide Park Advisory Council Network. Thomas committed his time, energy and vision to improving Cole Park. As President of the advisory council, Thomas worked on expanding recreation programs for youth, improving the children’s playground and the running track. At 30 years of age Thomas Wortham IV was a dedicated and respected community advocate who was a model for his community and all of Chicago.
With fall fast approaching, the Cole Park Advisory Council and FOTP agreed that a spring, 2011 construction date would allow for the fundraising to be completed. Volunteers from the Police Department, family and friends, the Chicago Wolves, Kohl’s and Friends of the Parks have already lined up to do the work of the community-build.
If you would like to contribute to the Thomas Wortham Playground Fund, please make your contribution to the Thomas Wortham IV Playground Fund in c/o Friends of the Parks, 17 N. State Street, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602 or at www.fotp.org
Click here to view the Chicago Park District Resolution
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