Transforming a Vacant Lot into a Community Park: Challenges and Hopes

David Bippes recently invited his parents to view a plot of land in Englewood, Chicago. As an Eagle Scout, his enthusiasm for community gardens began with a service project in Missouri. Now he co-leads Litter Caterpillars, a volunteer cleanup organization in Chicago. Last year, he and three fellow leaders acquired a previously vacant lot through a citywide auction, aiming to create a green space for the neighborhood. ‘It’s like extending a childhood project,’ Bippes said. They converted the 6,000-square-foot area into a park with mulch, raised garden beds for tomatoes, native Illinois plants, and celebrated its opening on April 12.

However, a week later, Bippes found piles of debris dumped across the property. This complicates their mission of reducing litter and has created trust issues with the community. Despite not knowing the culprit, the group’s efforts to build community trust have faced challenges. Since its launch, repeated illegal dumping has posed significant challenges for the project organizers, who live outside the neighborhood.

The organizers acquired the lots at 6316 and 6318 S. Sangamon St. for $10,000 during a large city auction. The group has also spent an additional $10,000 on improvements like plants and landscaping. Named Caterpillar Park, the space aligns with their mission to transform parts of Chicago. ‘Caterpillars turn into butterflies, but there’s a period where they have not yet,’ Bippes explained. Kevin Tao and other members recently installed a bird feeder with the Litter Caterpillars group.

Bippes, Tao, and their co-founders funded the purchase and improvements themselves. Over the past five years, the group organized cleanups with more than 100 volunteers across neighborhoods in the South and West sides of Chicago. Their vision for the park offers a lasting contribution to the community. Bippes expressed, ‘In a place like Englewood, seeing the level of disinvestment makes me want to rally others to help.’

Tao, whose parents immigrated from China, resonated with the idea of using the land for healing and community growth. Relating to his past, Tao believes that changing one’s environment can shift mindsets. Despite lacking expertise, Bippes acknowledged their learning curve in this new venture. They are supported through networking, balancing full-time jobs with this project.

Distance from the park has posed logistical issues for the organizers. Bippes commutes from Edgewater, which takes about an hour; while Tao juggles between multiple community activities. Questions arose about long-term sustainability as the local engagement remains critical. Tao consults with local community gardens, seeking advice on gaining support. Eventually, they hope to transform Caterpillar Park into a community garden but recognize more local involvement is needed for success.

To foster these connections, organizers have started door-knocking and distributing flyers. Yet, illegal dumping clouds first impressions. Bippes and Tao face the challenge of preventing abandonment perceptions. Cedillo’s Fresh Produce co-founder, Dulce Morales, highlights the importance of consistent engagement and noted diminished break-ins due to local support.

The illegal dumping issue is a pressing concern for Bippes. He submitted 311 requests and reached out to city officials, seeking resolution. Tao’s social media posts amplified the appeal. Eventually, the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation removed one major debris pile. However, Ald. Stephanie Coleman did not comment on the matter.

Former Englewood resident Roosevelt Gordon emphasizes the importance of the project benefiting local residents. He envisions it as an educational space for farming and horticulture. Bippes remains hopeful, despite setbacks, eager to engage with community members, and reassure them of the park’s community-focused mission.