DUNNING — The new playground at Hiawatha Park is officially open, after construction was delayed by the rainy summer weather.

Jointly funded by Ald. Nicholas Sposato (36th) and the Chicago Park District, the playground at 8029 W. Forest Preserve Drive includes a water play area, swings for infants and children, as well as a swing for those with physical disabilities.

The playground — which Sposato said was badly needed by the community — was designed by a 25-member committee of residents who formed the Friends of Hiawatha Park, an advisory council for the park.

Heather Cherone breaks down whats going on at two neighborhood parks:

A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday to celebrate the new playground, which was originally scheduled to open by July 4, but was delayed by inclement weather.

The playground at Hiawatha Park will complement an annex that is scheduled to be built at nearby Canty Elementary School, Sposato said.

Money from Sposato's discretionary budget covered about half of the $600,000 cost of the new playground at Hiawatha Park, with the Chicago Park District picking up the other half.

Hiawatha Park is now in the 36th Ward, but as a result of changes to city ward boundaries made last year, it will become part of the 38th Ward when the 2015 aldermanic elections take place.

Last week, Sposato said he would run for the 38th Ward seat on the City Council. Ald. Tim Cullerton (38th) announced in July he planned to retire when his term expires in May.

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