Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Alderman Harry Osterman cut the ribbon to celebrate the refurbished D’Elia Playlot Park in the Edgewater. (Chicago Park District photo)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Chief Operating Officer Patrick Levar and Alderman Harry Osterman joined

Community members joined the celebration last week of the refurbished D’Elia Playlot Park in the Edgewater neighborhood as part of the Chicago Plays! program.

“Every child in Chicago deserves a place to be a kid and make memories,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Playgrounds are an invaluable investment in our youth and the fabric of every community.”

The playground renovation program was launched in the spring of 2013 by Emanuel, who announced that over the next five years, the Chicago Park District will rebuild, repair and/or refurbish over 300 playgrounds in communities across Chicago. The renovated playgrounds feature slides, swings and climbing equipment.

“On any given day, our city’s playgrounds are filled with residents enjoying outdoor recreation,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly. “Investing in these facilities is an investment in our children, our families and our communities.”

Earlier this year, the mayor announced that 77 playgrounds will be completed as part of the program. To date, 56 playgrounds have been completed, and from 2013 to 2014 a total of 164 playgrounds were refurbished.

Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Plays! program invests over $125,000 in new playground equipment at each park location for an estimate program cost of $37.5 million, allowing to provide a broader investment in capital projects throughout the city.

“The Edgewater neighborhood loves this playground,” said Ald. Harry Osterman. “Seeing families gather here and children playing is what this community is all about.”

Today’s celebration underscores Emanuel’s commitment to investing in city parks, including a comprehensive plan to build and improve parks throughout the city so that every Chicagoan will live within a 10-minute walk of a park.

— Chicago’s D’Elia Playlot Park open following refurbishment —