EPAC is currently seeking design submissions for a structure or sculpture to recognize our current and future donors. If you didn’t have time to enter the contest this summer but would still like to, you are in luck! We have extended our deadline for entries until November 4 at 5pm. Also, please note that we are also waving the $25 entry fee.

Are you an artist, art student or designer interested in entering? See below:

Eckhart Park Design Competition

Background

Eckhart Park is located at 1330 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago’s Noble Square neighborhood. Best known for its iconic Natatorium, baseball fields and wide open space, the park is undergoing exciting changes. The Eckhart Park Advisory Council (EPAC) is currently working with the Chicago Park District to develop a master plan for the park. With the financial support of the community, this vision can become a reality.

Problem

No physical element currently exists within the park for recognition of past and future individuals and businesses who have contributed to the development of our park. Other neighborhood parks have used paved bricks in varying levels to recognize its donors, and we wish to do this in a similar but more thoughtful and creative way.

Here is one example of how bricks were used at Grant Dog Park:

Objective

Design a public element that creatively and clearly displays the names of our donors. This physical and metaphorical structure could be represented in the form of a sculpture, plaque or art piece. Think outside the box—but not outside the neighborhood. Your design should reflect and enhance the unique and diverse community surrounding Eckhart Park. Since this element will be visible from surrounding streets including Chicago Avenue, consider what might visually draw passers-by into the park. The element must allow for three levels of recognition—three to five placements for major donors in addition to smaller placements for lower levels of commitment.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Feasibility: Funds to build this element will be drawn from overall
fundraising campaign.

Durability: Your piece should be able to sustain the elements year-round.

Creativity: EPAC is looking for something as unique as our community.

Sustainability: Please consider environmentally friendly materials.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Two 11×17 Boards submitted as a PDF that includes renderings, illustrations and design details.

Please list the suggested materials needed to build your piece.

Entries are welcomed from individuals or groups.

TIMELINE

Submission deadline is at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 4.

Judging by a committee of EPAC board members, local design professionals and neighbors will take place at the November 12 EPAC meeting and the winner announced shortly thereafter.

Please submit final PDFs and any questions to eckhartparkchicago@gmail.com

Download a PDF of the competition brief here.