About the BCO GreenSpace Chicago
The BCO is dedicated to preserving a high quality of urban living for over 1,500 households in the Bowmanville community. One major focus has been to secure and preserve permanent open space within the community’s borders.
The BCO Greenspace Committee was formed in 2008 to research and evaluate current open space within the community. Together with city, state and federal officials and organizations and foundations committed to the preservation of open land, the BCO GreenSpace Committee has explored potential opportunities for permanent green space within the community.
Through this advocacy, the BCO GreenSpace Committee has successfully partnered with the City of Chicago Department of Planning & Zoning, 40th Ward Alderman Patrick J. O’Connor, U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley, Illinois State Senator Heather Steans, Illinois State Representative Gregory Harris, OpenLands, Friends of the Parks and NeighborSpace to finance the purchase, demolition and redevelopment of the property at 5384 North Bowmanville Avenue.
This achievement represents a major milestone in our ongoing effort to provide permanent open space within our community.
We Need Your Continued Support and Assistance!
Your continued support for the BCO GreenSpace project is greatly appreciated. Also, your contribution is fully deductible as a charitable donation. Please visit the donation page using the button below to learn more.
Turning Our Dreams Into Reality
The property at 5384 North Bowmanville was secured as part of a multi-phase initiative led by the BCO’s GreenSpace Committee to acquire permanent greenspace for our community. The location is a strategic one — it abuts our award-winning Bowmanville Community Garden and is adjacent to the open space that the community currently uses for special events, with permission of Rosehill Cemetery. We believe that, long-term, the purchase of this property will enable the community to positively affect any potential development along Bowmanville Avenue.
Funding for the purchase of the property was made possible through the generous support of the City of Chicago and CorLands, a division of OpenLands.
View a PDF describing our progress on the GreenSpace Initiative (as of August 2012)
BCO GreenSpace Project Description_August2012
Phase 1 GreenSpace Conceptual Design Plan
Neighborhood input has been invaluable in preparing the conceptual design for the green space at 5384 North Bowmanville. Through neighborhood suggestions and discussion at our two charrettes (brainstorming sessions) held in 2010, we have developed an overall concept of a “Neighborhood Yard.” Much like your own backyard, it serves multiple purposes and moods. 
It serves as a natural playscape that is appealing to all ages and abilities. It expands and preserves green space within the community, in keeping with the pastoral tranquility of the Rosehill Cemetery setting. Neighbors will find a place for quiet reflection amidst a natural habitat where birds and butterflies will also find a home.
See details of the landscape plan developed through neighborhood collaboration: https://bcochicago.org/green-living/bco-greenspace-chicago-news
Send your ideas and comments about GreenSpace — please email the BCO by clicking this link.
BCO GreenSpace Phase 1 Call For Support and Assistance!
We need your help to transform our new greenspace into an enduring haven for people, plants and wildlife. Please help us design, develop and maintain the land we have acquired. Our goal is to raise $50,000 and 5,000 community service hours by the end of 2012. Each contribution is tax deductible through our partnership with Friends of the Parks, acting as our fiscal agent.
