Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Park District CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa announced the future closure of the Calumet Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) and plans to convert its 43-acre site into public parkland. The announcement was made at Calumet Park fieldhouse, alongside Friends of the Parks, Alliance of the Southeast, Environmental Law and Policy Center, elected officials, conservation advocates, and Eastside community stakeholders.

"For decades the Eastside community has fought for this land to be reclaimed, today we take the next step in realizing that vision of a healthier, greener, and more connected Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “I’m grateful for all of the incredible advocates who’ve worked tirelessly to see this site transformed into a serene, shared space that will serve the entire community. This investment has been a long-time coming, it reflects our commitment to sustainable community development and environmental justice, and I want to thank all of our partners who came together to make this project a reality.”

The CDF has stored contaminated dredged material on the northeastern end of Calumet Park for over forty years. The Park District has allocated $500,000 to start a community process that will involve residents and stakeholders in shaping the new park. Officials also revealed a sign marking the area as "Future Park #608," indicating its planned transformation.

“This is a day of celebration because today we turn the corner on fulfilling the promise of turning the existing CDF site into beautiful, public parkland," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “For generations, the residents of the Eastside community have lived alongside this vast landfill, in anticipation of this day. After years of community organizing, advocacy and support from Friends of the Parks, the Alliance of the Southeast, the Environmental Law and Policy Center and countless other organizations, elected officials and partners, we can begin the important work of developing a park that will transform the site aesthetically and create valuable gathering space that contributes to the vitality and well-being of this community.”

The City recently withdrew support for expanding CDF vertically after opposition from environmentalists and local groups. In 2022, an attempt by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to extend CDF’s operational life through vertical expansion was halted when Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) determined such an expansion would be considered construction of a new landfill—prohibited under state law since 2012.

In 2023, Alliance of the Southeast and Friends of the Parks filed suit against U.S. Army Corps challenging further expansion; legal representation was provided by Environmental Law & Policy Center. This action combined with IEPA’s determination led to reversal by Corps on their expansion plans.

“Turning this landfill that has been collecting toxic waste over five decades in an environmental justice community into a new lakefront park is a monumental achievement,” said Brian Gladstein, FOTP’s Executive Director. “A new park is a vital asset for the community, for all Chicago, and can serve as a model for country on how to turn toxic land into green space for everyone to enjoy.”

According to estimates by Corps there may be room for one final dredging event at current CDF before it reaches capacity; City supports additional dredging as per agreement but is now working with partners toward sustainable long-term solutions once facility closes.

"Today we celebrate an end to proposal to build 25-feet high toxic landfill on our lakefront next to Calumet Park—and in an environmental justice community,” said Amalia NietoGomez Executive Director Alliance of Southeast. “We’ve waited over 30 years for this land become park… We look forward working with Chicago Park District Mayor’s Office U.S Army Corps Engineers finally transform land into long-promised lakefront park for community enjoy."

Constructed by U.S Army Corps in early 1980s on submerged Park District land under agreement stipulating restoration after reaching capacity (originally projected 2022), facility supported navigation by containing contaminated sediment from Calumet River/Harbor. Residents have advocated fulfillment Corps’ commitment ever since; now with no path forward for expansion city moves ahead with redevelopment plan.

“This is landmark victory for everyone who believes Chicago’s lakefront should be people parks—not toxic waste dumps,” said Howard Learner Executive Director Environmental Law & Policy Center. “This model coalition… worked together stop Army Corps’ misguided proposed new toxic waste landfill along Lake Michigan shoreline… Our coalition success paves way cleaner greener future with new lakefront park Southeast Side residents all Chicagoans enjoy… We look forward working with Chicago Park District Superintendent Ramirez-Rosa transform lakefront site from toxic waste dump new lakefront park connected beautiful Calumet Park.”

Park District intends engaging public in planning process beginning 2026; more information about history/future development available via Chicago Park District website.