Leo High School has taken full advantage of an on-campus turf field for about 30 years.
The field isn’t long enough for games but is suitable for practices, physical-education classes and community use.
Now, that field—officially called Alumni Field—is getting a complete makeover.
Thanks to the Chicago Bears, the NFL Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a new turf field is currently being constructed at Leo, 7901 S. Sangamon St.
Leo President Dan McGrath said it will be an upgrade for the entire Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
“It’ll be clearly identified as part of Leo,” McGrath said. “It’ll be a nice enhancement for 79th Street as well. It’s going to help us out tremendously.”
Through the NFL Foundation, the Bears are providing a $200,000 grant to build the field, with Leo also funding the project.
McGrath said he hopes the field, which is about 80 yards long, will be ready by late April.
It will continue to be used the same way and be open to senior citizens and military veterans seeking a place to get some exercise.
According to a news release, the NFL Foundation and the LISC united to create the NFL Foundation Grassroots program, which has constructed or renovated 416 football fields nationwide since 1998.
About $3 million in grants have supported 17 fields in the Chicago area.
At Leo, McGrath said lights will also be installed, illuminating the entire facility. A scoreboard will also be installed.
The Bears have supported the school in other ways, and McGrath said he is grateful for the franchise teaming up with the LISC for the latest venture.
“They’ve both been tremendous to work with,” McGrath said. “I can’t say enough about the Bears. They really, really got behind us.”
The LISC is a nationwide organization, and according to its website, the Chicago office works “to build community wealth and catalyze opportunities in communities across Chicago by investing in people and places through housing, businesses, jobs, schools, safety, youth programming and more.”
McGrath said Leo constructed the field in the 1990s after demolishing buildings that included residences once occupied by the Irish Christian Brothers, who were part of the faculty. The field was named after Leo alumni because of their support of the school with donations.
McGrath said the field had deteriorated, some portions with depressions that could have injured athletes, and the turf was “worn to the knub” after decades of frequent use.
Lauren Lewis, LISC program officer, said Leo deserved the upgrade for being part of an Auburn Gresham community “that is really building itself up.”
“We’ve noticed that, and Leo High School has been doing a lot of great work,” Lewis said. “It was prime time for them to definitely get a new turf field.”
She said she drove by the previous field and noticed its poor condition.
“It was overdue for the young men there and the community,” Lewis said. “It’s really, really nice.”
McGrath envisions the new field hosting youth flag football leagues and Leo working with the nearby parish of St. Sabina Roman Catholic Church to host other children’s activities.
Leo has made many improvements to improve its curb appeal in recent years, McGrath said, including renovating its courtyard and a parking lot.
Leo officials are planning for “a tremendous amount of use” of the new field, he said, and the project is more than halfway to completion.
In the news release, LISC Chicago Executive Director Meghan Harte praised the community.
“We are incredibly excited for our Chicago young men at Leo High School and Chicago youths to play on a beautiful field where they feel a sense of pride and showcase their talents and, most importantly, have fun,” Harte said. “Auburn Gresham is a neighborhood of distinguished cultural and neighborly pride. We commend both the NFL Grassroots program for this partnership and our very own Chicago Bears in being a great neighbor for our youths to develop leadership and skills on and off the field.”
