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3rd Ward E-News for 1/15/26

Pat Dowell Ward 3 📞 773-373-9273 ✉️ [email protected]
Relevance: 1/10

Summary

Alderman Dowell of the 3rd Ward reminds residents of the Chicago Bears game on January 18 (and a possible game on January 25) with fireworks if the Bears win. Residents are invited to vote on Poplar Park’s new splash‑pad design from January 6‑31 and to review the Chicago Seniors Connected brochure, which notes new SNAP work requirements effective February 1. The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant program remains open with a February 13 deadline, offering up to $250,000 for commercial‑corridor projects, and additional community resources are highlighted.

Email from Aldermanic Office of the Third Ward

In This Issue

  • Chicago Bears Game January 18th
  • Vote for Poplar Park's New Water Feature
  • Chicago Seniors Connected Quarterly Brochure
  • Greencorps Chicago Job Training Program
  • $25 Spay/Neuter
  • NOF Applications are Open
  • ComEd Power for Good Grant Applications
  • SECC Pouring for a Purpose

Chicago Bears Game - January 18th at Soldier Field


Alderman Dowell's office is alerting residents to a scheduled Chicago Bears game on Sunday, January 18th at 5:30 pm at Soldier Field. Fireworks will be displayed should the Bears win the game. Additionally, there is potential for another home game on Sunday, January 25th with a Bears victory Sunday. If you have any questions regarding this alert, please contact Alderman Dowell's office at [email protected] or at 773-373-9273.
Park District

Vote for Poplar Park's New Water Feature


Poplar Park (4044 S Prairie Ave.) is getting a new water feature in 2026! The Chicago Park District will rehabilitate the existing spray pool by converting it into a splash pad without standing water, making it accessible for children with limited mobility. Accompanying these changes, a new custom water playground will be installed for children ages two to twelve.  Four potential design options are pictured below. Pick your favorite and vote today!


A public voting period for the new water feature will be available in the fieldhouse January 6th through January 31st. Community can vote on their preferred design by visiting the fieldhouse or by taking the online survey below.
http://www.cityofchicago.org

Chicago Seniors Connected Quarterly Program Brochure Now Available


The "Chicago Seniors Connected” program brochure, which lists both virtual and in-person programmatic opportunities along with upcoming special events and meals can be found . Also, please check out the Department of Family and Support Service's (DFSS) new QR CODE feature in the Senior Centers Section located in the middle of the brochure. Scan the QR code and pull up the center's monthly activities calendar! Finally, the brochure includes various resources for food access (for ex. congregate dining, special meals and foodbanks) and social services supports included for older adults and for family caregivers. 

  

Registration for quarterly email distribution of Senior's Connected is provided here: .

 

Please note, DFSS is reminding residents that new SNAP requirements go into effect February 1st, 2026, and mandates that everyone ages 18 to 64 MUST work or volunteer a minimum of 80 hours per month to qualify for SNAP benefits. SNAP recipients should have received updates regarding work and reporting requirements as well as how to secure an exemption/waiver from these requirements for those that are eligible to do so. 

 

Please click on this link to learn more about how to manage SNAP benefits: .

NOF Applications Are Open - Next Deadline 2/13


Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) applications remain open and the City is accepting applications on a rolling basis (continuously throughout the year)!


Submitted applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis, the next deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 13th (Applications submitted after February 13 will be reviewed the following quarter.) 


The NOF is an innovative program that invests downtown development fees in catalytic commercial corridor investments on the South, West and Southwest Side. Designed to stimulate business activity, strengthen amenities, and deliver essential services, NOF grants up $250,000 may be redeemed by successful applicants through reimbursements or construction escrows.


Theses application rounds include the following improvements for grantees:

  • Additional technical assistance for up to 20% of the grant amount to cover services provided by pre-selected project managers and architects.
  • Grant coverage up to 75% of project costs, up from 50%.
  • Loan Loss Reserve funding from pre-selected Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)


For more information on the program, informational webinars, and in-person community meetings, please visit , , or contact [email protected].

Aldermanic Office of the Third Ward | 5046 South State Street | Chicago, IL 60609 US
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