Obama Presidential Center Could Include Playground, Sledding

Obama Presidential Center
This conceptual drawing released, Wednesday, May 3, 2017, by the Obama Foundation, shows plans for the proposed Obama Presidential Center that will be located in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side. This view looks north showing the Museum, Forum and Library. The Museum is the tallest structure on site. Obama Foundation via AP / Associated Press
Obama Presidential Center
This conceptual drawing released, Wednesday, May 3, 2017, by the Obama Foundation, shows plans for the proposed Obama Presidential Center that will be located in Jackson Park on Chicago's South Side. This view looks north showing the Museum, Forum and Library. The Museum is the tallest structure on site. Obama Foundation via AP / Associated Press

Obama Presidential Center Could Include Playground, Sledding

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

CHICAGO (AP) — Former President Barack Obama’s presidential center could include a playground, performance lawn and a sledding hill.

The landscape architect designing the 20-acre site in Chicago’s Jackson Park tells The Chicago Tribune the park offers a range of options. Michael Van Valkenburgh says there also are plans for community gardens and wooded walking areas.

The Obama Presidential Center will include a museum and library and is expected to be complete in 2021. Obama has said he wants the space near Lake Michigan on the city’s South Side to be a hub of community activity where the next generation of young leaders will be trained.

The Obama Foundation, which is responsible for building the center, and the Chicago Department of Transportation were discussing plans at a public meeting Wednesday.