Those who aren't skateboarders might not even know it's there — a skate park tucked under an overpass of the Kennedy Expressway.

The Logan Boulevard Skate Park was built in 2009, and it needs some attention. The nonprofit group Logan Square Skate wants to work with the Chicago Park District and the Illinois Department of Transportation to repair and expand the location.

"It is an amazing spot for what skaters call a covered skate park — in beautiful Logan Square!" said Mark Heller.

Heller doesn't skateboard anymore these days, though he once did.

"I was never very good, but I tried it," he said.

But Heller cares about the Logan Boulevard Skate Park more than anyone.

"I have 23 years of my DNA in this skate park," he said. "I proposed it originally to the city and the Park District."

The skate park has seen better days.

"Temporary, modular, is not supposed to last forever — and it's starting to fall apart, or needs some maintenance," Heller said.

But Heller and local skaters want to do more than just make repairs. Drivers on the Kennedy pass right over what skaters envision could be a world-class skate park.

 "Land space that's doing nothing, and can become a true activity jewel on Chicago's world-famous emerald necklace of parks and boulevards," said Heller.

Heller supports a plan to expand the skate park, with permanent concrete features — much like the Lot 11 skate park beneath Interstate 95 in Miami. Lot 11, Heller explained, has a "covered section and uncovered section that fuse together."

Harmon said supporters and local leaders helped raise almost $800,000 for the project.

"Half of the new, expanded space would be all of this scruffy IDOT highway right of way that's next to the overpass," Harmon said as he pointed out to some undeveloped land beyond a chain link fence.

The Illinois Department of Transportation owns the land around the Logan Boulevard Skate Park and must ultimately sign off — along with the Chicago Park District.

"We feel pretty confident that progress is being made almost at the point of commitment, but we're not quite there," said Heller.

Heller just pitched the plan again to the Park District and its new chief executive officer, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa.

He feels like the wheels are finally turning.

"We want to roll forward," Heller said. "Our mantra is let's roll forward."

The Chicago Park District said once IDOT approves a design for the skate park, a budget will be determined, and officials can identify funding for the project.

Since 2021, the Chicago Park District has worked closely with the local community organized under the Logan Blvd Skate Park Advisory Council (LBSPAC) on their ideas for a new skate park. The existing Logan Boulevard Skate Park at 2430 W. Logan Blvd. is located on Illinois Department of Transportation property. It is a modular/non-permanent equipment skate park originally built in 2007 and upgraded in 2022. The modular style of equipment was approved by IDOT in 2007 as the equipment can be moved as needed if IDOT needs access for maintenance equipment.

Any modifications to the space must undergo IDOT's approval and permit process prior to construction. The community is requesting the skate park be reconstructed to include permanent concrete features including bowls and ramps. A concept plan for a new skate park in this location was sent to IDOT for review in March 2024. At that time, IDOT advised they will not approve the concept for the proposed renovation of the Logan Boulevard Skate Park as they will not approve any permanent improvements at the site to include depressions or vertical obstructions on the property.

The Park District has had subsequent meetings with both IDOT and the community on their request for a permanent skate park, including the possibility to propose alternate renovations that meet IDOT requirements at the existing site as well as investigating other possible locations for a new permanent skate park.

As the property is owned by IDOT, the agency will need to approve any proposed renovation to the property.