Projects

Address

Addresses Vary
Chicago,IL60607
United States

Community Area

Albany Park, Lincoln Square, West Ridge, North Park, Irving Park, Bridgeport

Project Description

Once an amenity Chicago turned its back on, the Chicago River is now a thriving amenity contributing to environmental sustainability, habitat development, local economic development and recreation opportunity. The Chicago Park District owns over 6.5 miles of parkland along the Chicago and Little Calumet Rivers and is dedicated to park improvements that both improve habitat conditions as well as patron access to the river. 

Over a dozen riverbank projects are already complete including riverbank restorations, a dam removal and new boat houses. Recent projects underway include riverbank restoration projects at Kiwanis Park, Legion Park and River Parks along the Chicago River. The restoration of these areas will greatly improve visibility, beauty and access to the river as well as increase ecological quality, stabilize the riverbanks and improve the natural habitat. In addition, the improvements at River Park provide increased non-motorized boat storage and improve water access to support an existing and expanding paddling program including the first adaptive paddling program to provide individuals with physical disabilities access to river paddling.

In addition, a redesign and expansion of Ronan Park along the Chicago River now under construction will create a new neighborhood gateway to include a new plaza and market space with a pavilion for performances and a viewing platform at the river edge. The project also renews and improves beloved community garden spaces.  Further work in partnership with the Shedd Aquarium is underway at Park 571 an Bubbly Creek along the South Branch.

Work in planning is also underway for California Park, funded through a federal grant, to rebuild the riverbank and improve the pedestrian and bicycle trail system as a part of the 312 RiverRun trail system.