PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS TO SHORELINE STABILIZATION AND RIVER ACCESS
The Chicago Park District begins restoration work at Kiwanis Park, 3315 W. Carmen Ave., in the North Park neighborhood along the Chicago River. This project is part of the $6.8 million investment allocated from the Lawrence/Kedzie TIF District to improve river access, programming, and ecological restoration at Ronan, River, Legion, and Kiwanis Parks.
The first step of the restoration process is removing invasive species from the site to allow for future native species reintroduction, shoreline stabilization and improvements to the existing trail, as needed.
Through the growing season in the spring/summer, Lesser celandine, Phragmites, and Reed Canary grass as well as buckthorn resprouts and any other invasive species will be managed. During this time, shoreline stabilization, including stone placement, and accessibility improvements like regrading of the pathways, will also begin. Additional work on site will include updates to seating and signage, replacement of stairs, and enhancement of existing lighting to energy efficient LEDs.
The reintroduction of native plants will occur in late fall and winter.
The restoration project will continue through the end of 2024. During the first phase of the project, the Park will remain accessible to patrons. Park access will be limited when trail and stone work begins; tentatively in late summer.
For updates, please visit the Kiwanis Park page here.
At Kiwanis Park, riverfront habitat and existing trail adjacent to Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center will be enhanced with additional river edge seating areas, programming and gathering spaces.
Please note: Invasive species clearing will begin at Legion Park at the end of this month.