Could a city famous for its lakefront become better known for its rivers instead? CurrentCast investigates—listen up:
The “riverfront city by the lake” has a nice ring to it. And yet, Chicago’s key rivers—the Chicago, Calumet, and Des Plaines—have historically played a more utilitarian role for the Windy City, making it a center of commerce by providing a way to transport goods and move wastewater away from downtown. But pollution was the price.
“That history is a part of us,” says Josh Ellis of the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC). But we need to get beyond that a little bit, and start telling a story about what the rivers are today—and what they can become.”
He says now, as the city continues cleaning the water, it’s also outlining a new vision for its rivers.
Called Great Rivers Chicago, the initiative includes ideas like a continuous riverfront trail and more pedestrian bridges—things to help residents take as much pride in the rivers as they do Chicago’s famous lakefront.
Get schooled:
- Learn more about Great Rivers Chicago and MPC’s overall plans for charting a new course for the Chicago River
- Read up on conservation efforts from Friends of the Chicago River
Take action:
- Volunteer with Friends of the Chicago River
- Get up close and personal with your river, by paddling or simply taking a stroll along its banks
- Stay tuned for river-related events by bookmarking MPC’s events calendar
The fine print:
- This segment was produced in partnership with Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future