28-Dec-19 – Fees paid by new residential developments to support open public spaces could help get the Wild Mile Chicago project started.

Wild Mile is a mile-long park proposed for the north branch of the Chicago River, on the east side of Goose Island between Chicago Avenue and North Avenue, that would provide recreation for people and habitat for wildlife.

Community meetings were held in February and April to get feedback from nearby residents.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed the funding at the December 18 City Council meeting.

According to Lightfoot, $1.4 million from Open Space Impact Fees could support development of the first section of the Wild Mile project. The money would pay for construction of a two-block-long floating boardwalk on the east bank of the Chicago River between Goose Island’s Eastman Street and Weed Street.

The project would be coordinated by the city’s Department of Planning and Development, then managed by community-based partners, including Near North Unity Program, NeighborSpace, and Urban Rivers.

Habitats, wetlands, walkways, viewing platforms, canoe launches, and educational areas would be built later.

(Left) South of North Avenue, The Turning Basin, another phase in the development of Wild Mile, would include a stage with tiered seating, pool/ice rink, fishing dock, bird habitat, plaza, and public art.

The fees would also pay for a study, coordinated by Chicago Department of Transportation, to identify “public access opportunities,” such as trails and connections beneath bridges, along portions of the north and south branches of the Chicago River.