Ken Griffin helps pay for repair of lakefront trail with $4.75 million donation

High water along the lakefront on Sunday near Museum Campus. Photo by Carol Pandak.

July 6, 2020 – A $4.75 million donation from philanthropist Ken Griffin will help pay for repair to the 18-mile-long lakefront trail, damaged over the winter by rising lake levels and severe storms. The money will also be used to fortify the path against future storms.

“Chicago’s lakefront is one of the city’s most beloved and iconic features,” said Griffin. “I am proud to make this investment in the restoration and preservation of the lakefront trail, knowing that we all look forward to enjoying the lakefront this summer.”

Griffin donated $12 million in 2016 to help complete the lakefront trail.

Steven Dahlman is the editor and publisher of Loop North News. With over 40 years of experience as a journalist and 20 years as a commercial photographer, his career includes work as a radio news director, reporter, and anchor. He is the co-author of three books on Chicago’s evolution, including Chicago’s River: At Work And At Play and Changing Chicago: A Portrait in Postcards and Photos. His first solo book, Marina City: The Definitive History of a Chicago Landmark, is scheduled for publication by Trope Publishing Co. on October 28, 2026.