Bloomingdale Trail Opens to the Public
The long-awaited, much anticipated, Bloomingdale Trail—also known as the “606”-- opened to the public over the weekend with a ribbon cutting that included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Sen. Richard (Dick) Durban (D-IL).
“The 606 is a transformative project that has turned an old railroad embankment into a recreational trail and park system on the northwest side, a major investment in green space that will benefit neighborhood residents and people throughout Chicago,” said Mayor Emanuel.
Stretching between Ashland Ave (1600W) and Ridgeway (3750W) at Bloomingdale Ave. (1800N), the park consists of the elevated Bloomingdale Trail, connected to ground-level neighborhood parks, four of which opened alongside the trail. Minor work and planting along the trail will continue through the summer and fall.
“This innovative and unique trail will not only serve the neighborhoods it touches, but offers the opportunity for other residents and visitors to explore the diverse and culturally rich communities that surround it,” said Michael Kelly, Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO.
More than a decade in the making, the concept to turn an unused rail line into an elevated trail was officially called for in the City’s 2004 Logan Square Open Space Plan to add additional green space to one of the city’s most park-poor neighborhoods.
Community support led to the creation of Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail, which advocated for the transformation of the unused space. The project was accelerated by Mayor Emanuel, and broke ground in Aug. 2013 and is being funded with a mix of federal and local funding, with nearly half of the project costs coming from private donations under the leadership of The Trust for Public Land.
“The 606 Park and Trail System is the latest in a long line of world-class public spaces in Chicago and I am happy to see it come to fruition,” Durbin said. “Through a combination of federal, local and private funding, this project connects the vibrant neighborhoods along Chicago's West Side and creates a unique park space for residents and visitors alike.”
After completion, the park and trail system will include six ground-level parks, a wheel-friendly event plaza, an observatory, various art installations, educational programming, and other amenities that will also serve as a community connector for the Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park neighborhoods.
“For the four communities connected by the project, and all Chicagoans, opening The 606 is cause for celebration,” said Beth White, director of The Trust for Public Land’s Chicago Region Office, which serves as project manager on behalf of the Chicago Park District. “Community input has been integral to every aspect of this project, and we hope everyone will join us in creating an opening celebration that captures the transformative power of parks and open spaces.”
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