Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Park District General Superintendent Michael Kelly announced the ecological restoration of Northerly Island Park Thursday.
Northerly Island became a nature reserve and concert venue after Mayor Daley famously shut down Meig's Field by carving into the runway in 2003.
The restoration will begin in the fall as they transform the park into a new urban camping hub for families, children and at-risk youth. In November, the Army Corps of Engineers will start to develop 40 acres of the 91 acre park, restoring habitat, nature trails, shoreline and plant life.
The Museums on the Campus will provide guides who are experts on the stars, fish, plants and wildlife. The Park District will provide tents and gear but experienced campers can bring their own.
The expansion will add 900 camping opportunities to the lakefront and give kids who have never camped, a chance to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, right at Chicago's front door.
The work is funded by a federal grant, along with proceeds the Park District receives from the concert venue.
It follows Mayor Daley's vision for a nature rich destination but Mayor Rahm Emanuel credited Daniel Burnham with having the true vision for Chicago's lakefront.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:03 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:03:10 GMT
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
The Chicago Board of Education made its final decision Wednesday afternoon - to close 48 Chicago Public Schools in June, with one school delayed a year and to save five others.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:45 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:45:07 GMT
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Illinois public schools that teach sex education will have to include information about contraception and sexually transmitted diseases instead of a curriculum focused on abstinence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:50:46 GMT
The attorney for an 87-year-old woman who accuses Donald Trump of cheating her in a skyscraper condo deal told Chicago jurors on Wednesday that the "Apprentice" star lied on the witness stand.
Jurors have withdrawn to begin deliberations about whether Donald Trump cheated an 87-year-old who claims the "Apprentice" star cheated her in property deal.
