March 2007 Archives
This past Saturday was a landmark day in the history of Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail and the Trail project, not just because the torch (or is it the spike?) of President of the Board was passed from Josh Deth to Ben Helphand; and not only because we welcomed three new members to the Board (expanding from 9 to 12); and not only because Rails-to-Trails Conservancy presented FBT with our biggest grant to date, a check for $20,000; and not only because Trust for Public Land was on hand to report the terrific news that they are going to convey the land of the future park and trail access at Whipple & Albany to the City of Chicago soon. It was a big day for all of those reasons, but also because we kicked off a process that will culminate in a community
vision for the Trail that will flow into the City of Chicago's official
design process.
Over 70 community residents and activists, along with design and architecture experts and Alderman Manny Flores of Chicago’s 1st Ward were on hand to brainstorm, discuss and collaborate on their ideas for the Trail. They marked points and drew routes on maps of the area, came up with lists of interesting uses and features, and with the help of the experts, began to flesh out what the Trail might look through sketches.
This process will continue over the next 6 months or so, in smaller settings throughout the neighborhoods. A report will be drafted over this time and revised with the ideas incorporated from each session. Ultimately, the final report will be presented to the City of Chicago. If you or your organization would like to get involved, contact Ben Helphand, email or phone (773-677-7970).
Check out our photos of the event over at Flickr. Thanks to everyone who came out and gave a part of their Saturday to help bring the reality of the Trail a little bit closer.
Posted by Paul Smith on Mar 27, 2007
Mayor Richard M. Daley introduced an ordinance into the Chicago City Council on March 14th to give the Department of Planning and Development authority to acquire two parcels of land for the creation of a community park and future access point for the Bloomingdale Trail.
The parcels at 1809 and 1811 N. Albany Ave. would be combined with land the city is currently acquiring on the 1800 blocks of North Albany and Whipple Street.
"Our efforts to identify and acquire land for the development of a community park in Logan Square will benefit young and old alike," said Mayor Daley. "This will provide a safe and healthy atmosphere where children can play and older residents can socialize with neighbors."
Once acquired, the property would be assembled into a single 27,800-square-foot parcel and turned over to the Chicago Park District for development.
Link to City's press release
Continue Reading…
Posted by Josh Deth on Mar 19, 2007
The stars are starting to align for the Bloomingdale Trail. The City, key not-for profits and community institutions are working together to make Chicago’s next great park a reality. Anyone who has been by the Trail at Whipple or Albany will be heartened to see signs declaring; “Future Park and Access to the Bloomingdale Trail!”
Momentum is building. Now is the time for the community to come together around its vision for the future park and trail. What are our hopes for the space? How will it support the health, economic vitality, arts and recreation across the Northwest side?
To help answer these questions please Join us on March 24th as the Friends of the Bloomingdale begins a community-led process to put forth a vision for what the trail will look like in 10 years. In this facilitated session we will look at examples from around the country and then work in small groups to brainstorming our ideas, our questions, our hopes and our concerns onto paper.
WHEN: Saturday, March 24th, 10:00- 1:00
WHERE: ACME Art Works (1741 N. Western Ave.)
RSVP: info@bloomingdaletrail.org
This is your first chance to inform the future design and engineering of the trail. All Friends of the Bloomingdale Trial, especially local residents living near the project, are welcome. We seek a diversity of participants who will bring a diversity of ideas and visions to the table. To keep the event manageable, we are asking residents to RSVP in advance.
Look Up! It’s the Bloomingdale Trail!
Posted by Josh Deth on Mar 06, 2007
