Chicago Park District

A high-profile Chicago newspaper article reported that while the city’s northern parks were well-furnished and maintained, two of the city’s premiere southern parks had fallen into disrepair. In response, many citizens were called to action. A plan was needed to resurrect historic Jackson Park and the South Shore Cultural Center from long-term systematic decline and to restore them to the crown jewel status they so richly deserve. 

Representing Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision of the “sublime” Chicago lakefront, Jackson Park’s 542 acres was designed by Olmsted in 1870 and became the site of the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. Although listed in the National Register for Historic Places in 1972, Jackson Park had been in decline for many years. The South Shore Cultural Center, composed of just 64 acres, was built in 1906 to operate as a carefully segregated private country club. When the surrounding neighborhood became racially diverse, the club’s exclusive membership plummeted. By 1974, the grounds and dilapidated buildings were acquired by the Chicago Park District in a pre-framework plan rescue operation. 

The landscape architect worked with a team of consultants, community members, and the Chicago Park District to reach consensus on the South Lakefront Framework Plan, Phase 2. Outlining recommendations to guide land use and management of these two prized parks over the next ten years, the plan focuses on seven guiding principles to enhance and preserve each park’s character while anticipating future needs. Because these parks are integral to a city-wide recreational, cultural, environmental, and educational experience, the scope of the plan is broad by design. With implementation currently underway, the influx of new grant money will allow additional projects to unfold.