“Some people who live along the Chicago lakefront on the North Side voted in favor of turning the lakefront into a national park.
“This is an idea that’s been kicked around for several years, championed by Preservation Chicago.
“The question was on ballots in three precincts of the 49th Ward. 60% voted yes out of roughly 1,200 voters.
“‘Chicago can partner with the National Park Service to continue the legacy of protecting this precious resource for the enjoyment of all,’ and ‘Such an idea could lift and share the burden of maintenance of these sacred grounds, providing much-needed repairs to many of the park buildings and structures.’ Preservation Chicago said.
“Those skeptical of the idea say turning the lakefront into a national park could complicate expansion, or even renovation of existing facilities since the federal government would be involved, CBS 2 reports.
“Official national park designation would require action from congress.” (WBBM Newsradio 780, 3/21/24)
Preservation Chicago supports a commitment to the Chicago Lakefront and its many parks, realizing that this is a very special feature of Chicago and a gift to its citizens which is to last in perpetuity. We continue to be grateful for these amazing parks and the great asset of Lake Michigan, its shoreline mostly “forever open, clear and free for all.”
In the future, the laws protecting the parklands with the “forever open, clear and free to all, without obstruction” regulations in downtown Chicago, specifically Grant Park and elsewhere, should be extended to include protections in perpetuity to the entire Lakefront and Lakefront parks system.
We realize the challenges in managing the vast Lakefront lands, and we want to encourage partnerships realizing the costs associated with this massive endeavor. To that end, we want to encourage the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District to pursue a national park designation for the entire Chicago Lakefront. Chicago can partner with the National Park Services to continue the legacy of protecting this precious resource for the enjoyment of all. Such an idea could lift and share the burden of maintenance of these sacred grounds, providing much-needed repairs to many of the park buildings and structures. (Preservation Chicago)