Report on Chicago Park District Lagoon & Natural Area Rehabilitation Project, Cook County /

This project is for the ecological rehabilitation of lagoons and natural communities at 24 parks within the Chicago Park District. The development of Chicago's lagoon system began shortly after the State of Illinois created the Chicago Park District in 1869. The lagoons were expanded over the next 50 years into 14 parks and they have become extremely important ecologic, recreation, and historic resources. A variety of factors over the last 140 years have contributed to the current deteriorated condition of the lagoons which require the expenditure of funds for major rehabilitation activities. Age of infrastructure, erosion, and sedimentation were the natural forces at work; however, the lagoons' popularity and lack of comprehensive management plan also contributed. All of the lagoons are eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic places as major contributing features. Additionally, the lagoons in Columbus, Garfield, Humboldt, Jackson, Lincoln, Sherman and Washington Parks are historic landmarks. The Park District has already invested over $5 million for partial lagoon restoration at Humboldt, Douglas, Sherman, McKinley, Riis and Garfield Parks, and additional work is required.

"Authority for the preparation of this report and state participation in the flood protection recommendations contained herein is provided by the Flood Control Act of 1945 [615 ILCS 15]."--P. 2.

"December 2000."

Cover title.

This project is for the ecological rehabilitation of lagoons and natural communities at 24 parks within the Chicago Park District. The development of Chicago's lagoon system began shortly after the State of Illinois created the Chicago Park District in 1869. The lagoons were expanded over the next 50 years into 14 parks and they have become extremely important ecologic, recreation, and historic resources. A variety of factors over the last 140 years have contributed to the current deteriorated condition of the lagoons which require the expenditure of funds for major rehabilitation activities. Age of infrastructure, erosion, and sedimentation were the natural forces at work; however, the lagoons' popularity and lack of comprehensive management plan also contributed. All of the lagoons are eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic places as major contributing features. Additionally, the lagoons in Columbus, Garfield, Humboldt, Jackson, Lincoln, Sherman and Washington Parks are historic landmarks. The Park District has already invested over $5 million for partial lagoon restoration at Humboldt, Douglas, Sherman, McKinley, Riis and Garfield Parks, and additional work is required.

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