For years, the southern portion of the 91-acre peninsula off Chicago's shoreline, better known as Northerly Island, was a public space. That lasted until 1947, when aviation devotee Merrill C. Meigs proposed the construction of a tiny airport, fit for Chicago politicians and other big wig-types with private planes. In 2003, however, at the behest of Mayor Richard M. Daley, the single runway airport was dramatically (and infamously) torn apart by backhoes in the middle of the night, making room for common Chicago folk.
After about 10 years of work, at a hefty $9.7 million price tag, Northerly Island Park will finally open to the public this Friday, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune. The new park offers gorgeous lakefront views and a long, winding trail fit for bikers, walkers and joggers (and a bit of distance from the frenetic noise of the Loop). The opening follows a pleasant pattern of transformations of unused territories into lively public spaces and parks, including converted railway trail the 606 and the long-gestating Maggie Daley Park. Northerly Island's new park offers the best of both worlds, enticing skyline views of the city with enough isolation to enjoy the pleasures of nature.