Why Grant Park Matters

Among the ten largest cities in the United States, Chicago enjoys less park space per resident than any other. Yet precious park space is at risk of takeover by private interests.

Land which is now the heart of Grant Park along the Lake Michigan shoreline was designated in 1836 by city founders to remain "Public Ground - A Common to Remain Forever Open, Clear and Free of any Buildings, or Other Obstruction Whatever." Since the late 19th century, this designation has been challenged by a host of interests seeking the glory of a location on this prime open space, and it has taken efforts of both citizens and courts to preserve it. Today, private interests have their eye on the section of Grant Park known as Daley Bicentennial Plaza, seeking to displace existing park resources and construct a 100,000 square foot building in the park.

Editors of The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, Crain's Chicago Business and Skyline Newspaper have spoken out against the Chicago Children's Museum proposal to build a 100,000 square foot museum in the protected area of Grant Park. Thousands of Chicago residents have petitioned to preserve the park. Friends of Downtown has spoken out. Your voice is needed to preserve open space in Grant Park. You can help preserve precious park space - call your alderman's office to speak out today.

Don't know you alderman? Need more information? You can find it on the Save Grant Park website.