Chicago's Ronan Park: The Upside of a Down Economy

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Much-needed open space grows in nation’s third most diverse community

August 4, 2009
Contact: Charles Mutscheller
312-863-6260

CHICAGO, IL—Openlands’ acquisition of seven land parcels in the Albany Park neighborhood will help expand Ronan Park, along the Chicago River, and increase access to open space for residents of all ages.

According to census data, Albany Park, located in the third most diverse zip code in the U.S., is a port of entry for immigrants from around the world.

Similarly, Ronan Park is a gateway—from there cyclists, runners, birders, and other outdoor recreationalists access miles of multi-use paths, including a linkage to the North Branch Trail, which stretches as far north as the Chicago Botanic Garden, in Glencoe, IL. Also, Ronan Park connects directly to River and Legion parks, offering soccer and baseball fields, playgrounds, and a large park district swimming pool and field house.

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(The Ronan Park acquisition is the gray triangle at the corner of Lawrence & Sacramento avenues)

“The increase in open space will provide additional opportunities for healthy recreation, relaxation, and discovery for residents of this community and beyond,” states Openlands Executive Director Jerry Adelmann. “This project really underscores our mission to protect and expand open space throughout the region to help enrich peoples’ lives.”

Slated for a 5-story 84-unit condo development, 25% of which were pre-sold, the parcels were purchased last year by Openlands on behalf of the City of Chicago.

“Once-closed doors are being opened to us,” explains Robert Megquier, Openlands’ Land Preservation director. “Land that was not for sale during a boom real estate market is now available.”

Openlands turned the property over to the City of Chicago this week, creating additional open space in a neighborhood possessing considerably less than the two acres per 1,000 residents recommended in the 1998 CitySpace Plan and regarded as the minimum by many land conservation organizations across the country. Albany Park is more than 87 acres shy of that mark.

“Openlands is an integral partner in the city’s efforts to increase open space in Chicago communities,” says Kathy Dickhut, deputy commissioner of the city’s Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning.

For over thirty years, Openlands has employed a variety of conservation tools to help local governments and private landowners save over 15,000 acres of open space, valued at more than $500 million.

Founded in 1963, Openlands protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois and the surrounding region to ensure cleaner air and water, protect natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich our lives.

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