Principles for Washington Park
- The Olympic Committee must commit not to bring any permanent harm to the Olmsted plan. That includes the park’s serene lagoons, winding paths and stately trees, now over a century old.
- Funds must be budgeted to dismantle the stadium at the end of the games, just as the “White City” was systematically demolished in 1894. No residual amphitheater should be considered.
- Washington Park should be left better than it was before, just as Jackson Park came into its glory after the Columbian Exposition. The historic features of the whole park, not just the South Open Ground on the north side, should be painstakingly restored. (New York has shown us how with Central Park). The two halves of Washington Park, now split by a widened and dangerous Garfield Boulevard, should be rejoined by sinking the road below grade and covering it with land bridges for pedestrians, as Olmsted’s plan did to Central Park. This would enable the Refectory building designed by Burnham and Root to be used, as it was intended, as an outdoor concert venue.
- Restore the three boulevards that lead to Washington Park, Martin Luther King Boulevard, Drexel Boulevard and Garfield Boulevard west to the Dan Ryan. The boulevards would be key access routes to the Olympics and should be restored following historic plans.
- Ensure access to Washington Park sites during the construction phase.
- Engage the Washington Park community in the decision-making process.
