Friends of the Parks

Friends of the Parks supports the design and construction of the proposed new pedestrian bridge at 35th Street over Lake Shore Drive.

The design and plan for the bridge and the landscape improvements to Burnham Park and to the Douglas Historic Monument are outstanding.  The 35th Street Bridge is an exceptional architectural design, one that adds a dramatic sculptural component over South Lake Shore Drive.   The graceful sail-like overpass is striking and will, we believe, become a destination point for visitors.  In addition, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Park District have provided extensive landscaping in Burnham Park and at the site of the Douglas Historic Monument as part of the plan.

The 35th Street Bridge will provide an accessible bike/pedestrian corridor to and from Chicago’s lakefront.  The proposal conforms to the policies and purposes of Lakefront Protection Ordinance and directly fulfills several policies and purposes to
• Improve access to the lakeshore parks
• Increase personal safety
• Promote and provide for pedestrian access to the Lake and Lakefront Parks from and through areas adjacent  thereto at regular intervals of one-fourth mile

Friends of the Parks urges the Chicago Plan Commission to approve the plan.