In addition to its ecological function, the “Wild Mile” project has organized a wide social program for the Chicago community.
The architecture, urban planning and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and the non-profit organization Urban Rivers have joined forces to complete the first phase of an ecological floating park called the “Wild Mile” on the Chicago River.
Consisting of winding wooden paths and lush vegetation, the 139 square meter project aims to reintroduce wildlife to the industrialized canal and act as a public space that promotes education, entertainment and stronger community bonds. It was inaugurated in 2016 and completed in 2021, but it officially started accepting the public only two months ago.
To restore biodiversity to this stretch of the river, the team from Urban Rivers collaborated with an expert from the Chicago Botanic Garden and incorporated into the ‘Wild Mile’ 60 native plants that thrive in aquatic environments as well as a selection of plants aimed at pollination and the possibility of hosting bird nests.
In addition, visitors can enjoy river kayak tours organized by the Shedd Aquarium, where they learn about the revitalization processes enabled by the ecopark’s specific planting plan, namely biological restoration and reoxygenation. The modular walkway created by SOM office is a zigzag composition of aluminum frames and floating docks that support wooden walkways made from Kebony (chemically treated wood). The route will be repeated in the next phase of the project.
In addition to its ecological function, the “Wild Mile” project has organized a wide social program for the Chicago community. “Making the most of its proximity to over 40 schools and academic institutions, the ‘Wild Mile’ incorporates rich educational and community programs. This includes the ‘River Rangers’ initiative in which ‘citizen scientists’ are recruited to document and report at regular intervals on reintroduced plants and wildlife.
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