Rahm Names New Park After Maggie Daley

A new downtown park will be named in honor of Chicago's late former first lady Maggie Daley, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Saturday morning.

“This new park will be a new jewel on Chicago’s lakefront, attracting visitors from Chicago and across the country to our vibrant downtown,” said Emanuel at the Chicago Cultural Center during the announcement.  “The beauty of this park and the number of amenities for children and families are a fitting tribute to a woman who gave so much of her own time to beautifying our City and improving the lives of children and young people.

The 20-acre multi-functional park will be situated in north Grant Park by Columbus Drive, Randolph Street, Monroe Street and Lake Shore Drive, according to a press release from the Office of the Mayor.

"It will feature multisensory landscaping; signature elements like rock-climbing sculptures, an ice-skating ribbon, and play garden; and multiple event spaces, all of which are emblematic of Mrs. Daley’s well-known love of children," the release said.

Maggie Daley Park will also feature a zoo, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.

Both former Mayor Richard Daley and his brother, Bill, joined Emanuel for the announcement, the report said.

Construction on the $55 million park begins this fall and the park is expected to open spring 2015, the release from Rahm's office stated.

Maggie Daley passed away last year after battling breast cancer for several years. She was best known as the chair of the "After School Matters" (ASM) program, which provides teenagers with engaging activities in the after-school hours.

Contact Us