Last Tuesday, developer Related Midwest hosted a grand opening celebration for Bennett Park in Chicago’s downtown Streeterville neighborhood. Developed by Related Midwest and designed by the award-winning landscape architectural firm of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, creator of Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park and The 606 trail, the two-acre public park is adjacent to the developer’s new 70-story One Bennett Park residential tower.
“We are proud to have worked closely with Alderman Brendan Reilly, the Streeterville community and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates on the development and design of Bennett Park, which has transformed two acres of the neighborhood into a beautifully designed, dynamic public green space for all generations,” said Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest. “Bennett Park is a point of pride for Streeterville and a gift for Chicagoans. We look forward to the community enjoying this stunning park for many decades to come.”
Bennett Park features abundant native landscaping, a central lawn bowl, two dog runs, meandering pathways, a shady grove with seating and a children’s playground that serves a range of ages with a play garden, large sandbox with bridges, swings and slides, a timber-climbing forest, winding trails, bench seating, stroller parking and more.
Alderman Reilly, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), community groups and neighbors joined Related Midwest for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting before an evening event that was attended by an estimated 600 guests. The newly completed Bennett Park, like the Robert A.M. Stern Architects-designed high-rise that sits just east of it, was named for Edward H. Bennett, a notable Chicago architect who co-authored the transformative 1909 Plan of Chicago with Daniel Burnham.
“We share Related Midwest’s enthusiasm and that of the Streeterville community for the opening of Bennett Park, which is designed for all age groups to enjoy both during their day-to-day lives and at neighborhood events,” said Laura Solano, principal at Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. “Each space within the park functions as its own room yet connects seamlessly through the landscape, providing a variety of welcoming spaces and ever-changing scenery throughout the seasons. It truly will be an escape within the city.”
