MPC report outlines vision for Chicago rivers: more accessible, inviting, cleaner

Little Calumet River Ecology Paddle and Cleanup/Photo courtesy of Forest Preserves of Cook County

Tourists often take architectural boat tours on the Chicago River alongside kayakers and water taxis. People relax, sip on a cocktail and even fish from the riverwalk. Now imagine swimmers in the water.

That’s one of the activities envisioned for Chicago-area rivers in a report set to be released Wednesday by the Metropolitan Planning Council.

The nonprofit group surveyed more than 6,000 people over 18 months — including real estate developers, river users and other stakeholders — to come up with a vision for the future of the Chicago, Calumet and Des Plaines rivers and 150 miles of riverfront. The report outlines ways to make the three rivers more accessible, inviting and cleaner by 2020, 2030 and 2040…Please click here to read Leonor Vivanco’s story in the Tribune.