Bloomingdale Trail Connects Logan Square Neighborhood

In the Logan Square Neighborhood of Chicago, some friends are getting together to turn an old rail line into linear parks and a trail for their community. The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail (FBT) are working with local government and biking and nature enthusiasts to create a trail that connects neighborhoods and provides transportation options for local residents, while making use of the existing rail lines. The idea was first conceived in the 1997 vision document for the Chicago area trails plan. At that time, the line was still used for freight purposes, but the city was looking for a way to create new trails. By 2001, the railway was no longer in use and the eastern section was becoming overgrown.

FBT was organized in 2003, although planning for the trail began in 2002. When the Friends first got together, it was thought that the project would take five to ten years. However, when Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley got word of the plan, the timeline was expedited with a completion target time of 5 years. The Friends also has endorsements for the trail from chambers of commerce, CEOs, schools and aldermen in the area. FBT has also created partnerships with organizations like The Trust for Public Lands, which has helped the Logan Square neighborhood to acquire 4 city lots at a value of $1.2 million, and is expected to play a huge part of the development of the trail.

Completion of the trail and linear park would not only provide a recreational opportunity for residents of Logan Square, but it would serve as a complete neighborhood transportation resource. In an area with limited public transportation service, completion of the trail would add connections to grocery stores, schools, and other community destinations, including the Chicago River, commercial districts, and the bus and transit systems. The Logan Square neighborhood would specifically benefit from the creation of much needed park space; currently Logan Square has the second least amount of park space in Chicago. The creation of the trail would provide residents with access points for utilitarian and recreational travel.

Some that oppose the trail have claimed that completion of the trail will speed already occurring gentrification in the Logan Square neighborhood and increase taxes and rents. These opinions are supported by the construction of new condominiums near the trail along with an influx of young professionals to the area. FBT President Josh Deth understands these concerns, and points to the phasing plan for the trail, which will begin at the west end of the existing rail line and head east. The phasing plan will work in the opposite direction of the pattern of gentrification, which is moving east to west, and will complete the most needed improvements first, serving those who will benefit the most from the new trail.

FBT is currently working to finalize the acquisition of land that the trail will pass over and through, and is beginning to undertake the master planning process for the trail. Vacant land still remains in the hands of manufacturing companies, and acreage is still available along the trail for parks and pedestrian amenities. The aim of FBT, and the purpose of the trail, is to turn an abandoned rail line that has been an unattractive and underused part of the neighborhood into an asset that benefits the health and serves the prosperity of its neighbors and friends.

Resources

Chicago, IL Community Partnership Page

Logan Square Neighborhood Association

Logan Square Open Space Plan: Create a Greenway on the Bloomingdale Rail Line (pdf)

Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail