You Can’t Miss Chicago’s Millennium Park

Jelly Bean, Millennium Park, Chicago

The whole purpose of a city square is to attract visitors and to keep them coming back but why do so many cities fail at creating user-friendly public spaces. One city that has been able to utilize their public land effectively is Chicago. Bordered by Lake Michigan, Chicago has always been spoilt for parks but there was one area that was a blight on the city.

Millennium Park, Chicago

Chicago is famous for its above ground trains running between the buildings but one stretch of the line was taking up valuable real estate and destroying the synergy of the city. For years train lines ran next to Bryant Park into the heart of the city creating a disconnect between the city and the Lake and the adjacent parks. To rectify the situation the government buried the train lines and created a massive public space. Opened in 2004, Millennium Park covers 24.5-acre and is filled with design sculptures, water fountains, gardens, an art gallery, a music pavilion and a giant chrome Jelly Bean.

Lurie Garden, Millennium Park, Chicago

Chicago’s Millennium Park is an excellent example of how to utilize public space and make it an enjoyable and engaging destination for all. If your city square is not a public space you’re proud then you’d better send your government official to Chicago to see what’s possible!