Flooding Provides a Scare for Chicago's Two New Public Spaces

The damage could have been a lot worse, but surely flooding that temporarily closed down the Chicago Riverwalk and The 606 elevated bikeway will require additional evaluation by project planners and engineers.

1 minute read

June 16, 2015, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Flooded Chicago River

edward stojakovic / Flickr

"Chicago residents weren't the only ones struggling to stay dry during yesterday's wild flash flood, as the city's two latest and greatest public park spaces were also pounded by the rain," according to a post by AJ LaTrace. The newly opened sections of the Chicago Riverwalk and The 606 both flooded in a particularly violent and sudden storm in the city of Chicago yesterday.

Blair Kamin and Jasper Craven provided a dispatch from the Riverwalk the day after the storm, reporting on the state of the new public spaces and the ongoing closure so city workers could clean up the mess. Local businesses such as City Winery escaped any damage but residents on hand today expressed both confidence and concern over the possibility of future flooding events.

David Matthews reports for DNAinfo that most of the Riverwalk had been re-opened by noon on Tuesday.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 in Curbed Chicago

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

6 hours ago - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog