No Kayak Launch, but Fishing Stays in Nature Preserve Plans

Chicago Park District officials compromised on plans for a nature preserve that some residents think will actually disturb natural habitats. 

Construction will start in 2014 on a new nature preserve located next to Rosehill Cemetery. Spearheaded by Ward 40 Ald. Patrick O’Connor, the West Ridge Nature Preserve will stretch one block south of West Peterson almost to Bryn Mawr and from Western Avenue to the first big service road.  

The 20-acre plot of land, which includes a 4-acre pond, will open in 2014. 

Initial plans by architects Hitchcock Design Group included gravel and asphalt paths, overlooks, fishing stations and a kayak and canoe launch.

Residents heavily protested the kayak launches and fishing stations at the park’s first public meeting in February. While Baldin said the park districted asked his firm to take out designs of the launches, three fishing stations remain. 

The designer said a better understanding of the site and community input led to the change in plans.

Designers and park district officials held a second meeting for public input Monday night. About 25 people attended the forum at the Chicago Police Department 20^th District Station. 

Birdwatchers Carol Nelson and Petra Blix are extremely concerned the fishing stations will have a negative effect on the area’s birdlife.

“It’s going to be very disruptive to the birds—ducks, herons and sand pipers,” Blix said. 

And for the amount of birdwatchers that come to the space, Nelson is surprised plans don’t include bird-watching spots.

“I’ll have to set up at a fishing station to do my watching,” she said. 

The two were also afraid the clearing and planting of trees would cause native birds to leave and not come back.

According to a site survey, Rosehill Cemetery has used the space as a dumping ground for soil and trees for the last several years. And in the fall, cemetery workers cleared a large amount of space that belonged to the park district, Hitchcock landscape architect Joel Baldin said.

“It wasn’t appropriate for the cemetery to clear the land but they did.” Baldin said to residents who were upset about clearing. “We’re still discussing that and are as upset about it as you guys.” 

The designer described the land as “very disturbed” but could be solved by the proper care, like the addition of shade trees and landscaping.

When the park opens, a chain link fence will separate it from the cemetery. 

For Edgewater resident Chris Swan, the only problem is the distance of the park to his home.

“Who can complain about a nature preserve in the area?” he said. “It’s a good plan, the only problem is that it’s a bit of a trek.”

Residents east of Rosehill Cemetery will have to enter the park on Western at either Thorndale or Ardmore avenues. O’Connor also said his office is working on installing a traffic signal at Ardmore before the park opens. 

“This is a very exciting plan for our community and all of Chicago,” the alderman said. 

Read more: 

• New 20-Acre Nature Preserve Coming to Rosehill Cemetery
• Officials to Reveal New Nature Preserve Plans For Rosehill Cemetery