Mayor Emanuel, Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael P. Kelly, Alderman Debra L. Silverstein and family and friends of late Alderman Bernard L. Stone today celebrated the ribbon cutting at Bernard L. Stone Park (3150 West Devon Avenue). The 1.8 acre park is located at a former Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) lot, and was expanded and developed along the Chicago River.

“Today we celebrate the transformation of what was a parking lot to a beautiful park where residents of all ages can come to enjoy a myriad of recreational activities,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The completion of what is now Bernard L. Stone Park builds on Burnham’s vision for the City of Chicago and provides another opportunity to enjoy the riverfront.”

Stone Park is now home to a multi-purpose field, hills and asphalt walking paths, fitness equipment geared towards seniors, a drinking fountain, 70 new trees and additional landscaping. MWRD materials were repurposed for the project to form new sections of the park.

“I am thrilled to see the transformation of the formerly named Park 526 from a parking lot to the beautiful and active Bernard L. Stone Park,” said Chicago Park District CEO & Superintendent Michael P. Kelly. “This transformation is yet another example of our commitment to executing Daniel Burnham’s vision for Chicago.”

Development at Stone Park continues Mayor Emanuel’s commitment to develop the parks and public land along the Chicago River. Mayor Emanuel today also broke ground on the 312-RiverRun, a nearly two mile recreational hub connecting the Irving Park, North Center, Avondale and Albany Park neighborhoods to three parks with one path. Once complete, the project will provide North Side residents with direct access to a network of recreational amenities that includes softball fields, wheelchair accessible baseball fields, fitness centers, playgrounds, an indoor ice skating rink, tennis courts, a mountain bike trail, outdoor pool, boat houses and more.

"This park will serve as a great addition to the neighborhood and will become a community anchor for recreation and leisure," said Alderman Debra L. Silverstein. “It is a fitting tribute to the late Alderman Bernard L. Stone's decades of service to the 50th Ward. I look forward to seeing it bustle with children, families and seniors."

This project is a key component in Building on Burnham, the Mayor's comprehensive plan to invest in the Lakefront, the Chicago River, natural areas and recreational opportunities in neighborhoods across the city. This plan follows the Mayor’s successful expansion of Chicago’s park system in his first mayoral term, which has already added 750 acres of new parkland, 256 new playgrounds and more than $800 million in capital investment from neighborhoods and private sources.

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