A Walk in the Park

In 1869, Dr. John H. Rauch recommended the creation of a Chicago Park District. He said, "...we want not alone a place for business, but also one in which we can live." With this in mind, five strategic parks - Jackson, Garfield, Humboldt, Douglas and Washington - were developed and featured such recreational arenas as lakes, music courts, gardens, riding stables, ball fields, a gymnasium, a conservatory and even a golf course. Connected by wide boulevards, this string of parks came to be known as the "Emerald Necklace." In addition, and with foresight, architect and city planner, Daniel Burnham, along with Edward H. Bennett, devised the 1909 Plan of Chicago. This plan advocated the preservation of natural areas and called for the establishment of the city's forested green belt. These forests not only help define parts of the northern, southern and western boundaries of the city but also help to keep the area's air and water quality in check.