Crazy?
Maybe.
But, I am intrigued.
The Park District of Oak Park is studying a proposal that would create approximately 3.1 acres of new open space out of thin air.
Not thin air exactly, but in the space above the Eisenhower Expressway.
A 3.1-acre bridge deck could be built as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) widening and rebuilding of the highway.
The bridge deck would (could) be built just east of East Avenue and provide additional space to the village, perhaps for a park.
The estimated cost is $67 million, not counting what it would cost to develop what might be on top of the enclosed deck. Park district officials are wondering whether other Oak Park taxing bodies might be interested in looking into the proposal. After all, $67 million is not small change.
But, as famous Chicago architect Daniel Burnham said: “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood …”
Everyone scoffed at the brainstorm tossed out a few years ago of paving over the Ike and building a giant park all the way from Austin Boulevard to Harlem Avenue Remember?
Well, creating a bridge deck over part of the expressway isn’t the same as that earlier idea. But there is a similarity.
And, you know, it’s not a bad idea.
An idea that creates more green space, more area for people to use for recreation and relaxation is worth considering, as well as a welcome change from so-called development that winds up creating less green space, more congestion, more profit for a few.
But, then again, there is that $67 million price tag.
Where would that money come from?
I might be contradicting myself here, but you know how Oak Park might get the money to build that bridge deck?
More Top Picks About
If the deal between Chicago and George Lucas goes sour, perhaps the movie mogul could be persuaded to construct his melted-vanilla ice-cream-cone-looking museum on the bridge deck over the Ike, right here in Oak Park.
Hey, it’s a thought.
Paul Sassone is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.