The Freshwater Lab at UIC and artists from the Chicago Public Art Group will celebrate the installation of permanent artworks that reflect the history, ecology and possible futures of Canalport Riverwalk Park.
Join us to engage with this unique stretch of the Chicago River, enjoy a wide range of activities and booths, meet neighbors, and share stories.
The Canalport Riverwalk, a five-acre park that straddles the South Branch and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, is one of the few water access points on Chicago’s West Side. Its existence is barely known even to longtime residents. The riverwalk lacks amenities and needs love.
The location of the artworks signals how environmental issues disproportionately affect communities that border this stretch of the river. Rio de Bienvenida/River of Welcome advocates for public access to the river and park space that more closely resembles other parts of the river.
In the name of fostering relationships between people and the river and improving the park experience, we have worked with community members to design an art fence and mosaic planters. In conjunction with the Shedd Aquarium, we will work toward a healthier, more beautiful park through planting.
The afternoon will offer visitors many opportunities to engage the park and the Chicago River system, participate in activities, and join the movement for a safer, healthier South Branch.
This event is free, open to the public and kid-friendly. Seating and snacks will be provided.
Read a Chicago Tribune article on the project.
View photos from the River of Welcome/Rio de Bienvenida project launch event.
Event partners
Anthony Marcos Rea
Chicago BIPOC Birders
Chicago Asian Americans for Environmental Justice
Chicago Park District
Friends of the Chicago River
Friends of the Parks
Little Village Environmental Justice Organization
Mobile Street Art Cart
Myrna Salgado
Neighbors for Environmental Justice
Pilsen Arts & Community House
Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization
Pilsen Neighbors
Shedd Aquarium
The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Urban Rivers
With support from the following:
University of Illinois Presidential Initiative
Safety and accessibility: We are committed to fostering an environment that is inclusive, safe and accessible to everyone. We do not tolerate any harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, body size, appearance, age or national origin. To request accommodations, submit questions or provide feedback, email thefreshwaterlab@gmail.com.
Getting there: The Canalport Riverwalk Park is located at 2900 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60608. The use of public transportation is encouraged where possible. There are two entrances to Canalport Riverwalk Park: one on Damen Ave. and one on Ashland Ave. at 29th St. A pathway to the park runs between QTS Data Center and the river. We will be gathering closer to Ashland Ave. in the circular area with benches.
Parking: Parking on (and entering the park from) Ashland Ave. is recommended. It is legal to park on either side of Ashland Ave. near the Canalport Riverwalk Park. Please review parking signage posted along Ashland Ave.
Description of grounds: Entrance to the park begins at the traffic light at Ashland Ave. and Chicago Sun Times Dr. The pathway is smoothly paved. Within the park, there are one-two places of broken concrete closer to the Damen Ave. side.
Notice of filming and photography: By participating and being present during the event, you give the University of Illinois Chicago the right to use photographs or video/audio recordings taken of you during the event for educational or promotional purposes and for sharing with external news media. If you do not wish to appear in photographs or be recorded, please avoid this area at this time or contact an event staff member or volunteer.