Ward (Aaron Montgomery) Park

The Chicago Park District first acquired the southern two-acres in 2000, and three years later, the developer of new high-rise condominiums Centrum Properties donated an acre on the north side of the park to satisfy the requirements of Chicago’s Open Space Ordinance. The Chicago Park District worked with two design firms — Wolff Landscape Architects and Peter Walker and Partners — to develop the unimproved site. The park’s plan emphasizes the Chicago River as the site’s main asset by incorporating a river walk promenade with benches and shade trees that offers spectacular views of the water and skyline. The park also has a large playground, adjacent dog-friendly area and two works of art — a lovely mosaic wall near the river, and a stainless steel sculpture entitled "Commemorative Ground Ring" near the intersection of W. Erie and N. Kingsbury streets. Sculptor Sheila Klein first displayed the work in 1989 in a temporary exhibit known as Sculpture Chicago. Moved to Ward Park in 2005, the sculpture emulates an enormous engagement ring, and incorporates imagery from the city’s architectural legacy. Elements include a skyscraper, the famous three-part Chicago window, and a form that looks like the famous Getty Tomb by revered architect Louis Sullivan.

Acreage: 3.0

Facilities: Commemorative Ground Ring(Sculpture), Dog Friendly Area, Playground (Handicap Accessible)