The RNRA Park Advisory Council (PAC) is responsible for oversight of the association’s open space and outdoor environment agenda, including:

• Park 511 capital improvements and programming
• Neighborhood-wide park and public space development / enhancement initiatives
• Informing and collecting input from the community
• Formulating recommendations, and interfacing with the Chicago Park District and other related agencies and organizations

To learn more or get involved, Click here to contact the PAC Chair.

Geese Nuisance in Erie Park

This past year there were numerous complaints about the amount of geese droppings in Park #511 (Erie Park). Residents complained of it being nearly impossible to find any place on the grass that was free of droppings to sit or lie out and enjoy the park. And parents were concerned their child may ingest the droppings. Because of the number of complaints, and because the presence of geese droppings attracts rats, the River North Park Advisory Council felt this was an important issue to address. We have done extensive research around non-toxic, animal friendly ways to discourage the geese from congregating at Park #511 and pooping all over the grass and have shared this with the Chicago Park District.  We will continue to work with the Chicago Park District to find a solution that is both safe and long lasting. Please check back often for updates on this issue.

Playground Construction is Underway!

The long awaited "Erie Park" playground will soon be a reality. At a public meeting in February, Chicago Park District Senior Project Manager Bob Foster described the layout, access points, seating, finishes,  equipment and landscaping. The playground will be located in the south section of the park along Erie Street between Kingsbury and Larrabee.

Mr. Foster and Alderman Reilly answered questions from attendees about the design features and construction schedule, which began in early september and is expected to last 3-4 months.

The 6,900 square foot state-of-the-art facility will include 2 gated entrances from within the park, a rubberized "land form" surface, a water feature, a drinking fountain, integrated seating and a wide array of play equipment for kids in the 2-5 and 5-12 age ranges, much of which will be accessible to users with disabilities.

To access renderings, click here for design and here for equipment.

Park 511 Dog Friendly Area (DFA)

The north section of Park 511 (north of Erie and west of Larrabee) includes a large triangular fenced area in which dog owners may allow their pets to run and play without leashes, subject to certain restrictions.

This off-leash (or "dog-friendly") area was created to temporarily address a community need until a permanent DFA, that is fully complant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requirements, can be constructed. Substantial financial support from the dog-owning community will be needed in order to fund the construction and design of the new DFA.

Prior to approving the construction of a new permanent DFA, the Chicago Park District requires the endorsement of a majority of residents within a five-block radius of the proposed location.

The rules require that we demonstrate the support of a majority of the community within a 5-block radius of the proposed amenity, including dog owners, non-dog owners and other stakeholders. The River North Residents Association, River North Dog Owners Association and Erie Park Advisory Council are in favor of this project and conducted an online survey to assess comnmunity support.

• Number of respondents: 240
• Number of buildings represented: 30+
• % of dog owners responding: 52.1
• % of non-dog owners responding: 47.9
• % of favorable responses: 72.1

The River North Residents Association welcomes responsible dog owners and supports the development of a new permanent DFA in the north section of Park 511.

Click here to access the Park District's DFA regulations.

Click here to access RNRA's suggestions for the creation of onsite dog runs in new River North Developments.

New River North Water Taxi Dock

July 27, 2009: The "Blue Dog" prepares to dock at a brand new water taxi landing located on the Park 511 river walk, just north of Erie Street. This is the first ever residential-oriented water taxi stand in downtown Chicago! 

Morning Taxi Service: $1 from all docks for morning commuters:

Erie Street to Sears Tower/Union Station - 7:10 am
Erie Street to Michigan Avenue - 7:50am
Erie Street to Sears Tower/Union Station - 8:30am
Erie Street to Michigan Avenue - 9:10am

Evening Taxi Service: $1.50 with purchase of 10-Ride Pass or $3 one-way:

Michigan Avenue to Erie Street - 4:30pm
Sears Tower/Union Station to Erie Street - 5:10pm
Michigan Avenue to Erie Street - 5:50pm
Sears Tower/Union Station to Erie Street - 6:30pm