New Lakeview turf, park near Diversey golf range

 

I enjoyed a bike commute yesterday and stopped to take a few photos along the lakefront paths. Looking east at the new park area being developed adjacent to the Diversey Driving Range between West Barry and West Diversey. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty unless otherwise noted.

One of my favorite areas for outdoor recreation is getting better. A new turf field with lighting and an improved "natural park" area are being developed in southern Lakeview. The lakefront parks and facilities between West Barry Ave and West Diversey Parkway are really pleasant. There is work-out equipment, gravel trails, a golf driving range, tennis courts, concessions and the harbor. 

Renderings of the turf field and natural area from the 44th Ward Alderman web site

Of course the real estate along this strip of parkland and amenities is fantastic.  There is a mix vintage mid-rise and high-rise buildings overlooking the park. I took a look at sales west of North Sheridan to the lakefront and West Diversey to West Belmont. Attached condos have a relatively accessible median price of $245,000 over the last 12 months. Now, many of these are one bedroom condos with high assessments.  Over the same period the highest priced sale in these boundaries is $1,950,000 at 3030 North Lakeview Drive, Unit 202. Chicago IL 60657.

High-rise and vintage apartment homes overlook the amenities along the lakefront. They will enjoy the improved natural area... although some nearby residents complained about the new turf field with lights. Median price of a condo is $245,000 but a larger home will cost you much more in purchase price and assessments.

Sunshine Playscape open in Lincoln Park, North Pond conservation efforts

Sunshine Playscape has been open for over a month now. I had a chance to take my youngest kids a couple times. It's a great looking playground located among the paths winding around the North Pond Nature Sanctuary.  I did not great photos of the playscape features. However I can say it is tilted to younger children. My four year old loves it. My 7-10 year old kids had some fun but got a little bored after awhile.

One of my favorite views in the city.

The continual effort to improve and conserve the area around the North Pond helps the real estate values along the lakefront in Lincoln Park. I do hope and imagine the owners of luxury units at 2550 N Lakeview take a particular interest in their front yard. The median price of a condo sale at 2550 N Lakeview over the past couple years is $1.9M. 

Amazing new play-lot coming to Lincoln Park near North Pond

A new, large playground is under construction at 2650 N Stockton in Lincoln Park replacing an old play-lot. One of the sections is shown above.

"Sunshine Playscape" is under construction in a great Lincoln Park location near North Pond restaurant. The area near the corner of North Lakeview and West Deming is one of my favorites. Lots of restaurants, bars and services on North Clark. You can't beat the awesome landscape of the parks around the North Lagoon!

The excellent North Pond restaurant is just steps away from the play-lot.

I would let the kids play on the old playground and stare at this view over the North Lagoon.

The old play-lot has been leveled (looking north).

I look forward to spending many more years of taking my kids to this park and the surrounding entertainment options.

Checking out the crazy scene at new Maggie Daley Park

Bridges, massive slides and sky lines last Sunday at the new Maggie Daley Park in The Loop, 337 East Randolph, Chicago IL 60601.  The 60 degree weather brought out the locals and tourists in mass.

Sometimes you bite the bullet and do something downtown on a Sunday when everyone else will be doing it.  Despite the crowds on a very nice "pre-spring" day there was still plenty of room to play at the insane Maggie Daley Park.  
Here's an early write-up from Red Tricycle.

Fast slide! Photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

My wife and I brought six kids ranging 2 1/2yrs through 10yrs old.  Lots of walking on cool winding paths will tire them (and you) out.  The slides were the unanimous hit. Lots of slides big and small.

Not all play area or exhibits are open yet.  It will be nice to visit when the site is more complete and filled in with landscaping.  Right now it has a little bit of an Apocalyptic Disney/ Lord of the Flies thing going on. Remember no dogs, cartoon, wild or otherwise.

Time lapse video of new Maggie Daley Park

We drove a few round trips up and down Lake Shore Drive with the kids over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  Our kids (7, 5 and 2 1/2) debated the merits of the new Maggie Daley Park each time we passed. "It's a water park!" "No, it's not a water park!" Bottom line they are excited.

Coincidentally, I found out about this time lapse video posted on The Chicago Architecture Blog via Chicago Curbed. Check out one of the newest downtown jewels near the lakefront.