Happy Anniversary Daniel!

The year 2009 will mark the 100 year anniversary of the plan for Chicago, written by Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett back in 1909 for the Commercial club of Chicago. Nearly 100 years later, Chicago has grown into a vibrant metropolis of more than eight million people, miles of bike paths, and a myriad of option to enjoy the great outdoors close to home.

Often credited with creating the field of urban design, Burham and Bennett had dreams of Chicago surpassing its industrial past and soaring into a new realm of city living. With their revolutionary and bold design, they forever changed the way Chicagoans live and view their city.

Thanks in large part to Chicago's active government and many non-for profit environmental groups, the city has consistently ranked as one of the top ten greenest cities in America in many polls taken in the 21st century. Chicago has many strong political leaders to thank for its ever growing ecological trend. However, nearly 100 years ago, before it was 'hip to be green', it was Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett who set the stage for Chicago to become the environmentally friendly metropolis it is today. Their plan was fueled by the belief that every person deserved access to usable and enjoyable outdoor space. They made public space available throughout the city and set up a system of public transit and green pathways to dictate the flow of inevitable suburban sprawl and growth.

So aside from the fact that this plan produced the city we all know and love today, what tangible evidence can one observe while celebrating this anniversary?

As we head towards this momentous occasion, I encourage all Chicagoans to get out and celebrate all that the Burnham plan has provided us. Let's name a few:

_ The Chicago Lakefront_ Burnham envisioned a continuous string of shoreline parks stretching from the far south side all the way to Wilmette. As a former Chicago Beach Lifeguard, I admit even I take this for granted. In how many cities can one run marathon distances while constantly being surrounded by the beauty of both nature and man made skyscrapers. Get down to the lakefront and revel with the runners, walkers, bikers, skaters, etc. before winter rears its ugly face!

_ The Magnificent Mile_The plan called for the extension of North Michigan avenue over the Chicago river, setting up the prominent street to become the thriving shopping district it is today.

_Navy Pier_ The plan actually called for two parallel recreational piers to be built for Chicagoans to enjoy, only one was built, and has since developed into a tourist draw and quintessential image of Chicago.

_Grant Park_ Before Burnham stepped in, this now beautiful park was just an uninviting strip of land along Michigan Avenue. The plan called for railroad tracks blocking access to the lake to be depressed underground, allowing the park to extend another 300 feet farther east. Get out and enjoy one of the parks many activities or concerts today!

These are just a few of the great amenities brought to the city of Chicago as a result of Burnham's plan. However, now 100 years old, the city is in need of a little face lift. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Chicago Architectural Club, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the Burnham Plan Centennial Committee are a few of the organizations planning events, shows, and competitions in order to both honor and gather ideas for improving the original plan.

The city has already formed goals to fill gaps in the lakefront with new beaches and parks as well as gaps in the region's suburban trails and green ways. Goals have been made to double the city's use of public transit and a competition is in motion to convert Union Station into a high-speed rail hub.

So, thank you Daniel for providing Chicago with an excellent base for success and making history through your unique visions. But, get ready Chicagoans for the next 100 years, sure to again transform our city and build upon urban success to meet the needs of a modern society.