Following the design ideologies of Manhattan’s elevated park built on a historic freight rail line, Chicago’s 606 Trail is the new linear park in the west side. The 606 associates to the Chicago zip code start! Recently, on bright sunny day, I took the opportunity to visit the trail with Meghna.
Since I have experienced the Highline in New York in three different seasons and I’ve loved it more every single visit, my expectations with this version in Chicago was really high. The Highline being one of the most successful projects in the recent past has set an example of activating a dilapidated space in the heart of the city and making it resourceful. A few thoughts that were going on in my mind about the 606 was the simplicity with which it has been designed.
To me, a lot of design elements were missing in terms of aesthetics. A few opportunities were a miss, but budget constraints has always been the answer to such questions! It definitely works in terms of activation of a space - after all it connects so many neighborhoods in West Chicago.
Another thought in my mind was in terms of promoting an active lifestyle. In comparison with the High line project that provides numerous seating options to the visitors and sometimes even in between the walking track, the 606 clearly aimed at making the track as the focal point and promote walking/ jogging. Maybe that made their goals evident and seating installation tasks easier! Not to miss out on the rubber path detail here.
The 606 definitely is user friendly, because people from all walks of life were seen using it while we were there. Unlike the High line which doesn’t permit dogs nor bikes on the trial, the 606 Project was supportive of dogs and bikes.
In my opinion, this is a successful project which adds to the urban resource of the neighborhoods that it connects, promoting a healthy lifestyle and holding the essence of Chicago's graffiti culture.
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