WEST RIDGE — Nature-loving North Siders may have to wait until mid-September to soak in the serenity at the new West Ridge Nature Preserve along North Western Avenue between Peterson and Bryn Mawr — but vibrant, green grass shows it's clear the uptick in rain causing the park's opening delay has at least been somewhat worth it.
Though the nature center, formerly known as Park No. 568, was first slated to open by Aug. 1 or before, Ald. Patrick O'Connor has said though social media and residential newsletters that weather has caused the park to remain closed until at least part way though September.
"Progress is coming along nicely even though the tremendous amount of rain we have had this summer has made it difficult for the contractors to adhere to the August opening that they had projected," O'Connor said in an email to residents mid-August.
Linze Rice says the much anticipated opening is a few weeks away:
But with the recent demolition of the defunct Rosehill Cemetery water tower and removal of the block-long partition blocking a view of the park's progress, residents hoping to catch a peek of what's to come now finally have a chance.
Check out our slideshow and the photos below to see how the park is evolving.
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