DOWNTOWN — At least two new pocket parks have opened along the Chicago River this spring, providing more green space to the bustling crowds Downtown.
While the city's official Riverwalk is largely on the south side of the "Main Stem" of the river, these new parks provide outdoor retreats on the west side of the South Branch of the river.
One is at the base of the new River Point Tower, a 52-story office building at 444 W. Lake St. The 1½-acre park was built on top of Amtrak and Metra tracks and overlooks the confluence of the main, North and South branches of the river.
The park is now part of the largest Downtown waterfront plaza, and includes a 560-foot-long walkway along the river, developers said.
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Immediately south of River Point and also on the west bank of the Chicago River is a new park at the base of the 54-story building at 150 N. Riverside Plaza.
The park and plaza is also about 1½ acres, the building's website says. However, a big section of the park is west of the building and not immediately abutting the river.
Check out these photos.
150 N. Riverside Plaza:
[DNAinfo photos/Dave Newbart]
River Point
The view 
The view of the Chicago Riverwalk from River Point.
