Northside College Prep River Walk

Upon graduation from the University of Kentucky this project, along with several other sites along the Chicago River, were my first professional design projects. These projects were completed for the Chicago Department of Environment while I was employed at Jacobs/Ryan Associates. At the same time that we were designing this project, the Northside College Prep High School was in the planning stages. Additional collaboration between the schools design consultants was required to ensure that a cohesive design was created for the entire site. The main goals set out by the Department of Environment included:

• Rehabilitate the shoreline to reduce erosion of the river bank


• Provide a trail that connected to existing and proposed trail systems


• create an outdoor learning area for the students of the high school


• Remove non-native vegetation and use native plant material throughout the site.

To reduce erosion of the river bank native seed mixtures were utilized. For additional stability at the toe of the slope, A Jacks were installed. These were then backfilled with soil and planted with willow and other plant material to protect against future erosion.






At major intersections, or points of interest, plant material with bold colors was utilized.









The siting of the overlook was a collaboration with the designers of the school. The overlook was designed to allow viewing of the river and provided an access point to the trail below.







At key points, the trail was brought near the river bank. At these locations we designed an area with steps that could be used by students to conduct experiments during science classes, as well as providing a location for launching canoes. On both ends of these steps we installed limestone boulders both for protection of the concrete and to create a more natural appearance to the design element.


The project was over three years in the making, from initial design through construction. This included the Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) becoming involved late in the project. We were then required to revise all the construction documents to ACOE standards, including the use of the metric system, and showing each individual plant on the plans, instead of hatching areas for groundcovers or large areas of perennials. In the end I think the project succeeded at its goals. Upon visiting the site the river walk is being utilized for recreation and educational pursuits, erosion is at a minimum and birds and animals can be seen in the river and on the bank.