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Smacked Down

November 10, 2009 - 7:27 am

About 60 people attended the Smack Down. Apparently the largest turn out ever for a UHC lecture. Thanks to all who came out and contributed to the discussion.

The discussion was great and thought provoking. While we architects (see all the people in black in the picture below) had some good things to say, the real star of the show was the moderator, Lynn Becker. In about 15 minutes he gave the most clear, astute, and informative, and insightful description of the plan I have ever heard.

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Make No Old Plans

July 5, 2009 - 9:00 am
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Osterman beach, chicago july 5, 2009

I realize I am coming very late to this, but I was finally able to figure out what has been bugging me about the Friends of the Park plan “The Last Four Miles”. If you are not familiar, it is worth taking a look at the plan, here, before reading further.

To say that the disconnected parcels of park and beach at the north and south ends of the city should be tied together with more parkland is like saying oxygen is a good thing for humans. It is absolutely true and it should have been a part of the park systems capital plans and budget long ago. But, to butcher a phrase, if you want to stir people’s blood, you have to do something other than finish someone else’s old ideas.

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