Design of Maggie Daley Park

Maggie Daley Park was designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates. Its design is based upon the following design principals:

• Blend programmatic ambitions
• Choreograph a complex landscape that offers experiential range
• Unify the site with constructed topography and vegetation
• Increase comfort through mitigation of noise, wind, and sun
• Create accessible and accommodating paths

The introduction of rolling topography created an opportunity for improved views of the lake and back to the city, multiple activities occurring at the same time, and a greater landscape range.

To create a broad range of experiences, the park is based upon two axis’: the park axis and the play axis.

The landscape spaces encountered along the Park Axis vary in character, scale, and seasonal attributes creating a scenographic progression that unfolds in space and time. As visitors follow major pathways through and around the park, they will be introduced to a range of multi-sensory landscape experiences, all of which are interspersed with views of the lake, the city, and the rest of Grant Park.

The Play Axis offers a diverse range of recreational programming. Connected to Millennium Park by the BP Bridge, the ice-skating ribbon is dramatically different from typical civic ice rinks, offering an experientially rich multi-sensory activity that is integrated into the landscape, and into the city.

Also located on the Play Axis is the Play Garden. Once inside, children of multiple age groups will find diverse opportunities for fun, adventure, exploration, and learning.

To see design drawings and learn more about the park design go here.