Over the years I have visited Chicago many times. I have been impressed with the commitment to green spaces, with the different kinds of parks, with the preservation of the lakefront, the inclusion of both classic and contemporary sculpture and design in the enviable system of parks in your city. As an avid walker (usually eight to 10 miles a day) in Chicago as well as cities across the country, and indeed in many cities in Europe, Africa and Asia, I have many opportunities to avail myself of the concessions and facilities provided by municipalities small and large.
Recently I spent the weekend in Chicago. I walked, on a Saturday evening, from Fullerton south along the lakefront to Chicago Avenue between the hours of 7 and 9 p.m.
It was an almost perfect early autumn evening. I praise the Park District for the cleanliness of the park, for the well-lighted pathways, for the recreation opportunities available. Most of all, though, I send kudos and thanks for the frequent availability of clean, well-lighted, safe and fully stocked bathrooms. Warm water, soap, paper towels, tissue, clean floors and functioning locks on stall doors–all of these are seldom found in public park facilities. Congratulations! And thank you.
