Chicago, “City in a Garden”
You may be familiar with Chicago’s motto, “Urbs in Horto,” a Latin phrase meaning “City in a Garden.” Although at the time of Chicago’s incorporation in 1837 this was more aspirational, today 570 public parks can be enjoyed year-round across the city. Innumerable green spaces and community gardens have also taken root as neighborhoods recognize their positive impact on community and environment.
The greater Ravenswood area is no exception. You will find several accessible public parks and community spaces from North Center to Bowmanville.
Community Gardens
The Ravenswood Community Council is actively seeking volunteers to help maintain our greenways and bioswales. Whether you’d like to join a community garden or help us keep our shared spaces clean and green, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
The Berteau Greenway & Lawrence Avenue Bioswales
Berteau between Ravenswood and Ashland / Lawrence Ave
The Berteau Greenway & Lawrence Avenue Bioswales
The Ravenswood Community Council oversees the maintenance of the Berteau Greenway (Berteau between Ravenswood and Ashland) and its bioswales. Filled with vegetation, compost, and riprap, the bioswales are landscaped drains. The gently sloping sides and greenery of the bioswales help remove silt and pollution from the runoff water. Additionally, there are bioswales along Lawrence Avenue that SSA #31 manages.
Get Involved
As the seasons change, the Ravenswood Community Council needs volunteers to help with cleaning the bioswales. The RCC also works with neighborhood schools to teach students about the importance of bioswales for stormwater management and the environment. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Bowmanville Community Gardens
Ravenswood and Balmoral Avenues
Bowmanville Community Gardens
Situated at Ravenswood and Balmoral Avenues, the Bowmanville Gateway Garden has provided vital open space to grow food, build community, and learn key skills for a more sustainable future since 2009. In 2017, the Bowmanville Community Organization (BCO) partnered with Neighbor Space to acquire the land on which the garden resides. Within the expanded space, neighbors envision year-round food growing, ecological education, and accessible gardening for people of all ages and abilities.
Get Involved
An active neighborhood association, the Bowmanville Community Organization hosts regular events and community greening days.
Follow the Bowmanville Community Organization Facebook page to stay up to date on events they organize.
Montrose Metra Community Gardens
Ravenswood Ave, between Montrose and Berteau
Montrose Metra Community Gardens
The Montrose Metra Community Gardens (MMCG) feature raised-bed plots, native fruit trees, and native plants, as well as public spaces along the west side of Ravenswood Ave, between Montrose and Berteau. Break out your gardening tools and attend some of their volunteer days, workshops, and educational events.
Additionally, the MMCG and the Ravenswood Community Council also oversee the Sunnyside Savanna Gardens, located just north of Montrose on west Ravenswood Ave. Previously maintained by the American Indian Center, the Sunnyside Savanna Gardens feature more than 70 native species as well as a walking path and community seating.
Get Involved
The Montrose Metra Community Gardens are always looking for volunteers. To keep up with their upcoming calls for volunteers, follow the MMCG Facebook Page.
Winnslie Parkway
Ravenswood Ave, between Winnemac and Ainslie
Winnslie Parkway
One of the oldest established greenspaces in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, the Winnslie Parkway is a scenic walking path located along the east side of the Metra tracks from Winnemac to Ainslie. Parkway highlights include a wood-chip trail, natural seating areas, and native flowers.
The gardens were redesigned in 2013 by landscape architect Stephen Christy, following the completion of a significant Metra construction project. Since then, the Winnslie Parkway has become a favorite spot for locals and commuters to unwind, stretch their legs, and enjoy the outdoors. The space is managed and cared for by Friends of Winnslie Parkway (501c3) and Schanmier Landscaping.
Get Involved
Friends of Winnslie hosts several annual volunteer events, including a spring “Chip the Pathway” party and seasonal garden cleanups. Contact them via the Parkway website for details on the latest volunteer opportunities and donation needs.
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Throughout the year, Chicago’s park districts offer free athletic and arts programs for all ages as well as a chance to meet our neighbors away from the hustle and bustle of busy streets.
Chase Park
Chase Park amenities include a running track, an outdoor pool, a newly-renovated accessible playground, two baseball fields, one football/soccer field, four tennis courts and a large playground area.
Welles Park
Welles Park’s most popular feature is its iconic green, wrought-iron, European-style gazebo. Equipped with electricity for lights and sound, the gazebo is used for outdoor concerts, storytelling and other performances.
Park amenities include an ADA accessible, soft-surface playground for children. Welles Park provides year-round programs and activities for children and adults.
Winnemac Park
Winnemac Park encompasses 22.38 acres of land and features a scenic prairie garden, several youth programs, and an accessible playground.
Tennis courts and baseball diamonds are popular when the weather is hospitable, but there is plenty of room for nature-lovers to roam, read a book, or picnic.
Further Reading and Resources
If you’re new to gardening, local business and chamber member City Grange, would be thrilled to assist you.
