Enhancing Jackson Park: Take a look at before and after
The Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park will feature a world-class museum that tells the story of President and Mrs. Obama, vibrant public gathering spaces, a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, an athletic center, and a variety of community spaces, from a recording studio to an auditorium to a sledding hill.
We’re excited for what the Center will mean for the community and wanted to share a glimpse of our plans and how the Park will change to better support the community and visitors from around the country and the world.
Drag the sliders below to see what Jackson Park looks like today and what we’re planning for the future Obama Presidential Center:
More Green Space
The Center will increase the amount of green space in Jackson Park by converting portions of large roads that were not part of the Park’s original design back into parkland. We’ll also create easier access to the beautiful lagoon by increasing the connectivity of the park to match its original design—the Park is currently spliced by a six-lane thoroughfare.
Enhanced Children’s Play Area
We’re replacing the existing playground near the comfort station with a giant play area with innovative, imaginative play equipment for children and seating for adults to relax.
Increased Accessibility
Our plans will make the historic Women’s Garden more accessible for people with different abilities and convert the roads surrounding the Garden back to parkland.
We’ll also add many new greenspaces across the campus for folks in the community to host picnics, read, gather, and play. The Center will bring beautiful new spaces and visitors to Jackson Park—and we think you’ll love it!