Friends of Big Marsh

Friends of Big Marsh is an organization working with the Chicago Park District to realize the potential of Big Marsh to be a positive influence on public health and economic development in the Calumet region. Big Marsh is an ecological and recreational asset developed in the midst of South Chicago’s African-American and Latino communities. Friends…” is working to build a world-class bike facility that serves as the hub of eco-recreation on the Southeast Side. We look forward to building connections to the Pullman National Monument, the William Powers State Recreation Area, and Beaubien Woods, and the communities in our backyard. Friends of Big Marsh is the private partner in a public-private partnership with the Chicago Park District. Every year, the Park District brings over 1000 Chicago young people to the Park to experience nature and physical activity. With this proposal, Friends of Big Marsh plans to ensure that the young people will bring their families back and enjoy Big Marsh organically. Big Marsh is an incredible example of how communities can come together to protect, regain, and sometimes even recreate our natural resources. In 2016, Big Marsh Park opened up with the phase 1 features of the bike park: a one-mile single track loop, 3 BMX jump lines, and a pump track.

With Friends of Big Marsh and the Chicago Park District’s unique partnership we are able to provide education to the community about the environment and biking infrastructure. One of our focuses is to raise awareness about the barriers of biking on Chicago’s south side. Many southside communities struggle with biking due to lack of bike lanes, no sidewalks (so pedestrians can walk safely), potholes, and other concerns. Through the eco-bike day camps, bird walks, and the After School Matters sponsored Big Marsh Bike Ambassadors at Trumbull Park youth programming, Friends of Big Marsh and The Chicago Park District are able to guide youth on bike rides so they have a chance to experience their communities and learn the benefits of having a natural space such as Big Marsh Park.  Our mission is not only to educate the youth, we also work to build opportunities for neighbors, develop new park amenities, and work for the best of the Calumet. Extra energy needs to be expended to make sure that the populations of Deering, East Side, Hegewisch, South Chicago, Pullman, Roseland, and Altgeld Gardens can become regular users of the park and its fitness and health benefits.