PR Park Day has come--and gone--and it was great

Now everyone has to start using it

11/08/2009 8:02 PM

By Bonnie McGrath

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Everyone sure seems to be in love with our new Printers Row Park. It was dedicated and consecrated and unveiled in all its glory yesterday between the Rowe and Transportation buildings--and I am hearing that everyone was really thrilled. I mean REALLY thrilled--with it’s beauty, it’s significance, the fact that it’s there and that it’s nice. Everyone loves the décor, I hear--especially the seating, which is in the shape of typesetting blocks designed by South Loop Neighbors president and cartographer and historian Dennis McClendon, who lives in Dearborn Park.

“Roy Svenson [head of the Chicago Community Bank at the Dearborn Station] was the matrix of the festivities,” said Mary Ivory, who lives at the Transportation Building.

Tons of food was served to celebrate--and there were little ballerinas provided by Dearborn Station dancing school owner Homer Bryant. And lute playing by Jack Scott from South Plymouth.

Alderman Bob Fioretti seemed truly amazed at the neighborhood turnout and spirit, noted Helen Kaplow from the South Loop Neighbors board--and who lives at the Donahue Building. “Everyone was there,” she said, “except you. Even people who have moved away.” (I had a ticket to an historic architectural tour in Lincoln Park that had been planned for a long time.)

Helen gave a speech commemorating the event. “This park will be not just a lovely place to sit on a sunny afternoon; it will stand as a reminder that when a community cares and works together, mountains--and skyscrapers--can be moved. And that’s the moral of the story,” she says she said. “Our community created this park, and in another sense, the park created the community….And again today, the park has brought about a gathering of people. I hope and expect that this site will continue to be a site of conversation, friendship, and community.”

Another bit of literary aplomb was displayed and everyone loved it, I hear. It was a poem written by Gail Merritt, with help from her husband Paul Brayman (the couple lives at the Donahue) and Mary Ivory. Six neighborhood residents took turns reading the stanzas. And here it is in its entirety:

Shared space in the city is rare

We all treasure light and fresh air

This makes parks so precious

To praise this one let us

Reflect on this site so fair

Years ago seedy buildings were here

In our memory their use was not clear

Pawn shop or bordello?

Books say perhaps so

At their demise we did not shed a tear.

In ’98 a building was proposed for the site

For many the idea was a fright

High rise or no?

Which way to go?

HPRN* seemed to be born overnight.

From there the community grew

Old timers have been joined by new

To have fun in these spaces

Like BBQs and pet graces

Under skies that are cloudy or blue

Two short streets, unnamed, are no more

To make room for what’s yet in store

More dog washes we hope

Perhaps some jumped rope

New fun to add to Printers Row lore

Construction – and this poem – are now done

It’s time to visit and have some fun

So let’s raise a cheer

To this space we hold dear

And look forward to memories to come.

*Historic Printers Row Neighbors, now called South Loop Neighbors


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