The Printers Row Park on Dearborn Street between Polk and Harrison Streets officially opened Nov. 7, with 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti and 5th District State Representative Ken Dunkin in attendance. More than 200 people came for the elaborate event, which featured several speakers and musical interludes.

Local resident Jack Scott played the lute, and the Rev. Christopher Coon, pastor of the Urban Village Church, which holds services at Grace Place across the street from the park, gave the invocation. Mary Ivory, Gail Merritt, and other members of the South Loop Neighbors (SLN) read poetry. Members of the Columbia College band and Jones College Prep student jazz ensemble performed.

Fioretti said, “It was quite a struggle that we had this today. We are moving toward creating open spaces for rest. It will serve as a meeting place for the community.”

Bernie Wong of Site Design Group, the park’s designer, said, “This park has been four years in the making for us. We hope everyone will enjoy it for years to come.”

Leslie Recht, 2nd Ward school and park liaison, said, “The South Loop Neighbors and Dennis McClendon are to be commended for their ongoing efforts and their support for this park.”

Helen Kaplow of the SLN shared some history about the park’s site, including plans at one point to construct a building there. The SLN, then known as the Historic Printers Row Neighbors, stood firm in its objections, and the building project was scuttled.

The ribbon cutting featured yarn—rather than ribbon—from Loopy Yarn, a local shop. Refreshments consisted of coffee from the local Starbucks and treats from local eateries Trattoria Caterina, Pockets, Hackney’s, Standing Room Only, and Bar Louie.

Among those coordinating the event and supporting the park’s creation were Roy Svenson of Chicago Community Bank’s Dearborn Station and Monadnock building branches. Svenson said locals already have begun developing holiday ideas for the park.

During the event, Fioretti said work on Congress Parkway, resurfacing the Eisenhower Expressway, and work on the south branch of Wacker Drive all will begin in April.

- Marie Balice Ward