August 9, 2023

Dear friend of the parks,

The email we sent earlier was missing the link to the Netsch Lecture video. Here is the link to the video. The original message is copied below. Apologies for the extra email!

We had a great turn-out for our recent Netsch Lecture: Parks and Beaches as Nature-Based Solutions to Erosion! We want to thank our two wonderful presenters from the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Redefine the Drive team: Jennifer Hyman and Rory Agnew from Civiltech Engineering Inc. and Baird, respectively.

They shared various models of infrastructure the team has explored to mitigate the damages from large rain events and wave overtopping, which are some of the main causes of lakeshore damage and closures along North DuSable Lake Shore Drive. These events are only expected to increase in frequency and severity due to climate change. Learn more about the Redefine the Drive project here.

Many of the models that they discussed were combinations of gray infrastructure (structures made of steel, concrete, and/or other metal materials, such as breakwaters and stepped revetments) and green infrastructure (structures that use natural systems to mitigate water damages, such as beach extensions, submerged stones, berms, and submerged reef structures). My favorite nature-based solution for lakeshore erosion was definitely the introduction of submerged reef structures because they also support the ecological systems that our native bird friends need. 

Examples of strategies to combat erosion and flooding from the North DuSable Lake Shore Drive Study Spotlight.

Throughout the presentation, the Q&A shed light on just how complex lakefront issues are. There were questions surrounding access to open spaces, impact on the lakefront trail, ecological sustainability, funding, equity, and the role of the Army Corps of Engineers, among others. As someone new to these conversations, I appreciated learning not just from our presenters but the questions from audience members—many of whom have been involved in lakefront issues for years.

I was particularly inspired by the discussion around the possible application of nature-based solutions to other parts of the coast beyond the scope of this study. While this presentation was focused on the Oak Street Beach area, the design ideas provide inspiration for other sections of the lakefront—and furthering the goal of completing the Last Four Miles!

If you missed the lecture, you can find the recording here. But for a snapshot of what was shared, here’s a short video produced by the Redefine the Drive team-including footage of the set they built to simulate wave damages.

We are in a crucial window of opportunity to influence the lakefront’s future. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently doing a study of Chicago’s shoreline to “investigate coastal storm risk, formulate and evaluate potential alternative plans to manage risk and potentially recommend projects for implementation.” In other words, they are developing proposals for protecting our shoreline in the face of climate change driven storms.

Historically, the Army Corps of Engineers has opted for a most cost-effective solution rooted in gray infrastructure. We urge them to take inspiration from planning efforts like what we have seen in the Redefine the Drive process. And, with your help, Friends of the Parks will keep up the pressure for them to look to nature for solutions.

Learn more about the Corps’ study here. It includes a tool the public can use for identifying problem areas related to erosion and flooding. And stay tuned for more ways to advocate for our lakefront and the completion of the Last Four Miles!

Sincerely,

Danny McGee

Summer Intern