October 11, 2016 – Shallow fountains on a new stretch of Riverwalk will come to life over the next two weeks for testing.

Workers are finishing lighting and trim for the water feature of Water Plaza, the Riverwalk room under construction between LaSalle Street and Wells Street, according to Chicago Department of Transportation on Monday.

CDOT says the “zero-depth” fountains will be a playground for kids. (Left) Rendering of Water Plaza, the new Riverwalk room previously known as Swimming Hole.

(Right) What this area looked like on Tuesday.

Next door, between Wells and Franklin, the floating gardens of The Jetty are in place. Work continues on plantings, the walked-on portion of the Riverwalk, granite walls, and stairs. The stretch will include classroom space. And on Boardwalk, between Franklin and Lake, foundation work is complete and concrete pathways are now being built. (Left) Floating gardens at The Jetty west of Wells Street.

Construction barges do not extend as far into the Chicago River. CDOT has reduced its presence on the river “down to almost nothing,” according to Project Manager Oswaldo Chaves. And all of the under-bridge sections are in place, connecting the three stretches of Riverwalk that CDOT says will open this month.

(Right) Progress on the Boardwalk, the intentionally under-developed stretch of Riverwalk between Franklin and Lake Streets.

(Left) As the sign says, Lillie’s is open, as of August 1, but don’t ask the City of Chicago for directions. A map, issued by the city, of Riverwalk vendors appears to show the food vendor west of Clark Street but it is east of Clark Street.