Channel Runne Park Features 18 Statues, Creative Exercise Route in Lincolnwood Illinois

Times are tough in the economy, and some Chicagoans are doing away with their gym fitness memberships and heading to the beach or lakefront to work out instead. Swimming, running, jogging, playing in the sand, dancing and playing basketball, volleyball and baseball are all over the Chicago area, but the bike riders and walkers are in for a special treat near Chicago's north side in Lincolnwood, IL.

There's a bike path a mile long that starts from the corner of Touhy Avenue and McCormick Boulevard, across the street from the Lincolnwood Town Center mall. On that bike path are 18 statues, and other monuments like the Village of Lincolnwood's Native Plant Demonstration Garden.

"There's a committee, and it's made up of residents of the community, and on an annual basis the Village Board [of Lincolnwood Park] put aside money to either lease or purchase sculptures," said Jan Hincapie, the Director of Parks & Recreation for Lincolnwood.

The networking team who selects sculptures from the community also used to choose work for the Pier Walk at Navy Pier, Channel Runne Park and Henry A. Proesel Park. According to Hincapie, the Pier Walk display has been discontinued.

Channel Runne Park, located along the North Shore Channel, will have additional changes being made in 2011.

"It will eventually have a parking lot and an amphitheater and eventually a lookout over the channel and a restroom facility," said Hincapie. "We're currently called Channel Runne because it's connected to the Channel, but in 2011, we're going to rename it Lincolnwood Centennial Park."

The bike path traffic area is mild, and the occasional walker or jogger trots by. McCormick Boulevard is a busy intersection with heavy traffic and limited sidewalks to cross streets. The bike path ends on Devon Ave., close to a Home Depot and a closed Cineplex Odeon Cinema (the sign still has the 2008 film "The Longshots" on the outside display).

On the adjacent side of the bike path is a gated community that cannot be seen over the tall trees. Passersby might hear the sounds of baseball games from Thillens baseball stadium, which is visible from the other side.

The sculpture park and bike path are open to the public.
Additional Notes: This entry was originally published by the Chicago News & Events Examiner.