The Chicago Park District started construction on a new boat house which is the third of four promised boat houses planned for the Chicago River. The ones at Ping Tom Memorial Park and Richard H. Clark Park are already operational. The boat house at River Park is particularly exciting because it complements the planned removal or modification of the dam there. 

Last week the much anticipated riverbank restoration project at Horner Park began with contractors topping off invasive and dying trees that will be used in restoring ecological health through the restoration process. Designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project will transform the riverbank from a tangle of invasive weeds and shrubs to a healthy ecosystem that will benefit people and wildlife. 

On April 16, Friends of the Chicago River honored Tony Watrobinski, Col. Fredric A. Drummond Jr., and Matt Kauth with its 2013 River Commitment Awards.  These awards recognize the extraordinary efforts of the recipients to aide in the protection and improvement of the Chicago River.