Nature Areas
Columbus Woodland and Lagoon
Directions: The Columbus Park field house is located at 500 S. Central Avenue. The lagoon is located in the northeast corner of the park nearest Central Avenue and Adams Street. Paths originate at either the field house or the refectory, and lead to the lagoon.
(click here for map)
Description:
A tribute to the natural ecology of the Midwest, Columbus Park is a work of landscape art created by the renowned designer, Jens Jensen. When the West Park Commission first acquired the land in 1912 the site included areas of sand dune, field and wooded areas. Jens Jensen, now recognized as the dean of the Prairie style in landscape architecture, was inspired by the site’s natural history.
Interpreting the dune area and an ancient beach formed by glacial action, at the edge of the park he created a series of rolling hills evocative of glacial ridges. These ridges were densely planted with oak, maple, linden, and elm for canopy, and native shrubs and wildflowers for under-story. Jensen’s palette native plants are good for attracting native wildlife such as birds, and includes red oaks, shrubs like elderberry and sumac, and ground cover like violets, ferns and asters.
Other natural elements in the park include Jens Jensen’s stage and a “prairie”. The stage is a clearing in a woodland setting of elms, ash, maples, hawthorns, crab apples, sumac, hazel and wildflowers. It was to be used for public performances. The flat golf course is Jens Jensen’s metaphor for a prairie.
Jens Jensen created a meandering lagoon that was inspired by natural prairie rivers. The lagoon is stocked with blue gill, catfish, bullheads, crappie and bass. The lagoon has three limestone waterfalls that are evocative of midwestern stone outcroppings. The stratified limestone is laid horizontally and its mortar is hidden to enhance its natural look.
The Chicago Park District’s lagoons are great places to fish, bird watch, and observe aquatic life. In the summer waterstriders and crayfish can be viewed from the water’s edge. Or if you’re near a lagoon at night, listen for the sounds of bullfrogs or toads as they call at night. Examine dragonfly wings close up, spot turtles resting on logs, or bring a pair of binoculars to get a better look at herons feeding on fish and tadpoles at the other end of the lagoon. Many lagoons feature new fishing improvements such as boardwalks, fishing piers, bridges, and limestone fishing pads to make the lagoons accessible to people as well as wildlife.
Chicago Park District
Department of Natural Resources
February 2002