A rendering of the new woodland, creek and boardwalk at the North Pond Nature Sanctuary. View Full Caption Courtesy/Ald. Michele Smith

LINCOLN PARK — North Pond Nature Sanctuary — a historic natural gem that is "not in good health" — and the 34 acres of surrounding parkland are getting revamped under a new project led by the Lincoln Park Conservancy.

The conservancy, a nonprofit committed to improving the neighborhood's green space, is teaming up with Ald. Michele Smith (43rd) and the Chicago Park District on the plan to make major improvements to the pond and Sunshine Playlot, it was announced Thursday.

Plans include adding native woodland with a babbling creek, a wooden boardwalk and a playscape for children, as well as new benches and drinking fountains for visitors.

The North Pond Sanctuary. View Full Caption Lincoln Park Conservancy

The conservancy also wants to install sustainable features so the pond can get clean, healthy water.

"The pond is over 130 years old and time has taken its toll; it needs help to stay healthy and survive for the next 100 years," the conservancy wrote on its website.

"Our goal is to ensure this important sanctuary remains a natural, healthy place for both people and wildlife for generations to come."

It's unclear how the project will be funded. Neither the conservancy nor the alderman's office could be immediately reached for comment.

Residents are encouraged to share feedback and provide suggestions on the plan at an upcoming community meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 21 at Francis W. Parker School, 2233 N. Clark St. The meeting will take place at the school's large gym.

There will be short formal presentations at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

North Pond was established in 1881, when landscape engineer Olaf Benson was called upon to expand the park south of Fullerton Avenue and build "lawns and a lake," according to the city.

The result was 10 acres of open water with habitat for fish, ducks, herons and other waterfowl. Prairie plants like little bluestem and sky-blue aster grow around the upper parts of the banks.

According to the city, the North Pond lays on top of what used to be dunes and marshes belonging to Lake Michigan’s original shoreline. This area was turned into a dump (“the 10-mile ditch”) in the late 19th century.

The pond was rehabbed in 1998. In 1999, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum opened on the southeast corner of the pond. Since 2001, the conservancy has led work days to help maintain the plantings around the pond.

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