'Triangular' relaxation in Lake Forest
Photo by Alex Gilbert
Triangle Park in Lake Forest
This post was written by Alex Gilbert, MPC research assistant.
Surrounded by three streets, Triangle Park in Lake Forest is an overlooked public space. The park would be almost empty if it weren’t for the pedestrian walkway going through it. People may notice the distinctive metal deer statue off Deerpath Road, but they usually don’t delve deeper than that.
I first discovered Triangle Park walking through it. It sits in the middle of the half-mile path between my college campus and the town. For the longest time, I looked at it only as part of my walk to town. More and more I began to appreciate it. Triangle Park has an appeal all of its own. The occasional real deer mimics its metal cousin, while a sneaky fox trots around the park. A bench provides a spot to sit down and reflect, though the grass works as well. The water fountain, designed to look like a boulder, never works.
If you take time to sit down, you will find an interesting place. Often you will hear birds chirping and the sound of passing cars. Many people walk through, sometimes with their dogs, though few take the time to stop and appreciate the peace and quiet.
Triangle Park is a place that could be more appreciated. Another bench, and perhaps a picnic table, would make this place a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Many of Chicagoland’s most cherished public spaces are tucked away in the hearts of neighborhoods, known only to a lucky few. This summer, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) and Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) want to shine a spotlight on these special places across Chicagoland through the “What Makes Your Place Great? Your Secret Corner of Chicagoland” contest.
From June 2 through July 26, 2010, entrants can e-mail original photos or videos showcasing their favorite undiscovered public places across Chicagoland, along with a 250-word-or-less description, to placemakingchicago@metroplanning.org. The four chosen winners will win a prize package that includes passes to the Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago History Museum, or CAF – and the chance to be featured in a CAF tour this fall.
To get your creative juices flowing, MPC staff will be profiling their favorite spaces throughout the summer. To enter your own favorite space, read the complete contest guidelines at placemakingchicago.com.