“A gift to the city,” a woman beside me murmured, gazing at Polk Bros Park. Polk Bros Park. A vibrant green space welcoming visitors to Navy Pier. It wasn’t always this welcoming. This thirteen-acre park, a generous gift from the Polk family, transformed the entrance to Navy Pier. The Polk family, known for their legendary retail stores in Chicago, wanted to create a space where everyone felt welcome. Polk Bros Park opened in 2014. It stands as a testament to their legacy, a vibrant hub of activity and a tranquil escape. At the heart of Polk Bros Park lies a mesmerizing fountain. The Polk Bros Fountain. 12,500 square feet of dancing water. Imagine 250 jets programmed to create intricate patterns. Waves ripple across the surface. Schools of fish dart through the water. Flocks of birds take flight in liquid form. At night, the fountain glows with an ethereal light, enhancing the magic. During the colder months, this aquatic spectacle transforms into a winter wonderland. The fountain area becomes an ice rink. A circular skating ring encircles the fountain itself. A smaller, protected rink offers a safe space for children. Polk Bros Park isn’t just about visual spectacle. It’s a performance space, too. The Polk Bros Performance Lawns, located at the south end of the park, provide a stage for a variety of events. City Stage faces west. It offers stepped seating for 700 to 750 people. Lake Stage, facing east, has a sloping lawn that can accommodate around 1,700 people. From concerts and film screenings to fitness classes and ice cream socials, Polk Bros Park has something for everyone. It’s a place where families gather, friends connect, and memories are made.
Congregation Or Torah
Rabbi Zvi Engel’s leadership guides Congregation Or Torah. This impressive Modern Orthodox Synagogue stands proudly in Skokie Illinois. It’s one