Locals court 2016 Olympics summer games
By Marie Balice Ward
Though still nine years away, the 2016 Summer Olympics are on the minds and lips of Chicago residents, politicians, and visitors alike. As Doug Arnot, director of sports and operations for the Chicago 2016 bid committee, stated at a recent Grant Park Advisory Council (GPAC)/Grant Park Conservancy meeting, “The community coming together to work toward a single cause will have an impact for generations.”
If Chicago wins the bid for the Olympics, Grant Park, Northerly Island, the Near South Side including McCormick Place, Soldier Field, Hyde Park, Washington Park, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and Lake Michigan itself are just a few of areas that will be affected.
Competition is fierce, with Los Angeles the other U.S. city seeking to host the games. Patrick Ryan heads Chicago’s bid committee. Arnot explained the decision between Chicago and Los Angeles will be announced Saturday, April 14, after which the winner will compete with other finalist cities around the world including Tokyo, Madrid, Istanbul, New Delhi, and Rio De Janeiro, among others. The final decision on the summer 2016 Olympics site will be made in late 2009.
At the same GPAC meeting, Bob O'Neill, president of GPAC/Grant Park Conservancy, said the summer 2016 Olympics would provide innumerable benefits such as enhancements to Grant Park, improved infrastructure and public transit, and world press coverage that will draw an even greater number of tourists and business interests from around the globe.
Another advantage, O’Neill said, would be the “connection of the downtown area to Hyde Park on the city's South Side.”
Corporate sponsors would play a major role in funding the 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago, said Arnot, who noted his group’s plan for the Olympics “takes advantage of the city's assets, the skyline and other physical beauty.” Kiosks would be located throughout Grant Park, many with web cams providing instant communication among various countries around the world. Planners anticipate hundreds of thousands will visit Grant Park daily during the games.
Also, Grant Park Live Sites located throughout the park will allow city residents and visitors to meet people from around the world via large video screens. The games themselves will be broadcast at these sites.
More of these sites will be used to introduce children to the sports featured at the Summer Olympics and to provide entertainment, food, and beverages.
Game venues and activities planned for them include:
Soldier Field: soccer.
Hutchinson Field: archery, using its recessed grade at the south end of Grant Park.
Northerly Island: bicycling, volleyball, and track on existing roads and paths; its natural landscaping would be further enhanced for the events.
Monroe Harbor: rowing events, which would be visible along Michigan Avenue. The Chicago Yacht Club and Columbia Yacht Club are behind the adjustments to the lakefront needed to host the summer 2016 Olympics, Arnot added.
Washington Park, 5500 S. King Dr.: hockey field, logistics center, and an Olympic size stadium expected to cost from $300 million to $600 million. Some stadium components would be used subsequently.
McCormick Place: international media center and broadcast center; 11 sporting events would be held there as well.
Olympic Village: athlete housing, situated south of McCormick Place. These structures would be converted to condominiums and rental units after the games.
Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park: likely site for awards ceremonies.
In addition, several events would take place at UIC athletic facilities, and equestrian events would occur in Chicago's suburbs.
Arnot stressed public transportation would be the preferred mode of travel, explaining that “green fleets” would be used as shuttle buses to and from game sites. He added that the City's museums also would benefit and be an integral part of the summer Olympics 2016 experience.
“We are throwing a party,” concluded O'Neill, “and all 'housekeeping' issues will be addressed.”
