The 606s Bloomingdale Trail, The Poster Child For Future Trail Projects, Turns 10

The Bloomingdale Trail, known as The 606, celebrated its 10th anniversary last month, having opened to the public on June 6, 2015. The 2. 7-mile elevated path has become a hub for commuting, exercising, and social activities, drawing millions of users from surrounding neighborhoods. Its development has spurred economic growth, boosting local businesses and increasing property values, but it has also accelerated gentrification, particularly in Logan Square, where demographic shifts have occurred. To commemorate the anniversary, the Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail released a cookbook titled "Berries for Bloomingdale," featuring 26 recipes inspired by serviceberries found along the trail.

Ben Helphand, president of the Friends group, highlighted the trail's positive impact and expressed excitement for the future. The cookbook sales aim to support the neighborhood group’s ongoing programs. Future celebratory projects include a series of trail-inspired prints, with the first print debuting from local artist Sentrock. These initiatives reflect the trail's role as a community asset and its potential for future development.