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Chicago's North Shore Insider Guide & Video Directory         
Wednesday February 08, 2012

Jens Jensen Park

North Shore Jeopardy Question...

Frank Lloyd Wright Is To Oak Park As    _____   __________  is to Highland Park.

Just about any one who’s heard of Oak Park knows it as the mecca for Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. And, here on the North Shore movement is building to raise even greater awareness of another famous local designer and drive restoration projects to keep his name and work alive – literally (that’s your first clue).

Here’s your second clue …One of the other aspects that makes this particular historical figure so relevant – especially today is his appreciation for the more modern day concept of “sustainability” -- specifically using indiginious materials to maintain the native environment.

If you haven’t guessed by now let NorthShoreInsider.com help you.
We’re talking about Jens Jensen, the landscape designer of best recognized for his Prairie School plantings and park designs. Jensen’s roots were established in the town of Ravinia before it was a sub community of Highland Park.

Today, the Jens Jensen Park at the corner of St. Johns and Rodger Williams in Ravinia is a remarkable sample of Jensen’s signature landascape design. In fact, to best demonstrate what those key features are, Alision Brett, board member of the Ravinia Neighbors Association met with us to point them out.

What I learned is that Jensen was totally committed to creating a naturalistic haven not just to be admired but to be used. And, used inclusively rather than exclusively for kids, for quiet conversation, for reading perhaps even all at the same time – while maintaining privacy if desired.

To get involved in preserving Jensen’s vision and raising public awareness for his work call Friends of Jens Jensen Park at 847-266-9950.

Loren Greiff