Don't Call it The 606: Chicago's Popular Linear Park Gets a New Name

The Chicago Park District wants to be extra sure we're all clear on this.

1 minute read

September 15, 2020, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Bloomingdale Trail

Antwon McMullen / Shutterstock

Everyone calls it The 606, but that has never been the official name of the popular linear park in Chicago. According to an article by Mina Bloom, the city of Chicago has taken steps to enshrine a new name for the park. 

On Wednesday, the Chicago Park District officially changed the trail’s name to The Bloomingdale Trail, the name city planners have used since the trail was built in 2015. (Until this week, it wasn’t technically The Bloomingdale Trail, either. The trail’s official name was Park 527.)

One problem with the name change: many residents say they've never used, nor are likely to start using the new official name any time soon. "For many who live near the trail and use it frequently, The 606 is the only name they know," according to Bloom. 

The short history of how residents took to calling the trail by the name The 606 is included in the article, which has everything to do with how the planning for the trail and connecting park system was rolled out and promoted to the public.

Thursday, September 10, 2020 in Block Club Chicago

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.