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

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