Every weekend, Chicago area public spaces are overrun with charity races, walks, and bike rides. For the charities, and city coffers, the events are largely a boon. But with such events increasing nationwide, is there a risk of 5K overload?
"From well-established walks for national charities to novelty races that draw hundreds dressed as Mike Ditka or covered in spray paint, weekend mornings can become a traffic jam of competing causes on public walkways in Chicago and the suburbs," observes Vikki Ortiz Healy.
"The number of walks, runs and bike rides in Chicago has grown from 115 in 2005 to 250 so far this year, leaving Park District staff scrambling to keep all those walkers and runners out of each other's way, officials said. And then all those trash cans filled with energy drink cups have to be emptied after the crowds depart."
Yet even those responsible for cleaning up the mess seem happy to accommodate the growing schedule of events.
"This is certainly a busy time for us," said Alonzo Williams, director of revenue for the Chicago Park District. "But that's a good thing. The events on the lakefront bring in revenues, which support programs and capital improvements at neighborhood parks throughout the city."
FULL STORY: Chicago nearly overrun by charity races, walks

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

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?

The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.

Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.

Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
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.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions