Greencorps Youth Visits Millenium Park as it Celebrates It's 10th Anniversary

B. Milligan
Published: July 17, 2014

On July 16, students from the Greencorps Youth program at Team Englewood High School, visited Millenium Park for a relaxing outing with their team. It just happened to be the park's 10th anniversary!

As part of the summer program, they are learning about horticulture, so a visit to the park's Lurie Gardens was a perfect way to spend the morning. One of the first plants they identified was Red Chard, which was introduced to them during a trip to the Perry Street Farm. They discussed the different way in which the plant was used in this setting. Typically eaten, it was unusual to find it used as an ornamental plant, however it was a colorful addition to the garden. This discovery led to a discussion about other plants and flowers which serve double duty and the identification of several of them.

The group visited the "Bean" and took pictures, later posing for a group photo. Background music via the bandshell's speaker system added another layer to the already lovely aesthetic. Although brief, the students enjoyed their visit, describing it as "beautiful" and "peaceful". They lunched downtown before heading back home.

The following day, they were led in a yoga session by Tameka Walton from iGrow Chicago. Reflecting on the experience and expressing a desire to return to Millenium for a longer visit, it was decided that a "Yoga in the Park" event will be planned before the program ends.

Greencorps Youth runs through August 8.