Key Legislation Introduced to Create Chicago's First National Park at Historic Pullman District

“Today we extend our thanks to U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) for their leadership and bipartisan support in introducing legislation to create Chicago’s first national park at Pullman(#NPforPullman). These bills provide an historic step toward creating a Pullman National Historical Park, bringing new stories to the National Park System, and many benefits to the City of Chicago.

“With the centennial of the National Park Service just two years away in 2016, creating a new urban national park in Chicago will provide a national park experience to Chicago residents and offer insight into important history currently untold in our national parks. The story of A.Philip Randolph and the struggles endured by members of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters is nationally significant and an important story to bring into the National Park System.”

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“National parks are economic generators and provide an excellent return on investment in communities across the country. A recent report by the National Parks Conservation Association, the City of Chicago, and others found that creating a national park at Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood would attract more than 300,000 visitors each year, create 350 jobs annually, $15 million in annual wages, and sustain $40 million in economic activity, mostly due to visitor spending. The proposed Pullman National Historical Park will have significant impact on job growth and small business development. We look forward to working with our Senators and Congresswoman Kelly to realize a national park here in Chicago.“

Click here to view the full report, Economic Engine: An Analysis of the Potential Impact of a Pullman National Historical Park

NPCA’s Lynn McClure joins Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) at a press conference today to discuss joint legislation to establish a national park in Chicago’s historic Pullman district. Photo Credit: NPCA

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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.