CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Under a blue sky and framed by the Chicago River, Mayor Emanuel on Monday cut the ribbon on the newest stretch of Riverwalk.
Riverwalk East extends the pedestrian path along the south bank of the Chicago River from Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive.
It's still a work in progress. Workers still need to finish permanent barriers along the water, plus landscaping.
Despite that, Riverwalk East is getting rave reviews from early users.
"It seems like it's well-designed for people sit and talk, walk, run, or meet people and have little picnics," says Richard Malthouse of Chicago.
"Any time you people outdoors to smell the fresh air, see the trees and the flowers, walk along the river, that's a great idea," raved Astrid Bugeling of Vancouver, British Columbia.
The project cost $12 million, but Mayor Emanuel said it will generate millions in economic development.