The Chicago River used to be a meandering marsh. A few years ago, fishing and swimming were unreachable goals because of the serious pollution of the river. But today that vision is a reality. The latest progress in water quality and the improvement of the intensity of public recreational use along the river reflect the increase of life along the river and call for a new connection to the shore. In response to these calls, the Chicago Department of Transport began implementing the Riverside Walkway Project, which uses new space to enrich various parts of the system, including the very successful Veterans Memorial Square and Wabash Square.