Mayor Rahm Emanuel broke ground on the development of the West Ridge Nature Preserve, a 20.6-acre wooded site that will become a new park and nature trail along the northwest edge of Rosehill Cemetery.

The wooded site in the 5900 block of North Western Avenue was never developed for cemetery purposes. Characterized by rolling topography, mixed woodlands with deciduous trees, its central feature is a 4.5-acre pond, which served as a storm water retention facility for the cemetery.

The land was acquired by the City from Rosehill in 2011 for $7.8 million and transferred to the Chicago Park District in 2012. The Chicago Department of Transportation is managing the $5 million restoration project, which is expected to be completed next summer. The West Ridge Nature Preserve will feature the following amenities: Restoration of the degraded woodland Planting of native trees and plants Removal of invasive species Multipurpose trail around the park Elevated overlooks and boardwalks Restoration of the existing pond Educational and interpretive signage Perimeter fence around the property with new entrances.