Maggie Daley Park ice ribbon open to the public

CHICAGO (WLS) -- After two years of construction, Maggie Daley Park is now open and since the ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday morning, there has been a steady flow of people coming to enjoy the park's most unique feature.

Former Mayor Richard Daley was on hand as the park, named after his late wife Maggie, opened for the first time.

Chicago's former first lady passed away in 2011. Maggie Daley's daughter, Nora Daley Conroy, said the park would have made her mother happy.

"I can picture her beautiful smile as she played with her grandchildren and watched young people of all ages and abilities as they discovered something new," she said.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel also paid tribute to Maggie Daley's commitment to Chicago and its children.

"She was your gift to us and this is our gift to you and to the entire city of Chicago," Emanuel said.

Former Mayor Richard Daley joined in the ceremony, along with kids from the Maggie Daley's Afterschool Matters program, who also made the ceremonial ribbon.

At a cost of $60 million to build, the 20-acre park is located north of Grant Park and is adjacent to Millennium Park.

The kid-friendly park also features large rock climbing walls and a children's enchanted forest, but its biggest draw is the ice skating ribbon.

"The first thing that came to our mind was that we should do something different," said park architect Michael van Valkenburgh.

Saturday's park opening was not without controversy. Dog owners in the area are unhappy with a last-minute decision to ban pooches from the park.

"Maggie Daley even had two dogs, she loved animals," said Jolie Burrell.

Chicago Park District officials said the features of the rock climbing wall and the enchanted forest are scheduled to open in the spring, and in the future they are hoping to add a field house, as well as a restaurant.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Thursday: Noon-8 p.m.

Friday: Noon-10 p.m.

Saturday (after 1/4/15, only open until 9 p.m.): 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Holiday Hours:

Christmas Eve: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

New Year's Eve: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

MLK Day, Lincoln's Birthday: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Dec. 21-30, New Year's Day: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.