Chicago Gets $100 Million Federal Loan for Riverfront Development

Six-block project for urban recreational activities

A $100 million federal loan to build an urban playground along the Chicago River downtown is a "done deal," outgoing U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday.

Appearing along the river with LaHood, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he expects groundbreaking for the extension of the Riverwalk to take place in 2014. The six-block project would run along the south bank from State Street to West Lake Street.

The Riverwalk extension is set to include a learning center focusing on the river's ecology, a "zero-depth fountain" for children to splash in, kayak rentals and a wood-planked section dotted with floating gardens, among other amenities. Details were announced last October.