Leadership changes and a long-awaited lakefront groundbreaking lead this week’s news from Chicago’s cultural community. –CGN

DuSable Park sits on a site where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan, providing a new gateway to the city. (Courtesy of Ross Barney Architects)

Supporters of Chicago’s DuSable Park Celebrate Groundbreaking 40 Years in the Making

Nearly 40 years ago, Mayor Harold Washington dedicated the spit of land where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan as DuSable Park, in honor of Chicago’s first permanent non-Indigenous settler, Jean Baptiste Point DuSable.

On Tuesday, politicians and civic leaders officially broke ground on the long-awaited green space.

Peggy Montes, 90, was among those turning over a shovel-full of ceremonial dirt — the sole survivor of the foursome who first conceived of the park. 

Via WTTW

Lynn Osmond Departs the Driehaus Foundation

Lynn Osmond has stepped down as president and executive director of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation after approximately one year, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Cindy Chan Roubik, the foundation’s senior program director for the built environment, is serving as interim executive director. The foundation also named Lori Dimun interim chief operating officer; she continues in her role overseeing arts and culture programs.

Read more via Crain’s Chicago Business

Cultural Stadium Names Donna Lasinski President

Cultural Stadium has named Donna Lasinski president. Bringing experience in public service, economic policy and entrepreneurship, Lasinski will lead the organization’s strategy, partnerships and implementation. Her work will advance Cultural Stadium’s vision of downtown Chicago as a shared gathering place for residents from every neighborhood and visitors alike.

Via Cultural Stadium