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Meigs Field, once a prominent airport in Chicago, has transformed into Northerly Island Park. The airport was known for its strategic location near downtown Chicago and was a favorite among pilots and business travelers. It gained international recognition as the default starting location in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000.
In March 2003, under Mayor Richard M. Daley's administration, the airport was closed abruptly during an operation dubbed "Daley’s Midnight Raid." Bulldozers rendered the runway unusable without prior notice to the FAA or local residents. The decision was justified by citing safety concerns post-September 11 attacks.
The closure allowed for the creation of Northerly Island Park, which opened by 2005. The park emphasizes natural restoration with wetland systems, migratory bird habitats, and walking trails replacing former taxiways and hangars. Collaboration between city officials and environmentalists led to this transformation.
