Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park -- one of my favorite places

Chicagoans are lucky to have a multitude of vibrant streets and public spaces to enjoy every day. From lunches outside in Millennium Park to coffee at a sidewalk table on Broadway in Lakeview, I certainly do my best to take advantage of the great places our city offers. These kinds of places not only are good for our quality of life, but they also contribute to the economic health of our region. In order to showcase Chicagoland's best places and remind Chicagoans why these places are so important, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has launched the "What Makes Your Place Great?" contest at PlacemakingChicago.com.

The contest is open through July 27, 2009. Email MPC your original photographs or videos of your favorite Chicagoland public space. Together with a 250-word-or-less description, your photos or videos should describe why this place is special to you and how it adds to your community.

Carfree Chicagoans should take note because the best public spaces are those that are friendly to pedestrians and bikers and accessible by transit. Truly great places promote community interaction among all kinds of people and are welcoming to everyone (car or no). MPC gives a shout out to carfree living in their contest guidelines: "In the description, encourage other people to visit your favorite place by including transit directions!"

Help promote our great places by submitting your favorites at PlacemakingChicago.com.