Final Riverwalk stretch to open this weekend

The last, three- block stretch of the Chicago Riverwalk downtown is set to open this weekend.

It runs along Wacker Drive from LaSalle Street to Lake Street and including a series of floating wetland gardens.

The 1.25- mile promenade along the south bank of the river cost approximately $ 108 million and was paid for mostly through federal funds.

The new sections, with the names city officials have given them:

The Water Plaza, between LaSalle Street and Wells Street, a water feature for children and families.

The Jetty, between Wells Street and Franklin Street, which city officials say offers “a series of piers and floating wetland gardens with interactive learning about the ecology of the river, including opportunities for fishing and identifying native plants.”

The Riverbank, between Franklin Street and Lake Street, has an acces- sible walkway between lower and upper Wacker Drive and a public lawn.

SANTIAGO COVARRUBIAS / SUN- TIMES Crews put the finishing touches on the Chicago Riverwalk on Wednesday.

SANTIAGO COVARRUBIAS / SUN- TIMES A new fountain between LaSalle Street and Wells Street, part of the final phase of the Riverwalk.