Ernest C. Wong, a pioneering force in landscape architecture and community design, headlined the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (MWRD’s) Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month celebration held on May 22 at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building in Chicago.

As founder and principal of Chicago-based site design group, ltd., Wong shared insights from his decades-long career dedicated to transforming urban spaces into inclusive, sustainable and culturally rich environments that also take into consideration stormwater management and clean water initiatives. His presentation captivated attendees, highlighting both his personal experience and the profound role of design in fostering equity and community resilience while transforming and repurposing land into attractive gathering places that also promote community vibrancy.

A visionary in the field of landscape architecture, Wong has spent more than 35 years transforming site design group into an acclaimed, multicultural firm celebrated for its innovative, community-centered work that has expanded beyond the United States. Under his guidance, the firm has helped redefine public spaces across Chicago and beyond, turning underused areas into inclusive, sustainable and vibrant places where people gather, connect and thrive.

“Mr. Wong’s work embodies the values we uphold at the MWRD—resiliency, inclusion, and a commitment to improving our communities,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “His legacy of public service and transformative design reminds us of the power of creativity to shape not just landscapes, but lives.”

Wong was instrumental in developing thoughtful, community-oriented urban spaces, including Riverwalk East along the Chicago River, Pioneer Court off Michigan Avenue, Mary Bartelme Park on the Near West Side, Henry Palmisano Park, formerly Stearns Quarry, in Bridgeport, and Ping Tom Park, for which the MWRD partnered with him on along the South Branch of the Chicago River in Chinatown.

Presenting the resolution, MWRD Commissioner Eira Corral Sepúlveda emphasized the broader significance of Wong’s career. 

“Mr. Wong’s story exemplifies the strength of the AAPI community and its profound impact on our city’s cultural and civic landscape,” Commissioner Corral Sepúlveda said. “It was an honor to recognize his contributions during this celebration.”

Wong is also a dedicated civic leader who has served on multiple boards and design juries, including the City Parks Alliance, the Chinese American Service League, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Student Conservation Association, the Near South Planning Board, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois and the Chicago Landmarks Commission, where he serves as chair.  Wong was named the “2010 Chicagoan of the Year” by the Chicago Tribune and was the 2012 Chicago Friends of the Parks honoree. His contributions have been recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and Congress for the New Urbanism, the Driehaus Foundation Awards for Architectural Excellence in Community Design, Chicago Architecture Foundation, Metropolitan Planning Council, the Lambda Alpha International Land Economics Society Ely Chapter and March of Dimes.

“Ernest Wong’s commitment to equity through design mirrors our mission at the MWRD to serve all communities with integrity and innovation,” said Chairman of Finance Marcelino Garcia. “His message is an inspiration to those working at the intersection of infrastructure, environment, creativity and curiosity.”

The event was part of MWRD’s ongoing efforts to honor the diversity that strengthens the region. Watch the program.

Commissioners, staff and guests paused to gather and recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a presentation by acclaimed landscape architect Ernest C. Wong.