DOWNTOWN — A ban on unaccompanied minors at Millennium Park that’s slated to resume this month is facing opposition from a park advisory council and Mayor Brandon Johnson, who said the policy is “not in line” with his “vision for the future of Chicago.”
In 2022, Mayor Lori Lightfoot implemented the youth escort policy banning minors who are not accompanied by an adult from going to Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Lightfoot made the move after 16-year-old Seandell Holliday was killed near the Bean sculpture in May 2022 and dozens of other people were arrested during a large gathering Downtown.
The curfew, now entering its third year, extends to Maggie Daley Park, which is connected to Millennium Park through a pedestrian bridge. The curfew is slated to begin at Maggie Daley Park on May 20, according to the park’s website.
The Grant Park Advisory Council, which works with the Chicago Park District to address the needs and concerns of Grant Park and Maggie Daley Park, is calling on the city to end the policy.
Leslie Recht, president of the Grant Park Advisory Council, told Block Club that council members have raised questions to the park district and the Mayor’s Office surrounding the policy.
Both offices have indicated that the youth ban will resume this year, Recht said.
Millennium Park is managed by the city, while Maggie Daley Park is managed by the Chicago Park District. Lightfoot’s curfew was enacted in both parks after the 2022 shooting at the Bean.
While the Grant Park Advisory Council does not have jurisdiction over Millennium Park, it wants the city to consider lifting the curfew at Maggie Daley Park, Recht said.
“We don’t believe that a blanket curfew like this makes sense … the city of Chicago has a curfew for youth and we don’t believe Maggie Daley Park should have a different policy,” Recht said.
“There are so many activities that youth are interested at Maggie Daley. Roller blading, mini golf, a playground for young children,” Recht said. “Youth should be able to participate in activities at Maggie Daley after 6 p.m.”
In a press conference on Monday, Johnson didn’t commit to ending the curfew but did say it did not align with his administration.
“You know, we can’t just simply put forward policies that detract from our ability to make sure that young people are seen and felt and heard,” Johnson said. “As far as this particular policy is concerned, it’s not in line … with my vision for the future of Chicago.”
When asked about the Park District’s decision to continue the curfew this year, a Park District spokesperson said it was essential to foster a safe and positive environment.
“Chicago parks are vital to all our residents, especially our young people who make up most of the patrons we serve … coming together as a city to foster safe and positive environments for our teens is essential. This is why, following the implementation of the City’s Unaccompanied Minor Policy, put in place by DCASE in response to several downtown ‘takeovers,’ the Chicago Park District implemented its Youth Escort Policy in May 2022,” Park District spokesperson Michele Lemons said in a statement.
The ban on unaccompanied minors at Millennium Park is implemented during all public events, which includes this summer’s free admission concerts, movie screenings, dance performances and special events — many of which start after 6 p.m.
Security checkpoints to enter the park during the hours covered by the ban include metal detectors, bag checks and ID checks. Adults must be 21 or older and can only accompany four minors at one time.
In 2022, Lightfoot also rolled back the citywide curfew from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. for minors 17 and under. Both policies have drawn criticism from youth groups like GoodKids MadCity who have called the policy racist and said targets Black and Brown youth.
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