Chicago Park District
North Avenue Beach Lifeguards Say They’re ‘Overworked’ As Park District Partially Closes It To Move Guards To Pools
Beachgoers said they've noticed fewer lifeguards, bigger crowds and deteriorating conditions at North Avenue Beach.
Lakefront Trail Users Horrified As Cars Drive Onto Pedestrian And Bike Path To Avoid Traffic Jam
WATCH: Several people drove on the trail, where vehicles are not permitted. The incident shows a need for more trail protection from drivers, users say.
Is Your Pool Open This Summer? Check With Our Guide
Wondering if your neighborhood pool is open this summer? We put together a list of all 77 pools and their status.
Some Beaches To Close, Half Of City’s Pools To Open July 5 As Park District Shuffles Short-Staffed Lifeguards
Just 37 pools across the city will open on July 5, while some beaches will see closures as the Park District struggles with staffing lifeguards.
Monique Scott Appointed To Her Brother’s Job As 24th Ward Alderman As He Retires
The mayor dismissed critics who said Monique Scott was chosen to replace her brother Michael Scott Jr. based on nepotism, calling the criticism "frankly lazy."
Rope Courses, Forest Maze, Climbing Wall And More Planned For Overhauled Park At Midway Plaisance’s East End
The green space around the Cheney-Goode Memorial must be renovated as a stand-in for Jackson Park land lost to the Obama Center. A public review of the plans is set to begin next month.
Chicago’s Lifeguard Shortage Fueled By Low Pay, Confusion, Lack Of Resources On South Side, Parents And Hopefuls Say
Parents and organizers say Chicago Park District's failure to support youth swimming programs and disorganization has led to the city's inability to recruit enough lifeguards during a nationwide shortage.
Chicago’s Pools Won’t Reopen Until At Least July 5 Amid Lifeguard Shortage
The district pushed back the opening date for the city's 77 indoor and outdoor pools from June 24 to at least July 5.
Only 9% Of City’s Summer Lifeguard Jobs Are Filled, Report Says, As Park District Offers More Cash For Candidates
The district is offering $600 bonuses to new lifeguards and dropping the Chicago residency requirement for candidates. As of now, many of the city's 77 pools may not open.
West Humboldt Park Pool Should Be Reopened To Public To Protect Neighbors From Heat, Violence, Residents Say
"It would give the kids and the people, the taxpayers, something to do and somewhere to go other than the corners and hanging out and doing bad stuff," one neighbor said.
Despite City Lifeguard Shortage, Young Hopefuls Turned Away By Disorganized Park District Staffers, Parents Say
Kids looking for summer jobs waited in line for hours on Monday, with some not getting assigned a post. "They gave the kids hope they could help and then snatched it away," a parent said.
Without Easy Access To The Lake, West Siders Hope Pools Will Remain Open Despite Lifeguard Shortage
Though pools at major parks like Douglass Park, Columbus Park and Garfield Park will reopen, some indoor pools will close for the summer due to a lack of staff.
Will Public Pools Be Open This Summer? It’s Uncertain Amid Lifeguard Shortage, Leaving One Less Option For Youth
A nationwide lifeguard shortage forced indoor pools to close last year, and it's continuing to plague parks. While some South Side staffers say it's uncertain if they'll open, Park District officials aren't answering questions.
Lincoln Square Neighbors, Alderman Push Park District To Fix Muddy Baseball Fields
The park district is responsible for more than 700 softball and baseball diamonds across the city but only four use turf, a park official said.
Special Olympics Chicago Returns With Opening Ceremonies Thursday At Soldier Field
More than 1,500 athletes will march onto Soldier Field for the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics on Thursday morning.
Months-Long Shutdown Of Humboldt Park Bridge Irks Neighbors
A popular bridge has been boarded up as the Park District upgrades old infrastructure. Neighbors said not having the bridge makes it more difficult to navigate the park.
Winnemac Park’s Baseball Field Has Been Muddied And Unplayable. An Alderman Hopes TIF Funding Could Help
The heavy spring rains mean Amundsen High School's baseball team is "spending more time raking mud and trying to figure out how we can get a field playable than we are actually playing," the coach said.
Chicago Leaders Announce 15,000 Summer Jobs For Teens And Young Adults
Jobs, volunteer opportunities and arts programs will be available at Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Libraries and other city agencies.
Park District Holding Town Halls Where Chicagoans Can Ask About New Accountability Agency After Lifeguard Sex Abuse Scandal
The interim CEO and other officials will discuss overhauls to the Park District after its massive lifeguard abuse scandal.
Sign Up For Chicago Park District Spring Programs This Week
Over 6,000 sports leagues and recreational and cultural programs are available for online registration this week. Most programs run April 4-June 12.
