Feeling cooped up? Park yourself here
UPDATED MARCH 27, 2020: At this time, in accordance with the state-wide "stay at home" order, the entire Lakefront Trail and adjacent parks, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the 606 Trail have been closed until further notice. Contact sports like basketball and football are also prohibited. All Chicago Park District fieldhouses and playgrounds remain closed, and all programming suspended. The Chicago Parks Foundation encourages you to work with us and our Mayor in support of “Stay Home, Save Lives” by staying home as much as possible. Our parks will be waiting for you. Learn more here.
SPRING IS HERE
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary within Lincoln Park
Our calendars may look a bit different these days, but one important event has remained the same - today, March 19th, marks the official start of Spring!
As we do our part spending more isolated time indoors, getting outside into nature for even 20 minutes a day can make a world of difference for our wellbeing. Chicago’s parks are a resource for you now and always.
WIDE OPEN SPACES
The best way to practice your park social distancing is in large, wide-open spaces. Maybe it’s just a walk down the block, or maybe it’s an opportunity to check out a park you wouldn’t normally frequent. Remember to visit solo or only with your immediate household, and to maintain the 6ft. rule throughout your journey.
With over 600 parks throughout Chicago, the parks are here for you. At this time, all outdoor Chicago park spaces remain open to the general public. In accordance with the state-wide “stay-at-home” order, Chicago Park District fieldhouses and playgrounds will be closed to the general public through April 7th. The Chicago Park District will continue to share COVID-19 updates here. Our friends at Openlands have also compiled a list of regional natural areas’ availability here.
See more from the NRPA here.
NRPA’S SPECIAL GUIDELINES
The National Recreation and Park Association advises the following to ensure safe social distancing in the parks:
Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading outdoors - wash hands and carry hand sanitizer
Do NOT use the parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms
Always maintain at least 6ft. of distance from others throughout your entire walk, bike, or hike
Share the space and warn others of your presence as you pass
Bring your own water or drinks - do not use public fountains, even if operable
Leave no trash of your own behind in order to protect other park users and park staff
Check out some of our most spacious parks and trails:
Lincoln Park, 1200 acres
Burnham Park & Wildlife Corridor, 598 acres
Jackson Park & Wooded Island, 500 acres
Washington Park, 346 acres
Grant Park, 319 acres
Marquette Park, 315 acres
Big Marsh Park, 280 acres
Humboldt Park, 197 acres
Calumet Park, 180 acres
Garfield Park, 172 acres
Douglas Park, 161 acres
Columbus Park, 140 acres
McKinley Park, 71 acres
South Shore Cultural Center Park & Natural Area, 70 acres
Ogden Park, 60 acres
Horner Park, 58 acres
Riis Park, 57 acres
Sherman Park & Natural Area, 57 acres
North Park Village Nature Center, 46 acres
Loyola Park, 40 acres
Portage Park, 38 acres
Palmisano Park, 27 acres
West Ridge Nature Preserve, 21 acres
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, 15 acres
Promontory Point within Burnham Park
Over 18 miles of trail stretching along magnificent Lake Michigan! The following sections are currently closed: bike & pedestrian trails from Fullerton Ave. to North Ave; bike & pedestrian trails from Oak St. to Ohio St.; and the pedestrian trail from 47th St. to 51st St. View map.
606 Bloomingdale Trail Access Points
1801 N Ridgeway Ave
3543 W Bloomingdale Ave
1801 N Albany Ave
2998 Bloomingdale Ave
1801 N California Ave
2558 W Bloomingdale Ave
1801 N Western Ave
1943 W Bloomingdale Ave
1801 N Wood St
1722 N Ashland Ave