Chicago lakefront, playgrounds, indoor pools to reopen after COVID-19 case decline - Chicago Tribune

The city’s lakefront, playgrounds and indoor aquatics centers will begin to reopen after the coronavirus pandemic forced them to close nearly a year ago, the Chicago Park District announced Tuesday.

Closely-watched metrics related to the spread of COVID-19 were responsible for the shift, allowing the city to ease restrictions, parks General Superintendent Michael Kelly said in a news release.

The lakefront, its associated parking lots and public access points leading to park property east of Lake Shore Drive are to be reopened by Park District crews, according to an email from a city spokesman.

Spring registration for Park District activities begins March 8, and “limited aquatics programming,” is expected to be on offer once the Park District reopens indoor swimming pools, which will follow swimming pool guidance from the state, Kelly said.

The city had not previously provided a timeline for reopening lakefront parks and playgrounds.