Reopening at Welles Park

As parks start to reopen physically and programmatically, we wanted to share this update we received from the Chicago Park District:

For parks west of Lake Shore Drive, today on June 8^th, field houses will reopen for limited use of restrooms and cooling stations/shelter from rain. There will be no park programming offered in the field houses at this time. Programming is expected to start on July 6th. More detailed information on programs is provided below. While the field houses will be open, playgrounds, pools, and water features will remain closed. The 606 Bloomingdale Trail will remain closed. Park users are expected to maintain 6 feet of distance, wear face masks when social distancing is not permitted, stay home when sick, and clean up their garbage. A full plan for Park’s reopening in Phase 3 can be found in the Phase 3 Park Plan and you can review the City of Chicago’s Guidelines for Parks.

Landscape Operations

Due to the pandemic, Park District landscape maintenance crews are operating at a reduced capacity this summer.  Although garbage collection service is at full capacity as of June 1, it may take more time than usual to cut the grass in our fields. Here are some ways that you can help your park:

·         On your own or in small groups of less than 10 people, help pick up litter in your park! That helps park district crews to focus on weeding and mowing. The Chicago Parks Foundation is providing support for litter pickup (more information on this will be coming out soon).

·         If your park has a flower garden, there may be an opportunity to help with garden maintenance.  We have scaled back on annual flowers this year in order to focus maintenance efforts on perennial flowers. Contact communitygardens@chicagoparkdistrict.com if you are interested.

Masks in the Parks!

Across the State of Illinois we will be required to wear face coverings in places where social distancing is not possible. While headed out to your park we encourage park users to wear face masks. The Chicago Park District just added fun masks to the Chicago Park Store. Stay safe while supporting parks!

Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com for the most up to date information or contact the Welles Park Fieldhouse at the information listed to the right.