CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As part of the "Open Chicago" initiative, Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Park District announced Wednesday that 22 beaches will open Friday for the 2021 season.
Friday will mark the first time Chicago beaches have opened for public use since September 2, 2019, due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions.
"As the weather warms up and our city begins to safely return to a sense of normalcy, reopening our beloved lakefront beaches is the perfect way to turn the page on spring and get back to our favorite outdoor activities," said Mayor Lightfoot, in a statement. "While we are excited for folks to return to our beaches this summer, we still encourage everyone to be safe and continue to get vaccinated. This exciting announcement is the result of the tremendous progress we've made in our efforts to slow and stop the spread of this virus and I urge everyone to keep up the good work so we can reopen even more of our iconic summertime attractions in the near future."
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Under the current Bridge Phase, residents can look forward to a typical beach experience, city officials said. With the exception of drinking fountains, which remain shut off due to public health guidance, all traditional beach amenities will be available.
Lakefront concessionaires will also return this year beginning Memorial Day weekend. The Chicago Park District is pleased to welcome back more than 115 concessions for the 2021 season featuring a variety of both indoor and outdoor dining experiences, water recreational activities, and retail options.
Reggie’s on the Beach will return to 63rd Street Beach with enhanced services including expanded second-floor promenade seating and beach amenity rentals.
Additionally, new concepts are arriving this season at Rainbow Beach and the newly constructed South Shore Beach House, in addition to proposed beach amenity rentals at 57th Street.
While Chicago has 26 beaches, Juneway, Roger, Howard, and Fargo beaches currently remain closed to the public due to high lake levels and erosion.
The 2021 beach season runs through Monday, Sept. 6.
Admission to Chicago’s beaches is free. For a list of locations or for more information, visit the Park District website or call the Beaches and Pools Unit at 773-363-2225.
Patrons are asked to observe the following beach rules:
• Obey lifeguards and swim only when lifeguards are present.
• No glass, alcohol, or smoking on the beach.
• Properly dispose of food, diapers, and other refuse.
• Do not feed birds.
• Dogs are only allowed in designated dog areas.
• Please put swim diapers on small children.
• Grilling is only allowed in designated areas and coals should be disposed of in the red-hot metal containers.
• Keep accessible beach walks clear.
• No bicycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading is permitted in these areas.
• Access to the Lake Michigan Water Trail for sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and other non-motorized board or paddle sports is allowed at 12th Street Beach.
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