Free access to 70+ fitness centers kicks off on February 1 with the first screening scheduled for February 10 to raise awareness and promote health and wellness opportunities for all Chicagoans
CHICAGO – Today, the Chicago Park District, in collaboration with external health partners, announced year two of its Heart Health initiative with free heart health screenings throughout the month of February. Kicking off in tandem with the Park District’s Free Fitness Centers Week, happening February 1 through February 15. These offerings are a continuation of the District’s efforts to encourage residents to be active and take care of their health.
Each heart screening will be hosted in communities with lower life expectancies, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Among the communities identified as having high mortality rates are the Austin, Englewood and Garfield neighborhoods.
- Tuesday, February 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St.
- Saturday, February 21 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave.
- Thursday, February 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.
- Friday, February 27 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine Ave.
Health care partners will provide free blood pressure screenings, lifestyle risk assessments, physical activity and heart rate screenings. West Side United will partner with the Park District at the Garfield Park and Ogden Park locations and offer additional health care partners and resources, a DJ and food for those in attendance. All participants will be given tips and resources on how to maintain and strengthen their cardiovascular health. Park District representatives will be on hand to provide information on heart healthy fitness and other opportunities in the parks.
Though life expectancy has improved for all race and ethnicity groups since 2020, it continues to differ by city region and community area. According to a study by the Chicago Department of Public Health, as of 2023, Black Chicagoans continue to have the lowest life expectancy at 71.8 years of age, a 10.6-year age gap between Black Chicagoans and their non-Black counterparts. Communities on the South and West Sides fall even further below this number with chronic diseases and death from heart disease being the largest contributors.
“Heart Health Month is a reminder that our most important work begins with the wellbeing of the individuals in our most vulnerable communities,” said General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “By partnering with health partners to provide these heart health screenings and our own initiatives like Free Fitness Centers Week, we are empowering residents with the resources and access to facilities to take proactive steps toward a healthier future.”
“As a cardiologist, I believe our parks are one of Chicago’s most powerful resources in the fight against heart disease. They offer accessible spaces for physical activity—whether walking, running, swimming, or exercising—and they also support mental well-being. Our parks are an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, and I personally encourage all Chicagoans to make them part of their heart-health plan,” said Marlon Everett, MD, President, Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners.
Free Fitness Centers Week
In addition to the screenings happening throughout the month, the Park District is offering free access to 70 fitness centers citywide, February 1 – February 15. Each fitness center has a variety of equipment to help maintain and/or improve one’s cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. After February 15, attendees are encouraged to register for 1-month, 3-month or annual fitness memberships available at all Park District fitness centers. More information is available here.