In response to the extreme windchill warning in effect across the Chicago area through Wednesday, January 17 at 9 a.m., and continuously dropping temperatures, the Chicago Park District has taken several steps to ensure everyone's safety. Landscape crews have been plowing and clearing park sidewalks, pathways and parking lots to provide safe access for visitors. For regular Chicago Park District Extreme Weather updates, visit https://bit.ly/ExtremeWeatherUpdates and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
During this critical time, our communities look to parks as a vital resource and refuge from the extreme temperatures, particularly our city’s most vulnerable population. Park District staff will ensure more than 20 Chicago Park District are available as official warming centers during the extreme cold weather on January 15 to allow for residents to seek refuge during regular park hours across the city. To find a list of park sites and their hours, visit https://bit.ly/ChiParks-WarmingCenters.
• Parks & Fieldhouses
o Some park fieldhouses will be open on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) holiday, Monday, January 15 as warming centers. For park schedules, click here. Please contact your local park for updated information. Find park phone numbers here.
o After January 15, Chicago Park District fieldhouses will be open for scheduled programming and as warming centers during regular operating hours. For hours, call your local park or visit https://bit.ly/ExtremeWeatherUpdates.
o Events: Hoops in the Park at McKinley Park, Monday, January 15, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The free basketball competition, where teens ages 11 to 17 will go head-to-head with first responders, required pre-registration.
o Park District staff is on duty and will continue to ensure that vital operations are accomplished, including clearing exterior sidewalks, parking lots and pathways leading to fieldhouses and in parks. Salting and plowing will occur as necessary during the current weather event.
• Lakefront Trail
o The Lakefront Trail is closed from North Avenue to Ohio Street Beach, along with the underpasses at Division Street and Chicago Avenue. The 18-mile trails have been salted and will be monitored daily. Please heed the warnings along the lakefront trail and use extreme caution. For your safety, stay off piers and away from the water. View the Lakefront Trail Map.
• Outdoor Ice Rinks & Sports Centers
o All outdoor ice rinks closed on Sunday, January 14 and Monday, January 15, including Maggie Daley Park ice ribbon.
o Please note, sports centers and both indoor ice rinks are open with regular schedules. View those schedules below:
McFetridge Sports Center
Morgan Park Sports Center
• Golf Facilities
o Diversey Driving Range and all golf courses are closed on January 15.