7/20/26 Air Quality Alert: The Illinois EPA has declared an Air Pollution Action Day for the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area for today. The Air Quality Index (AQI) levels now fall within the ORANGE category, indicating conditions may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Learn more: Air Quality Alert
Study of Chicago’s Lakefront will guide stewardship of the shoreline and inform future priorities
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Park District announces the official release of the Lakefront Shoreline Conditions Assessment (LSCA), a first-of-its-kind, lakefront-wide study of the shoreline infrastructure that protects the city’s iconic Lake Michigan shoreline. The report will be presented during a virtual, public meeting on Monday, June 15 at 6 p.m. and posted on our website here after the meeting.
“The LSCA’s findings will support key planning strategies, and provide valuable input to maintain as well as strengthen key community and fiscal partnerships vital to the future of our beloved shoreline,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO. “In addition to guiding decision-making, this report will serve as an educational resource to explore the challenges and possibilities of stewarding this shared treasure.”
The study, developed with input from local stakeholders and experts, identifies a range of strategies, opportunities, and needs for both the entire lakefront and each individual segment. For this report, the lakefront shoreline was sub-divided into 63 different segments to provide a more detailed lens into local conditions. The report provides an evaluation of the segments and rates the feature typologies, physical conditions, and coastal vulnerability along the shoreline.
Extensive data gathering was conducted – including drone imagery, on-foot assessment, construction documentation, and property records review – as a basis for the analysis of each segment.
In addition, the study provides an analysis of Park District assets, including ecological, historical, recreational, and revenue-based resources. The study further analyzes equitable investment, critical infrastructure, transportation, and accessibility along the shoreline to better match funding opportunities with infrastructure needs.
To learn about other Park District efforts along the lakefront, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lakefront.