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QUICK LINKS: Locations | Accessibility | Memberships | Policies | Waiver with Healthcare Provider Prescription/Referral (Revised 5/1/26)
The Chicago Park District’s new/improved fitness centers offer a high-quality, affordable alternative to private gyms. These centers feature state-of-the-art equipment such as computerized treadmills, cross trainers, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, free weights and benches, cable cross-overs, multi-station weight machines and core-focused weight equipment. A membership is required to use a fitness center. Memberships are very affordable. Many fitness centers have ADA-accessible equipment. Search for these sites by selecting the 'Has Wheelchair Accessible Equipment' option below.
In addition to our welcoming fitness centers, many parks offer a variety of fitness classes, including circuit training, conditioning, kickboxing, Pilates, yoga, and aerobics. Classes are not included in the fitness center membership, but class fees are affordable.
May in Motion
Free Fitness Week is back as part of May in Motion in the parks! Take advantage of FREE entry & use of our 70+ fitness centers May 1-10.
Register for Free Fitness Center Access
We're celebrating May in Motion all month long. Take a step towards living an active lifestyle by joining us for one of our 40 + FREE fitness classes in May.
Fitness Centers
Fitness Center Memberships
A membership is required to use a fitness center. A park-specific membership allows for use at the park for which the membership is purchased. A gold membership allows for use at all fitness center parks citywide (list of all fitness centers provided above).
Membership Options
Park specific memberships - good only at the park for which it was purchased
- 1-Month Fitness Center Membership = DEAL
- 3-Month Fitness Center Membership = GOOD DEAL
- Annual Fitness Center Membership = BEST DEAL
Gold memberships - good at all parks throughout the city with fitness centers
- Gold 3-Month Fitness Center Membership = GOOD DEAL
- Gold Annual Fitness Center Membership = GREAT DEAL
Rates vary by park based upon available equipment.
City of Chicago Government Employee Discount
City of Chicago government employees, including employees of City of Chicago Departments and Sister Agencies, are eligible to receive a 30% discount on their fitness membership when they register in-person at a fieldhouse with a fitness center. Individuals will need to bring an employee photo ID, or a recent pay stub and photo ID with them when registering to be eligible for the discount.
Fitness Center Policies
- All participants must complete an orientation before an I.D. will be issued. Please see a staff member about registration and orientation.
- Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
- All participants must sign in at the front desk before entering the fitness center. Please present your fitness pass & I.D. to park staff and wear your I.D. at all times!
- The Fitness Center is only for registered participants (ages 18 & over).
- Children are not allowed in the fitness center under any circumstances. Children may not be left unattended in the halls or stairwells while parents are exercising.
- Proper attire is required. No shirt, no entry. No jeans, cut offs or street shoes. Please carry in your athletic shoes to ensure a clean fitness center.
- Please limit use of cardiovascular equipment to 30 minutes during peak times.
- Please wipe down all equipment after use and bring a towel from home to assist with this request.
- Water bottles are allowed. Please do not bring food, drinks or gum.
- Respect staff, other members and equipment.
- Report any broken/malfunctioning equipment to the front desk.
- Please silence phones while in a fitness center. Do not use phones while on fitness equipment.
- All registration is final. No refunds will be issued. Registration is non-transferable.
- The Park District has the right to cancel your membership if rules are not followed.
- $5 Replacement Fee for lost or stolen cards.
Fitness Center Waiver with Healthcare Provider Prescription or Referral
The Chicago Park District cares about the health of all Chicagoans. In alignment with the Chicago Park District’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan and its efforts to promote community wellbeing and support active living through parks, the Park District offers three months of complimentary use of park fitness centers for all Chicagoans who have a prescription or referral from a professional healthcare organization for exercise needed to reduce and/or manage a chronic disease related to lifestyle activities (diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, among other conditions).
To take advantage of this free three-month, single-site fitness center membership, participants must bring the following information to a park facility with a fitness center. View fitness center locations above.
- A healthcare professional’s referral or prescription for a qualifying chronic disease related to lifestyle activities (diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, among other conditions.)
- The referral or prescription should be listed on the health organization letterhead or a prescription pad.
- The referral or prescription note is encouraged to include the recommended frequency and duration of use of a Park District fitness center as part of a healthy lifestyle treatment.
- Legal photo ID and proof of Chicago address
Rules are as follows:
- Participants will receive one free three-month, single-site fitness center pass. This pass can only be used for one three-month session at one Park District fitness center. The pass cannot be used at multiple fitness center locations.
- Once the Fitness Rx period is completed after 3 months, participants are encouraged to become a member at a Park District fitness center. Learn more: Fitness Center Memberships
- Participants can use the fitness center during all operational open hours, as many times a week as desired or prescribed.
- Participant information will be maintained within the Chicago Park District online program registration system.
- Participants will be required to maintain an online Chicago Park District program registration account. Participants who do not have an account can create one in-person at a participating park or online here.
- Participants are required to adhere to the fitness center’s policies and procedures posted above and at each location, and to the policies listed in the Chicago Park District's Facility Users Code of Conduct.