Check out our visual review of 2016 in the parks! We've put together a few photos highlighting events, programs, new facilities, and a few fun moments.Thanks everyone for another amazing year at the Chicago Park District. See you in the parks!
2016 Year in Review
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2016 Year in Review
Jan - Silver Skates Speed Skating Competition.
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Silver Skates Speed Skating Competition.
Teens auditioned for T.I.P Fest at Austin Town Hall.
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Teens auditioned for T.I.P Fest at Austin Town Hall.
Congrats! North Region Junior Citizens.
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Congrats! North Region Junior Citizens.
MARCH- Our special rec program got to play basketball at DePaul!
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Our special rec program got to play basketball at DePaul!
March - We celebrated our 1st game at Kerry Wood Cubs Field.
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We celebrated our 1st game at Kerry Wood Cubs Field.
Thank you for making My Chi ParksTM the most downloaded municipal app!
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Thank you for making My Chi ParksTM the most downloaded municipal app!
Once again an amazing Citywide Boxing Meet.
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Once again an amazing Citywide Boxing Meet.
Citywide boxing belt. The ultimate prize.
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Citywide boxing belt. The ultimate prize.
APRIL - Dance Instructor Ms. Elaine leads teens through some new dance moves at the Teen Fitness Fun
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Dance Instructor Ms. Elaine leads teens through some new dance moves at the Teen Fitness Fun Day at Garfield Park. Over 100 teens gathered to try new fitness activities.
APRIL Our color run at Horner was a blast!
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The color run at Horner was a blast!
MAY- Our seniors had a great luncheon at Biaggio's!
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Our seniors had a great luncheon at Biaggio's!
MAY- Our Special Rec opening ceremony at Eckersall Stadium!
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Our Special Rec opening ceremony at Eckersall Stadium!
May - Our annual organic Plant Sale at Kilbourn Park.
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Our annual organic Plant Sale at Kilbourn Park.
We participated in "BLOOM" Ireland's largest garden festival. With our garden, "Bridge the Gap", we
Media Caption
We participated in "BLOOM" Ireland's largest garden festival. With our garden, "Bridge the Gap", we achieved high marks and were awarded with a Bloom 2016 Gold Medal.
Indian Boundary Park celebrated their Centennial in May.
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Indian Boundary Park celebrated their Centennial in May.
Community members enjoying a Night Out in the Parks concert at Welles Park.
Media Caption
Over the past three years, Night Out in the Parks has expanded to over 2,000 cultural events across Chicago each season. Activities have varied from traditional performances and concerts , to peace rallies, community workshops, nature-based programs, theatre, and more.
Through Night Out in the Parks, we are a hub for community-building activities citywide and partners
Media Caption
Through Night Out in the Parks, we are a hub for community-building activities citywide and partnerships with organizations and individual artists. Photo: Maplewood Park | Build a robot.
June - We had a great time at the annual Artist of the Wall Festival.
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We had a great time at the annual Artist of the Wall Festival.
June - Getting creative at the Artist of the Wall Festival in Rogers Park.
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Getting creative at the Artist of the Wall Festival in Rogers Park.
Lakefront trail improvements completed to exsisting path, seven miles from Ardmore to Oak and trail
Media Caption
Lakefront trail improvements completed to exsisting path, seven miles from Ardmore to Oak and trail separation from 31st to 35th Street.
Mayor chats with cyclist about the newly opened Lakefront trail separation.
Media Caption
Mayor chats with cyclist about the newly opened Lakefront trail separation.
June - It was the perfect day for our annual summer kickoff; Teen Beach Bash. More than 250 teens hi
Media Caption
It was the perfect day for our annual summer kickoff; Teen Beach Bash. More than 250 teens hit the beach and took part in a variety of activities; ranging from beach volleyball, soccer, and bags.
The Teen Beach Bash is a great opportunity for our diverse group of teens from across the north side
Media Caption
The Teen Beach Bash is a great opportunity for our diverse group of teens from across the north side to gather together and in some cases it's the only time they visit our beautiful lakefront.
Everyone had an amazing time at the Teen Beach Bash.
Media Caption
Everyone had an amazing time at the Teen Beach Bash.
We particiapated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson!
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We particiapated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson!
June - Our campers are not shy!
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Our campers are not shy!
June - Day Camp was a success across the city!
Media Caption
Day Camp was a success across the city!
Check out the number of ways we keep our teens active all year long.
Media Caption
Check out the number of ways we keep our teens active all year long.
JULY- Sir the Baptist was amazing at TIP Fest!
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Sir the Baptist was amazing at TIP Fest!
Teens played volleyball at our annual Peace on the Beach event
Media Caption
Teens played volleyball at our annual Peace on the Beach event
The teens made a giant peace sign at Peace on the Beach
Media Caption
The teens made a giant peace sign at Peace on the Beach
AUG - Teen X-Stream Leadership Campers from 29 different parks gathered in Garfield Park to race car
Media Caption
Teen X-Stream Leadership Campers from 29 different parks gathered in Garfield Park to race carts they built and share knowledge about environmental and social justice issues they researched as part of the Push Kart Derby
AUG- Blackhawk Park swim team had a great time at Holstein swim meet!
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Blackhawk Park swim team had a great time at Holstein swim meet!
AUG- Music and art fans gathered in Dvorak Park for the annual We Are HipHop festival.
Media Caption
Music and art fans gathered in Dvorak Park for the annual We Are HipHop festival.
AUG- The Humboldt Park community celebrated the reopening of the park's inland beach
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The Humboldt Park community celebrated the reopening of the park's inland beach
AUG- The Chicago Shakespeare Theater delighted park patrons with free performances of Twelfth Night
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The Chicago Shakespeare Theater delighted park patrons with free performances of Twelfth Night in parks throughout the city
AUG - The Chicago Hua Xing Art Troupe warmed up the crowd at Shakespeare in the Park at Ping Tom Par
Media Caption
The Chicago Hua Xing Art Troupe warmed up the crowd at Shakespeare in the Park at Ping Tom Park
AUG-Humboldt Park patrons enjoyed a picnic and the 2016 production of Shakespeare in the Park
Media Caption
Humboldt Park patrons enjoyed a picnic and the 2016 production of Shakespeare in the Park
AUG-Humboldt Park patrons enjoyed a picnic and the 2016 production of Shakespeare in the Park
Media Caption
Humboldt Park patrons enjoyed a picnic and the 2016 production of Shakespeare in the Park
AUG- We celebrated the opening of a new Outdoor Fitness Center in Burnham Park
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We celebrated the opening of a new Outdoor Fitness Center in Burnham Park
AUG- Teen performers and peace activist including headliner Rahkii performed at a free concert and g
Media Caption
Teen performers and peace activist including headliner Rahkii performed at a free concert and gathering in Humboldt Park.
AUG- Check out the tennis champs at Senior Games!
Media Caption
Check out the tennis champs at Senior Games!
SEPT- Seniors gathered at Northerly Island for the Senior Games Fishing Tournament
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Seniors gathered at Northerly Island for the Senior Games Fishing Tournament
The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners renamed Columbia Beach Park in honor of Helen
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The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners renamed Columbia Beach Park in honor of Helen Doria.
We dedicated a park in Kenwood in remembrance of Hadiya Pendleton. (1)_use
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We dedicated a park in Kenwood in remembrance of Hadiya Pendleton.
Chicago Plays! Day. From Abbott Park to Zatterberg Park, we celebrated the 327 playgrounds that were
Media Caption
Chicago Plays! Day. From Abbott Park to Zatterberg Park, we celebrated the 327 playgrounds that were renovated over the last four years as part of Mayor Emanuel's Chicago Plays! Program.
Celebrating Chicago Plays! day at Loyola Park.
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Celebrating Chicago Plays! day at Loyola Park.
Park_571_slideshow04
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Opened Park 571 known as Eleanor Boathouse. The 19,000 sq. ft boathouse has rowing training and boat storage, and floating accessible boat launch. Located in the Bridgeport community.
OCT- Alderman Michael Scott Jr. and the community celebrated the brand new playground at Homan Park
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Alderman Michael Scott Jr. and the community celebrated the brand new playground at Homan Park as part of Chicago Plays! Day
OCT- Patrons at Commercial Park brought their Costume A Game to the Halloween Party.
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Patrons at Commercial Park brought their Costume A Game to the Halloween Party.
OCT-Pulaski Park's advisory council brought a special guest to the Halloween Party!
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Pulaski Park's advisory council brought a special guest to the Halloween Party!
OCTHarry Potter showed up at Schreiber Park for Halloween!
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Harry Potter showed up at Schreiber Park for Halloween!
OCT- Happy 100th birthday to Clarendon Park!
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Happy 100th birthday to Clarendon Park!
CUBS
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CUBS capture the World Series
Oct - We supported our Cubs!
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We supported our Cubs!
Kids are enjoying the new field at Amundsen Park!
Media Caption
Kids are enjoying the new field at Amundsen Park!
Poop Fairy Bag modeled by Marie at Indian Boundary Park.
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We launched our new online Chicago Park District Store! Check it out at www.chicagoparkstore.com
Check out our public art in the parks program.
Media Caption
We love our public art in the parks.
Carolyn Ottmers "A Remembrance"
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Carolyn Ottmers "A Remembrance" at 63rd Street Beach. 2016 was a great year for public art with over 49 new installations and 31 parks saw public art.
1st annual Deaf & Hard of Hearing Holiday Party
Media Caption
1st annual Deaf & Hard of Hearing Holiday Party
Thanks for another amazing year!
Media Caption
Thanks for another amazing year!
2016 Year in Review
Media Caption
2016 Year in Review
Jan - Silver Skates Speed Skating Competition.
Media Caption
Silver Skates Speed Skating Competition.
Teens auditioned for T.I.P Fest at Austin Town Hall.
Media Caption
Teens auditioned for T.I.P Fest at Austin Town Hall.
Congrats! North Region Junior Citizens.
Media Caption
Congrats! North Region Junior Citizens.
MARCH- Our special rec program got to play basketball at DePaul!
Media Caption
Our special rec program got to play basketball at DePaul!
March - We celebrated our 1st game at Kerry Wood Cubs Field.
Media Caption
We celebrated our 1st game at Kerry Wood Cubs Field.
Thank you for making My Chi ParksTM the most downloaded municipal app!
Media Caption
Thank you for making My Chi ParksTM the most downloaded municipal app!
Once again an amazing Citywide Boxing Meet.
Media Caption
Once again an amazing Citywide Boxing Meet.
Citywide boxing belt. The ultimate prize.
Media Caption
Citywide boxing belt. The ultimate prize.
APRIL - Dance Instructor Ms. Elaine leads teens through some new dance moves at the Teen Fitness Fun
Media Caption
Dance Instructor Ms. Elaine leads teens through some new dance moves at the Teen Fitness Fun Day at Garfield Park. Over 100 teens gathered to try new fitness activities.
APRIL Our color run at Horner was a blast!
Media Caption
The color run at Horner was a blast!
MAY- Our seniors had a great luncheon at Biaggio's!
Media Caption
Our seniors had a great luncheon at Biaggio's!
MAY- Our Special Rec opening ceremony at Eckersall Stadium!
Media Caption
Our Special Rec opening ceremony at Eckersall Stadium!
May - Our annual organic Plant Sale at Kilbourn Park.
Media Caption
Our annual organic Plant Sale at Kilbourn Park.
We participated in "BLOOM" Ireland's largest garden festival. With our garden, "Bridge the Gap", we
Media Caption
We participated in "BLOOM" Ireland's largest garden festival. With our garden, "Bridge the Gap", we achieved high marks and were awarded with a Bloom 2016 Gold Medal.
Indian Boundary Park celebrated their Centennial in May.
Media Caption
Indian Boundary Park celebrated their Centennial in May.
Community members enjoying a Night Out in the Parks concert at Welles Park.
Media Caption
Over the past three years, Night Out in the Parks has expanded to over 2,000 cultural events across Chicago each season. Activities have varied from traditional performances and concerts , to peace rallies, community workshops, nature-based programs, theatre, and more.
Through Night Out in the Parks, we are a hub for community-building activities citywide and partners
Media Caption
Through Night Out in the Parks, we are a hub for community-building activities citywide and partnerships with organizations and individual artists. Photo: Maplewood Park | Build a robot.
June - We had a great time at the annual Artist of the Wall Festival.
Media Caption
We had a great time at the annual Artist of the Wall Festival.
June - Getting creative at the Artist of the Wall Festival in Rogers Park.
Media Caption
Getting creative at the Artist of the Wall Festival in Rogers Park.
Lakefront trail improvements completed to exsisting path, seven miles from Ardmore to Oak and trail
Media Caption
Lakefront trail improvements completed to exsisting path, seven miles from Ardmore to Oak and trail separation from 31st to 35th Street.
Mayor chats with cyclist about the newly opened Lakefront trail separation.
Media Caption
Mayor chats with cyclist about the newly opened Lakefront trail separation.
June - It was the perfect day for our annual summer kickoff; Teen Beach Bash. More than 250 teens hi
Media Caption
It was the perfect day for our annual summer kickoff; Teen Beach Bash. More than 250 teens hit the beach and took part in a variety of activities; ranging from beach volleyball, soccer, and bags.
The Teen Beach Bash is a great opportunity for our diverse group of teens from across the north side
Media Caption
The Teen Beach Bash is a great opportunity for our diverse group of teens from across the north side to gather together and in some cases it's the only time they visit our beautiful lakefront.
Everyone had an amazing time at the Teen Beach Bash.
Media Caption
Everyone had an amazing time at the Teen Beach Bash.
We particiapated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson!
Media Caption
We particiapated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson!
June - Our campers are not shy!
Media Caption
Our campers are not shy!
June - Day Camp was a success across the city!
Media Caption
Day Camp was a success across the city!
Check out the number of ways we keep our teens active all year long.
Media Caption
Check out the number of ways we keep our teens active all year long.
JULY- Sir the Baptist was amazing at TIP Fest!
Media Caption
Sir the Baptist was amazing at TIP Fest!
Teens played volleyball at our annual Peace on the Beach event
Media Caption
Teens played volleyball at our annual Peace on the Beach event
The teens made a giant peace sign at Peace on the Beach
Media Caption
The teens made a giant peace sign at Peace on the Beach
AUG - Teen X-Stream Leadership Campers from 29 different parks gathered in Garfield Park to race car
Media Caption
Teen X-Stream Leadership Campers from 29 different parks gathered in Garfield Park to race carts they built and share knowledge about environmental and social justice issues they researched as part of the Push Kart Derby
AUG- Blackhawk Park swim team had a great time at Holstein swim meet!
Media Caption
Blackhawk Park swim team had a great time at Holstein swim meet!
AUG- Music and art fans gathered in Dvorak Park for the annual We Are HipHop festival.
Media Caption
Music and art fans gathered in Dvorak Park for the annual We Are HipHop festival.
AUG- The Humboldt Park community celebrated the reopening of the park's inland beach
Media Caption
The Humboldt Park community celebrated the reopening of the park's inland beach
AUG- The Chicago Shakespeare Theater delighted park patrons with free performances of Twelfth Night
Media Caption
The Chicago Shakespeare Theater delighted park patrons with free performances of Twelfth Night in parks throughout the city
AUG - The Chicago Hua Xing Art Troupe warmed up the crowd at Shakespeare in the Park at Ping Tom Par
Media Caption
The Chicago Hua Xing Art Troupe warmed up the crowd at Shakespeare in the Park at Ping Tom Park
AUG-Humboldt Park patrons enjoyed a picnic and the 2016 production of Shakespeare in the Park
Media Caption
Humboldt Park patrons enjoyed a picnic and the 2016 production of Shakespeare in the Park
AUG-Humboldt Park patrons enjoyed a picnic and the 2016 production of Shakespeare in the Park
Media Caption
Humboldt Park patrons enjoyed a picnic and the 2016 production of Shakespeare in the Park
AUG- We celebrated the opening of a new Outdoor Fitness Center in Burnham Park
Media Caption
We celebrated the opening of a new Outdoor Fitness Center in Burnham Park
AUG- Teen performers and peace activist including headliner Rahkii performed at a free concert and g
Media Caption
Teen performers and peace activist including headliner Rahkii performed at a free concert and gathering in Humboldt Park.
AUG- Check out the tennis champs at Senior Games!
Media Caption
Check out the tennis champs at Senior Games!
SEPT- Seniors gathered at Northerly Island for the Senior Games Fishing Tournament
Media Caption
Seniors gathered at Northerly Island for the Senior Games Fishing Tournament
The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners renamed Columbia Beach Park in honor of Helen
Media Caption
The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners renamed Columbia Beach Park in honor of Helen Doria.
We dedicated a park in Kenwood in remembrance of Hadiya Pendleton. (1)_use
Media Caption
We dedicated a park in Kenwood in remembrance of Hadiya Pendleton.
Chicago Plays! Day. From Abbott Park to Zatterberg Park, we celebrated the 327 playgrounds that were
Media Caption
Chicago Plays! Day. From Abbott Park to Zatterberg Park, we celebrated the 327 playgrounds that were renovated over the last four years as part of Mayor Emanuel's Chicago Plays! Program.
Celebrating Chicago Plays! day at Loyola Park.
Media Caption
Celebrating Chicago Plays! day at Loyola Park.
Park_571_slideshow04
Media Caption
Opened Park 571 known as Eleanor Boathouse. The 19,000 sq. ft boathouse has rowing training and boat storage, and floating accessible boat launch. Located in the Bridgeport community.
OCT- Alderman Michael Scott Jr. and the community celebrated the brand new playground at Homan Park
Media Caption
Alderman Michael Scott Jr. and the community celebrated the brand new playground at Homan Park as part of Chicago Plays! Day
OCT- Patrons at Commercial Park brought their Costume A Game to the Halloween Party.
Media Caption
Patrons at Commercial Park brought their Costume A Game to the Halloween Party.
OCT-Pulaski Park's advisory council brought a special guest to the Halloween Party!
Media Caption
Pulaski Park's advisory council brought a special guest to the Halloween Party!
OCTHarry Potter showed up at Schreiber Park for Halloween!
Media Caption
Harry Potter showed up at Schreiber Park for Halloween!
OCT- Happy 100th birthday to Clarendon Park!
Media Caption
Happy 100th birthday to Clarendon Park!
CUBS
Media Caption
CUBS capture the World Series
Oct - We supported our Cubs!
Media Caption
We supported our Cubs!
Kids are enjoying the new field at Amundsen Park!
Media Caption
Kids are enjoying the new field at Amundsen Park!
Poop Fairy Bag modeled by Marie at Indian Boundary Park.
Media Caption
We launched our new online Chicago Park District Store! Check it out at www.chicagoparkstore.com
Check out our public art in the parks program.
Media Caption
We love our public art in the parks.
Carolyn Ottmers "A Remembrance"
Media Caption
Carolyn Ottmers "A Remembrance" at 63rd Street Beach. 2016 was a great year for public art with over 49 new installations and 31 parks saw public art.
1st annual Deaf & Hard of Hearing Holiday Party
Media Caption
1st annual Deaf & Hard of Hearing Holiday Party
Thanks for another amazing year!
Media Caption
Thanks for another amazing year!