Chicago’s lakefront trail has been closed since March 26. (WTTW News)

Chicagoans are getting their beloved lakefront trail back, with the reopening of the 18-mile path set for June 22.

There’s just one condition. You’ve got to “keep it moving,” people.

The trail, which Mayor Lori Lightfoot shut down March 26 after observing people’s disregard for social distancing guidelines, will only be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for exercise and commuting. That means things like biking, walking, jogging and rollerblading are allowed but any activity that doesn’t involve constant motion is against the rules.

The intent is to discourage “congregating” and achieve social distancing while concerns linger over the spread of the coronavirus.

The Chicago Park District will post usage rules along the length of the trail, and so-called social distancing ambassadors will be stationed at various points on the path to educate people and manage traffic flow. 

Access to the trail will be minimized by restricting it to half the number of usual entry points.

Though the trail will reopen, everything else along the lakefront remains closed. Beaches, closed. Parking lots, closed. Athletic fields, closed. 

Users of the trail will also have to navigate storm damage along several stretches of the route: from Fullerton to North Avenue, there will be a shared trail; North Avenue to Ohio Street, trail users will be redirected to an on-street detour; from 43rd Street to 51st Street, users will merge onto one trail.

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]