Chicago, we made it!
The warm weather has finally arrived, and that means it’s time to start planning your summer activities. This week, the Chicago Park District opened registration at the park district website for all its summer programs, including the one many parents have been waiting for — day camps. Dependent on the number of program spots remaining, in-person registration begins Saturday, May 14.
“Our camps throughout the city are themed this year ‘adventure starts here.’ All of the kids in camps will be introduced to nature, to sports, health and fitness, really getting their brains and bodies working throughout the summer so when they get home they’ll be a little tired!” said newly appointed superintendent of Chicago Park District Rosa Escareño.
Online registration for park programs at McFetridge Sports Center, Morgan Park Sports Center, Addams Park, and Gately Park begins on Tuesday, May 31, followed by in-person registration on Saturday, June 4. Programs at these facilities run from June 13 to August 21. Programs hosted at these facilities will be visible online starting Tuesday, May 17.
Escareño also highlighted the expansion of Girls P.L.A.Y., a program formerly held as one-day events throughout the year, into a full summer camp offering.
Though Escareño calls the CPD day camps “the best deal in town” from a cost perspective, she wants people to know that there are discounts available for those who need it.
Escareño also says that while the park district is still seeking more applicants for lifeguarding and other roles, she is optimistic they will be fully staffed in time for summer swimming. She encouraged more people to apply for lifeguarding and other roles within the park district.
“One thing, because I’m new here, I’m learning that our lifeguards have to meet a very high threshold of safety … the lifeguards that you see out there, we’re entrusting them with the life of our residents. So we want to make sure we get it right. We’re definitely hopeful with the numbers we’re seeing,” Escareño said. “Our priorities are getting the beaches open at the end of May, but our pools begin to open at the end of June and we’re very hopeful that we’ll have really good news.”
