Gear up for Spring and Summer
While it might not feel like the second day of spring, yesterday marked the first day of the season. Get those short shorts, tank-tops and ball gloves ready because sooner rather than later (hopefully) spring will be in full swing! Every Chicagoan knows when the warm weather comes, the energy immediately picks up, and the seasonal depression is kissed goodbye!
To prepare for the spring season, I thought it would be great to get back in touch with some of the great parks this city has to offer. No matter if you live on the south side, west side, downtown or up north, there are some great options. Dust off the picknick basket and frisbees, park season is right around the corner!
Millenium Park
Cliche I know, but lets be real. Millenium Park is a gem of Chicago. Beautifully designed and developed, Millenium Park is like an appetizer to the great skyline of Chicago. Free events throughout the year at the Pritzker Pavilion, and beautiful art displayed in every corner and nook, this location is perfect in the top spot of Chicago parks.
Burnham Park
Stretching over five miles along Chicago’s lake front from Grant Park to Jackson Park, lies the famous Burnham park. Named after famed architect and city planner Daniel Burnham this stretch of land perfectly summarizes Burnham’s idea to keep Chicago’s lakefront clean and open to the public. Filled with green space, trees, nature and art sculptures, this park has it all.
Lincoln Park
This north side park has acces to some of the cities top tourist and local destinations. Within Lincoln Park you can find the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, the Theater on the Lake and direct access to North Avenue beach. During the spring and summer months Lincoln Park is full of families, friends and beach goers taking full advantage of the vast green space and leaser activities. Into rowing? You can even check out the Lincoln Park Boat Club to get your fix.
Grant Park
Famous to the Chicago locals for Lalapalooza and other music events over the Spring and summer months, Grant Park was brought into the lime light when President Obama held is victory speech here in 2008. With room to hold thousands, Grant Park also has dozens of softball/baseball fields, and plenty of green space to run around with your dog. Beautifully laying along Lake Shore Drive and Chicago’s skyline, Grant Park is one of Chicago’s best.
Washington Park
Stretching from 51st street to 60th, and between Martin Luther King Jr. drive and COttage grove is Chicago’s Washington Park. Named after president George Washington this park is one of the biggest on the South Side. At over 3,600 acres this park has historic artifacts, sports activities, and even a cricket pitch for those seeking something new.