Chicago Park District

Built World

Operates Garfield Park Conservatory and opened the garden.

The Garfield Park Conservatory opened a four-acre outdoor garden for children on Chicago's West Side. The Child Wild Exploration Garden is designed for kids up to 16 to dig, climb and explore, with reservations required and hours matching the conservatory.

Updated 5 days ago

Built World

Says the Mount Greenwood rink will open Nov. 27 after an employee email incorrectly said it would close

A single email from a Chicago Park District employee told a youth hockey coach the Mount Greenwood ice rink would stay closed this season. Within days, petitions circulated, an alderman sought answers, and the district said the email was wrong: the rink will open Nov. 27.

Updated 7 days ago

Built World

Managing the trail repair project

Eight years after Chicago split the Lakefront Trail into separate bike and pedestrian paths, the Chicago Park District is repairing worn pavement and repainting faded markings. The work covers the 18-mile trail from 63rd Street Beach north to Foster Avenue Beach. Crews are patching asphalt, sealcoating, replacing deteriorating concrete and updating aging signs, one section at a time.

Updated Oct 31

Rule Changes

Oversees arboretum accreditation and the citywide tree inventory

Clark Park, a 22-acre green space on the former Riverview Amusement Park site, is the Chicago Park District's second accredited arboretum. The ArbNet Level 1 designation, announced in October 2026 by the Clark Park Advisory Council, requires at least 25 tree species and public education programs.

Updated Oct 28