Kick off the New Year by working out for free from Jan. 2-11 at dozens of Chicago parks.
The Chicago Park District’s 72 fitness centers feature state-of-the-art equipment, including computerized treadmills, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bicycles, free weights and benches, cable cross-overs, multi-station weight machines and core-focused weight equipment.
West Side fitness centers include:
- Amundsen Fitness Center at 6200 W. Bloomingdale Ave. (312) 746-5003
- Austin Town Hall Fitness Center at 5610 W. Lake St. (773) 287-7658
- Columbus Fitness Center at 500 S. Central Ave. (773) 287-7641
- Garfield Fitness Center at 100 N. Central Park Ave. (312) 746-5092
- La Follette Fitness Center at 1333 N. Laramie St. (773) 287-0541
Free lap swim is available at many citywide pools (hours and times vary by park). West Side indoor pools are located at Austin Town Hall, Homan Square Park (3559 W. Arthington St.), and La Follette Park.
Free fitness classes are also available from Jan. 2-11.
The Chicago Park District also offers a wide array of fitness classes for a range of ages and abilities, including aquatic aerobics, cycling, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, and strength training, to name a few. Fitness classes vary per location. Click here for a schedule.
Registration is required. All activities are first come, first served based on availability.
“We hope to inspire Chicagoans to get active,” Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Mike Kelly said in a press release. “The wide range of options we offer allow people at all fitness levels to find the right workout.”
Memberships are available to Chicago Park District fitness centers. Patrons must set up an account prior to registering either online or in-person for a monthly, three-month or annual membership. There is also a gold card membership option that allows patrons to workout at any of the Chicago Park District’s citywide fitness centers.
Membership rates to the Chicago Park District’s fitness centers generally range from $30 to $60 for three months, a fraction of the cost of commercial gyms. Accessible equipment for people with disabilities is available at 40 fitness centers.
For more information call (312) 742-PLAY or (312) 747-2001 (TTY).