Free access to Chicago Park District’s 70 fitness centers will be available May 1-6
The Chicago Park District is excited for the return of Chicago Moves Day, a free citywide initiative that aims to connect Chicago residents to fitness and wellness opportunities across the city. More than 15 health and fitness providers, including the Chicago Park District’s Wellness Department, will be on site at Union Park, located at 1501 W. Randolph St., on May 3 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The goal of Chicago Moves Day is to educate and motivate Chicagoans of all ages to adopt healthier lifestyles and help prevent and manage chronic diseases.
“On Chicago Moves Day and year-round in the parks, we hope to raise awareness and encourage residents to take small steps to make their health both a priority and a habit,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño. “Chicago Moves Day is a great opportunity to launch that fitness journey and we will provide resources, education, and an afternoon of fun workouts and activities for participants to enjoy.”
The event will highlight the many fitness and wellness opportunities across the city and offer free workout demonstrations, fitness and health screenings, nutrition, and product sampling with local vendors and organizations. Among the confirmed vendors are Bustin’ Bubbles Soccer, Buddha Belly Kids Yoga, Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Public Schools ‘ Children and Family Benefits, Essence of Life, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Lurie’s Children’s KIPP (Knee Injury Prevention Program), The Do Good Movement, The November Project, University of Illinois Extension, Urban Initiatives, Zen Yoga Garage and more. Some vendors will also provide giveaways and offer chances to win raffle prizes. Chicago Park District staff will also be on site from our Aquatics, Gymnastics, Special Recreation, and Wellness Departments.
The schedule of activities on the main stage is as follows:
• 4:00 pm: Yoga, Buddha Belly Kids
• 5:00 pm: Zumba, Chicago Park District
• 5:35 pm: Yoga, Zen Yoga Garage
• 5:50 pm: Low Impact Aerobics, Chicago Park District
• 6:15 pm: Raffle & Final Announcements
As part of the program, all of the Chicago Park District’s 70 fitness centers will be accessible to Chicago residents to visit and try for free May 1 through May 6 during operating hours. Monthly fitness center memberships range from $10 to $20 per month, with limited exceptions. Three-month and annual memberships are also available for purchase.
At Chicago Moves Day, there will be information available on the Park District’s summer programming series, which offers Chicago residents a variety of healthy lifestyle activities and programs. There are a variety of fitness and nutrition classes for all ages and abilities offered in over 100 park district sites, including but not limited to, Teen Fit Box, First Responder and Veteran Yoga. The Wellness Department will also host a variety of fitness-inspired events in the summer, including National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Family Fitness Day on June 10 and International Day of Yoga on June 21.
Online summer programming registration starts at 9 a.m. on May 1 (parks West of California Ave.) and on May 2 (parks East of California Ave.). Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/wellness to browse the selection of summer fitness and wellness classes or visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com for more information on registration.
Participants are encouraged to visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/chicago-moves-day to view on-demand fitness videos prepared by the Chicago Park District. Followers may share photos of their fitness experiences in the parks using the hashtag #ChicagoMovesDay on Instagram.