Some Parks, Libraries Open, City Eases Coronavirus Restrictions

CHICAGO — On Monday, city libraries, parks west of Lake Shore Drive and the City Hall payment center reopened as city officials eased restrictions related to the coronavirus crisis.

Chicagoans can return to Lincoln Park, Grant Park, Burnham Park, Harold Washington Park and Jackson Park, all which were closed under the city's public health executive order. All park field houses also will be open frm 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for washrooms and taking shelter. The park district's inland golf courses at Columbus, Marquette and Robert A. Black parks opened Friday. The Jackson Park Golf Course and driving range opened Monday, city officials said.

The lakefront path, parks and beaches remain closed.

Chicago Public Library was set to open many neighborhood branches, and the Harold Washington Library downtown on Monday, with restricted capacity and new social distancing and safety guidelines. Staff and visitors are required to wear masks inside libraries. Details on which branches will reopen and hours of operation are available online.

The City Hall Payment Center at 400 W. Superior St. reopened Monday, but official still encourage people to use payment kiosks or the city's online portal. Neighborhood payment centers are expected to open later this month. Drivers with unpaid tickets who weren’t penalized before March 18 will be notified of due dates for their fines.