After three months under lockdown because of the coronavirus, the Lakefront and 606 trails will officially reopen Monday to all manner of joggers, cyclists and pedestrians.
The COVID-19 pandemic, however, rages on, with 658 new cases being reported Sunday in Illinois. So, though exercisers and commuters are being welcomed back to the popular pathways, city officials are urging people to use them cautiously.
When the Lakefront Trail reopens Monday, users will be required to wear a face mask and stay at least six feet away from others, according to the Chicago Park District website. Anyone on the trail will be expected to “keep it moving,” meaning that any congregating will be prohibited.
The same guidelines will apply to the 606 Trail on the North Side, said Hali Levandoski, a spokeswoman for the mayor’s office. Both trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.
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The Park District will have “Social Distancing Ambassadors” stationed at points along the trails to help implement the new requirements, officials said. And, to further help spread out crowds, the public will only be able to access the Lakefront Trail at certain points.
Though the 606 Trail will be open at every entrance point, larger areas such as the Exelon Observatory, the Monticello seating area and the Damen Plaza will be closed off, Levandoski said.
In some places, the Lakefront Trail will be merged or detoured due to high lake levels and severe erosion caused by fall and winter storms. The City of Chicago has provided a map to show where people can access the trail and what routes it will take.
While the Lakefront Trail will be open, beaches will stay closed, the Park District said. Washrooms, water fountains, athletic fields and outdoor fitness equipment will also be off limits.
