Beaches in Chicago (skatepark, health insurance, school)

[aragx6]

The North Ave bus heads straight to the beach all summer -- definitely the way to get there as there is never any parking.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Carantini

It is funny how we truck in fully grown palm trees and truck them away when summer ends. Its funny.

It's downright silly, actually. I mean, c'mon, this is Chicago, nobody is fooled.

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by Drover

It's downright silly, actually. I mean, c'mon, this is Chicago, nobody is fooled.

I don't think it's an attempt to FOOL anyone though.

I would certainly hope if people are rational enough to find a way to Chicago and then figure out where the beach was, they're intelligent enough to know we don't actually have palm trees growing wild.


I love them, just because they're pretty and enjoyable during the summer. I don't think we're trying to rip ourselves as Cali or Florida....just sprucing up the place and making it look a little more inviting.

[Costa Rica Chica]

I love those pictures! Makes me happy to think summer's coming.

[Intergalactic]

There is a Wikipedia article on the beaches:
Chicago beaches - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Some highlights of Chicago's beaches are that Montrose Avenue Beach is so big that has a section favored by gay guys, a section favored by families, and a section for dogs. North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach are where the yuppies go.

[chicagocubs]

Great photos! The beaches are sure a lot nicer than when I lived there!! (and better than an oceanfront beach, too..no salt water!! YUK)

[tk340497]

But what about the quality of water? On some of the things I have read the past two days, it isn't always exactly clean enough to swim in? Is the water alright more often than not?

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by tk340497

But what about the quality of water? On some of the things I have read the past two days, it isn't always exactly clean enough to swim in? Is the water alright more often than not?

They test the water every morning. A few days out of the summer they'll keep certain beaches closed, particularly after big storms.

I like to spend my summer's outside as much as possible, which includes being at the beach and in the water whenever I can. Other than the mysterious third eye that began growing behind my ear a few years ago, I suffer no ill effects from my excursions.

[surlycue]

Originally Posted by tk340497

But what about the quality of water? On some of the things I have read the past two days, it isn't always exactly clean enough to swim in? Is the water alright more often than not?

What's the old addage? If it's brown, drink it down; if it's black, pass it back?

[cubssoxfan]

No waves?! On some days you do get some 2-4 waves and occasionally you get heavier surf.
It is chilly, but in July and August when the water gets into the mid-70's it is very comfortable and refreshing. And no jelly-fish or sharks to worry about. Oh, and do take a weekend to go to Michigan and check out some of their beaches. They have some awesome dunes on that side and wonderful sunsets.