Latest news with #CarlosRamirez-Rosa
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago's public pools to open daily this summer for first time since COVID-19 pandemic
Chicago's outdoor public pools will be open daily this summer, for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic led to a lingering lifeguard shortage. The seven-day-a-week schedule for 50 pools begins Saturday, just as a sweltering heat wave is forecasted to blanket the city. Twenty-seven indoor pools will also be accessible six days a week, the Park District announced Monday. The city has struggled with lifeguard shortages for years post-pandemic, prompting the closure of dozens of pools and several beaches. Others operated on limited hours or shortened seasons — last year, Chicago's outdoor pools were only open six days a week. Cities nationwide have grappled with similar staffing challenges, attributed in part to the residual effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and travel restrictions. But the Park District said its lifeguard recruitment efforts led to 3,000 applications this season, up 55% from 2024. Officials launched several initiatives to combat the shortage in late 2023, including the Lifeguard Explorers Training Program. The program targeted pools in the South and West sides, offering 15- to 22-year-olds a $475 stipend to prepare for the city's Lifeguard Swim Test. The salary for lifeguards was also increased to $19.75 an hour from $19 in 2024. Other initiatives included covering the cost of certification fees and collaborating with local schools to boost recruitment, the Park District said. 'Chicagoans can rely on parks to provide access to a vital resource during the hot summer months, while offering hundreds of lifeguards an important job in public service that equips them with strong work experience and essential lifesaving skills,' Park District Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said in a statement. Most pool hours will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., but residents are encouraged to check specific swim schedules at their local parks. More than 200 water spray features and water playgrounds will also be fully activated across the city by this weekend. Humboldt Park Beach, the city's only man-made inland beach, is slated to open Saturday. The city's 22 lakefront beaches opened May 23 and will remain accessible to visitors through Labor Day.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Chicago volunteers unite for Earth Day cleanup in Humboldt Park
CHICAGO – Local groups are keeping the Earth Day message alive going into the spring. While Saturday's temperatures were only in the 40s, they didn't stop volunteers' efforts during an Earth Day cleanup in Humboldt Park. 'For over 40 years, residents have come together to clean up our parks to ensure that they are safe and healthy and accessible for visitors and, of course, the entire community,' Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said. Americans began celebrating Earth Day in April of 1970 to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. That awareness has now gone global and Earth Day is now observed in nearly 200 countries. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines 'The EPA was created because of activism. Earth Day was created because people said, 'We have to be active and we have to promote environmentalism. We have to promote the natural habitat and being good stewards of the natural habitat.' So we're continuing that heritage and that tradition here in the City of Chicago,' Chicago Park Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said. This year's cleanup in Humboldt Park was the biggest one yet for the Chicago Park District and the organization Friends of the Parks, who both recruited over 2,000 volunteers – a record number. 'We use this park all the time, so we want to make sure that we take care of it and preserve it for future generations, and as a parent, I mean I think about my kids being able to use this park and enjoy it in the same way that I do,' volunteer Elizabeth Reynolds said. 'I'm hoping to teach my kids that this is important and to take care of the Earth as much as we can.' Those volunteers spent hours sprucing up 150 parks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Chicago Park District to host second annual "May in Motion" to promote physical activity
The Chicago Park District is encouraging people in every neighborhood to get active next month. It's launching "May in Motion" for a second year. Chicago residents can register for free access to more than 70 fitness centers across the city throughout the month. "May in Motion' is the Park District's call to action to get all Chicagoans moving and to increase access to amenities and spaces that promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle," said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. Several parks will be hosting free pop-up classes every Wednesday, and "organized runs" on Saturdays. There are also kid-friendly after-school activities. Check out the full schedule at the Chicago Park District website.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mayor Johnson appoints Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa for Chicago Park District superintendent
CHICAGO — Mayor Johnson has appointed 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as the next Chicago Park District superintendent and CEO. 'Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is a passionate public servant with a decade of municipal leadership experience and a successful track record of building coalitions and delivering significant community investments,' said Mayor Brandon Johnson. 'My administration is committed to investing in our city's residents and communities. Making our Park District more equitable and accessible, particularly in disinvested communities, is critical to improving the quality of life for all Chicagoans. Carlos is an effective leader and will be a strong Superintendent of the Chicago Park District. Pending council approval, he will succeed Lightfoot-appointed Rosa Escareno. Escareno announced her resignation Wednesday after a board meeting. Chicago Park District boss Rosa Escareno announces resignation Escareno has worked for the City of Chicago for decades, once leading the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection office under Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Ramirez-Rosa has been elected three times to represent the 35th Ward, which represents portions of Avondale, Hermosa, Irving Park and Logan Square. 'I want to thank Mayor Johnson for this opportunity and CEO Escareño for her leadership. I also want to thank the residents of the 35th Ward who have put their trust in me to advocate on their behalf for the past decade. It has been the honor of my life to serve you all,' said Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. 'I look forward to carrying on that spirit of service to this new role to ensure that all Chicagoans can enjoy our parks.' Mayor Johnson said he will outline a process to appoint the next alderman of the 35th Ward. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
