Classes and activities abound for New Eastside residents. There is no shortage of things to do when you live in a world-class city like Chicago.
Chicago park district
Take part in a diverse range of recreational opportunities for adults and children with the Chicago Park District (CPD). Classes in tennis, sailing, ice-skating, yoga, dance and many others will keep you busy and fit year-round. At Maggie Daley Park, try the rock-climbing wall and visit the kiosk. Search for programs at the CPD website for activities at local parks, Grant Park, Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park and Northerly Island.
Chicago Park District Administrative Offices
541 N. Fairbanks Ct. • Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 742-7529 • www.chicagoparkdistrict.org
Millennium park
The heart of Chicago’s community, Millennium Park plays host to myriad festivals and events. Participate in free workouts on Saturdays during summer – Tai Chi, Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes are held at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Other events include free concerts from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the World Music Festival.
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St. • Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 742-1168 • www.millenniumpark.org
Exercise classes
Boot camps in the Lakeshore East Park by Five Star Fitness Boot Camps are a great way to get into shape. Personal trainers, Zumba, yoga and Pilates classes also frequently make use of the Park at Lakeshore East.
Five Star Fitness Boot Camps
3500 N. Paulina St. • Chicago, IL 60657 • (312) 253-7355
www.fivestarfitnessbootcamps.com
Running
New Eastside plays host to many running races such as The Chicago Marathon (Grant Park), Chicago Triathlon (DuSable Harbor), Magellan Spring Half Marathon (Lakeshore East Park), Shamrock Shuffle and
Hot Chocolate 15K (Grant Park). Make use of the Lakefront Trail to get in shape.
Biking
Bicycle enthusiasts can take advantage of the separate biking trails along the Lakefront Path. Access the Lake from the Lakeshore East Park via the garage next to the Lancaster building, 401 N. Westshore Dr. Rent bikes at one of the many Divvy Bike rental sites in New Eastside or at rental company Bike & Roll located at Upper E. Randolph St. Mobile bicycle repair shop Pedal to the People sets up right in the Lakeshore East Park so you can get all your bike maintenance without leaving the neighborhood. Don’t forget to participate in Bike the Drive, a recreational ride held each year in May, usually on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. During Bike the Drive, Lake Shore Drive is closed to motor vehicle traffic and opened exclusively to bicycles for several hours beginning at dawn.
Swimming
Take advantage of your indoor pool or a neighbor’s with private or group instruction in Lakeshore East provided by the British Swim School at North Harbor Tower, 175 N. Harbor Dr., or contact Swim with Kathy – Chicago for lessons at the Aqua, 225 N. Columbus Dr. Lake swimmers can train by the sea wall at Ohio Street Beach next to Navy Pier. Lanes are zoned in the Lake during peak training season.
British Swim School
175 N. Harbor Dr. • Chicago, IL 60601
(708) 613-5179 • www.britishswimschool.com
Swim with Kathy – Chicago
225 N. Columbus Dr. • Chicago, IL 60601
(704) 258-2045 • www.swkchicago.com
Lake & River
It is just a five-minute walk from Lakeshore East to the waterfront and Chicago River where you can learn to sail at Columbia Yacht Club, kayak down the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks, go fishing, or take a water taxi to the Shedd Aquarium, museums, Navy Pier and even up-river to work.
Local Business Events
Local grocery store Mariano’s hosts a number of classes and events throughout the year. These include wine tasting, flower arranging, cooking demonstrations, story time and special performances for kids.
Mariano’s
333 E. Benton Pl. • Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 228-1349 • www.marianos.com