Park fieldhouses and libraries stay open as warming centers
Park fieldhouses and libraries stay open as warming centers
Park fieldhouses and libraries stay open as warming centers
Parks have free activities while schools are closed
As the polar vortex ushers in historic subzero temperatures, the city is preparing to take care of residents who need somewhere safe and warm. In addition to warming centers, the city has designated libraries and park fieldhouses as places families can go during the extreme weather.
Earlier on Tuesday, the governor issued a state disaster declaration, similar to a state of emergency, for the brutal weather to ensure municipalities have enough resources to take care of residents.
Chicago Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 30 and in response the Park District will offer free activities like basketball or crafting from 8:30 a.m. until about 3:30 p.m., officials said. Registration is required which can be done online or in person when you drop your child off.
To find a list of the 142 park fieldhouse operating as warming centers visit the Park District’s website. Check the park’s website or call to see if there are extended hours. Maggie Daley Park’s ice ribbon will be closed Tuesday through Thursday. However, the Garfield Park Conservatory will remain open on Wednesday until 5 p.m.
Chicago Public Libraries are expected to be open, but some have closed due to the weather. Locations that will be closed Wednesday include Archer Heights, Jeffery Manor, King, Merlo, South Shore, Popular Library at Water Works, and Wrightwood-Ashburn. More closures may happen so call ahead.
Warming centers operated by Department of Family and Support Services will have extended hours this week. Two will be open as a 24-hour shelters—the Garfield Center at 10 S. Kedzie Avenue and King Center at 4314 S. Cottage Grove. Police stations and hospitals are also open as warming centers for people in need.
Four other facilities will be open longer from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Those include Englewood Center at 1140 W. 79th Street, North Area at 845 W. Wilson Avenue, South Chicago at 8650 S. Commercial Avenue, and Trina Davila at 4300 W. North Avenue.
For homeless people seeking a break from the cold, DFSS will be operating CTA buses as warming centers overnight. Those who don’t stay in shelters can get a hot drink or a warm pair of socks, said Jennifer Rottner of DFSS.
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January 30, 2019 at 01:34PM
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January 30, 2019 at 04:33PM
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January 30, 2019 at 07:33PM
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