Jackson Park Problem Reports
This site is a project of the Jackson Park Advisory Council. Its goal is to allow users of Jackson Park to report issues that they would like the council to amplify.
The council will review issues periodically and decide on how to move them forward.
We encourage users to also report issues to Chicago 311 and the Park District.
Problem Reports
Report a ProblemJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 3 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Illegal parking was observed in and near the 59th Street Harbor. CPD employees were trimming weeds at trees around the area but had no interest in reporting the illegal parking. I believe this is a regular occurrence. I did take a picture of a McCollister truck. Maybe we should write to them for a donation to the Chicago Park District for their parking space!Location:
Observed: 2024-08-17
Reported: 2024-08-21
Category: Other
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 3 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Broke water fountain. Looks like it was also used for a barbecue.Location:
Observed: 2024-08-18
Reported: 2024-08-21
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 3 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Spare signs and graffiti.Location:
South of Science Drive.Observed: 2024-08-17
Reported: 2024-08-21
Category: Other
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 3 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
I am writing a General Note that typical of the other areas I have walked in the past few months, the Phase 3 area has significant landscape overgrowth (especially around the harbor bridge at Lake Shore Drive and south of the poorly maintained tennis courts...horrific!), distressed trees, pot holes seemingly everywhere, incomplete work at new construction, a missing monument or two, etc. There is no point to continue to take the same pictures of this area as it is consistent with the other areas I have walked.Location:
The Phase 3 Area is just off Lake Shore Drive at Science Drive, then north to the edge of the Griffin museum, then south including the 59th Street Harbor to the area north of the poorly maintained tennis courts, west around the harbor to all of the parking areas excluding the Darrow Bridge.Observed: 2024-08-17
Reported: 2024-08-21
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentHomeless Encampment at 59th Street underpass
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
The picture says it all. I kon't know how long this has been there, or what has been done (if anything) to discourage it. Other underpasses to the lakefront trail do not seem to be populated (?)Location:
59h Street underpass to the ;ake shore.Observed: 2024-08-15
Reported: 2024-08-18
Category: Other
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentRecurring problem with sand accumulation on lakefront Trail
2 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Sand regularly accumulates to a significant depth across entire width of lakefront Trail at 57th Street Beach, a narrow and extremely busy section of Trail, producing hazards for cyclists and conflict between pedestrians and cyclistsLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Last Confirmed: 2024-08-06
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentCracked concrete Trail surface
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Concrete Trail surface of walking portion of lakefront Trail north of 63rd Street Beach is cracked and has completely failed in some places, leading to a narrower usable Trail and causing bike and pedestrian conflicts at timesLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentUnsafe Trail crossing
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Lakefront Trail crossing of 63rd Street beach parking lot entrance is extremely unsafe for vulnerable users. Turning drivers do not yield to Trail users consistently and are frequently traveling at high speeds. Drivers exiting parking lot do not stop at stop bars and make illegal right. Turns on red on to the drive. Consider camera enforcement or an underpass or rerouting Trail via underpasses to travel on the west side of DuSable Lakeshore Drive through this area to avoid conflict. It is only a matter of time before there is a fatality at this crossing.Location:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentCorrosion and collision damage to railings protecting path from dusable Lakeshore Drive
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Metal crash barriers protecting lakefront Trail from dusable Lakeshore Drive shows significant corrosion and multiple areas of failure, likely due to collisionsLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentDegraded path pavement
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Where Trail on Eastern side of inner harbor reappears approaching animal bridge from the north, the pavement is of poor quality and degradedLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentDead or damaged trees
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Dying, distressed or significantly damaged trees, including one upper rooted in recent tornadoLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentPath disappears
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Path along east side of inner harbor which exists on maps effectively disappears for large stretches where it has been buried under dirt and grass. This Trail should be reconstructed to provide a safe, alternate, walking and biking route that avoids the major conflict point of this 63rd Street beach parking lot exit to dusable Lakeshore DriveLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentMajor overgrowth blocking path
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Path along east side of inner harbor south of public boat launch becomes impassable due to dense overgrowth, likely also poor pavement conditionsLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentAbandoned jet skis
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Two jet skis have been left abandoned south of inner harbor public boat launch. One is blocking path south of boat launch.Location:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Other
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentTrail crosses boat launch without curb cuts
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Trail along Eastern edge of inner harbor crosses public boat launch with no ramps or curb cuts, limiting use by those who are not on foot. Ideally Trail should be rerouted not to directly cross boat launch.Location:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentPath, pavement, degradation and overgrowth
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Trail between Hayes Drive bridge and public boat launch at northeast corner of inner harbor is degraded and significantly overgrown, making it nearly impossible to use.Location:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentOvergrowth affecting path approaching Hayes Drive bridge
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Path approaching bridge on south side of bridge is significantly narrowed due to major overgrowthLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentDistressed trees
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Multiple distressed or damaged trees visible along path on west side of inner harborLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentFrequent path flooding
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Path along west side of inner harbor north of yacht club entrance gate frequently floods and becomes impassableLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentTwo overgrown benches
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Two benches, Southwest or west of inner harbor along Trail are overgrown and not easy to sit onLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentPedestrian crossings without crossing the signals
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Pedestrian and bike crossings of Richards Drive have lights that lack crossing signals, and the light on one of them is rotated to face incorrectlyLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentLack of sanctioned parking leads to illegal parking
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Southern edge of inner harbor is a popular fishing spot and a lack of sanctioned parking has led to illegal parking and consequent damage to grass and pavementsLocation:
South of inner harbor north of Marquette DriveObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Parking Areas
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentBridge wall concrete spalling
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Evidence of spalling in concrete of animal bridge abutment on east side of bridge, near where a railing post is affixedLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentVine growth blocking sight lines on animal bridge
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Vine growth in bridge railing along lakefront Trail on animal bridge block sight lines at a dangerous pinch point and curve in the trail, increasing risk of bicycle and pedestrian collisionsLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentTrail pavement failure
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Segment of asphalt pavement connecting animal bridge to walkway along concrete revetment is undermined by erosion and bucklingLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentDead and dying trees
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
At least too large and several small trees are nearly or entirely deadLocation:
East of dusable Lakeshore Drive between Coast guard Station and animal bridgeObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentOvergrowth South of Coast guard Station
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Unchecked scrub growth inside fence to south of Coast guard StationLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentWood shakes blowing off roof
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Wooden shakes have blown off the roof of the Coast guard station and associated garageLocation:
Observed: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Buildings
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentOvergrowth
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Several areas of overgrowth or tree limbs. Touching ground impair sight lines and create areas where garbage collects and weeds are not clearedLocation:
Multiple locations south of 63rd Street beach parking lotObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentCollapsed bench
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Location:
Southwest of 63rd Street beach parking lotObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentCollapsed grills
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
At least six permanently installed grills unusable because posts on which they are mounted have penetrated bottom of grill causing grill to collapseLocation:
South of 63rd Street beach parking lotObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentOvergrown benches
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Benches unusable due to overgrowth engulfing themLocation:
Facing seawall South of 63rd Street beach parking lotObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentCracked and failing concrete railing along the seawall
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Multiple areas where concrete railings are spalling, exposing, rusted, rebar, and concrete pillars. Supporting railings are cracked and collapsing.Location:
South of 63rd Street Beach, west of 90° bend in seawallObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentErosion of dirt behind seawall
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Multiple areas of significant erosion behind seawall, some more than 1 ft in depth, filled with overgrowth and trashLocation:
South of 63rd Street beach parking lot along seawall East from the 90° bend in seawallObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentDistressed or dead trees
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
At least two trees with significant quantities of dead branches, and one tree with a stump requiring removalLocation:
Area south of 63rd Street beach parking lotObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to Comment1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Location:
Observed:
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to Comment1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Location:
Observed:
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentPile of dredged dirt
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
One pile of dredged dirt near 63rd Street Beach has been removed, but another further east remains for a second year.Location:
Southeast of 63rd Street beach parking lotObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentSand covering most of paved path
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Deep drift of sand covering paved path makes it unusable for bicycles and difficult to walk onLocation:
South of 63rd Street Beach parking lot, near Eastern end of parking lotObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentPillar with crossing button destroyed by car
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Killer supporting beg button for pedestrian crossing has been knocked over, also damaging concrete on which it was mounted. This crossing, which is inadequately protected from high-speed traffic.Location:
South side of entrance from dusable Lakeshore Drive to 63rd Street Beach parking lotObserved: 2024-07-20
Reported: 2024-07-20
Category: Parking Areas
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentArea 3 Hardscape
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Water fountain and foot bath out of order in parking lot on Science Drive.Location:
See MapObserved: 2024-06-30
Reported: 2024-07-01
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentArea 4 Hardscape
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Sidewalk behind Museum and right at beginning of Museum on Science Drive Parking lot side needs repaving. Lagoon Pathway on Science Drive side needs to be paved, smoothed, or evened out.Location:
See MapObserved: 2024-06-30
Reported: 2024-07-01
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentCars at the Beach
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Cars should not be parked here and ESPECIALLY should not be blocking the lakefront path.Location:
57th St BeachObserved: 2024-06-02
Reported: 2024-06-07
Category: Other
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Comments:
- Cars at the 57th St Beach are still an issue.
Benches at 56th street
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
The benches have been destroyed at 56th and Hyde Park BlvdLocation:
56th and Hyde Park Blvd.Observed: 2024-05-19
Reported: 2024-05-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Landscaping growing thru benches and fences. From the caliper of the trees and bushes at benches and fences where this situation occurs, one assumes that CPD has been walking past these situations for years/decades and not maintaining these areas. What is CPD's response?Location:
Jackson Park Phase 1 AreaObserved: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Trunks of tree and bushes are completely surrounded by plantings right up to the trunk, no clear space. This differs notably from approach to trees on Midway Plaisance where spreading mulch around trees is a major priority. Need to understand landscaping guidelines used by CPD in Jackson Park, different guidelines for different locales, etc.Location:
Jackson Park Phase 1 AreaObserved: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-20
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
CDOT did a good job with new sidewalks along Hayes, but it did nothing to link with/repair/improve park paths (asphalt or otherwise)leading north from sidewalks (presumably because such maintenance was a CPD responsibility).Location:
Jackson Park: Phase 1 AreaObserved: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Park path leading to Wooded Isle Bridge (next to baseball field) deteriorated in several sections.Location:
Near Wooded Isle BridgeObserved: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Path meeting sidewalk, west of bridge by Statue intersection: rough gap to be filled in. Ditto for second path west of bridge, opposite Statue.Location:
Near Statue intersectionObserved: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Asphalt path leading north, just east of Hayes Bridge needs repair where it meet Hayes Drive sidewalk.Location:
Hayes BridgeObserved: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
West End of Hayes Bridge-washout under new sidewalk and west end of bridge edge. CPD or CDOT should repair ASAP.Location:
West end of Hayes BridgeObserved: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-20
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Examples of distressed trees combined with significant overgrowth of plantings are included in the attached file. This situation was observed in many locations throughout the study area.Location:
Phase 1 Area off Hayes DriveObserved: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-19
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project: 2024 JPAC Park Condition Survey
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Significant potholes were observed throughout the Phase 1 Area, collecting standing water, debris, etc. These potholes are in need of patching. Representative photos are attached.Location:
Phase 1 Area off Hayes Drive.Observed: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-19
Category: Hardscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Barren planting area adjacent to basketball courts. Could this area be trimmed out with small stones/rocks or replanted?Location:
Near basketball courts Phase 1 Area.Observed: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-19
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Observed overgrown planting areas along all paths in the Phase 1 area. Does CPD have a standard for trimming growth back from a path? These areas are also collecting litter and debris. Representative photos are attached.Location:
Pedestrian walking paths in the Phase 1 Area.Observed: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-19
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Identified examples of many distressed trees throughout area, approximately 35 acres. Some of these trees are near areas used by park guests and could be a life safety matter.Location:
Trees were observed throughout the Phase 1 Area.Observed: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-19
Category: Landscaping
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Condition Assessment of Phase 1 Area
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Parking lots in Phase 1 area: Tree islands are overgrown with weeds, and then collects litter. Is there a CPD guideline for this condition? Is mulch available for the islands? Mulch applications can control weed.Location:
Parking lots off Hayes Drive in Phase 1 area.Observed: 2024-05-18
Reported: 2024-05-19
Category: Parking Areas
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentUnsafe Crosswalk
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
This very poorly marked crosswalk where the park path intersects the exit from DSLSD is very unsafe. At the very least, the crosswalk needs to be repainted, and stop signs need to be added. Ideally, this would be a raised crosswalk and there would also be a speed bump on Science Drive, as especially with no visual/physical cues it's hard for drivers exiting DSLSD to transition from the fast highway mode to a safe park speed. Drivers exiting DSLSD here often miss the existence of this crosswalk and speed through it - endangering vulnerable road users like the one pictured.Location:
Crosswalk with Science DriveObserved: 2024-03-24
Reported: 2024-03-24
Category:
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentJackson Park: Burnham Building
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Burnham Building has had a construction fence around it since a car drove into it several years ago. Would like JPAC to get an update on this project from CPD.Location:
Approximately at 67th and South Shore Drive, on the south side of the drive.Observed: 2024-03-20
Reported: 2024-03-20
Category:
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to Commentbroken trash can
1 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Trashcan has a hole, needs to be replacedLocation:
N of Nancy Hays bridgeObserved: 2024-03-13
Reported: 2024-03-13
Category:
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentDead racoon
5 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Racoon is in the pond at the Garden of the phoenix.Location:
Observed: 2024-03-10
Reported: 2024-03-11
Last Confirmed: 2024-03-11
Category:
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to CommentBad Sidewalk
4 park visitors share this problem
Description:
Sidewalk near 57th and Stony is dangerously broken - gravel, plywood, etc form a safety hazard. Would like this repaired.Location:
Observed: 2023-10-13
Reported: 2023-11-19
Last Confirmed: 2023-11-21
Category:
Zone:
Project:
Status: Reviewed By Pac
Log In to Comment