Beachgoers express frustration on Chicago Park District’s new gate parking

Added: 2026-05-28

[00:00:00]Believe it or not, our beaches, some of them are still pretty busy. We were heading to North Avenue Beach when we learned police have it blocked off right now. When it comes to these new parking gates, you can imagine people are not happy. We know that parking and paying for parking at our beaches is not new, but these gates that keep you from being able to just pull in are. And on the busy holiday like today, we saw people getting frustrated with some of the gates that were not working properly.

[00:00:30]After a long day in the sun, getting out of this newly gated parking lot at Foster Beach did not come easy for some drivers. I don't like having to pay.

[00:00:40]Yeah, it just singles some a lot of people out. We watched as some gave up after telling us their QR codes to exit weren't working. It feels like a bit much. Yeah, they're doing too much.

[00:00:50]>> Eventually reversing and looking for another exit. According to the park district's website, the new gates are designed to increase space availability, security, and compliance. Today we parked outside the gate.

[00:01:01]>> Lauren Jameson's lived in this neighborhood for almost 10 years. To pay $20 or $25 just to park in here, I think it's outrageous. Jameson says it's a family-oriented beach that families should have free access to. Food, chairs, and having to walk with all that stuff, I think it's crazy. And then when you turn around and look, you got all these open spaces. Friends of the Parks is a nonprofit that helps preserve and protect Chicago's parks. Their executive director says public assets like beaches are supposed to be free. When you put those gates, it feels private.

[00:01:34]It creates a different sense when you have to go in and out with gates. He says while some of the money comes back to the park district, >> They've kind of popped up quickly both on the north and the south side.

[00:01:46]>> He's still concerned with privatization as these parking meters are controlled by a private parking company. What we don't know is are people finding alternative ways?

[00:01:55]Um and are they using public transportation or other means? And that's something needs to be studied.

[00:02:03]We know those gates have been installed at 10 beaches in total so far. The first 15 minutes is free and then the meter starts. It maxes out at $24 and for $24, excuse me, for more than 9 hours.