Monday, March 23, 2020

our parks and forest preserves during coronavirus lockdown

There seems to be some confusion about what is open and closed right now.

This is from Chicago Park District:

    Park BUILDINGS are closed, and they are no longer hosting programs for displaced CPS students.
    Park PLAYGROUNDS are off-limits,
    Open spaces are exactly that--OPEN!

From the Forest Preserve District of Cook County:

   All all public events, volunteer activities and permitted events are cancelled through May 11.

   Some locations are closed (including all public restrooms, nature centers, campgrounds, nature play areas, permit offices and the Swallow Cliff Stairs)

   Trails are open.

It's okay to take some outdoor breaks for fresh air and exercise, but please maintain a safe distance from other people to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Take care and stay safe.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

50+ bicycling survey

If you are over 50 and you ride a bike, please take a few minutes to complete this survey. This is being distributed through the League of American Bicyclists' annual National Bike Summit.

Here's the link:
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5386047/50-Cycling-Survey-2020

This survey is open until 10/31/20.  Please share with friends.

If you're curious to see the results, survey results will be posted and updated periodically on ActiveSeniorsConnection.com.

Friends of the Major Taylor Trail meeting Mon. 3/16

Friends of the Major Taylor Trail will meet tomorrow Monday 3/16. Topics will include upcoming events, trail improvements, proposal for new bike parking and Divvy expansion.

Anyone is welcome. Bring your ideas. We'd love to see more people get involved.

Due to coronavirus concerns, we will be having a phone conference instead of an in-person meeting.  

If you would like to participate and you are not on our email list, please email maj.taylor.trail@gmail.com or call 312-520-1641 prior to 7 pm on Monday to get call-in info. Thank you for your understanding.

Friday, March 13, 2020

non sequitur Friday

A selection of Irish music for your festivities.







Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Dan Ryan Woods habitat restoration workday on Saturday 3/14

It's great to get outside. Come out and volunteer at Dan Ryan Woods this Saturday 3/14 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm for Friends of the Forest Preserves' monthly habitat restoration workday.

Tools, gloves, and training provided. If you have work gloves you like, bring those. Wearing hiking boots or work boots is recommended.


Meet at the 91st St. parking lot (just north of the 91st St. Metra station) - accessible from Ashland via 91st st.  Please contact Larry Unruh at  708-752-2623 for more information.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Metra customer satisfaction survey

If you ride Metra, this customer satisfaction survey is for you.

Unlike their typical surveys, they actually asked better questions and included a comment box at the end.

Here's the survey link: https://rsgsurvey.com/metra?password=kwqbxkdn

111th St. fun

Coming soon to 111th St. - a Chicago Department of Water Management to replace 1,934 feet of 100 year old water main from Western Avenue to Longwood Drive starting in mid-March.

The street will have lane reductions -  one lane in each direction until further notice.

The official word is that there will 24-hour notice to affected residents before any temporary interruptions to water service. In an emergency situation, there might be less notice.

For more info, call the Department of Water Management Office of Public Affairs at 773-744-7242, the 19th Ward Office at 773-238-8766 or 311.

Friday, March 6, 2020