"They're saying they want places to go, things to do. We have park districts and everything in our communities. Let's open it up for them," one woman said.
Organizers with Acclivus, a community health organization, hosted a teen takeover listening session in Washington Park.
"The kids are just dangling. They don't have nothing to do," one young person said.
Tuesday night's meeting came as Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth said DuSable Lake Shore Drive ramps will be closed due to planned youth gatherings at Foster Beach on Thursday and Friday.
Parking restrictions will be in place along the lakefront from Lawrence to Foster on June 4 and June 5 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the DuSable Lake Shore Drive off-ramps at Lawrence and Foster will be closed, Manaa-Hoppenworth said.
"No parking" signs will be posted. Manaa-Hoppenworth said if your vehicle is towed, call 311.
Manaa-Hoppenworth said CTA buses are expected to operate on their usual routes, and neighbors can expect an increased police presence in the area.
On Tuesday night, young people sat on one side, and parents and adults on the other. But both groups listened to find a solution.
"There's a systematic view and change that has to take place," one woman said.
Voices from the youth, parents, adults, and community leaders came together in one room, seeking one resolve.
"There's no way for us to have fun. Like, back in the day, I remember going outside and riding my bike. I can't do that anymore because it doesn't feel safe in my neighborhood," said 17-year-old Shamiyah Parker.
Teen trends seem to be another task officers are facing as some, in recent weeks, have turned violent.
"When you see your kids out there, they live a totally different life than what you know them is in that house," one woman said.
Police in Naperville arrested nine people and issued dozens of citations on Monday night after a large group of young people gathered downtown.
Naperville's police chief said in a statement, in part, "If you break the law, there will be no warnings; there will be no second chances."
In Chicago, late last month, police say, more than 50 people were arrested related to a teen takeover at 57th Street Beach.
CPD also released a surveillance photo of a suspect who, they say, shot three teenagers that same night nearby.
One officer responded to a question on Tuesday night about how officers are handling these trends.
"We have a consent decree in place, so we are guided and bound by the consent decree. New policies are put in place," said CPD Officer Malista Oware. "Everybody here is respected. They have a voice. They have an opportunity to be told in a respectful manner to stop their actions."
Organizers say they hope more teenagers could come out to these listening sessions, not only make their voices heard but to listen to other perspectives.