Chicago Park District to close 31st Street Beach starting Thursday through holiday weekend
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Park District will close 31st Street Beach at 9 p.m. starting Thursday night through the holiday weekend.
The change follows recent crime at the beach. Three people have been killed in separate incidents.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Though it was initially reported that the curfew would last for 10 days, 4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson's office clarified that the curfew is in effect through Monday for the July 4 holiday weekend. The curfew could be extended, Robinson's office said, but that assessment will be made at a later time.
Gray skies and somewhat drizzly morning weather couldn't keep celebrants away from the beach, where large family gatherings and elaborate cookouts were the name of the game.
"We are doing some fruit, some lamb, some chicken and just enjoy it," said Fatim Thim.
But what's different this year is the amount of security. Additional police patrols are checking bags and monitoring the parking lots. There is also new fencing and the curfew imposed by CPD. Ald. Robinson has been calling for the curfew for several weeks.
SEE ALSO: Couple killed in shooting near 31st Street Beach; 3 arrested, Chicago police say
"Nine p.m. is put in place because it takes an hour, almost two hours depending on how many people are at the beach, to clear the beach, and so what's happening is that at 11 p.m., the previous closure, the beach is not cleared until 12:30 a.m. or 1 a.m., and that's when we're seeing most incidents happen," Robinson explained.
At least five people were shot and one stabbed at or near 31st Street Beach in the month of June, with most incidents happening after 10 p.m. Because many of these take place in the parking lots, the Chicago Park District said no vehicles will be allowed in after 8 p.m. and all cars must exit the lot by 11 p.m.
Signage has been set up at different points along the beach to inform beachgoers of the policy.
"I want people to enjoy our beautiful beach. Unfortunately we've had 9 incidents of shootings with young people and we have to prioritize public safety," Robinson said.
Longtime friends and beachgoers Ruthi Redmond and James Powell have different views on the new measures.
"Typically when a lot of that happens the beach is closed. So. It's unfortunate that we, the people who are law-abiding citizens have to suffer from that," Redmond said.
"It's a shame that it's gotten to that point. But if that's what we have to do to put an end to it, I'm all for that," said Powell.
While the 9 p.m. curfew is, for now, slated to expire after Monday, the alderman's office said it could be extended if deemed necessary.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
