A Love Letter to Our Pandemic Refuge: The Parks
The pandemic has forced us to get creative in how we can socialize. That means: go outside. The Chicago Park District has more than 600 parks across the city with playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, soccer fields and indoor activities at field houses. Even though playgrounds and pools were closed during the pandemic, Chicagoans used the green space to throw down chairs, play some music and, uh, not drink beers with friends while maintaining safe distance. Jacoby tours Humboldt Park with parks booster and historian Julia Bachrach to learn more about the landscape and its long history as a community gathering spot.
Guest: Julia Bachrach, Historian and preservationist (https://www.jbachrach.com/)
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why Were Chicago Voters Waiting Hours? Plus, Roseland Hospital Files For Bankruptcy
Despite positive early signs, Chicago’s voter turnout may not surpass the 46% in the 2022 midterm election. NABJ’s Brandon Pope and Block...
Why Does Chicago Police Keep Going Over Budget? Plus, New Gunshot Detection Pilot
Since 2023, the Chicago Police Department has spent $520.5 million more than the City Council approved, and it's on track to go over budg...
Here’s Who Won the Midterm Elections
The results are in! Host Jacoby Cochran and interim executive producer Michelle Navarro break down who won and who lost on Election Day i...
It's Election Day! Plus, Taste Tossed 800 pounds of Unsafe Food
Today we’ve got your Election Day FAQ’s including where to register and vote, the most helpful voter guides, and which restaurants to may...
Why Lt. Gov Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought. Plus, a South Side Teen Lounge
Today we’re talking about the race for Illinois lieutenant governor and why it’s drawing more attention than ever. Also, what happe...
Your Guide to November 2026 in Chicago
It’s a new month, and that means a new guide! Creative producer Emmi Mack and The Brown Line’s Ghazala Irshad join us with what they’re l...
Who Wants to Be the Next Mayor of Chicago?
Monday was the deadline for candidates for mayor and City Council to submit their petitions to get on the 2027 ballot. Host Jacoby Cochra...
Do You Know Who Owns Your Building? Plus, Can Doula Care Really Cost Thousands?
We’re asking a question most Chicago renters probably can’t answer: who owns your building? Today we’re talking about the two competing r...
Are Pritzker and Preckwinkle Shoo-Ins on Election Day?
We have covered school board elections, nonbinding ballot questions, and judicial retention elections ahead of election day next Tuesday....
Waymo in Chicago. Plus, Investing in Crisis Response
We’re still not done talking about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget proposal. Contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch discuss crisis ass...