Some of the Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Park will become Birthday Parties at the Movies this summer to mark the Park District’s 85th anniversary. (Park District photo)

The Chicago Park District has announced a series of events in celebration of its 85^th anniversary.

The Park District is planning more than 1,200 free summer events in parks across the city.

“We are excited to commemorate 85 years of service to the city of Chicago by inviting residents citywide to celebrate with us,” said Park District Superintendent and CEO Mike Kelly. “As superintendent, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with park visitors in all 77 community areas and have seen firsthand parks and access to cultural and recreational experiences improve the quality of life for Chicago residents.”

On May 1, 1934, the 22 independent park districts that existed in Chicago consolidated to become one, the Chicago Park District. The newly formed Park District inherited more than 130 parks, including 83 field houses, 13 beaches, five golf courses and 50 swimming pools.

The Park District boasts more than 8,800 acres of parkland and more than 600 parks. Just last year, the Chicago Park District played host to the 50^th anniversary of the Special Olympics at Soldier Field, the birthplace of the Special Olympics movement.

Many of the athletes who train in Park District facilities will be among the 3,000 Special Olympics Chicago competitors walking in the “Parade of Athletes” during the 51^st annual Special Olympics Spring Games Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field, May 2. The ceremony started a week of track and field competition at Eckersall Stadium, 2400 E. 82^nd St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Actor and Naperville native David Eigenberg will be this year’s honorary coach and the Anne McGlone Burke Service Award will be awarded to Kevin Magnuson, former president and current board member of SCC/Special Olympics Chicago. Special Olympics gold medalist John Wrenn, officers from the Chicago Police Department and deputies from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office will carry the ceremonial torch and the flame will be lit by representatives from El Valor, an adult day care program for people with intellectual disabilities. The organization will also be the recipient of The Keith Magnuson Spirit Award.
Beyond park facilities, the Park District also manages and maintains 26 miles of lakefront, 18 miles of lakefront pedestrian and bike trails, two conservatories, 16 lagoons and nearly 50 nature areas. Five commemorative gardens have been planted with pansies displaying the number 85 in honor of the Park District’s anniversary.

The 85th anniversary-themed gardens will be on display starting throughout the spring at:

• Grant Park — East side of Buckingham Fountain.
• Grant Park — Spirit of Music Garden (Balbo Avenue & Michigan Avenue)
• Garfield Park — in front of the Garfield Park Fieldhouse (100 N. Central Park Ave.)
• South Shore Cultural Center — in the entrance garden (7059 S. South Shore Drive)
• Lincoln Park Conservatory — Great Garden (west of Lincoln Park Zoo off Stockton Drive)

From family fishing at Northerly Island to a bird walk at McKinley Park, Chicagoans are invited to celebrate the Park District’s 85th anniversary by visiting a local park May 4.

With a collection of more than 350 fountains, monuments and sculptures dispersed throughout Chicago’s parks, the Chicago Park District is home to the historic Buckingham Fountain. Located at 301 S. Columbus Drive, the 92-year-old fountain will be turned on for the season from noon to 3 p.m. May 5, during a free family celebration with activities, a kids zone and entertainment from local bands. ComEd and the Chicago Park District will switch on the fountain at 2 p.m. May 5. Eli’s Cheesecake will be joining the Chicago Park District to celebrate 85 years by handing out complimentary cheesecake slices.

The birthday parties continue in neighborhood parks citywide. From June 14 to Aug. 16, the Chicago Park District will be sponsoring 85^th Birthday Parties at the Movies. From 6:30-8 p.m., the Chicago Park District is bringing the party to nine Movies in the Parks on select Thursdays and Fridays. Activities will range from DJ performances to interactive circus arts performance by CircEsteem, followed by a movie at dusk. The parties will include free food and samples from Coca-Cola, Hudsonville Ice Cream and Vienna Beef.

The Chicago Park District will host 85^th Birthday Parties at the Movies:

• June 14 in Eugene Field Park. The movie will be “Great Outdoors.”
• June 20 in Maggie Daley Park. The movie will be “Ralph Breaks the Internet.”
• June 27 in Austin Town Hall Park. The movie will be “Black Panther.”
• July 5 in Indian Boundary Park. The movie will be “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
• July 12 in Meyering Park. The movie will be “Night School.”
• July 25 in Marquette Park. The movie will be “Transylvania 3.”
• 1 in Harrison Park. The movie will be “Black Panther.”
• 9 in Palmer Park. The movie will be “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”
• 16 in Hermosa Park. The movie will be “Aquaman.”
  

For information and updates on the 85^th anniversary celebrations, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/85th.