Mayor Emanuel and Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael P. Kelly today announced online registration for spring programs is now open, with in-person registration beginning Saturday, February 27. This year, a new social media campaign has been launched to increase program enrollment among teens and young adults. Swim instruction, volleyball, basketball, softball, boxing, boot camp and theater classes are among many of programs available for the upcoming season.

“The Chicago Park District is offering quality classes and activities in neighborhoods throughout the City,” said Mayor Emanuel. “It’s the best deal in town, and the Park District offers something for everyone - regardless of your age, zip code or income level.”

Online registration for spring programming is now open for parks located west of California Avenue, and online registration for parks located east of California Avenue will open tomorrow, February 23 at 9 am.

“There isn’t a better time to get active than in the Spring,” said Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent and CEO. “The Chicago Park District offers thousands of opportunities for families to get fit, explore a new hobby, or learn a life-saving skill such as swimming at an affordable cost.”

In-person registration begins either Saturday, February 27 or Monday, February 29 depending upon the park location. No child will be turned away due to inability to pay and financial assistance is available. Spring programs run from the week of March 28 to the week of May 30.

The Chicago Park District continues to build on record registration numbers. Spring registration reached 94,000 last year, a new benchmark from 87,600 in 2014. Overall program enrollment saw a 35 percent increase from 281,041 in 2012 to 379,908 in 2015.

In addition, the Park District is also launching a brand new social media advertising campaign in order to increase awareness of and participation in park programming among teens and in targeted areas that will include contests, sponsored posts and more.

For more information, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.PLAY.

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