The Chicago Park District announced on May 27 that the Garfield Park Conservatory outdoor gardens are now open to the public. The gardens opened on May 26, park district officials said in a statement released on Thursday.
The reopening comes as the state moves deeper into the “Bridge” phase of reopening, which allows for higher capacity limits and longer business operating times.
The timed reservations that the Conservatory instituted earlier in the year will extend to its 10-acre outdoor campus, park district officials said.
“Visitors will now have access to the indoor global plant collection and the 10-acre outdoor gardens, which include the City Garden, Demonstration Garden, Bluestone Terrace and Sensory Garden,” officials explained.
“Reservations are added each day at 10 a.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Timed-entry will be available during the new hours of operation; Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Reservation blocks will increase from 60 minutes to 90 minutes to accommodate the expanded access to the outdoor garden space. Online registration will be available at garfieldconservatory.org/visit.”
All Conservatory visitors and staffers will be required to wear a mask that covers the mouth and nose at all times and social distance while at the campus.
“The Conservatory’s outdoor gardens are a sight to behold,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Michael Kelly. “We welcome the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery as we move towards safely reopening Chicago’s most beloved locations.”
“We want to safely offer the physical and mental health benefits of nature in our outdoor garden spaces, now that the weather is warmer,” states Jennifer Van Valkenburg, President of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. “Nature provides proven physical and mental health benefits, especially during periods of stress.”
