UPDATE: Public Safety, Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for the Historic Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side

CHICAGO: For the upcoming grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side, the City of Chicago is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, increased traffic and to plan accordingly. The Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are reminding residents and visitors of security measures in place and stress the importance of always being aware of your surroundings and to report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.

The City of Chicago, along with our local and federal partners will have additional resources in place to ensure the safety and security of all those living, working and visiting the area of the grand opening. The OEMC will coordinate security efforts and resources with the Chicago Police Department, United States Secret Service, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments, city agencies and private partners. The City of Chicago also will have additional coordinated citywide deployment of public safety personnel and assets to enhance public safety for residents and visitors.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you See Something Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. City of Chicago :: If You See Something, Say Something

STREET CLOSURES and PARKING RESTRICTIONS (updated reopening times*)

List is subject to change. Towing will be Enforced.

Monday, June 8 at 6 a.m. - Monday, June 22 at 5 p.m.

• 60^th St. from Dorchester to Stony Island - no parking both sides of the street.
• 60^th St. from Blackstone to Stony Island EB

Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. through Friday, June 19 at 6 a.m.*

• Midway Plaisance, from Dorchester to Stony Island EB and WB
• Blackstone, from 59^th St. to Midway Plaisance
• Cornell, from Stony Island to 57^th St.
• Stony Island, from Midway Plaisance to 63^rd St.
• Stony Island NB, from 59^th St. to 57^th St.
• 59^th St. SB, from Harper to Stony Island.

Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Saturday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m.

• Midway Plaisance, from Woodlawn to Blackstone.
• Dorchester, from 59th to 60^th St.

Wednesday, June 17 at 6 a.m. - Friday, June 19 at 6 a.m.

• Woodlawn, from 59th to 60^th St.
• Midway Plaisance, from Ellis to Woodlawn.

SIDEWALK RESTRICTIONS

Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Friday, June 19 at 6 a.m.*

• 60^th St. from Dorchester to Stony Island.
• Midway Plaisance, from Dorchester to Stony Island.
• Blackstone, from 59^th St. to Midway Plaisance.
• Cornell, from Stony Island to 57^th St.
• Blackstone, from Midway Plaisance to 60^th St.

Monday, June 15 at 6 a.m. - Saturday, June 20 at 11:59 p.m.

• Midway Plaisance, from Woodlawn to Blackstone.
• Dorchester, from 59^th St. to 60^th St.
  
  

Public Transportation: As with all large-scale events citywide public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events. To find the best way to get to the Obama Presidential Center, visit obama.org/visit/getting-here/. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

Motorists in the area should be prepared for heavy traffic and possible reroutes. There will be some street closures and parking restrictions in effect to ensure public safety. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic.

Chicago OEMC App for Street Closures and Alerts

For safety and preparedness residents and visitors are encouraged to gear up and download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, CHI Safe Walk, weather information, and more in the palm of your hand. Users also will have access to current events and forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Weather and Public Safety

OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. We encourage residents to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.

OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices and issues affecting businesses:

• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook(facebook.com/ChicagoOEMC), TikTok (ChicagoOEMC), X (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social) and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).