HUMBOLDT PARK — It's officially time to break out your swimsuit and towel.
Humboldt Park beach, the beloved natural swimming hole that neighbors fought to reopen, opened Friday along with all of the other beaches in the city — a couple weeks ahead of schedule.
The beach was originally slated to open in mid-to-late June, but the Chicago Park District ended up lining up the opening with the rest of the city's beaches this year. It's unclear why. A spokeswoman for the Park District didn't immediately return a message seeking more information.
One thing to keep in mind as you venture to the beach: On Wednesday, the Park District issued a swim advisory based on water quality, according to a Tweet from the agency's official account.
"Swimming is allowed but caution is advised," the Tweet reads.
#ChiSwimReport 5/31/17: Swim advisory at Humboldt Beach based on water quality. Swimming is allowed but caution is advised.
— Chicago ParkDistrict (@ChicagoParks) May 31, 2017
The inland beach project was the first of its kind in Chicago, and maybe the country, according to a 1973 Tribune article detailing the dig.
In recent years, the beach was at the center of controversy. The city closed the beach in 2015, saying it was too expensive to fill the swimming hole, which sparked protests among community leaders and residents. The beach reopened last summer to great fanfare.
