Ohio Street Beach, Sand beach in Streeterville, Chicago, US
Ohio Street Beach is a sand beach in Chicago that stretches along Lake Michigan, providing swimmers with access to protected swimming water next to a seawall. The beach maintains its elongated shape within the surrounding parkland and serves as a dedicated swimming area in the downtown waterfront.
The beach was originally created in 1913 as a temporary facility with changing rooms and lockers, then converted to a permanent structure in 1923 through municipal investment. This shift marked the beginning of sustained public use of the waterfront for recreation.
The beach takes its name from the adjacent Ohio Street and connects to Jane Addams Memorial Park, where visitors encounter an aluminum and nylon public art installation called 'House'. People use this waterfront as a natural gathering spot throughout the year.
The beach is accessible daily, and lifeguards are present during summer months to monitor swimmers. Parking is available nearby and downtown Chicago is easily walkable from this location.
Unlike most of Chicago's beaches that face east, this one faces north, creating specific water conditions for distance swimmers. The different orientation attracts training swimmers who seek consistent water movement along the shore.
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