Leone Beach Park

Leone Beach Park is a 2.81-acre lakefront park located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The park dates back to 1919 when it was acquired by the City of Chicago's Bureau of Parks and Recreation from the Department of Water.

The centerpiece of Leone Beach Park is its sandy beach along Lake Michigan, offering visitors a place to relax, swim, and enjoy views of the lake. The beach features a designated swimming area that is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season, typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Distance swimming is permitted parallel to the shore from Lunt Avenue to Farwell Avenue.

In 1966, the park was renamed after Sam Leone, a beloved Chicago Park District employee. Leone had worked as a lifeguard at the beach after serving in the Navy during World War I and later became supervisor of lifeguards for the entire North Side. He lived above the beach house and continued safeguarding swimmers until his death in 1965 at age 65.

The park includes more than just the beach area. It features a playground with equipment for children of different ages, providing a space for families to enjoy. The Junior Lifeguard program conducts many of its activities at Leone Beach, helping to train the next generation of water safety professionals.

Leone Beach Park also offers access to the Lake Michigan Water Trail, allowing for non-motorized water activities such as kayaking and canoeing. However, motorized boats are not permitted, and kiteboarding is only allowed at nearby Montrose Beach.

The park is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, with swimming only permitted when lifeguards are on duty from 11 am to 7 pm during the beach season. Visitors should note that there are specific rules in place to ensure safety and cleanliness, including prohibitions on smoking, alcohol consumption, and bringing dogs onto the beach.