For the first time in a century, an open swim event is planned in the Chicago River, aiming to attract 500 qualified applicants this fall. The initiative coincides with the introduction of more stringent requirements for the city of Chicago's sewer discharges into the river system, a move that could significantly increase the likelihood of the event's occurrence. The city, which owns the most outfalls discharging into the river, emphasizes the importance of controlling these discharges to achieve a vision of a fishable and swimmable river accessible to everyone. However, the event faces hurdles as the city has not yet issued any permits for the proposed swim. During Clinée Hedspeth's confirmation hearing as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), it was revealed that Aldermen Reilly and Conway oppose the event, further complicating its approval.
Chicago deserves everything they voted for.
Despite promotion for a swimming event in the Chicago River, it turns out the city has not yet approved it. https://t.co/10t58vsziB
During Clinée Hedspeth's confirmation hearing as the commissioner of the @ChicagoDCASE, she tells City Council members that the city has yet to issue any permits for the proposed open swim in the river -- and it sounds like Alds. Reilly & Conway oppose it https://t.co/eQC0Nh7f0m
This fall 500 hundred qualified swimming applicants will jump in the Chicago River. https://t.co/0EVC6I1Wib
“Chicago owns the most outfalls that discharge into the river system, and controlling what comes out of them is essential to reach our shared vision for a fishable-swimmable river that is accessible to everyone." https://t.co/9WY40b7Pzd
New, more stringent requirements regarding the city of Chicago’s sewer discharges into the river system could make the proposed swim likelier to occur than not. https://t.co/UatFvbgUKm https://t.co/7pZuzo9T2z
Would you swim in the Chicago River? An open swim is planned for the first time in a century. https://t.co/99Dev4i2RP https://t.co/dZbqamQ0ui