Chicago expands free park wifi for students and families

Chicago has announced the extension of free internet access to disinvested communities at parks and schools across the city.

The continued roll-out of the Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) Chicago Connected programme and the Chicago Park District’s Citywide Broadband and Digital Equity Initiative will serve more than 40,000 students and 60 parks across the south and west sides of the city.

Equity initiative

To increase vital park resources and expand access and connectivity in areas that are wifi deficient, the Chicago Park District launched the equity initiative to implement public wifi at 60 parks in south and west side neighbourhoods. The new infrastructure makes free broadband access available to park patrons and extends service beyond the perimeter of a park to the immediate community with antenna signals reaching 100-200 yards.

“In the 21st century, internet access cannot be a luxury only available to a few. Access to high-quality broadband is vital for residents in finding and securing employment, connecting with friends and family, and living fuller lives,” said Brandon Johnson, mayor of Chicago.

“Similarly, students in Chicago Public Schools cannot thrive if they do not have access to the Internet at home. This is an issue of equity, fairness and justice, and I am proud that we are expanding free wifi to the communities that need it most.”

“Free public wifi furthers that goal by eliminating challenges like isolation as well as educational and economic barriers the digital divide can often contribute to and helps foster connections that are vital to strengthening communities”

In addition to enhancing the patron experience and making parks even more attractive and functional destinations, wifi provides access to educational resources, and employment opportunities, and connects residents to the broader community and world around them.

Each park will also be equipped with new digital screens and kiosks that will serve as a portal for information related to parks and other public resources.