Free Parking at Chicago's Lakefront to End

The Chicago Tribune reports:

There soon will be no such thing as free parking along Chicago's lakefront.

By the time summer fades to fall, the Chicago Park District will start charging $1 an hour to leave your car at any of the more than 4,400 spots along the lake that until now cost nothing. Another 537 metered parking spots will see rates double or quadruple.

The sliver of sunshine among the cloudy news for those who enjoy being outdoors: Instead of lugging around a bagful of quarters, as is done for city meters, people will be able to pay by credit card.

Still, the latest money grab by City Hall -- Mayor Richard Daley appoints the Park District board -- is bound to gall folks on two fronts. It takes away one of the last refuges for families seeking some free fun. And it comes on top of an unpopular parking meter rate increase and anger over widespread problems since a private company took over running them.

Great moments in Blue America.