FOTP formed the Chicago Lakefront Coalition to adhere to the vision of our city’s founders to create and maintain a lakefront that is “forever open, clear, and free.” To ensure that our lakefront parks and beaches continue to be one of the most used public assets in our city—and visited by thousands worldwide every year—we must continue to defend them from plans to privatize public land for private special interests. 

In recent years, the team has floated multiple new stadium options for Soldier Field, owned by the Chicago Park District and where the Chicago Bears have played since 1971. Proposals have included renovating Soldier Field with a dome, building a new lakefront stadium, or relocating to Arlington Heights.

FOTP consistently defends the lakefront, opposing any development that would block public access or undermine long-standing legal protections. When the Bears announced plans in 2024 to build a publicly funded stadium on land promised for a future park, FOTP quickly mobilized a coalition, held press events, and met directly with Bears leadership to make our stance clear: Chicago’s lakefront is for the people, not private stadiums.

In September 2025, Bears President Kevin Warren confirmed the team will build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. While this decision protects the lakefront, threats to our public shoreline remain. FOTP continues to push for stronger laws and protections to ensure the lakefront stays “forever open, clear, and free.”