Dear friends of the parks,
As noted previously, we're busily prepping for our 2nd Annual "Parks as Democracy?" Luncheon and Conference on June 8 and 9 at Roosevelt University. We're hoping you'll sign up today! Click here to register.
So here's another exciting element we hope will convince you to join us. As we did last year, we will partner with The Chicago Community Trust to engage conference participants in conversation in the style of "On the Table" as we process the topics we are discussing in the vein of "In Black and White? A Continuing Conversation about Parks as Democracy." Our SATURDAY LUNCH will feature a guided opportunity to talk with your table mates about what it means for parks to be democratic spaces or public spaces and what we might do together to further organize around that.
As a reminder, Park Advisory Councils and other park partner organizations are invited to bring up to 5 of your members to the Saturday portion of the conference for FREE, as long as you sign up as a group per the instructions on the registration page. So don't miss this important opportunity for dialogue with other "parktivists" and to put your ideas on the table alongside the many Chicagoans across the region who are participating with this year's many "On the Table" discussions about how to improve our communities and city!
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Also, see the below for reminders about our approach to the whole luncheon and conference, the keynote speech on Friday over lunch, and more!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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2nd Annual "Parks as Democracy?"
Luncheon and Conference
Friday, June 8 - Saturday, June 9
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| Photo credit David Solzman |
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"In Black and White?
A Continuing Conversation about Parks as Democratic Spaces"
Gilded Age park movement pioneers lauded and created national and urban park systems in the name of ensuring them as democratic spaces. Parks were meant to be meeting places for the masses where everyone is equal; protected public lands held in trust by the government to promote the common good.
But our city recently has seen the guardians of the public trust give in to private exploitation of our park land. Park lovers surely have different points of view as to whether proposed uses are in line with the delicate balance between public enjoyment, natural resource management, and tourism and other economic development purposes that parks can play.
And, certainly, not everyone has experienced our parks as accessible and equitable over the years. As Chicago's famed Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Jackson Park and Midway Plaisance hosted the World Columbian Exposition 125 years ago, Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells spoke of lack of equity and inclusion of African-Americans while other advocates spoke about similar issues. And, 35 years ago, the Chicago Park District entered into a court-ordered Consent Decree in settlement of a lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice because of discrimination against Chicago's minority communities.
With this backdrop, please join Friends of the Parks for a provocative day-and-a-half gathering to study the history, analyze the issues, and develop action plans collaboratively to more fully promote and preserve our public lands as democratic spaces.
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We will kick off our luncheon keynote address: "The Fight for Democracy: The Role of Parks and Public Space" by Dick Simpson, Professor of Political Science at University of Illinois at Chicago, former Chicago alderman and author of The Good Fight: Life Lessons from a Chicago Progressive.
Author, Professor, former City of Chicago Alderman, and now Department Head of UIC Political Science Department, Dick W. Simpson has uniquely combined a distinguished academic career with public service in government.
He is author and co-author of more than 20 books on political action, ethics, and politics; his most recent book, The Good Fight: Life Lessons from a Chicago Progressive (2017), touches upon his early life in Texas, moving to Chicago and the account of his life in academics and politics.
Registration is now open! You can purchase tickets to the luncheon, the full conference, or pick and choose the elements you want to attend.
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Also, sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Sandra Del Toro to purchase a table, sponsor the luncheon, help cover scholarships for Park Advisory Council members attending the conference, and more: deltoros@fotp.org.
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Thank you to our "Parks as Democracy?" Luncheon and Conference Sponsors:
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One of our "Parks as Democracy?" conference tracks will focus on the City's emphasis on development along the river, and the opportunities and implications for park and green space development.
Stay tuned for more details, and read on below for recent updates on that very topic!
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Chicago Tribune: North Side alderman supports 24-acre riverfront park, if it can be funded
Ryan Ori I May 3, 2018
"North Side alderman has thrown his support behind a proposed 24-acre riverfront park - if there's a way to pay for it. Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, wants to see the park built, but said he needs cost estimates in hand before proceeding."
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BisNow:
Sterling Bay Deal With Railroad Paves The Way To Extend The 606 To Lincoln Yards
Chuck Sudo I May 2, 2018
"Sterling Bay's plans for Lincoln Yards in the North Branch Industrial Corridor include a new Metra station and an extension of the 606 across the Chicago River. The extension inched closer to becoming a reality after Sterling Bay and a railroad company agreed to work together to turn a railroad right of way into a bike trail, Crain's Chicago Business reports."
Click here for the full article
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Chicago Tribune:
So, what exactly happened to Mayor Emanuel's plan for Pilsen, Little Village bike and pedestrian trail?
Mary Wisniewski I April 30, 2018
""People are thinking, 'Great, it should take longer, we should plan this out and not rush it,'" Acevedo said. The rise of housing prices and rents along the The 606 has been a cause for concern for some residents.
Ald.
George Cardenas, 12th, said he and other aldermen in the area have talked about the possibility of limiting housing development around the trail to two- and three-flats, along with other ways to protect longtime residents.
"It's simple to see (the trail) will be great for the community, but it will have an impact on housing and the prices of housing," Cardenas said. "I'm concerned about that. So we've been talking about what that looks like and what kind of zoning restrictions we want to put along the Paseo."
The El Paseo runs from 16th and Sangamon streets roughly southwest to around 32nd Street and Central Park Avenue.
City officials said the space would include a trail, gathering spaces, gardens and public art that celebrates Latino culture."
Click here to read or watch
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DuSable Park Advisory Council launch meeting: Wednesday May 9, 6pm
Don't forget to join us on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at 6:00pm at Lake Shore Park, 808 N. Lake Shore Drive, for the launch of a Park Advisory Council for DuSable Park, in anticipation of the review of the 2006 Framework Plan which was developed for the DuSable Park site at the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan!
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