September 9, 2023

Dear friend of the parks,

As we gear up for our State of the PACs Summit on September 30, there are a number of opportunities to learn more about our park system and the people working to make sure that Chicago parks serve all of us. With this summer on track to be the world's hottest ever, increased concerns around our collective mental health, and a new City administration, it is more important now than ever to engage in efforts to ensure equitable access to our parks. Here's three ways to get involved this September!

Walk with FOTP in 2023

Our September Walk with FOTP will be at Riis Park and co-led by our partners at Northwest Center. These important park partners worked tirelessly all summer to ensure that community voice was centered in decisions around music festivals in neighborhood parks. Riis Park is home to efforts of local youth to promote native plant species and create bike lanes around the park and in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. It was also host to the Re:SET music festival despite neighborhood and Aldermanic opposition. The walk will highlight unique features of one of the largest city parks on the northwest side and include information about the school located in the park. We'll also hear about Northwest Center’s plans to work with their Alderperson to create legislation to stop mega fests in neighborhood parks. It promises to be an interesting walk and conversation. Please plan to join us at noon next Saturday September 16. You can RSVP here.

Chicago Park District Budget Hearing

The Chicago Park District invites you share budget ideas with leadership at their annual public budget hearing. While Friends of the Parks has consistently pushed for increased public input into the park district budget process, this is an opportunity for residents to advocate for their park priorities. The hearing will take place at Fosco Park on September 20. Registration starts at 5pm, the hearing will begin at 6pm. Fosco Park is located 1312 S. Racine. 

State of the PACs Summit:

To Be or Not to Be a PAC

Registration now open for the State of PACs Summit – register here to join us! 

Saturday September 8, 2023

Breakfast at 8:30am, program starts at 9:30am

67 E Madison Conference Center

Join Park Advisory Council (PAC) leaders and park partners from across Chicago. Let’s reconnect and revisit the history, philosophy, structure, and actual operation of the PAC system and whether it’s working in the best interest of our parks.  Whether you're a long-time PAC member, a park partner or simply curious about getting more connected with your park and community, this event is perfect for you. Come and be part of the conversation!

September is a great month to get active for our parks. If you're learning, building community, or making your voice heard, we look forward to seeing you soon!

In unity,

The FOTP Team

Support our mission to “inspire, equip, and mobilize a diverse Chicago to ensure an equitable park system for a healthy Chicago.” We have a $50,000 matching grant challenge to help do just that, so your donation will go an extra long way!

Thank you for walking alongside FOTP and friends of the parks all across the city.