America’s Great Outdoors Campaign

Chicago’s parks, playgrounds, lakefront park system and forest preserves provide spaces where Chicagoans exercise and play for health and fitness.

We know that physical activity is an important factor in healthy children and adults.  Studies have shown where there are neighborhood parks and trails in close proximity, residents increase their frequency of exercise.  Conversely, the same studies show that where there are no parks, residents often go without exercise.  In dense urban environments, particularly in low income neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds, greenways and trails are often the only spaces for children and adults to engage in play and fitness activities.   In these low-income communities, people do not have access to nor can afford health club memberships.

Chicago does not have adequate park space to serve its population.  Fifty-five of Chicago’s seventy-seven community areas do not have a basic 2 acres of parks per 1000 population.  The national standard of the National Recreation and Parks Association for a healthy community calls for 10 park acres per 1,000 population.   According to a 2007 Center for Disease Control study, Illinois ranks 10^th in the nation for the percentage of children aged 10-17 who are overweight.  Illinois ranks 4^th behind Mississippi, Georgia and Kentucky in childhood obesity. 

The cost in dollars alone is astronomical, $117 billion according to a 2000 study by the U.S. Surgeon General.  It is now recognized that the number of people who die prematurely from obesity is greater than the number who die from smoking. 

The America’s Great Outdoors Campaign should include the following:

•  Federal funding for urban parks through the Urban Parks and Recreation Recovery Program, the Land and Water Conservation Program and the Livable Communities Program. 
• Federal “Get Active” campaign adopted by the U.S. Surgeon General’s office similar to the “Stop Smoking” campaign.  This should be a national strategy to increase individual’s participation in exercise programs.
• Federal guidelines and programs that reduce our sedentary lifestyle behaviors by eliminating the barriers to physical activity.
• Federal policy or guidelines with incentives that reward and support the use of local and state agency land for parks and greenways and trails (via transfer, intergovernmental agreements, permitting programs).
• Federal incentives for transfer of abandoned rail lines to municipalities for greenways. 
• Environmental policies to incentivize urban municipalities to provide new neighborhood parks, recreation facilities and walking and biking trails.  Neighborhood parks and greenways also serve to reduce our carbon footprint, clean the air and water and assist with climate change. 
• Additional incentives for federal programs directed toward the restoration and improvement of Great Lakes (Lake Michigan) coastal ecosystem to include public beaches and parks. Lakefront parks and beaches not only provide open space for recreation but also have important environmental benefits:  erosion protection, contribution to clean air and water, creation of habitat. 

In Chicago, Friends of the Parks supports the following specific policies and/or projects:

•  Development of new parks in the 55 of 77 community areas that do not meet a basic two-acre park standard.
• Renovation of 400 outdated children’s playgrounds in Chicago.
• Completion of the city’s lakefront park system.  Twenty-six miles of Chicago’s 30-mile Lake Michigan shoreline have been developed as public parks.  Public parks on two miles on the Chicago’s north side and two miles on the city’s south side have not been completed.  The completion of the Last Four Miles would provide a park greenway system along Lake Michigan to connect with the suburbs to the north and to Indiana to the south.
• Development of the ERA Trail, a 2-mile abandoned rail line as a public park in the Englewood community.
• Development of the Bloomingdale Trail as a 2-mile public park in the Logan Square community.
• Acquisition of 6,000 acres of forest preserves to achieve the statutory land limit.
• Federal matching funding to spur land acquisition for parks throughout the city. 
• Funding for additional quality recreation staff for innovative recreation and fitness programs primarily for Chicago’s youth. 

The tragic death of Thomas Wortham IV on May 19, 2010 inspired Friends of the Parks, the Cole Park Advisory Council, the Park District and his friends and family to create a lasting memorial in Cole Park, the park Tom so loved.  The groups agreed that a playground constructed by volunteers using the community-build model would be a lasting tribute to this great Chicagoan.  When completed, the new playground will be officially named the Thomas Wortham IV Playground by the Chicago Park District. 

Planning and fundraising are underway.  The Cole Park Advisory Council met in July and August to discuss the design and scope of the new playground.  A committee was established to visit other playground sites for design ideas.   A playground design will be completed in fall and the equipment ordered.  Friends of the Parks, the Cole Park Advisory Council, Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Chicago at Children’s Memorial and the Park District are currently fundraising for the new playground.  

Thomas Wortham IV was the President of the Cole Park Advisory Council and was active on a city-wide Park Advisory Council Network.  Thomas committed his time, energy and vision to improving Cole Park.   As President of the advisory council, Thomas worked on expanding recreation programs for youth, improving the children’s playground and the running track.  At 30 years of age Thomas Wortham IV was a dedicated and respected community advocate who was a model for his community and all of Chicago.  

With fall fast approaching, the Cole Park Advisory Council and FOTP agreed that a spring, 2011 construction date would allow for the fundraising to be completed.   Volunteers from the Police Department, family and friends, the Chicago Wolves, Kohl’s and Friends of the Parks have already lined up to do the work of the community-build. 

If you would like to contribute to the Thomas Wortham Playground Fund, please make your contribution to the Thomas Wortham IV Playground Fund in c/o Friends of the Parks, 17 N. State Street, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602 or at www.fotp.org  

 Clicke here to view flier:

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Commissioners attending the committee meeting at 10:30 included:  Dr. Bryan Traubert, President, Vice-President Bob Pickens, Commissioners Rouhy Shalabi, Laird Koldyke, Dr. Scott Hanlon and Dr. Margaret Burroughs and the newest Commissioner, Juan Rangel.

Approved at the Committee on Capital Improvements:

Authorization to issue final payment of $146,712.48 for work completed in connection with Brainerd, Crescent, Fuller and Veteran’s Memorial 2008 District Wide Playgrounds- Group D.  Budget for project was $1,416,000.00 and was completed for $1,380,849.76. The project was completed under budget!

Commissioner Pickens stated that the CPD did a good job and appreciated that the accessibility blended well into the design of the playgrounds.

 Approved at the Committee on Administration:

 Adoption of the 2010 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance

$259 million tax levy adopted for 2010

 Presentation of FY 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and other associated audit documents. Click here  to view report: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/docs/ca61ca85-a95f-4188-8d65-22a4260f82a5_document.pdf

Comptroller Melinda Gildart presented the 2009 Annual Financial Report to the Board.

 Here’s a recap of her report:

•  The General Fund increased by $22 million to $40.2 million
• Revenues exceeded expectations by $5 million due to user fees and from Soldier Field
• Pension funding declined to 67.2% from 73.8% in 2008
• Property tax receipts were $277.7 million

 Due to the downturn in the economy the CPD implemented a number of cost cutting moves including a hiring freeze, no cost of living increases, and 2 shutdown days for all union employees and 5 additional unpaid days for all managers.

 The CPD adopted a policy of internal borrowings from Long-term Income Reserve Fund to meet operational cash flow needs eliminating the use of short term bonds.

 The CPD long term debt decreased by $11 million in 2009, down 1%. The CPD issued a $24.5 million SRA Alternative Reserve Bond in January 2009.

 The CPD Debt Rankings in 2009

Fitch Ratings AA+

Moody’s Investor Service Aa3

Standard and Poor’s AA+

 In 2009 online registration for park programs reached 343,000

 Special events that benefitted the CPD:

 American Volleyball Chicago Open Tournament

Venetian Night

Lollapalooza

The work of the Parkways Foundation and Friends of the Parks was highlighted for their support of the CPD.

 In 2009 The Parkways Foundation raised private funds for the following projects:

 Buckingham Fountain Restoration Campaign

Send a Kid to Camp Scholarship Fund

Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden

Abbott Fund Wellness Center Programs

Inferno Mobile Recording Studio

Community Gardens Grant program

Alvin Ailey Dance & Adaptive Camps

Tree Fund

 Friends of the Parks provided the CPD support in the following:

• 20^th Annual Earth Day Parks and Preserves Cleanup
• More than 4,000 volunteers cleaned up 85 parks
• 37 Community Service Days in 22 parks
• National Public Lands Day
•           100 volunteers worked in 3 parks
• Service learning
•  20 schools equaling 150 students stewarded in 6 parks
• $15,000 in Seed Grants was awarded to 23 park advisory councils

The Kathy Osterman Award for Superior Achievements of Municipal Employees was awarded to 2 CPD staff members: Michelle LoCoco (winner) and David Reamer (finalist) 

President Traubert complimented the comptroller’s office for a good job making the budget transparent and open.

Approved at the Committee on Programs and Recreation:

 General admission fee at the Du Sable Museum to African American History to be increased beginning September 1, 2010. The Du Sable Museum hasn’t had an increase in 35 years.  (Note: Commissioner Burroughs abstained from voting, as she is the founder of the DuSable Museum)

 Rates:

Adults: $10.00 (non Chicago Resident)    $8.00 (Chicago Resident)

Students and Seniors: $7.00 (non Chicago Resident)   $5.00 (Chicago Resident)

Children: $3.00 (non Chicago Resident)   $2.00 (Chicago Resident)

Children under 6: FREE

Sundays: FREE
CPS school trips: FREE

 The Du Sable Museum hosts 170,000 a visitors a year

The operating budget is $3.4 million

 Commissioner Shalabi inquired why there is such an increase. COO from Du Sable stated that the increase will allow for catch up, Du Sable will be close to the fees that the other museums charge.  He also stated that the increase falls within the budget range of the museum’s constituency

George Blakemore, a concerned citizen, spoke about the rate increase. He feels that the increase is unreasonable to increase the rate by 100%. He inquired how DuSable was able to operate under the current rate of $3. Such an increase would be harmful to the community. He requested that the motion be deferred for community input.

Vice President Pickens commented the following: that he disagrees with Mr. Blakemore’s approach. The admission increase was reviewed with core constituency. It is impossible for the DuSable Museum to survive on1960 rates.

 Tim Mitchell responded that museums need to reinvent themselves to stay relevant. The CPD supports the increase it will support the building of the Round House and allow for more technology. 

 The Board of Commissioners met at 4:00 p.m.

 New CPD Board Commissioner Juan Rangel was introduced as the newest commissioner.  

 The July 2010 Board Minutes approved

 Tim Mitchell, General Superintendent, CPD and Brenda Palm, Executive Director, Parkways Foundation gave a recap of Lollapalooza

 They thanked the CPD staff for their efforts and thanked the public for sacrificing Grant Park for the weekend.

 The 2010 Lollapalooza hosted more than 250,000 concert goers over the 3-day music festival.  The festival was expanded from 85 acres to 115 acres using 1/3 of Grant Park.

 From 2005-2009 Lollapalooza contributed $6 million to the CPD

In 2009 $1.9 million was contributed

A ten year agreement was made in 2008; Lollapalooza would contribute $1 million a year from their proceeds.

Over the past years Lollapalooza’s contributions have gone to:

• Summer camp scholarships
• Community garden grants
• Inferno Mobile Recording Studio
• Alvin Ailey Dance & Adaptive Camps
• New playground in Washington Park
• Artificial turf soccer field in McKinley Park

This year’s Parkway Foundations Galapalooza benefit grossed $250,000 and created new partners. Brenda Palm stated that Lollapalooza has helped expand private partnerships which benefit Chicago’s parks.

 Dr. Carol Adams, President, Du Sable Museum, defended the need to raise the admission fee. For 35 years the Museum kept the same admissions fee but expenses went up.

 She reported that currently 2.4% of the budget comes from admission fees. When the fee increases in September the immediate impact will be 5-6%. Within a 3 year period the Museum will be at 13%, which is the industry standard. 

 The People in the Parks segment of the Board Agenda drew 4 people who addressed the board on the following park policy issues:

 CeCe Edwards, President, Grand Crossing Park PAC presented Tim Mitchell an award for his support in building the new playground at Grand Crossing. She thanked the CPD for the free programs at Grand Crossing such as the basketball camp and teen programs. She is looking forward to more partnerships with the CPD.

 Joy Ranson Wood, Dauphin Park, thanked the CPD for the help in improving the park. She wanted to know the status of proposed archway and garden at Dauphin Park.

 Meryl Dann, from the Jackson/Burnham Park neighborhood, stated that groups are using Burnham Park, between the Drive and Cornell and south of 47^th Street as a music fest site with amplified sound.   She requested that the CPD reinstate or enforce the ban of amplified music in the park. The park is adjacent to a large condo building and the noise is so loud in her condo that the residents must leave their homes for the weekend.

 George Blakemore, questioned the CPD Commissioner about the DuSable Museum fee increase. He asked how the Museum was able to function with a $3 admission fee for so long. He asked again (see committee minutes) that the issue be deferred for community input and requested strategic plan for the next 5 years.

 Jim Watkins, Harrison Park, gave a brief history of the park. He would like to see more accessible equipment. The CPD suggested that he work with the Harrison Park Advisory Council.  

May Toy, Skinner Park, requested that a dying tree in Skinner Park be replaced.   Also, she would like to see a public information program targeted to park users to prevent them from dumping hot coals next to trees.

 Tony Iniquez, Touhy Park, thanked the CPD for the new soccer field and the repaving of the tennis courts. He also thanked the Parkways Foundation for the camp scholarships. He wanted to know the status of a new playground at Touhy Park, has it been bid on yet. Alderman Joe Moore will allocate menu funds for the playground.

 Scott Jacobs, Holstein Park, stated that the field house is 98 years old and wanted a status on the electrical rehab and plumbing repair. In 2007 $300,000 was budgeted for the repairs. Tim Mitchell stated that he would take a look at the contract. If funds, promised from the state, are actually committed to the project, the CPD will move ahead with the project.

After the final bolt was screwed in, the last rubber-mat-tile installed, and swings hung, the Grand Crossing Playground was officially dedicated on August 9, 2010! The Chicago Park District, Grand Crossing Park Advisory Council, Chatham Avalon Community Council, Friends of the Parks, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Kohl’s Department Stores, State Representative Marlow Colvin and the Chicago Wolves were present to celebrate the opening of the south side’s only community built playground. This playground was constructed by over 100 strong volunteers over the course of 2 days in June.  Volunteers installed five slides, two towers, two sets of swings and a six-panel climbing wall under the direction of the playground manufacturer’s representative as well as that of an experienced playground contractor.      

CeCe Edwards, President of the Grand Crossing PAC presented supporters of the playground with awards of distinction for their tireless efforts.   State Representative Marlow Colvin was introduced as a “best friend of Chicago’s parks” by Ms. Edwards.   Representative Colvin reminisced about his childhood spent in Chicago’s parks and stressed that parks “should be safe havens where kids can be kids. Communities need to make sure they are doing everything to make parks safe and beautiful places that unite communities”.  Representative Colvin added that parks are at the top of his agenda, and he challenged other public officials to do the same.

State Representative Marlow Colvin and Kohl’s Department Stores and Children’s Memorial Hospital are indeed best friends of parks.  Their efforts secured $228,000.00 to build this playground and make the Grand Crossing PAC’s dream come true!

Park #511 to be named A. Montgomery Ward Park

The Chicago Park District initiated the required 45-day notice period to rename Park #511, located at 630 N. Kingsbury Street, as the A. Montgomery Ward Park.  Friends of the Parks requested that the park be renamed, for it is very near what was the former Montgomery Ward Company headquarters, and a portion of the park was actually once owned by the Montgomery Ward Company; it was known as “Associates Park,” and was given to Ward employees to use as a picnic area on the river.

Aaron Montgomery Ward fought for 21 years, from 1890 to 1911 in Illinois courts to protect what is now known as Grant Park and the lakefront from encroachments of buildings and structures.  He died while being vilified by the press for his actions to protect Chicago’s parks.

After two decades of lawsuits paid for privately by Ward, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld all lower court decisions that Chicago’s Grant Park be set aside for public park use only.  To this day, the “Ward Decisions” are cited to protect our lakefront parks from development.

Born in Chatham, New Jersey in 1844, Ward eventually moved to Chicago in 1865, and worked for Marshall Field.  By 1872, he published his first mail-order catalogue, and saw his Montgomery Ward Company grow to become one of the largest retailers in the nation.  His moto: Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back” became the standard for retailers.  He died in 1913 at age 69.

Friends of the Parks made the name change request because there is no park in Chicago named after one of the most important park advocates who ever lived in Chicago.  Alderman Brendan Reilly (42^nd Ward) and the River North Residents Association have all endorsed this renaming effort.  After the 45-day notice provision, the naming request will be taken up by the Park District Board of Commissioners in September.

In a rare interview, Ward once stated: “Had I known in 1890 how long it would take me to preserve a park for the people against their will, I doubt I would have undertaken it…I fought for the poor people of Chicago, not the millionaires….Here is park frontage on the lake, comparing favorably with the Bay of Naples, which city officials would crowd with buildings, transforming the breathing spot for the poor into a showground of the educated rich.  I do not think it right.  Perhaps I may see the public appreciate my efforts, but I doubt it.”

Friends of the Parks has initiated the “Burnham & Ward Society” to honor both Daniel Burnham and A. Montgomery Ward.  Individuals who have included Friends of the Parks in their estate plans are members of the Burnham & Ward Society.

Budget Hearing Begins: 6:00pm

South Region

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

South Shore Cultural Center

7059 So. Shore Drive

North Region

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Horner Park

2741 West Montrose Avenue

Central Region

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Douglas Park

1401 S. Sacramento Dr.

The information is also posted on the Chicago Park District website at:  http://www.cpdit01.com/resources/budget.home/FY%202011%20Budget%20Calendar.pdf

Along with its wooded areas and meadows, the Dunning-Read Conservation area harbors several small remnant wetlands – a rare find within the extensively built-up city environment.   Beginning in 2007, members of the local community who serve as the site’s management team took the first steps toward implementing the vision of restoring the site to ecological health.   The site’s stewardship group has met the second Saturday of every month in the spring, summer and fall to cut invasive trees and brush, pick up trash and plant seeds.  As a result of the volunteer work, the conservation area is being cleared of invasives, planted with native plants, and cleared of brush.  In 2009 a 3/4 mile walking trail was installed.  There are plans for a small rain garden and for a plant nursery to be established on this site.

VOLUNTEER
The group is eager to welcome new volunteers to help restore ecological health to the Dunning-Read Conservation Area and to raise its profile as an important open space resource for the community.   Volunteers can work one of the regular workdays by joining the group on the second Saturday of the month, March through November, from 9am – 12pm.  Meet behind the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center (entrance off of Oak Park Avenue, north of Irving Park). Wear sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeves, and wear layers appropriate for the weather.   Large scale community service days may also be hosted at this site.  For more information, contact Mary Eileen Sullivan at sullivanme@fotp.org.

Community Service Day Preparation

DRCA Invasives Identification and Tool Use (PowerPoint)

DRCA Invasives Identification and Tool Use (PowerPoint)

Volunteer Waiver