Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly delivered the keynote address for the Friends of the Parks’ 37^th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on February 2.  Superintendent Kelly spoke about his vision and plans for Chicago’s parks.

Appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in October 2011, Superintendent Kelly is an attorney who has six years of experience working as the District’s Chief Operating Officer.  He led the development of the District’s long-term capital investment program, prioritizing $350 million in park design and construction projects.

Friends of the Parks honored those individuals and organizations that have most significantly contributed to the improvement of Chicago’s parks and forest preserves in 2011.  Among the eight awards given are those for advocacy, community, Park Advisory Council, legislative, and individual achievers.

Friends of the Parks is a non-profit park advocacy organization that works to protect, preserve and improve parks and forest preserves in Chicago.  Friends of the Parks builds stronger communities by empowering Chicagoans to take ownership of their neighborhood parks through volunteer activities and civic engagement.