Friends of the Parks

FRIENDS OF THE PARKS
Chicago Park District 2009 Budget Presentation
October 23, 2008

In a time of strained financial resources coupled with higher costs to maintain parkland and facilities along with increased public desire for park programs and services, Friends of the Parks commends the Chicago Park District’s presentation of a budget that holds the line on expenses without cutting essential programs and staff.

The Chicago Park District has proposed a 2009 operating budget which holds the line on property taxes and reduces expenses across-the-board.

In 2009 the Park District’s budget controls include:

• A voluntary severance incentive program – no lay-offs at this time;
• A three day, unpaid furlough;
• Elimination of vacant full time positions;
• Development of a part-time staff program which uses retirees who have had experience working with youth;
• Increased and enhanced volunteer participation;
• Increases in certain user fees, especially parking;
• A onetime transfer of $10 million in interest from the parking garage capital fund.

Through these efforts the Chicago Park District has developed a balanced budget.

FOTP understands the difficult economic conditions which require the tightened policies and support those initiatives that do not reduce the provision of park and recreation programs in neighborhood parks.