Principles of Friends of the Parks
Friends of the Parks supports Park District and City policies that achieve these goals:
1) Land Policies
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Preserve existing park lands.
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Insure only public use of parks – no private or public encroachment.
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Add new parkland wherever and whenever practicable, especially in neighborhoods with the greatest need and at the lakefront.
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Remove inappropriate park encroachments such as parking lots, unnecessary roadways, signs, etc.
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Restore historic landscapes, historic boulevard system and park facilities.
2) Lakefront Protection
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Comply with the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance.
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Maintain the “Forever Open, Clear, and Free” Lakefront park system.
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Preserve Lakeshore Drive as a boulevard only.
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Discourage the construction of additional buildings on lakefront parkland except for public recreational uses that are defined as “accessory buildings”.
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Work to complete the lakefront park system by constructing the “last four miles” of parks, two miles on the north from Hollywood to Evanston and 2 miles on the south side from 71st Street to the Indiana border.
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Encourage water based recreational activities in lakefront parks.
3) Improve Bureaucracy and Enhance Transparency in Governmental Agencies
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Partner with the Chicago Park District to increase responsiveness to the public.
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Support the hiring of park and forest preserve personnel with degrees and/or experience in the field of parks, recreation and resource management.
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Adhere to the legal requirements for open meetings and an open bid process.
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Promote the efficient and equitable spending of tax dollars in all Chicago neighborhoods.
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Support the broadening of the tax base for the museums in the parks as well as for the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Brookfield Zoo.
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Urge the appointment of Park District Board members who have expertise in and are committed to Chicago parks.
4) Improve Environmental Education and Practices
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Establish pro-active programs for park landscaping.
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Support the elimination of environmentally damaging practices.
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Implement comprehensive energy conservation program.
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Encourage Audubon certification for all Park District and Forest Preserve golf courses.
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Expand natural area plantings throughout the parks.
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Support the adoption of “green building” standards for all new building construction.
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Promote clean water practices in lakefront harbors, beaches and in rivers and lagoons.
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Encourage the restoration of savannas, woodlands and prairies in the forest preserves.
5) Develop Healthy Communities Through Connections to Neighborhood Parks
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Provide opportunities for active recreation for the health and wellness of all citizens.
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Expand programs to engage children in enjoying nature and the outdoors.
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Promote community determination of local park needs in park planning.
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Increase use of field houses during the day and night, as well as on weekends.
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Develop recreation programs for children, teens, adults and seniors.