HPKCC Mission and History

In partnership with the Community since 1949 President: George W. Rumsey Vice Presidents: Jay Ammerman, M.L. Rantala, James Withrow, Secretary: Gary Ossewaarde Co-Treasurers: Jane Pugh (Sen.), Irene Freelain Directors (all Officers are also Directors): Homer Ashby, Nancy Baum, Jane Comiskey, George Davis, Judy Dupont, Clairan Ferrono, Lynne Heckman, Joanne Howard, AnneMarie Miles, Julie Monberg, Patricia Morse, Joy Nieda, Rolisa Tutwyler Contact us at Telephone: 773 288-8343 1513 E. 53rd St. Chicago, Il 60615 E mail General Information Issue master HPKCC Webmaster HPKCC Copyright © 2003 Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference

HPKCC Mission The Hyde Park - Kenwood Community Conference  is a community organization dedicated to maintaining and enhancing an attractive, secure, diverse, and caring community.  It promotes participation of its residents, businesses, institutions, and organizations in programs and activities that advance the interests and concerns of the community. Membership Form Links to HPKCC News, more about HPKCC and the early years

History

1949: A Community in Crisis

In 1949, a group of urban pioneers in Hyde Park-Kenwood, facing a radically changing neighborhood, deteriorating property, and increasing crime, banded together to reverse the tide of physical and social deterioration. To do so, the residents formed the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference (HPKCC). The major focus of the new organization was urban renewal, stabilization, and neighborhood safety.

As part of the strategy, the conference formed 20 block clubs in 1950 to help residents in their relationships with each other, diagnose neighborhood problems and take action, and build a greater sense of community.

Although HPKCC concentrated its earliest efforts on upgrading property and zoning codes, it soon became apparent that the community had other needs. As a result, the Conference organized committees to improve the schools, the appearance of the community, the parks and recreation facilities, and the communities youth services.

Over the years, the Conference identified more community problems and developed new and specific programs to work toward solutions:

• Tenant/landlord relationships
• School volunteers
• Safety, rights and justice
• Women's rights
• Medical Care
• Air and water pollution

Once a problem was identified, and a program established, HPKCC members took the steps necessary to attack the problem, whether it meant working with city officials on needed ordinances, organizing a tenant's union, working to establish good relationships with varying community groups, developing medical services, or pressuring the city agencies for action.

These activities were carried out in addition to HPKCC's ongoing programs in the areas of schools, urban planning, jobs for teens, parks and beautification.

Down through the years, the continuing goal of the Conference has been to meet the needs of an ever changing community.

Today: A Community Beyond Crisis:

Today, the Conference continues working to meet the community's changing needs for maintaining diversity, ensuring neighborhood safety, promoting the welfare of the community, and beautifying the environment.

Our efforts in building community in our second half century may be seen in our wide array of programs.  All participants in the Hyde Park - Kenwood Community are invited to be part of our program activities and to join the Conference.

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Program Descriptions:

Chicago Academic Games League
Monthly games during the academic year provide an opportunity for school children to increase their math skills and confidence and have fun. For details see the CAGL home page.

Condos / Co-ops / Plus
Provides information through lecture, discussion, and the Conference Reporter, regarding the law, insurance, and other matters relevant to owners of these dwellings. If you are interested in participating on this committee or for details contact hpkcc@aol.com or 773 288-8343.

Garden Fair
Twice a year the Garden Fair sells plants, bulbs, and garden equipment. Proceeds benefit the Hyde Park Community Conference and garden projects in the Hyde Park - Kenwood Community. Details at the Garden Fair website  and our page.

hydepark.org 
Our on-line attempt to foster an informed, active community and community spirit as well as serve our members.

LILAC
Plants and cares for the embankment on the east side of Lake Park Avenue and plants bulbs in the street divider. Inquiries and volunteers are welcome. 

Nichols Park Advisory Council
Advises the  Chicago Park District  on the maintenance, care, and landscaping of the park.  It oversees the wild flower meadow, sponsors summer concerts in the park, and "Weeding Wednesdays". Take a peek at Nichols.

Parks / Environment
Works   with local and citywide groups to enhance our parks maintenance, landscape design, and park programs and activities as well as  improve our environment and ensure respect for open spaces. 

Preservation, Public Policy , Zoning and Development
Concerned with issues of  public policy and development that impact Hyde Park - Kenwood.  The Conference tracks issues, provides information and takes appropriate action. 

Schools
The Schools Committee follows school issues in the community and acts as needed. 

Senior Cinema
Provides a  bang for your buck  with its monthly contemporary film features. Currently on hold due to the closing of the Hyde Park Theater.  Check the Conference Reporter or call 773 288-8343 for information. Attend Films on Friday, 1 pm, at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club.

Thinkers & Explorers/ Community Forums
A lecture and discussion series with neighbors making an impact beyond their Hyde Park - Kenwood community. Today a collaboration of committees conducting community-conversation and informational forums.

Transit  Task Force
Works to improve transit [particularly but not exclusively bus and train transit] to and from the community and parking in the community. 

Welcome to the Neighborhood
A program that is based on the belief that it is important to build community and help people feel connected--new residents or long timers.   If you or your real estate agency would like to revive this program, please contact us at hpkcc@aol.com.

Whistlestop
Whistlestop promotes street safety and crime prevention through individual and neighbor whistle alerts.  Whistles are available at neighborhood events and various community venues.  Bulk whistle purchases are possible.  All whistles include program information.  If you are interested in participating on this committee or for Whistlestop details contact hpkcc@aol.com or 773 288-8343.

Continue with more about the Conference and what we're about in
HPKCC News home,
and our past in Urban Renewal and Urban Renewal and Beyond Timeline.

Membership Form. Your dues and participation are needed!

The materials on this website regarding the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, its history, and its purpose, are available for noncommercial use without permission, as long as the source is properly cited.