A service of the
Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Parks Committee, certain area park
advisory councils, and the HPKCC website, www.hydepark.org. Contact
us Attn: Gary Ossewaarde. Help support our work: Join
the Conference. JPAC/Jackson web. Nichols. Point /Latest. Olympics. Col. Expo. Osaka. Nike |
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| To
page index. For
permits and private events visit http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com, click
permits, download as necessary. Questions? call 312 742-5369. Rules and
requirements have changed, and all permits are handled downtown with the
exception of special facilities such as South Shore Cultural Center. More
below. Congratulations
to Michael Kelly, named permanent Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago
Park District. The
Park District previewed new council standards with select councils. Provisions
were found by councils to be unworkable or unacceptable. The district
started over with a committee that includes councils, and new guidelines
were written , but with still some problems. Visit the Park
Issues Page, including for coverage, council and HPKCC comments, orig.
draft.
CPD Park Council standards are on line from Friends
of the Parks. Next registration for park programs: 2nd month before the quarter begins ELM
PARK TO GO TO KIMBARK SHOPPING PLAZA? see
in own page. NEW
WEBSITES FOR JACKSON PARK/JPAC (in addition to JPAC
website here): http://www.jacksonparkadvisorycouncil.org, New
Friends of Osaka Garden foundation:
watch here for further information- they will present at the April 12
JPAC meeting, 7:30 at 6401 S. Stony Island. http://www.friendsofthejapanesegarden.org,
email japanesegardenfriends@gmail.com. Latest
on beach pollution and swim bans. More at CPD Office of Green Initiatives,
Cathy Breitenbach. Read about the Rainbow Beach conversion to school land issue at http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/content/education/chi-rainbow-beach-parkmar18,0,5726230.story Jobs and Summer Programs for kids and others. See also AfterSchool, Recreation
For these visit Chicago Park District: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
Or 312 742-PLAY: Summer
camp registration 2011 starts April 4 Monday 9 am online, April 9 in parks.
Programs can be viewed online. See your park from above with Google Earth. Park
District area preliminary budget hearings come in the summer- SEE WHAT
PARK COUNCILS, USERS ASKED . In budget
page. To
the virtual
links at left to several parks, structural, activities, and issues pages
add: South Side Nature Oasis Programs as well as park volunteer opportunities are in the Green page. Our parks range from vest pocket to neighborhood parks (some with regional attractions) to the big regional parks that surround us on three sides. A few have active councils. Their schedules are found in "Advisory Councils." The Conference provides support services for and has special ties to the councils for Nichols Park (an HPKCC affiliate) and Jackson Park. HPKCC is proud to manage and maintain JPAC's website, here, as "Jackson Park" top of left bar. If you see something happening that shouldn't be, call 911 and Park Security 312 747-2193. For Permits, go to the park district website- search special events permits or permits (latter will bring you to all, including baseball fields.) The folks at the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference welcome your comments and help. Remember our e-mail address is hpkcc@aol.com. Parks webmaster: Gary Ossewaarde. Friends
of the Parks website Advisory
Council Blog Some Photo Galleries55th
Street Berm and some garden and greening styles in Hyde Park
|
How did your park fare in the remap? Nichols, Elm stayed in the 4th, Spruce and Butternut and Harold Washington moved to the 5th, Stout and Coleman and Cornell and Coleman stayed in the 5th.
We
are thrilled to announce that Friends of the Parks has named ELM PARK
ADVISORY COUNCIL Advisory Council of the Year. The honor will be conferred at
FOTP's Annual Recognition Luncheon, February 2 at Chicago Cultural Center GAR
Hall (2nd fl. north), 78 E. Washington. Contact FOTP 773 857-2757 concerning
registration and payment. Erma
Tranter, Pres. of FOTP, said the council was selected for insuring that Elm
Park is not taken for a parking lot. "though specil events an voluntgeer
pantings, Elm Park became the heart center of a Hyde Park neighborhood."
These sentiments were also given by Ald. Will Burns, who cites the PAC as an
example of citizenship in action.
res. of FOTP,
said the council was selected for insuring that Elm Park is not taken for a
parking lot. "though specil events an voluntgeer pantings, Elm Park became
the heart center of a Hyde Park neighborhood." These sentiments were also
given by Ald. Will Burns, who cites the PAC as an example of citizenship in
action.
The Chicago Park District is launching a new website and mobile site in January 2012. The website will feature a fresh new design along with other enhancements including improved navigation and park search, interactive maps, and a new program registration system that allows patrons to view their registrations (both past and present) via their account. Starting January 3, patrons can register for a fitness center or lap swim membership through the new registration system, and create an online account. Patrons must set up an account before registering for programs or memberships. More information will be available on our website and in the December email newsletter.
PARK
DISTRICT ON TV : Chicago @ Play TV
Keep up with the Park District on TV! Chicago @ Play is a monthly program dedicated
to what's going on in city parks. Watch episodes on our YouTube channel or tune
in to Chicago Municipal TV, channel 49 (depending on your cable provider), twice
daily at 6:30 and 10:30 p.m.
In this month's show learn about:
- "Take the Field", an initiative bringing 10 new artificial turf
athletic fields to Chicago parks
- Ice Skating
- Volunteers
- Special Recreation Cooking Class
Councils were told that if THEY are doing the event and don't have inflatables, liquor etc. fees are waived and (NEW-- NO INSURANCE NEEDED). But the people at Park Hq and the park supervisor still have to be consulted.
"When is a Special Event Permit needed?
You must apply for a Special Event Permit whenyour event has one or more of the following elements:
(1) 50 or more attendees/participants;
(2) alcohol;
(3) amplified sound;
(4) tents 10'x10' or larger;
(5) RESERVATION OF A SPECIFIC LOCATION;
(6) photography, video or other media recording;
(8) inflatables.
If you are unsure whether or not a Special Event Permit is required, please contact the Department of Park Services at (312) 742-5369.
How do I apply for a Special Event Permit?
The Special Event Permit Application can be obtained by
(1) downloading the form from our website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com and clicking on "Permits"; or
(2) visiting one of our region offices or administrative office.
You can also contact the Department of Park Services at (312) 742-5369 or (312 747-2001 (TTY).
Upcoming meetings/opportunities and news:
February 18, Saturday, 1:30-3;30 pm. Small tool sharpening workshop at Jackson Park fieldhouse, 6401 S. Stony Island.
February 25, Saturday morning. Friends of the Parks-PAC-CPD annual conference. South Shore Cultural Center.
July 2011: Historic Boulevard District National Register status is being petitioned by Chicago Park District to the state and National Trust/National Park Service. This includes the streets surrounding parks that are in the boulvard sytem. (It would affect owners' ability to change street-visible facades and could make various tax freezes and restoration help available.) Read about it in http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/chicago_park_boulevardssystemhistoricdistrict.html. Also search for it in the Herald online, http://www.hpherald.com/hpindex.html.
Note that Jackson Park, the Midway, and Washington Park are already on the National Register; this is intended to add another layer under the key Chicago Boulevard System and to spur investment.Ashe Park in South Shore is looking for a mural artist. ashepark@yahoo.com (or ashe.park)
How did your park fare in the ward remap? Parks in HPK stayed pretty much as they were (Elm, Nichols, staying in the 4th but Spruce and Harold Washington, Buttenut going into the 5th.
It was announced May 312011 that Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Timothy Mitchell would be leaving in the middle of June. No information was given concerning successor, but Mike Kelly is Interim Superintendent. Also, Commissioner Juan Rangel is leaving to serve on the Public Building Commission. Two new commissioners were nominated by Mayor Emanuel to the board, Juan Salgado and Avis LaVelle. Friends of the Parks issued a strong statement calling for transparency and operational reforms, public input and accountability in the Park District.BREAKING NEWS: BGA and Fox News Investigations Lead to Major Changes at the Chicago Park District
For over 6 months the Better Government Association and Fox Chicago News have investigated irregularities in personal expenditures and hiring at the Chicago Park District. Their findings included a department head who issued a fitness contract to his live-in girlfriend, hiring of the city’s Fleet Management Director recently fired for demolishing a city car while drunk and abuse of travel expenses by the superintendent and the chief of staff. On May 31st Tim Mitchell resigned as superintendent and will leave the post sometime in June.Tim Mitchell, during his 7-year tenure as general superintendent, led the Park District to acquire over 1,000 acres of new parkland and created a number of new parks.
However, the troubling management identified by the Better Government Association and Fox Chicago News, open up the broader question of the internal management of one of the nation’s largest park systems. It is clear that much needs to be done to make the Chicago Park District more accountable, efficient, professional and transparent.
As the Board of Commissioners moves ahead, we believe the Chicago Park District and the city would benefit by having a general superintendent with a professional background and experience in parks and recreation. The Chicago Park District should be transformed to a public agency that is transparent and clear in all its financial dealings and decisions, is devoid of political influence and has defined measurements of effectiveness with up-to-date data from both the central administration and local park levels. The Park District should have an independent inspector who regularly completes audits of departments and of individual parks. Finally, the Park District should change direction and embrace community involvement. There has been an unfortunate tension in recent years between park advisory councils and the central administration that has resulted in wasted tax dollars and missed opportunities for funding for additional programs and community partnering.
Change is needed at the Chicago Park District and we look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and the new General Superintendent to improve the management and operation of Chicago’s parks, playgrounds and lakefront.
What are urban parks most useful for? Findings in an article in Urban Portal online- urban.uchicago.edu. "...parks and sidewalks not only provide opportunities for exercise but also raise the self-efficacy, defined as the confidence to exercise, of elementary school children. Being surrounded by parks, the authors argue, increases childrens’ satisfaction with their neighborhood, which, in turn, makes them feel more comfortable with exercise." But the positive effects depend on specific architectural features, such as having water features. Walking paths are not significant except that cul de sacs encourage more independent activity. Urban kids use their parks more intensively-- as back yards-- than suburban and tend to be more satisfied with equipment even when parks of the latter are better maintained. Maintaining parks are of course expensive. There may be some disadvantage to walking and using parks (especially exercising there) where there is high vehicle emission- and these tend to be low-income areas. Not to be overlooked are the social advantages: given their ability to encourage people to get together, parks increase neighborhood ties and generate the social capital that helps communities thrive. [ed comment- all the more important to keep them free of crime et al including tensions and make them easily and safely accessed.]
Friends of the Parks invites you...
Patrons should contact their local park for more information.
Summer Job Opportunities with Chicagp Park District.
Looking for a summer job? The Chicago Park District has a number of seasonal positions available to work with our day campers, in landscape, at our beaches and pools, and more! Visit http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com to access the Chicago Park District's new online application program, to view open positions and to apply online now.Summer Movies in the Parks- series at Jackson 63rd Beachhouse, Midway, South Shore Cultural Center... and indiviual showings such as at Bixler and Nichols.
Workdays and more in Washington Park- see Washington Park page.Jackson Park volunteer workdays. And more locations see Jackson Park's newer website, http://www.jacksonparkadvisorycouncil.org.
For now the regular schedule will be 2nd Saturday mornings for Bobolink Meadow and 4th Saturday afternoons for Wooded Island. Done for WI but may be one Nov. 26
Wooded Island 4th Saturdays, , 2-5 pm (changed). Jackson Park volunteer workday on WOODED ISLAND. Meets at Darrow Bridge south of MSI Columbia Basin. Volunteers are EXPECTED TO TELL THE SITE STEWARD THEY ARE COMING (You can then also get full informtion about the work, gloves, what to bring etc.) Site steward Jerome Levy weekdays 12-5 at 312 832-1616 or evenings and weekends 773 955-6384 or sjlevy@jeromelevylaw.com. Parking is available east of Darrow Bridge (reach from Lake Shore Drive at 5800 and veer left).
Bobolink Meadow 2nd Saturdays, 9 am-12 pm. BOBOLINK MEADOW Workday. A great day is planned preparing sections for new woodland seedings. Volunteers are EXPECTED TO TELL THE SITE STEWARD THEY ARE COMING (You can then also get full informtion about the work, gloves, what to bring etc.) Meet at the south meadow near the Driving Range road (north of Hayes Drive. There are parking lots). Work is based on a walk through with CPD. Contact parrybell@comcast.net. Visit Bobolink Meadow Volunteer Website.
LaRabida-Promontory Point. . Louise, 773 844-2225.
Watch where and how you park your bike. People who lock their bikes to saplings or trees are killing those trees. The cabmium, or living tissue layer of a tree, lies just beneath the bark. If the bark is bruised or damaged by contact with bike frame, or U lock, or chain this leaves an opening into which a very prevalent fungal disease can enter. This can kill the tree and all to often does.
CPD calls for each park to have 3 cleanup days in spring-summer 2010. Dana Andrews writes.
I would like to draw your attention to a program that allows park advisory councils and other park advocates to take an active role in maintaining their neighborhood parks, playgrounds, beaches, and nature areas. Similar to the Adopt-A-Park program, we are asking park advisory councils to host Clean and Green events at their local parks.
The Clean and Green events will be a concentrated effort during the months of May through August to supplement staff’s efforts to beautify Chicago ’s parks. We are asking that each advisory council select at least 3 days between May 1st and August 1st and host an event on each day. Activities can include gardening, mulching, raking leaves, trash clean-up, or any other activity to help clean, beautify, maintain, and improve the aesthetic appearance of your park. By hosting at least 3 Clean and Green events, you can truly partner with the Chicago Park District and enhance our efforts to beautify your parks.
The Chicago Park District will assist your group to work with the park supervisor and help provide necessary supplies. Additionally, your efforts will be advertised on the Chicago Park District website, along with the dates and times of your event, to help ensure maximum participation. Please contact me with your event information by Tuesday, April 27th.
As advisory council members, you serve as a bridge between the Chicago Park District and the community, and your partnership is crucial to keeping parks clean and safe. As you continue efforts to support your parks, please remain vigilant and report any major security issues to our Security Department at (312) 747-2193 in addition to calling 911.
Also, as discussed at the Park Advocacy Conference, ideas for new programs are welcomed. If you would like to teach a class or have a great idea for a new program at your park, please complete and submit the attached program proposal. Proposals will be submitted to the appropriate department for further review.
Thank you for helping to keep Chicago ’s parks open, active, green, and connected!
[contact hpkcc@aol.com if you want a pdf copy of the form.]Sincerely,
Dana R. Andrews
Legislative and Community Affairs Liaison
Chicago Park District
541 N. Fairbanks
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Tel: 312-742-4762
Fax: 312-742-6098
Chicago Park District Board Committee meetings are held 2nd Wednesdays but can move. A full and important agenda incl. tangential to Children's Musuem. You must be there early (by 3:40) to sign up to speak.
Next, Wednesday, 4 pm, 451 N. Fairbanks. DEC. 7 FOR BUDGET HEARING, DEC 17 FOR FINAL VOTE.
Committee meetings are held in the morning at 451 North Fairbanks, 8th Floor: Administration 10:00, Program and Recreation 10:05, Capital 10:10.
The full Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will meet the same day at 4 pm. (Four times a year the Board meets at a park fieldhouse.)
For information incl. access and parking, or to... contact Secretary at officeofsecretary@chicagoparkdistrict.com or go to the district website and look under departments for Board of Commissioners, or to receive the agenda via fax call the general number 312 742-PLAY option 9. Re: disabilities access call Compliance Officer, 312 742-4686 or TTY 312 474-2001 at least 48 hours ahead. Look here for agenda items of general and area interest. The People in the Parks section is intended to let you voice your concerns. To speak go to the website, Notice of Meeting on the homepage, and from there to sign up (through the day before). Or go that that day and sign up 2:30 to 3:30 pm.
Chicago Park District
Board of Commissioners Meeting
Wednesday, April 1410:30 a.m. Committee Meeting
4:00 p.m. Board Meeting
Chicago Park District Administrative Building
541 N. Fairbanks
8th Floor
To view the Board committee agenda, please visit:http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/docs/b15c6c7b-b0a9-487f-97d4-37dee6fac58b_document.pdf
To view the Board agenda, please visit:
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/docs/a797fee9-9430-447b-a6d9-ae0bbf0ea030_document.pdf
The Public Participation portion of the Board's regularly scheduled committee meetings will commence at 10:30 a.m. and at 4:00 p.m. for the Board's regularly scheduled Board meetings. Any individual interested in making a presentation must register with the Office of the Secretary in person between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the day of the Board Committee Meeting; and between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. on the day of the Board meeting.
For additional details on Public Participation rules, please visit:
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/docs/4de06e0f-9a4f-4c9f-8637-0cb607575350_document.pdf
Please contact Jill Heise at 312.857.2757 xt. 17 or heisej@fotp.org with questions or comments.
The Public Participation portion (People in the Parks) of the Board's regularly scheduled committee meetings will commence at 10:30 a.m. and at 4:00 p.m. for the Board's regularly scheduled Board meetings. Any individual interested in making a presentation must register with the Office of the Secretary in person between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the day of the Board Committee Meeting; and between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the day of the Board meeting.
Registration must be made in person by the individual who will make the presentation.
Representatives may not sign up another speaker via proxy.
The resolution can also be found by going to: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/docs/948e1358-218c-4df8-9d34-7bac0c4faa06_document.pdf
· As a reminder, the Public Participation portion of the Board's regularly scheduled committee meetings will commence at 10:30 a.m. and at 4:00 p.m. for the Board's regularly scheduled Board meetings. Any individual interested in making a presentation must register with the Office of the Secretary in person between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the day of the Board Committee Meeting; and between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the day of the Board meeting.
· Registration must be made in person by the individual who will make the presentation.
· Representatives may not sign up another speaker via proxy.
· Speakers will be limited to speak on one (1) agenda item during one Committee meeting, and cannot speak to any other item from other Committee meetings scheduled for the same date.
· Groups must select a maximum of two (2) representatives from those who have signed up to speak on their behalf. The Board Secretary will schedule group speakers according to topic.
For additional information on the Chicago Park District's rules on public participation, please visit http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/docs/948e1358-218c-4df8-9d34-7bac0c4faa06_document.pdf
Please consult www.fotp.org or join Friends of the Parks Facebook for updates on events, volunteer opportunities, Park Advisory Council events and more! If you are interested in Jill attending your PAC meeting, please contact her at 312.857.2757 xt. 17 or heisej@fotp.org
Chicago Park District regional budget hearings- visit the pd website and go to budget
Budget on line c Nov. 8. Final hearing Dec. 7.
or visit our Parks Mtgs Schedule page.
the regional budget hearings are scheduled as follows:
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/departments.budget
City Council Committee on Parks and Recreation. Ald. Mary Ann Smith, Chairman
Generally meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11 am. However, it now seems to bounce around.
City Hall room 201A.
_________________________________________
See report on a December 14, 2006 and January 11 meetings led by Nichols Park with park district officers on communications and work order procedure-- in Nichols home page.
Upcoming area park advisory council meetings (not all)
- Watch for a new council for Stout Park 5400 block of Greenwood
- Bessie Coleman Park Thurs., Did meet 4th Thursdays. Lately various dates with the area block club. peter.cassel@gmail.com
- Spruce Park 6:30 pm, Nichols fieldhouse 1355 E. 53rd. 2nd Monday or Tuesday, or to meet with Nichols. No longer meets regularly.
- Midway Plaisance. Not meetings. David Guyer, 773 834-4549. None planned immediate future.
- Washington Park Planning Committee 1st Sat., , fieldhouse. 1st Saturdays. 9 am in the Washington Park Fieldhouse. Continues??
- Harold Washington Park, Wed. ?????? , 6:30 pm, place Hyde Park Art Center. David Hoyt is president- 773-684-5448.
- Kenwood Park, Wed. 4th Wed- but tba , 7 pm, Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer, east entry Byllesby Room or chapel, 4945 S. Dorchester. http://web.me.com/kenwoodpark/Site/About_KPAC.html. ChicagoKPAC@gmail.com.