Winter 2008

Departments

  • Board of Commissioners

    The Mayor of the City of Chicago appoints the Chicago Park District's seven-member board. The Board is the governing body of the Chicago Park District. The Board has three standing committees under which business is done: Administration, Programs and Recreation, and Capital Improvements. The Office of the Secretary serves as the coordinating staff to the Board. Find out more >

  • Superintendent

    Timothy J. Mitchell The Chicago Park District welcomes the appointment of Timothy J. Mitchell as the District's new General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Mitchell comes to the Park District from the Office of the Mayor where he served as Chief of Infrastructure and Operations for the City of Chicago. Mr. Mitchell's work at the Mayor's Office included administration of the City's operational and infrastructure departments as well as implementation of the City's $1.9 billion capital improvement program. Find out more >

  • Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Kelly As Chief Operations Officer, Michael Kelly is responsible for management of the day-to-day operations of the Chicago Park District, with ultimate oversight of the Construction Management, Park Services, Planning and Development, and Facilities departments, among others. In this capacity, Mr. Kelly assists the General Superintendent with responsibilities for general management, policy making and strategic planning.

  • Chief Financial Officer

    Steve Hughes The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for establishing overall guidelines and policies for Chicago Park District financial decisions relating to investments, budgeting, and cash management. To ensure that the goals are met, the CFO manages the activities and coordinates the efforts among the Office of Budget and Management, Comptroller, Treasury and Information Technology. The CFO also works with the General Superintendent to ensure the fiscal well being of the Park District and its continued service to the citizens of Chicago.

  • Chief Administrative Officer

    Richard E. Butler, III As Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Butler manages administrative departments. In addition, he works with the General Superintendent to accomplish the Park District goal of being the leading provider of recreational and leisure opportunities for the City of Chicago with an annual budget of over $385 million.

  • Audit

    Melinda M. Gildart, Director The Department of Audit develops audit plans for parks and departments and conducts internal audits that assess the integrity and efficiency of financial reporting systems, internal controls and established procedures, in order to minimize waste and mismanagement. Corrective action plans will then be created and recommendations will be made based upon audit analyses and findings. A primary goal of this department is the creation of an Audit Committee to review and monitor fiscal policies, current practices and audit findings. The Director of Audit will review the audit plan/programs with the Board of Commissioners, General Superintendent/CEO and Chief Financial Officer in order to obtain recommendations for additional areas of audit and to resolve any previous findings.

  • Budget and Management

    Tanya S. Anthony, Director The Office of Budget and Management is responsible for the preparation and oversight of the operating and capital budgets, grant management, administration of performance management initiatives, and financial analysis of the Chicago Park District for long-term fiscal planning. The Office of Budget and Management analyzes Regional and Departmental budget requests, identifies issues and provides information to help Departmental officials make resource decisions which are incorporated into the Annual Appropriations Ordinance. Find out more >

  • Capital Construction

    Robert Rejman, Director The Department of Capital Construction directs and manages CPD capital construction projects. These may involve the construction, restoration and/or rehabilitation of park district facilities, structures, landscapes, monuments, and infrastructure, as well as the development of new parks. Members of the Capital Construction department provide construction project management, design implementation, technical and professional support, and finance management. Additionally, the CPD Capital Program is planned and managed in this department. 2008-12 Chicago Park District Capital Improvement Plan

  • Communications and Marketing

    Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, Director The Press Office and Marketing Department recently merged to create the Department of Communications. This department is responsible for increasing public awareness about the Chicago Park District and developing integrated and cohesive marketing and public relations campaigns and strategies. The department also works with the public and journalists from local and national media outlets to promote and respond to park programs, operations, facilities and policies. The department oversees internal communications initiatives and is responsible for managing content on the Park District's website. For more information on marketing activities, please see marketing department description. News releases can be viewed on this site by selecting the "In The News" icon. Journalists interested in information about the Chicago Park District may contact the Department of Communications at 312/742-4786. Find out more >

  • Comptroller

    Constance M. Kravitz, Comptroller The Comptroller's office records, coordinates, and manages all financial transactions for the Chicago Park District including acting as a liaison to outside auditors, coordinating the Annual Audit and producing the Annual Financial Statement. Three Divisions manage the information: General Ledger, Accounts Payable and Payroll. Find out more >

  • Environment, Culture and Special Events

    If you have ever watched a movie in the park, taken part in a fishing or camping program or marveled at the beautiful artwork created by youth in our parks, then you are already familiar with some of the responsibilities of the Department of Environment, Culture and Special Events (ECSE). This department creates and implements the District's outdoor and environmental education programs, coordinates programs for the District's twelve cultural centers, provides leadership in the development of after-school, youth employment and summer programs and produces special events and activities for the whole family. Find out more >

  • Ethics Officer:

    Thomas R. Rakowski, Retired Illinois Appellate Court Judge The General Superintendent & CEO appoints the Ethics Officer with the approval of the Board President. He is responsible for the implementation, interpretation, enforcement, and investigation of the District's ethics ordinance. Any person acting on behalf of another who undertakes to influence any legislative or administrative action of the Chicago Park District shall register as a Lobbyist with the District and file semi-annual activity reports. Find Out More >

  • Facility Management

    Patrick Levar, Director The Facility Management Department works to ensure safe, clean and high quality parkland and facilities throughout the City of Chicago by utilizing the highest effective maintenance standards/procedures and management practices. This department is responsible for the maintenance, repair, renovation and general upkeep of all Park District property such as field houses, swimming pools, comfort stations, park amenities, etc. The goal of this department is to strive to enhance all park properties by means of increasing productivity, establishing and adhering to sound standards/guidelines/procedures, increasing response time, performing and ensuring contractual work is of the highest standards and quality by means of an efficient, effective, systematic and organized management effort.

  • Human Resources

    Beka Reierson, Director The Department of Human Resources staffs and ensures the effective operations of the Park District. The work of this department encompasses a coordinated effort with each department and region to attract and retain qualified individuals in order to enhance the success of the organization. The department specifically manages benefits, compensation, job classification, compliance, rules, candidate screening, policies and procedures, and collective bargaining agreements along with the related labor relations functions. Find out more >

  • Information Technology

    Steve M. Maris, Director
    The Chicago Park District Information Technology Department develops, implements and maintains all technology utilized by the Park District. This includes hardware and software applications for enterprise-wide computer systems, desktop and network equipment, telephony systems and the public web site. A Five-Year Technology Plan developed by the department and reviewed by the IT Oversight Committee comprised of its most-senior executives guides the selection of projects and their relative priority to best leverage technology by the District. Responsibilities for managing the IT project portfolio include maintaining record of and ensuring timely completion of all projects as well as evaluating results and reporting quarterly.

  • Law

    Maria Guadalupe Garcia, General Counsel The Law Department manages the legal affairs of the District. Routine areas of daily business include claims filed against the District, environmental litigation, real estate issues, tax matters, labor relations, intergovernmental agreements, facility accessibility, land acquisitions, permits, Constitutional First Amendment issues, contracts, municipal finance transactions and management of Freedom of Information requests. Additionally, the law department oversees the District's legal investigations and handles the District's Whistleblower Hotline. Learn more and Download Freedom of Information Request forms > Whistleblower Hotline: (312) 742-DEED (312-742-3333)

  • Legislative and Community Affairs

    Timothy M. King, Director The Department of Legislative and Community Affairs (LCA) is the lobbying and community relations arm of the Chicago Park District. LCA works with elected officials and other government agencies advocating for funding of park programs, rehabilitations, and acquisitions. Partnerships and relationships with other agencies offer new programs and a higher quality of service being offered to our park patrons. LCA also encourages and fosters relationships with park neighbors and community groups to enhance and deliver solutions to the community's needs through the various park advisory councils. If you're interested in being more active in your local park, LCA offers a variety of programs for you to participate in. Find out more >

  • Natural Resources

    Adam Schwerner, Director The "Green" department of the Chicago Park District, the Department of Natural Resources (CDNR), was created in 2001 and is responsible for ensuring the quality of the district's 7,300 acres of land. Through enhanced landscape management, staff training and constant high quality maintenance, the department is quickly becoming the benchmark by which many municipal organizations measure the quality of their landscape and gardening. As a first place Gold Award winner in 2003's Nations In Bloom, an international landscape beautification competition, the department has proven itself as a competitor among the finest in the world. The department has also won numerous awards including the 2002 and 2003 Conservation and Native Landscaping Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness for South Shore Nature Sanctuary and the Jackson Park lagoon rehabilitation; the 2001 Landscape Contribution Award - Associated Landscape Contractors of America; and the Professional Grounds Management Society's 2001 Grand Award. CDNR manages the District's citywide floral beds, enhanced maintenance sites (including Soldier Field/Museum Campus and Northerly Island), holiday lighting initiatives, Arboretum in the Park sites, forestry operations, nature areas, lagoon restorations, athletic fields and two world-class conservatories. Find out more >

  • Park Services

    Joseph Vetrano, Director Contact the region office where you would like to hold your event. Please see information included regarding regions in the Contact page. Find out more >

  • Planning and Development

    Gia Biagi, Director The Department of Planning and Development plans and manages the Park District’s Capital Improvement Program. As part of this process, the Department manages land acquisitions; conducts inventory and historic analysis; designates landmarks; establishes design standards for parks; produces initial development plans and design documents; reviews landscape and architectural plans for parkland; performs research and policy analysis; writes grants; and works with other park departments, community groups, and city agencies to determine the location, scope, and design of parks. Find out more >

  • Purchases

    Raffi Sarrafian, Director The mission of the Chicago Park District is to enhance the quality of life throughout Chicago by: becoming the leading provider of recreational and leisure opportunities; providing safe, inviting and beautifully maintained parks and facilities; and creating a customer-focused and responsive park system. Find out more >

  • Sports and Recreation

    The Sports and Recreation Department is one of the largest departments within the Chicago Park District. Its focus is on the Chicago Park District's main core area of Health and Physical Activities, which accounts for 65% of all Chicago Park District programming opportunities. Find out more >

  • Treasury

    Melinda Molloy, Treasurer The Treasury Department is responsible for managing the District's cash, investments and debt portfolio. The department monitors and adjusts the District's cash and investment position to meet daily liquidity needs while maximizing investment returns. An Investment Policy developed by the department and adopted by the Board guides the types and duration of investment tools utilized to manage the cash position of the District. Responsibilities for managing the debt portfolio include maintaining record of and ensuring proper payment of all outstanding debt as well as evaluating bond fund proposals and structures in order to determine the most cost effective method of financing all or a portion of the District's capital needs.

Region Offices

  • Central Region

    Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave., 312.746.5962 Dedicated to Chicago's near south, near north and west side parks, the Central Region manages 201 parks for diverse neighborhoods, including Austin, Back of the Yards, Bucktown, Chinatown, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Lawndale, Pilsen, South Loop, Streeterville and Grant Park. Athletic opportunities abound in the Central Region with over three-dozen indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centers, interactive water playgrounds, ball fields, soccer fields, football fields, a golf course and a miniature golf course. Arts and cultural programming reign strong in the Central Region with AlieyCamp and several of the Park District's Cultural Centers. In terms of green technology, the region has a solar panel and wind powered turbine filtration system which is used to run the prairie river cleaning system at the Humboldt Park lagoon. In addition three other lagoons and one artificial turf soccer field serve the residents of McKinley, Garfield, and Columbus Parks. Some of Chicago's most significant park landmarks are located in the region, including landscapes designed by Jens Jensen, such as Columbus Park, Douglas Park, Garfield Park and Humboldt Park. The Central Region is also responsible for maintenance and upkeep of parks and playgrounds along Chicago’s near south and near north lakefront communities and the city's shoreline from North Avenue south to 51st Street including Lakefront trails and Burnham Harbor. Also included in this region is the Museum campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Garfield Park Conservatory, and Soldier Field.

  • North Region

    Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave., 773.262.8658 The North Region is responsible for overseeing 209 parks and playgrounds for diverse communities from Rogers Park to Norwood Park as well as from North Ave Beach to Belmont/Cragin neighborhood. The 79 staffed locations offer seasonal cultural programming and special events, non-traditional sports, from ceramics to weaving and skate parks to interactive water playgrounds and Trails of Terror to Dinner with Santa there’s something for everyone. The Region also features a multitude of athletic activities for Chicagoans of all ages - with its 23 pools, four water playgrounds, miles of sandy beaches and three harbors along the lakefront, three outdoor ice skating rinks, three gymnastics centers, six boxing centers, Thillens Baseball Stadium, artificial soccer fields, nearly 200 baseball fields, a new Wellness Center at Broadway Armory, fitness centers, and the Park District’s only indoor tennis/ice skating facility at McFetridge Sports Center. Unique recreational, nature and cultural programming can be found at Kilbourn Park's Organic Greenhouse, Indian Boundary Zoo, North Park Village Nature Center, Lincoln Park Cultural Center, Theatre on the Lake, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory and nature areas located throughout the north side. In addition golfers can check out the links at Robert A. Black and Sidney R. Marovitz Golf Course, plus the Diversey Driving Range and miniature golf course.

  • South Region

    Tarkington Park, 3344 W. 71st St., 312.747.7661 The South Region offers quality recreational and leisure opportunities at more than 100 parks and playgrounds, including four lakefront parks. Chicagoans from the historic neighborhoods of Chatham, Kenwood, Roseland, Hegewisch, South Shore, and Pullman, as well as the University of Chicago community in Hyde Park partake in the many cultural, physical, and recreational opportunities offered by the South Region. The South Region proudly features nearly 200 ball diamonds, four outdoor ice rinks, four beaches, nineteen outdoor pools, twenty–two indoor pools, thirteen natatoriums, a 36-ft water slide, six racquetball and handball courts, and two gymnastic centers. In addition, the South Region has three state-of-the-art Little League stadiums, three golf courses and golf driving ranges, five boxing centers, a seven-station batting cage, two artificial turf soccer fields, two art galleries, and five lagoons to serve the residents of Chicago. To provide culturally enriched programs and unique activities to the highly diverse communities this region serves, Marquette, Ridge, Hamilton, South Shore, Tuley and West Pullman Parks are designated cultural centers. Historic landmarks and feature attractions of the South Region include Grand Crossing Park, Marquette Park, South Shore Cultural Center, Jackson Park, Promontory Point, Calumet Park, the Darius Monument in Marquette Park, and the Fountain of Time sculpture and Adventure Rec, (a team-building obstacle course on Bynum Island), both in Washington Park.