Timothy J. Mitchell
General Superintendent & CEO of the Chicago Park District
Named General Superintendent & CEO of the Chicago Park District by Mayor Richard M. Daley on Jan. 20, 2004, Timothy J. Mitchell’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his accomplishments at the Chicago Park District since his inauguration.
During his tenure, Mitchell has implemented new programming, committees and playground standards to provide an inclusive park system for patrons, ensuring that every Chicagoan, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, can participate in park programs and events throughout the city. This effort has lead to the removal of architectural barriers that obstruct access to park programs and facilities.
In his efforts to provide affordable recreational opportunities and promote a healthier lifestyle through physical activity, Mitchell and his administration have improved numerous playground facilities, fitness centers, athletic fields and recreation programs across the city.
In 2007, Mitchell spearheaded the nation-wide call to re-establish federal funding under the Urban Park Recreation and Recovery (UPARR) Act of 1978. This act, which authorizes $725 million in support for park development in blighted, park poor communities, has not been fulfilled in the past five years. As a result, desperately needed park restoration and development projects are left unaccomplished.
Sparking a call to act, Mitchell rallied the support of local and state elected officials and park advocates to write letters to their U.S. representatives and senators for UPARR funding. He also organized various trips to Washington D.C. to personally meet with members of the Illinois congressional delegation and other key decision makers and distributed more than 100,000 postcards, signed by Illinois park users to urge their elected officials to reinstate federal funding.
Finding available urban space for park development is not the easiest task. However, under Mitchell’s leadership, the Chicago Park District’s “outside the box” approach to identifying open space has been nothing short of “triumphant”.
Northerly Island, the site of a former airport, is now a 78-acre nature park that offers Chicago residents and visitors winding paths amid native plantings, close encounters with birds and other wildlife and spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the city’s skyline. Other examples of Mitchell’s innovation can be found at the former USX Steel Mill site which will soon become 85 acre park, a proposed elevated bike path along abandoned train tracks and the new skate park to be constructed under Chicago’s Kennedy expressway.
Additionally, Superintendent Mitchell has worked with the 2016 Chicago Olympic Organizing Committee to submit recommendations as the potential host city for the summer Olympics in 2016. The Chicago Park District would represent the majority of the Olympic venues if the city is chosen to host the 2016 summer Olympics.
Also this year, Mitchell successfully spearheaded a campaign to save Lake Michigan from the potential threat of toxins that would be dumped due to the BP Whiting Refinery proposed expansion. More than 75,000 signatures were collected by Chicago Park District’s petition drive and were presented to Indiana State legislators. Combined with other organization’s efforts, Mitchell’s campaign resulted in BP Amoco altering their plans and pledging not to increase dumping in Lake Michigan.
Mitchell joined the City in 1989 as Managing Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Human Services. In that position, he managed the department's 18 divisions and offices; helped oversee the expansion of programs such as child care, homeless services and youth development programs and acted as a liaison with other government agencies.
In 1998 he became First Deputy Commissioner of the Department of General Services and was promoted to Commissioner the following year. The General Services Department is responsible for operating and maintaining city buildings and properties, as well as managing leases and telecommunications services for more than 500 city buildings.
In July 2001, Mitchell joined the Mayor's Office as Chief of Infrastructure and Operations. During his tenure, he managed the City's $1.9 billion capital plan and supervised the operational and infrastructure departments of City government. He also served as a liaison between City Hall and the City's sister agencies to ensure their efforts were coordinated.
Mitchell received the City's prestigious Kathy Osterman Award for public service in 1994.
He currently serves as a board member of the City Parks Alliance, the Parkways Foundation, Lincoln Park Zoo, Art Institute of Chicago, After School Matters, the Boys and Girls Town of Chicago, Gateway Green, Ravenswood Park Townhome Association, Special Children’s Charities and Neighborspace. Mitchell was most recently elected as World Commissioner representing North America for the International Federation of Parks and Recreation.
He is a 1989 graduate of Loyola University Chicago and a resident of the Andersonville neighborhood.