Over 750 Volunteers have already committed to the to the clean-up effort
CHICAGO – The Chicago Park District will host Earth Day clean-up efforts at over 190 park sites, with over 750 volunteers contributing to garbage pick-up, laying of mulch around trees, and the installation of Fibar, the material that cushions playground surfaces.
“It’s a magnificent thing to see Chicagoans collaborate to beautify and refresh our shared green spaces,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “It takes all of us: partners, volunteers, and park staff, to ensure these parks are attractive and safe venues for community wellbeing and active living. I am so grateful for the tremendous effort and stewardship Chicagoans are bringing to celebrate this Earth Day in parks citywide.”
The Earth Day events kick off Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. at Wicker Park, located at 1425 N. Damen Ave., where volunteers will disperse to execute clean-ups across parks in the Logan Square, Bucktown, and West Town neighborhoods. A speaking program featuring local representatives will take place at 11:30 a.m. on the lawn of Wicker Park following the clean-up effort.
The clean-up initiative will culminate on Saturday, April 18, 2026 with a citywide effort. The day will start with a speaking program featuring local representatives at 8:30 a.m. at Humboldt Park’s boathouse, located at 1301 N. Humboldt Dr., and 9:30 a.m. at Douglass Park, located at 1401 S. Sacramento Dr.
Among the groups participating in the clean-ups are the Chicago Park District’s sister agency, the Chicago Transit Authority. They have adopted the north playground of Humboldt Park, where their staff members’ families will volunteer to lay Fibar. The Chicago chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby will execute a clean-up at Northerly Island Park. To volunteer, visit chicagoparkdistrict.com/earth-day.
This spring, the Chicago Park District recruited over 150 site captains to facilitate clean ups. Each site captain has been provided with trash bags, bandanas, and promotional materials such as yard signs and stickers to share with the volunteers they will work with. Chicago Park District staff and partners will provide wheelbarrows, shovels, gloves and other tools to allow volunteers of all ages to effectively beautify their neighborhood park.
Throughout 2025, the Chicago Park District welcomed over 14,000 volunteers who contributed over 55,000 hours as stewards, docents, Earth Day volunteers, athletics coaches, activities instructors, Park Advisory Council members, and other critical roles. If patrons wish to participate beyond Earth Day, they are encouraged to learn more at chicagoparkdistrict.com/volunteer.
The 41st Annual Earth Day Clean Up is presented by Serve Robotics and supported by Oracle.