Park District and Board honored recent retirees for the years of service to the parks and citizens of Chicago
Today, during its first monthly meeting of the year, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners authorized the District to enter into agreements that will further park investment, security and enhance the beauty and environmental sustainability in our parks. Also during the meeting held at the District’s headquarters located at 4830 S. Western Avenue in Brighton Park, the Board District also honored 68 recent retirees for their years of service to the Chicago Park District.
The Board of Commissioners authorized the District to accept funds and services from various sources for park investment. These funds include but are not limited to Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Open Space Impact Fees (OSIF), the Aldermanic Menu Program, and grants from city, state and federal government. These funds and/or services are instrumental in supplementing The Park District’s limited capital budget and will be applied toward the payment or reimbursement of the acquisition, development, and renovation costs of various Park District property or projects. Last year, the District secured roughly $70 million in external funding that was used for vital capital investment.
“The Board’s authorization to enter into intergovernmental agreements and accept funds from the City and other agencies enables us to complete much needed park projects beyond our annual $30 million capital appropriation, said Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. “Without these additional funds, many important projects would be delayed.”
The Board approved a contract with Active Alarm Company for the installation, monitoring, maintenance and repairs to more than 300 park security systems throughout Chicago parks. The contract amount is $478,230.00 for the initial one-year term. MBE/WBE participation for this contract is 25% and 5%, meeting the District’s goals.
The Board also authorized the Park District to enter into a two-year agreement with Brightview Landscapes LLC for district-wide planting and landscaping services.
Also today, the Board received proposed changes to Chapter II of the Chicago Park District Code that would update the report process for the District’s Office of Inspector General and amendments to the Open Meetings Act as it relates to remote attendance. These changes will be posted for 45 days for public comment here.
The District and Board acknowledged 68 recent Chicago Park District retirees for their years of service to the District and the residents of Chicago. Each retiree was presented with a resolution thanking them for their contribution to the city’s world-class park system and well wishes on their retirement.
A change order in the amount of $324,073.75 was approved for additional expenses for renovations to the Clarendon Park fieldhouse, 4501 N. Clarendon in the Uptown community. Renovations to the 100 year old building include installation of an elevator and other accessibility improvements, new interior finishes to the gymnasium, program spaces and lobby; mechanical, electrical and plumbing system upgrades and removal and roof replacement. Additional exterior improvements also include new planting beds and community plaza areas.
Other agenda items included the presentation of Certificates of Filings for the 2023 Tax Levy Ordinance and 2023 Supplemental Ordinance Appropriation and 2024 Annual Appropriation Ordinance; the Certificate of Publication of its 2023 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance and 2024 Annual Appropriation Ordinance.