Board and Park District honors recent retirees, representing more than 1500 years of service
Today, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners convened for its first monthly meeting of the year to address and vote on matters pertinent to park operations. During the meeting, the Board authorized the District to award a contract to Structures Construction, L.L.C. and issue a notice to proceed for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) improvements at 14 park fieldhouses that serve as government election polling sites. Accessibility improvement needs and scope of work vary by location, with scopes including structural concrete, hardscape replacement, door frames and hardware, new signage, minor architectural alterations, and ramp, stair, and handrail reconstruction.
Completion of these improvements are pursuant to Department of Justice requirements to ensure fieldhouse access to voters and also align with the District’s goal to foster belonging in parks. There are 139 park fieldhouses that serve as polling sites. The Park District has completed ADA improvements at 73 sites with other locations currently in construction or slated for improvements. The contract amount is not to exceed $3,252,498.00. MBE/WBE participation is 25% MBE and 5% WBE, meeting the District’s compliance goals.
“Chicago parks are hubs for recreation but they’re also community anchors where people gather, including to exercise their democratic rights,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “The capital work being done to improve accessibility in our park fieldhouses helps ensure residents their voices will be heard and also aligns with the District’s commitment to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in our parks.”
The Board also approved a contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, L.L.C for debris dumping transfer station services. As part of its routine maintenance operations, the Park District collects debris - including refuse, recycling and other materials and delivers the debris to dumping transfer stations. The Awardee will operate the transfer station(s) where Park District debris will be compacted and transported to its final disposal site. The amount of the initial, two-year agreement is $546,407. Participation for the contract is 25% MBE and 5% WBE, meeting the Park District compliance goals.
During the meeting, the District and the Board celebrated recent Chicago Park District retirees. Those in attendance represented more than 60 retirees who have collectively dedicated more than 1500 years of service to the District. This reflects the longevity and commitment to service among the Parks’ workforce. The contributions of these professionals have made a positive and lasting impact on enhancing the quality of life for all Chicagoans. 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.
Also, during the meeting, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing delegation of authority to the General Superintendent for calendar year 2026 and approved the contract amendment for services related to the hosting and maintenance of the Park District’s website. Other agenda items included the presentation of the Certificate of Publication of the 2026 Appropriation Ordinance, the Certificate of Filing of the 2026 Appropriation Ordinance and the Certificate of Filing of the 2025 Tax Levy.
Watch the full meeting here.