Authorizes Contract for Telecommunications Services and Grants Provisional Approval fro El Grito
Board hears presentation on Park golf facilities and NASCAR Chicago Street Race
Today, at the Chicago Park District Board meeting held at Riis Park, 6100 W, Fullerton, the Board received proposed changes to Chapter IV of the Park District Code to add the Gender Diversity Policy to the list of policies related to the Human Rights Ordinance. Adopted last June, the policy supports an environment in which patrons and employees are able to identify and express their gender and have safe and welcoming experiences at the Park District. Protections outlined in the policy address the needs and concerns of transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming park patrons and employees, including the right to privacy, use of correct names and pronouns, restroom and locker room accessibility, and accommodations that support participation in park sporting events and overnight trips.
“Chicago parks are a spaces of refuge and belonging for everyone and we are extremely proud of the work we’re doing and continue to do to uplift our LGBTQIA+ community. Everyone should feel welcomed and respected in our parks," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa.
The District also proposed changes to Chapter VII of the Code to proposed amendments to Chapter VII to align with the District’s Gender Diversity Policy, allowing individuals to use the restrooms, comfort stations, and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity. The amendment further permits persons aged eighteen (18) years and older to bring children aged six (6) and younger of a different gender into the restroom, comfort station, or locker room with them and makes clear that individuals with disabilities who require assistance by a companion of a different gender may accompany their companion in a restroom, comfort station, or locker room that aligns with the gender identity of their companion. Lastly, the amendments provide that single-occupancy restrooms are all-gender restrooms and may be used by persons of any gender or for family or assisted use.
The Board’s approval of these proposed Code changes initiates a 45-day public comment period in which residents can provide feedback on the proposed changes after which the Board can vote to approved or reject. The public can share their comments on the proposed Code changes here.
Additionally, the Board received and approved proposed changes to Chapter V of the Park District Code to align the vacation and personal leave policy with the Chicago Paid Leave Ordinance and all applicable laws. The amendment reduces the previous six-month probationary period to 90-days for all non-union employees.
Simultaneously, the District asked the Board to waive the standard 45-day public comment period to make immediate changes to personnel policy to ensure that eligible employees have access to paid time off for various reasons, including personal needs, illness, and family care, while also maintaining the continuity of park operations.
Other Code changes voted in effect today include amendments to Chapter VIII to align with applicable law, regarding judicial review of the General Superintendent’s final decision to revoke, refuse or renew a harbor permit. The Board also approved amendments to Chapter V to align the District’s military leave with federal and state laws and ensure Peace Corps leave comply with the rules outlined in the Illinois Administrative Code. These changes were initially presented to the Board at the April 9th board meeting and go into effect immediately.
Also during the meeting, the Board authorized the District to enter into an agreement with AT&T Enterprises, LLC to provide telecommunications and installation services to the District’s network of 276 park facilities and offices currently services by various providers. Essential operational functions achieved through this contract include employee access to email, shared files, enterprise applications as well as public access to register for park programs, and public Wi-Fi use. The agreement furthers the Park District efforts to bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband access throughout the city with parks enhancing connectivity in communities where the need exists.
The amount initial three-year agreement is not to exceed $1,780,000. The contract meets the Park District’s compliance goals with 25% MBE and 10% WBE participation.
The El Grito festival was granted provisional approval from the Board to host the permitted event in Grant Park, September 13-14, 2025. The Park District Code requires the Board to give provisional approval for permitted special events with an attendance of 10,000 or more per day. Event organizers must submit and execute a community engagement plan among other requirements before a Special Event Permit can be issued.
The District also delivered a presentation on the elements of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race being permitted in Grant Park, July 5-6, 2025.
Representatives of the Park District and Troon Golf, the which manage park golf facilities, delivered a presentation on its golf courses and programming. Chicago parks are home to five 9-hole courses, one 18-hole course, miniature golf, an indoor simulator, a double-deck driving range with synthetic turf and a natural grass driving range with extensive practice areas. These facilities offer accessible and affordable opportunities for residents to learn and enjoy the sport. Park golf facilities also contribute to the diversity of recreation opportunities in the city.
In addition to managing daily operations at park golf facilities, Troon also spearheads $9 million in capital investments to upgrade existing golf amenities including bunker and irrigations renovations, on-site comfort stations, cart path improvements and upgraded equipment. The firm is also committed to exposing underrepresented groups, including youth from communities in need, to the sport. To reach this goal, Troon facilitates a number of targeted programs and other opportunities including youth camps, clinics, free and reduced priced rounds of golf, a youth caddy program and summer jobs.