An advisory council is a voluntary group of individuals who meet on a regular basis to support the effective functioning of their local park. Councils promote ways for the community to better utilize the Chicago Park District's programs and facilities; provide communication to the Chicago Park District on matters relating to their parks; increase community awareness of Chicago Park District projects; provide the community with a vehicle through which park information can be shared; and assist in locating alternate funding sources to enhance park facilities. In an effort to do these things, many councils host events and other related activities throughout the year. The Chicago Park District encourages interested park patrons to participate in or form an advisory council in their local park. The Chicago Park District seeks advisement from councils regarding services provided to parks, needs, problems, accomplishments, and any other matters councils consider important to the operation of their parks.

Park Advisory Councils

Park Advisory Councils represent more than 225 parks in all 77 community areas across the City of Chicago. Park Advisory Councils (PAC) are the community voice for their neighborhood park, children’s playground, beach or natural area.  PAC’s help make a difference in their parks whether they are partnering with their park,  creating a garden, fundraising for a new playground, hosting special events, sponsoring a recreation program or advocating for improved services in the park.
 

Forming a Park Advisory Council:

  • Meet park supervisor to discuss forming a Park Advisory Council
  • The group must submit a letter of intent to the park supervisor
  • Set up a community meeting that encompasses the areas around the play lot
  • Post fliers in the park, aldermanic office, library, and surrounding community groups, local businesses etc.
  • Invite the Chicago Park District to talk about advisory councils
  • All interested members must fill out the PAC Application
  • Schedule elections giving 14 days notice
  • Once you have you have an elected board set up you should fill out the NEW PAC Registration form

UPDATE: PAC Meetings

Out of an abundance of caution Park Advisory Councils are not meeting in person. PACs are permitted to meet virtually. Please contact your Park Advisory Council for meeting details.


What makes a PAC compliant?

Registered Chicago Park District PACs, enjoy the use of rooms, space for their monthly meeting, application fee waivers, expedited event permit processing, partnership benefits of no or reduced fees and liability insurance. If a PAC is not compliant they will not be privy to these benefits.

  • Submitting Annual Report
  • Holding Elections
  • Submitting bylaws to the Chicago Park District
  • Maintaining PAC binder in parks, which includes:  meeting agendas, meeting minutes, financial reports, sign in sheets
  • Following the Code of Conduct

Park Advisory Council Annual Report

Submitting accomplishments along with general information about the council, through the form below, is one of the requirements for an advisory council to remain in good standing.  Councils that are in good standing are eligible for usage of the council partnership code for council events.

2021 Park Advisory Council Annual Report

Park Advisory Council Workshops

The Chicago Park District along with the Chicago Parks Foundation offer free virtual workshops for Park Advisory Councils. Please check back regularly for the next PAC workshop. 

 

 

 

PAC Conference archives:

2019 PAC Conference Session Presentations:

Thank you to the UIC Illinois Prevention Research Center and Work2gether4Peace for recording the 2019 sessions.

Watch the 2019 PAC Conference Session Videos


Advisory Council Forms

All existing and newly formed advisory councils and those interested in becoming an advisory council, must review and complete the forms below. Fax the completed Application, Registration Form, Partnership Pledge and By-Laws to the Chicago Park District Community Relations Division at (312) 742-2797.

What makes a PAC compliant?

Registered Chicago Park District PACs, enjoy the use of rooms, space for their monthly meeting, application fee waivers,  expedited event permit processing, partnership benefits of no or reduced fees and liability insurance. If a PAC is not compliant they will not be privy to these benefits. PACs will be treated like every other community group and organization until they become compliant. 

Advisory Councils List

View a list of parks with advisory councils, and get meeting dates and contact information.


Advisory Council Applications

FAQ's

View a list of Advisory Council Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact Us

 

If you have any further questions about Chicago Park District advisory councils, please call the Department of Legislative and Community Affairs at (312) 742-2797.

 

 

Documents

Attachment Size
Community_Collaboration_to_Keep_Parks_Safe.pptx_.pdf2.09 MB 2.09 MB
Park_Reality_Mapping__PAC_Conference_2017.pptx_.pdf628.48 KB 628.48 KB
Strategic_Partnerships_2.23_Update.pdf667.46 KB 667.46 KB
New PAC Workshop 3-3-2018.pdf3.51 MB 3.51 MB
Creative Brainstorm Presentation - PACC18.pdf379.89 KB 379.89 KB
Creative Brainstorm Presentation - PACC18-1.pdf379.89 KB 379.89 KB
How It Happens- Night Out in the Parks- PACC18.pdf1.28 MB 1.28 MB
How It Happens- Permits- PACC18.pdf261.3 KB 261.3 KB
How It Happens- Programming- PACC 18.pdf574.39 KB 574.39 KB
How We Did It- Beer Fundraiser- PACC18.pdf605.92 KB 605.92 KB
How We Did It- Farmers Market - PACC18.pdf410.59 KB 410.59 KB
How We Did It- Planter Boxes- PACC 18.pdf1.73 MB 1.73 MB
Jump on Board- PACC18.pdf820.69 KB 820.69 KB
ReCenter- PACC18.pdf2.03 MB 2.03 MB