Park Advisory Councils
Park Advisory Councils represent more than 225 parks in all 77 community areas across the City of City. 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: membership applications, meeting agendas, meeting minutes, financial reports
- 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.
2020 Park Advisory Council Annual Report
Park Advisory Council Workshops
Every month the Chicago Park District along with the Chicago Parks Foundation is offering free virtual workshops for PACs. Topics range from special events, best practices, to social media.
Virtual PAC Workshop: Crafting a mission statement
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
6:00 pm
A good mission statement isn't just a slogan; it's the foundation of your operations manual for your PAC. Please join Michael Mencarini, Community Planner with the National Park Service for a workshop on crafting a mission statement. During this workshop you will learn the basics of strategic planning and what to consider when developing a vision/mission statement and goals.
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting
Or call in (audio only)
The 2021 Virtual PAC Conference was held on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Stay tuned for the recorded sessions.
PAC Conference archives:
2019 PAC Conference Session Presentations:
- Creating Safe Spaces in Play Places
- How to Find A Sponsor
- How to Run a Meeting
- Liability Insurance
- Money 101
- Nature Play Spaces
- PAC 101
- Roberts Rules of Order
- Special Events Check List
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.
- Advisory Council Guidelines
- Advisory Council Letter of Intent Sample
- Advisory Council Member Application
- Advisory Council Registration Form
- Advisory Council By-Law
- Advisory Council Code of Conduct
- Officer Update Form
What makes a PAC compliant?
- Submitting Annual Report
- Holding Yearly Elections
- Submitting bylaws to the Chicago Park District
- Maintaining PAC binder in parks, which includes: membership applications, meeting agendas, meeting minutes, financial reports
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
- Advisory Council Membership Application
- New Park Advisory Council Application
- Park Advisory Council Officer Update
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.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Chicago Park District has partnered with the University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois Prevention Resource Center of a series of trainings to help Park Advisory Councils with formation, fundraising and special events.