The Chicago Parks Foundation is the non-profit partner for the Chicago Park District, converting park users and lovers to park givers and stewards. Tax dollars alone cannot provide all the funds needed to maintain the parks and building and programs, and personnel for over 590 parks, 220 field houses, 24 beaches, 10 harbors and 9 golf courses.
The Chicago Parks Foundation was established to be independent in the collaborative spirit. The team works side by side with communities, corporations, foundations and the Chicago Park District to build relationships and programs to support the amazing Chicago parks and the communities who love them.
The Chicago Parks Foundation works with the community on park improvement projects, teen and youth programs, community volunteering, and measuring the impact.
In 2016, the Chicago Parks Foundation provided nearly 2 million dollars of park improvements including new playgrounds, tennis court resurfacing, and mini artificial turf fields. By managing over 2 million dollars in grants, the Chicago Parks Foundation served over 10,000 youth through baseball, football, basketball and sailing programs. The Chicago Parks Foundation supported more than 100 local Park Advisory Councils with multiple workshops and an annual Park Advisory Council Conference to cultivate community connections and provide fundraising and marketing resources.
