Chicago Park District public meetings in 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider the 2026 annual appropriation ordinance and the 2025 annual tax levy. The meeting includes several contract extensions for district-wide maintenance and a land transfer involving the CTA Red Line Extension project.

• Adoption of the 2025 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance
• 2026 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations
• Land transfer of approximately 0.071 acres of Wendell Smith Park to the CTA
• Contract with Christy Webber & Company for districtwide planting and landscaping
• Contract with Arbor Pro Inc. for districtwide tree inventory and urban forest management plan

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2025 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance and the 2026 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations. Other actions included approving several districtwide maintenance contracts and a land transfer for the CTA Red Line Extension project.

• Adopted 2025 Annual Tax Levy Ordinance (4-0)
• Approved 2026 Annual Appropriation Ordinance and Budget Recommendations (4-0)
• Approved land transfer of approx. 0.071 acres of Wendell Smith Park to CTA (5-0)
• Approved settlement of Matthew Larson v. Chicago Park District (5-0)
• Approved 1-year extension with Russo Hardware, Inc. for landscape mowers (4-0)
• Approved 1-year extension with Shorewood Home & Auto, Inc. for landscape mowers (4-0)
• Approved 1-year extension with Flood Brothers Disposal Co. for waste services (4-0)
• Approved contracts with Christy Webber & Company, Arbor Pro Inc., and Verizon Wireless (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss park naming, code amendments, and various contract extensions. The body is also reviewing a contract for the reconstruction of the Ogden (William) Park fieldhouse.

• Proposal to name Park No. 601 as Dunning Read Natural Area Park
• Contract with Booth Hansen, Ltd. for Ogden (William) Park fieldhouse reconstruction
• One-year extension with Clauss Brothers, Inc. for Osaka Garden maintenance
• One-year extension with The Stone Group Inc. for district-wide sewer cleaning
• Authorization to lease vehicles via Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.

The Board of Commissioners approved several contract extensions, code amendments, and the naming of a new park. They also authorized a contract for the reconstruction of the Ogden (William) Park fieldhouse and updated public participation guidelines for board meetings.

• Approved naming Park No. 601 as Dunning Read Natural Area Park (6-0)
• Approved contract with Booth Hansen, Ltd. for Ogden (William) Park fieldhouse reconstruction (6-0)
• Approved updates to guidelines for attendance and participation at board meetings (6-0)
• Approved settlement of Jane Doe v. Chicago Park District & Michael Kelly (6-0)
• Approved amendments to Chapters I and III of the Code of the Chicago Park District (6-0)
• Approved 1-year extension with Clauss Brothers, Inc. for Osaka Garden maintenance (6-0)
• Approved 1-year extension with The Stone Group Inc. for sewer cleaning services (6-0)
• Authorized participation in City of Chicago contract with Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. for vehicle leasing (6-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2026 Operating Budget Report and the tentative appropriation ordinance. The meeting includes a presentation from the General Superintendent and CEO.

• Proposed 2026 Operating Budget Report
• Tentative Appropriation Ordinance

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to review the proposed 2026 Operating Budget Report and Tentative Appropriation Ordinance. The General Superintendent and CEO presented the strategic vision for the budget, and several members of the public provided comments. No formal votes were taken on the budget recommendations during this meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the issuance of general obligation limited tax park bonds and several contract extensions. The agenda also includes a grant agreement with the Chicago Parks Foundation and a permit for a special event in Grant Park.

• Ordinance for the issuance of not to exceed $120,000,000 general obligation limited tax park bonds of 2025
• Contract extension for F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielson & Associates LLC for the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory
• Multi-year permit agreement with Niantic for Pokemon Go Fest in Grant Park
• Contract extension with SMG for the management of Beverly/Morgan Sports Complex
• Settlement of Karin Wood v. Chicago Park District (Case No. 2025 L 000008)

The Board of Commissioners approved the issuance of up to $120 million in general obligation limited tax park bonds of 2025. Other actions included approving several contract extensions and a grant agreement with the Chicago Parks Foundation. The Board also authorized a multi-year permit for the Pokemon Go Fest in Grant Park.

• Approved issuance of up to $120,000,000 general obligation limited tax park bonds (5-0)
• Approved grant agreement with Chicago Parks Foundation (5-0)
• Approved multi-year permit agreement with Niantic for Pokemon Go Fest in Grant Park (5-0)
• Approved settlement of Karin Wood v. Chicago Park District (5-0)
• Approved contract extension with SMG for Beverly/Morgan Sports Complex (5-0)
• Approved one-year extension with Rae Products and Chemicals Corporation for paint supplies (5-0)
• Approved one-year extension with F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielson & Associates LLC for Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden (5-0)
• Adopted resolution acknowledging "We See You" Employee Recognition Program awardees (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will discuss code amendments and several procurement contracts. The meeting includes proposals to name new park areas and a presentation on the Night Out in the Parks program.

• Proposed naming of Park No. 601 as Dunning Read Natural Area Park and a feature in Park No. 596 as Commissioners’ Commons
• Contract with Bauer Latoza Studio Ltd. dba Arda Design for Douglass Park Fieldhouse renovations
• Joint procurement with the City of Chicago for HVAC products from Trane U.S. Inc.
• Joint procurement with the City of Chicago for professional engineering services from Singh & Associates Inc.
• Contract with Spaan Tech, Inc. for cellular and internet broadband telecommunication infrastructure management

The Board of Commissioners approved multiple service contracts, including HVAC and building automation systems. They adopted a resolution honoring the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program and approved amendments to Chapters IV and VII of the District Code. The Board also initiated the naming process for two park areas.

• Adopted resolution honoring Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program (6-0)
• Approved contract with The Aberdeen Group, Inc. for building automation systems (6-0)
• Approved joint procurement with Trane U.S. Inc. for HVAC products (6-0)
• Approved joint procurement with Singh & Associates Inc. for engineering services (6-0)
• Approved contract with Bauer Latoza Studio Ltd. for Douglass Park Fieldhouse renovations (6-0)
• Approved 45-day notice to name Park No. 601 as Dunning Read Natural Area Park (6-0)
• Approved naming the Great Lawn feature in Park No. 596 as Commissioners’ Commons (5-0)
• Approved amendments to Chapters IV and VII of the Chicago Park District Code (6-0)

Public Hearing

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to receive comments on a proposal to sell general obligation limited bonds not to exceed $55,000,000. The funds would pay for land purchases or condemnations for parks or boulevards and for building, maintaining, improving, and protecting park properties.

• Public hearing on selling up to $55,000,000 in general obligation limited tax park bonds
• Funds to be used for land acquisition, condemnation, and park improvements as per Chicago Park District Act, Section 20

The Board held a public hearing to receive comments on a proposal to sell general obligation limited tax park bonds not to exceed $55,000,000. One member of the public addressed the Board regarding financing and transparency. No formal decision or vote on the bond sale was recorded in these minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a districtwide floral garden contract and a legal settlement. The board will also consider appointments for the District Treasurer and a trustee for the Park Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago.

• Contract with Moore Landscapes, LLC for districtwide floral gardens design, installation, and maintenance
• Settlement of Laura Gonzales and the estate of Louis Gonzales v. Chicago Park District (Case No. 18 WC 035492)
• Appointment of the Treasurer of the Chicago Park District
• Appointment of Trustee to the Park Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago
• Contract extension with Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc. for workers compensation administrative services

The Board of Commissioners appointed Olyvia Jarmoszka as Treasurer and Trustee to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund. The Board also approved a contract with Moore Landscapes, LLC for districtwide floral gardens and a legal settlement for the estate of Louis Gonzales.

• Appointed Olyvia Jarmoszka as Treasurer (7-0)
• Appointed Olyvia Jarmoszka as Trustee to the Park Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (7-0)
• Approved contract with Moore Landscapes, LLC for districtwide floral gardens design, installation, and maintenance (7-0)
• Approved settlement of Laura Gonzales, individually and on behalf of the estate of Louis Gonzales v. Chicago Park District (7-0)
• Approved one-year contract extension with Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc. for workers compensation administrative services (7-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from June 11, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved correction to the date of a verbatim closed session recording for destruction (7-0)

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board will meet to approve previous minutes and conduct a closed session. The board will then vote on whether to accept, reject, or modify a recommendation regarding the termination of a Specialty Trades Department employee.

• Vote on hearing officer's recommendation regarding termination of a Specialty Trades Department employee
• Approval of March 12, 2025 meeting minutes

The Personnel Board approved the Hearing Officer's recommendation to uphold the termination of employee Anthony Driver. The board also approved the meeting minutes from March 12, 2025.

• Approved March 12, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved Hearing Officer's recommendation to uphold termination of Anthony Driver (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hear presentations on golf programming and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend. The body is deciding on several code amendments, contract authorizations, and legal settlements.

• Contract extension with JL Corp. d/b/a Harry’s Lumber Corp. for districtwide lumber and building materials
• Authorization for a telecommunication services contract with AT&T Enterprises, LLC
• Change Order #01 for Burling Builders, Inc. regarding Ronan Park Gateway and River Plaza Development
• Proposed amendments to Chapters IV, V, VII, and VIII of the Code of the Chicago Park District
• Provisional approval for the El Grito special event permit

The Board of Commissioners approved three amendments to the Chicago Park District Code and a consent agenda including a contract extension for lumber supplies. The Board also granted provisional approval for the El Grito special event and authorized a telecommunications contract with AT&T Enterprises, LLC.

• Approved amendments to Chapters IV, V, and VIII of the Chicago Park District Code (6-0)
• Approved one-year contract extension with JL Corp. d/b/a Harry’s Lumber Corp. (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Jeffrey Shellhorn to the Park Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago (6-0)
• Approved provisional permit for El Grito special event (6-0)
• Authorized telecommunications services contract with AT&T Enterprises, LLC (6-0)
• Approved Change Order #01 to Burling Builders, Inc. for Ronan Park Gateway and River Plaza Development (6-0)
• Approved legal settlements for Ahed Sehwail, Aria Wint/Lincoln Wint, and Brenna Prior (6-0)
• Approved release of Closed Session Minutes for Jan 17, Feb 26, Feb 28, and March 7, 2025 (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold its annual meeting to elect a President and Vice President. The body will also consider several contract awards for food services, tree inventory, and park construction.

• Change order of $1,249,107.00 to Paschen All Joint Venture for Park 596 administration headquarters
• Contract with Open Kitchens Inc. for Summer Food Service and Child and Adult Care Food programs
• Contract with Davey Resource Group for a districtwide tree inventory and urban forest management plan
• Contract with Williams Associates Architects for Piotrowski Park pool enclosure design
• Initiation of 45-day notice periods to name Park No. 596 as Commissioners Park and to unname West Chatham Park

The Board of Commissioners elected its officers and approved several service contracts, including meal services and a districtwide tree inventory. The Board also initiated the 45-day notice periods to rename Park No. 596 and unname West Chatham Park.

• Elected Marlon Everett as President (6-0)
• Elected Modesto Valle as Vice President (6-0)
• Approved contract with Open Kitchens Inc. for meal service (5-0)
• Approved contract with Davey Resource Group for tree inventory and urban forest plan (5-0)
• Approved contract with Williams Associates Architects for Piotrowski Park pool enclosure (5-0)
• Approved $1,249,107.00 change order for Park 596 administration headquarters (5-0)
• Approved 45-day notice to name Park No. 596 as Commissioners Park (5-0)
• Approved 45-day notice to unname West Chatham Park and solicit new name feedback (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss park management, special event permits, and code amendments. The session includes presentations on Earth Day and the Chicago Park District Financial Assistance Fund.

• Contract with SMG DBA ASM Global for management and operation of Maggie Daley Park
• Multi-year permit agreement with Riot Fest Corporation for annual Riot Fest in Douglass Park
• Provisional approval for Arc Music Festival
• Contract with Aqua Pure Enterprises Inc. for pool chemicals and supplies
• Contract extension with Marco Supply Co, Inc. and Littman Industries, Inc. for plumbing supplies

The Board of Commissioners approved a multi-year permit agreement for Riot Fest in Douglass Park and a management contract for Maggie Daley Park. Other actions included approving several supply contracts and the appointment of Marlon Everett to the Personnel Board.

• Approved multi-year permit agreement for Riot Fest in Douglass Park (5-1)
• Approved management and operation contract for Maggie Daley Park with SMG DBA ASM Global (5-0)
• Approved provisional approval for Arc Music Festival (6-0)
• Approved appointment of Marlon Everett to the Personnel Board (6-0)
• Approved contract extension with Marco Supply Co, Inc. and Littman Industries, Inc. for plumbing supplies (6-0)
• Approved contract with Aqua Pure Enterprises Inc. for pool chemicals (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from Feb 28, March 7, and March 12, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved release of portions of Nov 10, 2021 closed session recording and amended minutes (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the employment contract for the incoming General Superintendent and CEO. The meeting includes votes on contract extensions for security and landscaping services, as well as provisional approvals for several city-wide special events.

• Employment contract for the incoming General Superintendent and CEO
• Authority to enter collective bargaining agreements with Trades Coalition Unions
• One-year contract extension with Active Alarm Company, Inc. for district-wide CCTV and alarm services
• One-year contract extension with Christy Webber Landscapes
• Provisional approval for special events including the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, Bike The Drive, and Hot Chocolate Run - Chicago

The Board of Commissioners approved an employment contract for the incoming General Superintendent and CEO and authorized collective bargaining agreements with Trades Coalition Unions. Provisional approvals were granted for several special events, including the Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic. The Board also extended two service contracts via the consent agenda.

• Approved employment contract for incoming General Superintendent and CEO (7-0)
• Approved authority to enter collective bargaining agreements with Trades Coalition Unions (7-0)
• Approved provisional permits for J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, Bike The Drive, and Hot Chocolate Run (7-0)
• Approved multi-year permit agreement for Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic in Jackson Park (7-0)
• Approved 1-year contract extension with Active Alarm Company, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved 1-year contract extension with Christy Webber & Company DBA Christy Webber Landscapes (7-0)
• Approved resolution honoring General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareno (7-0)
• Approved February 26, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board will meet to approve minutes from January 22, 2025. The board is scheduled to decide on the job description and salary for a Performance Analyst position.

• Approval of job description and salary for Performance Analyst

The Personnel Board approved the job description and salary for a Performance Analyst position. The board also approved the meeting minutes from January 22, 2025.

• Approved Performance Analyst job description and salary of $77,242.50 (3-0)
• Approved January 22, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting at 4:00 PM on March 7, 2025, at the Administration Building (4830 S. Western Ave.). Public comment is limited to five registered speakers, with registration closing March 6 at 5:00 PM. The meeting includes a closed session followed by adjournment.

The Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on March 7, 2025. The session consisted of procedural motions, public comment, and a closed session; no substantive policy or budget decisions were recorded.

• Approved remote participation for Vice President Valle and Commissioner Bush (5-0)
• Approved taking the agenda out of order to hear public comments (7-0)
• Approved entering Closed Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) (7-0)
• Approved returning to Open Session (4-0)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners will hold an emergency meeting to appoint a Chief Executive Officer and delegate authority to negotiate the CEO’s employment contract. The meeting follows a closed session and includes limited public comment.

• Resolution 25-1064-0228 to appoint Chief Executive Officer
• Authority delegated to negotiate CEO’s employment contract

The Board of Commissioners held an emergency meeting to manage the transition following the resignation of CEO and General Superintendent Rosa Escareno. The Board approved a resolution to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer and delegate authority to negotiate the employment contract.

• Approved resolution to appoint Chief Executive Officer and delegate authority to negotiate employment contract (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the 2025 Capital Improvement Program reimbursement and review a sustainability report. The meeting also includes a presentation on Black History Month events.

• Resolution authorizing reimbursement of expenditures for the 2025 Capital Improvement Program
• Presentation on the Chicago Park District Sustainability Report
• Presentation on Black History Month events
• Approval of meeting minutes from January 17 and January 22, 2025

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to reimburse expenditures for the 2025 Capital Improvement Program. The meeting also included a presentation on the District's sustainability report and public comments regarding park maintenance and encampments.

• Approved reimbursement of expenditures for 2025 Capital Improvement Program (5-0, 2 absent)
• Approved meeting minutes for January 17 and January 22, 2025 (5-0, 2 absent)
• Approved order of business for the meeting (5-0, 2 absent)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review certificates of filing and publication for 2024 and 2025 appropriation ordinances. The meeting includes votes on contract extensions for landscape mowers and the settlement of two legal claims.

• Certificates of filing and publication for 2024 Supplemental and 2025 Annual Appropriation Ordinances
• Contract extension options with Shorewood Home and Auto and Russo Hardware, Inc. for districtwide landscape mowers
• Resolution to appoint Robert Castaneda to the Public Building Commission of Chicago
• Settlements for Tony Glass v. Chicago Park District and Daniel Carmickle v. Chicago Park District
• Authority to enter intergovernmental agreements with the City of Chicago and other agencies for park project funds

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 supplemental and 2025 annual appropriation ordinances. The board also authorized contract extensions for landscape mower services and approved two legal settlements. Additionally, Robert Castaneda was appointed to the Public Building Commission of Chicago.

• Approved 2024 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance filings and publication
• Approved 2025 Annual Appropriation Ordinance filings and publication
• Approved meeting minutes from December 11, 2024
• Approved release of closed session minutes (July 10 and Oct 9, 2024) and destruction of recordings (Feb 15 and May 10, 2023)
• Appointed Robert Castaneda to the Public Building Commission of Chicago
• Approved intergovernmental agreements for park project funds and services
• Approved 1-year contract extensions with Shorewood Home and Auto and Russo Hardware, Inc. for landscape mowers
• Approved legal settlements for Tony Glass and Daniel Carmickle

Personnel Board

The Chicago Park District Personnel Board will meet to approve job descriptions and salaries for specific staff roles. The board will also review minutes from a 2024 meeting and a 2022 closed session.

• Approval of job description and salary for Health and Wellness Officer
• Approval of job description and salary for Payroll Supervisor
• Approval of job description and salary for Playground Safety Inspector
• Approval of job description and salary for Foreman of Building and Construction Laborer (Monthly)
• Authority to destroy verbatim closed session recording from December 12, 2022

The Personnel Board approved job descriptions and salaries for four positions. The board also approved the meeting minutes from August 21, 2024, and authorized the destruction of a 2022 closed session recording.

• Approved job description and salary for Health and Wellness Officer ($142,924) (3-0)
• Approved job description and salary for Payroll Supervisor ($81,224 - $90,000) (3-0)
• Approved job description and salary for Playground Safety Inspector ($75,000) (3-0)
• Approved job description and salary for Foreman of Building & Construction Laborer(M) (CBA rate: 51.25/hour) (3-0)
• Approved August 21, 2024 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved authority to destroy verbatim closed session recording from December 12, 2022 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting on January 17, 2025. The primary scheduled item is a closed session for a Board self-evaluation.

• Closed session for Board Self Evaluation