Announcements and News
Official Launch our 50th Anniversary Campaign, Branch Out & Grow
We were proud to officially launch our 50th Year Anniversary Campaign, Branch Out & Grow, at the Park Heroes Awards on August 2, 2025. This campaign represents the continued growth and expansion of Friends of the Parks’ mission and calls on individuals, organizations, and policymakers to work together towards a greener and more inclusive future. With a fundraising goal of $500K and a $100K matching gift currently in effect, every contribution will have double the impact. The success of this campaign depends on the collective efforts of all who value the importance of public spaces. Learn more about our campaign here.
We were proud to officially launch our 50th Year Anniversary Campaign, Branch Out & Grow, at the Park Heroes Awards on August 2, 2025. This campaign represents the continued growth and expansion of Friends of the Parks’ mission and calls on individuals, organizations, and policymakers to work together towards a greener and more inclusive future. With a fundraising goal of $500K and a $100K matching gift currently in effect, every contribution will have double the impact. The success of this campaign depends on the collective efforts of all who value the importance of public spaces. Learn more about our campaign here.
Park Heroes 2025 Celebration
Friends of the Parks celebrated its 50th anniversary by honoring the individuals and groups who make Chicago’s parks equitable. On August 2, 2025, we hosted the Park Heroes, where more than 100 people joined us in recognizing outstanding contributions to our park system. We celebrated 11 awardees across various categories—read their bios here.
Friends of the Parks celebrated its 50th anniversary by honoring the individuals and groups who make Chicago’s parks equitable. On August 2, 2025, we hosted the Park Heroes, where more than 100 people joined us in recognizing outstanding contributions to our park system. We celebrated 11 awardees across various categories—read their bios here.
A Message from Our New Executive Director
Brian Gladstein, Executive Director of Friends of the Parks, shares reflections on his first 100 days leading the organization. From major advocacy victories to deepening community partnerships, his early tenure has been marked by growth, listening, and a strong commitment to park equity across Chicago.
As Friends of the Parks celebrates its 50th anniversary, we invite you to read Brian’s full message.
Brian Gladstein, Executive Director of Friends of the Parks, shares reflections on his first 100 days leading the organization. From major advocacy victories to deepening community partnerships, his early tenure has been marked by growth, listening, and a strong commitment to park equity across Chicago.
As Friends of the Parks celebrates its 50th anniversary, we invite you to read Brian’s full message.
Breaking News: Win for the South Side! Corps Backs away from CDF
Great news! The Army Corps of Engineers has withdrawn its plans to build a new toxic waste structure on top of the existing Confined Disposal Facility that borders Calumet Beach. It is incredibly gratifying to share this victory, especially in a time when environmental justice efforts are under attack. The recent decision by the Army Corps to abandon plans to expand the toxic dump on Lake Michigan is a significant victory for the community. Stay tuned for more details, and we encourage you to keep powering us forward with a donation today—it’s time to turn the CDF into a park! Read more about our work on the CDF here. Read the press release here.
Great news! The Army Corps of Engineers has withdrawn its plans to build a new toxic waste structure on top of the existing Confined Disposal Facility that borders Calumet Beach. It is incredibly gratifying to share this victory, especially in a time when environmental justice efforts are under attack. The recent decision by the Army Corps to abandon plans to expand the toxic dump on Lake Michigan is a significant victory for the community. Stay tuned for more details, and we encourage you to keep powering us forward with a donation today—it’s time to turn the CDF into a park! Read more about our work on the CDF here. Read the press release here.
Friends of the Parks Welcomes New Executive Director
Over our 50-year history, Friends of the Parks (FOTP) has championed an equitable park system for a healthy Chicago. As it prepares to celebrate this significant milestone, FOTP announces the selection of Brian Gladstein as its new executive director. Gladstein’s career has spanned over three decades serving in leadership roles for several non-profit organizations in Chicago and beyond. He brings extensive experience in all domains of FOTP's work--community engagement, advocacy, civic education, public policy, and environmental justice and stewardship.
FOTP thanks our dedicated staff, led by interim executive director Gin Kilgore, for their tireless work during this time of transition. Learn more here.
Over our 50-year history, Friends of the Parks (FOTP) has championed an equitable park system for a healthy Chicago. As it prepares to celebrate this significant milestone, FOTP announces the selection of Brian Gladstein as its new executive director. Gladstein’s career has spanned over three decades serving in leadership roles for several non-profit organizations in Chicago and beyond. He brings extensive experience in all domains of FOTP's work--community engagement, advocacy, civic education, public policy, and environmental justice and stewardship.
FOTP thanks our dedicated staff, led by interim executive director Gin Kilgore, for their tireless work during this time of transition. Learn more here.
Earth Day Clean-ups 2025
This year, we led nearly 2,000 volunteers at over 150 parks for a successful day of community service. Together with PACs, park leaders, and local volunteers, we picked up trash, mulched flower beds, and repaired playground surfaces. This event is crucial in building community and momentum for caring for and advocating for parks year-round. Thank you to the Chicago Park District for being a partner in this effort, and also to Bickerdike Development, Wells Lamont, and Magid Glove for their generous sponsorship, which made this event possible.
This year, we led nearly 2,000 volunteers at over 150 parks for a successful day of community service. Together with PACs, park leaders, and local volunteers, we picked up trash, mulched flower beds, and repaired playground surfaces. This event is crucial in building community and momentum for caring for and advocating for parks year-round. Thank you to the Chicago Park District for being a partner in this effort, and also to Bickerdike Development, Wells Lamont, and Magid Glove for their generous sponsorship, which made this event possible.
Friends of the Parks in Opposition to a New Chicago Bears Stadium on the Lakefront
September 18, 2024: During a press conference at the iconic Soldier Field, we announced the formation of a growing coalition of groups and individuals opposing the Chicago Bears' proposal to construct a new domed stadium on Chicago's lakefront. Learn more here: Chicago Lakefront Coalition. We invite folks to sign on to a petition that says "STOP the Chicago Bears new stadium proposal on Chicago's lakefront." Click here to add your name!
September 18, 2024: During a press conference at the iconic Soldier Field, we announced the formation of a growing coalition of groups and individuals opposing the Chicago Bears' proposal to construct a new domed stadium on Chicago's lakefront. Learn more here: Chicago Lakefront Coalition. We invite folks to sign on to a petition that says "STOP the Chicago Bears new stadium proposal on Chicago's lakefront." Click here to add your name!
First NAL Trip of Fall 2024 Launched
We kicked off our 2024-2025 Nature Along the Lake program on September 16, 2024, with exciting news! Field trips will be held at two locations: Montrose Point and Rainbow Beach. Don’t miss out—sign up using this link!
We kicked off our 2024-2025 Nature Along the Lake program on September 16, 2024, with exciting news! Field trips will be held at two locations: Montrose Point and Rainbow Beach. Don’t miss out—sign up using this link!
