Every year Friends of the Parks accepts nominations for our VIP (Volunteers-in-Parks) Awards. There are several categories that seek to honor those who go the extra mile to steward and advocate for Chicago's parks.

Reimagination award 

The 2021 VIP Awards were announced during the 2021 Parks as Democracy? "Reimagine" Conference, during which we also honored the youth and organizers behind Douglass Parks' brand new mini-golf course called Douglass 18, with the "Reimagination Award," for their collective work to reimagine the old mini-golf course and create a place for the community to come together and utilize the park amenity. ​​
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Congrats to all who played a part in the Douglass 18 course! 

• North Lawndale Community youth
• Haman Cross III
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago
• UIC School of Architecture
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Douglass 18 Management
• Shannon Waldron
• Firehouse Community Arts Center
• Open Architecture Chicago
• Chicago Park District’s RE: Center Initiative
• And sponsored by: LL Bean, The Trust for Public Land, Site Design, School of the Art Institute at Homan Square, Alderman Scott Jr., North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council.

2021 vips (volunteers-in-parks)

Day 2 of the 2021 Parks as Democracy? "Reimagine" Conference celebrated our 2021 VIPs with an in-person luncheon reception at the Douglass Park Douglass 18 mini-golf course! It was great to see all our VIPs who came out for a round of mini-golf and tacos via a taco truck to provide for a COVID-friendly lunch.

​Click here to watch our full presentation

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Here are the rest of our VIPs! 

Smoky Sakurada” Friends of Friends of the Parks Award: Chris Didato, Marquette Park​

Isolation Inspiration Award: Coalition for a Better Chinese Community

Park Activation Innovation Award: Mobilize Creative Collaborative

Park Advisory Council Award: Athletic Field PAC

Individual Volunteer Award: Jeanette Foreman, Rosenblum

Park Stewardship Award: Walter Eliason, Mayfair PAC

Outstanding Park District Employee: Marques Johnson, Mary Bartelme Park/Union

Park Advocacy Award: Life Ring Advocacy Group - Jessica Leon, Halle Quezada, the Cisneros Family, and the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project 

Community Group Award: North River Commission