During our 2022 Parks as Democracy? Luncheon and Conference, we celebrated individuals and groups who do so much for Chicago's parks and park users. Click here to return to the full list of VIP (Volunteers-in-Parks) Awardees.
Advocacy
Promontory Point Conservancy
For 22 years community members have fought for Promontory Point. In that time there has been much overlap between advocacy for Promontory Point and Friends of the Parks’ own board of directors.
This year the Promontory Point Conservancy held a press conference announcing and designating May 26 as ‘International Point Day,’ celebrating the past and present of Promontory Point, which is cherished by south siders and former residents all over the world, and fighting for its future as a beloved park for generations to come. At this celebration and press conference, Friends of the Parks now Board President, Bronwyn Nichols Lodato and board member Mila Marshall were highlighted speakers.
It is because our connection runs deep that we could not let another year pass without honoring the tireless work by the Promontory Point Conservancy.
Promontory Point Conservancy's mission is to protect and preserve Promontory Point in Burnham Park, on Chicago's South Side, most especially its historic limestone, step-stone revetment, and renowned landscape architect Alfred Caldwell's Prairie Style design. The community group cares for this unique sanctuary in the city, serves as the de facto park advisory council (PAC), including hosting stewardship days and working to protect all its unique historic features. Maintaining the historic integrity of the Promontory is not just an asset to Chicago history but to protecting the city against lakefront erosion caused by climate change.
These advocates know full well that Democracy can be messy. They have been rolling up their shelves and getting to work. They have relentlessly pursued support from elected officials, government bodies and others for their cause. This year has been one of victories (and setbacks) for the conservancy.
Since 2013 they have worked with U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly and her team to submit language for a preservation study at Promontory Point. This year Congresswoman Kelly secured congressional language in the federal budget authorizing funding of the much delayed and much needed, independent, third-party engineering study of the historic limestone revetment. The budget still needs to be approved, and the conservancy continues to fight for this federal funding.
Locally – In response to all the energy around the First International Point day, the group was able to offer Mayor Lori Lightfoot a guided tour of Promontory Point and secure her public support for a preservation approach to the repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of the historic 84-year-old limestone revetment. In the last week, the group gathered over 500 letters of support for Promontory Point to be added as Chicago Landmark.
These are few examples of how the persistence and community engagement of the conservancy is paying off. It is clear that they will continue their commitment and passionate advocacy for this Chicago park for years to come.
Without their resounding voice and powerful organizing, the Promontory would not be what it is today- a beautiful and historic source of respite from city life for the Chicago community.
Promontory Point Conservancy
For 22 years community members have fought for Promontory Point. In that time there has been much overlap between advocacy for Promontory Point and Friends of the Parks’ own board of directors.
This year the Promontory Point Conservancy held a press conference announcing and designating May 26 as ‘International Point Day,’ celebrating the past and present of Promontory Point, which is cherished by south siders and former residents all over the world, and fighting for its future as a beloved park for generations to come. At this celebration and press conference, Friends of the Parks now Board President, Bronwyn Nichols Lodato and board member Mila Marshall were highlighted speakers.
It is because our connection runs deep that we could not let another year pass without honoring the tireless work by the Promontory Point Conservancy.
Promontory Point Conservancy's mission is to protect and preserve Promontory Point in Burnham Park, on Chicago's South Side, most especially its historic limestone, step-stone revetment, and renowned landscape architect Alfred Caldwell's Prairie Style design. The community group cares for this unique sanctuary in the city, serves as the de facto park advisory council (PAC), including hosting stewardship days and working to protect all its unique historic features. Maintaining the historic integrity of the Promontory is not just an asset to Chicago history but to protecting the city against lakefront erosion caused by climate change.
These advocates know full well that Democracy can be messy. They have been rolling up their shelves and getting to work. They have relentlessly pursued support from elected officials, government bodies and others for their cause. This year has been one of victories (and setbacks) for the conservancy.
Since 2013 they have worked with U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly and her team to submit language for a preservation study at Promontory Point. This year Congresswoman Kelly secured congressional language in the federal budget authorizing funding of the much delayed and much needed, independent, third-party engineering study of the historic limestone revetment. The budget still needs to be approved, and the conservancy continues to fight for this federal funding.
Locally – In response to all the energy around the First International Point day, the group was able to offer Mayor Lori Lightfoot a guided tour of Promontory Point and secure her public support for a preservation approach to the repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of the historic 84-year-old limestone revetment. In the last week, the group gathered over 500 letters of support for Promontory Point to be added as Chicago Landmark.
These are few examples of how the persistence and community engagement of the conservancy is paying off. It is clear that they will continue their commitment and passionate advocacy for this Chicago park for years to come.
Without their resounding voice and powerful organizing, the Promontory would not be what it is today- a beautiful and historic source of respite from city life for the Chicago community.
