Frequently Asked Questions

We work to protect and preserve public spaces up and down Chicago’s lakefront, keeping it open, clear, and free for everyone. Whether downtown or on the far South or North Sides, the 1970s Lakefront Protection Ordinance is the foundation of our work. We’re focused on strengthening those protections and stopping proposals, like new stadiums or private developments, that threaten promised public parkland. When exceptions are made for private interests, it sets a dangerous precedent for the future of our shoreline.

PACs are groups of community members who care deeply about their local parks. They help shape programming, advocate for improvements, and serve as neighborhood park stewards. Friends of the Parks supports PACs by offering fiscal sponsorship and administrative resources, so volunteer leaders can focus on their community work, not the paperwork. Learn more about PACs here.

The Chicago Park District is a government agency funded by city taxes and grants. FOTP is an independent nonprofit that partners with the Park District while holding it accountable to the public. We advocate for transparency, equity, and community voices in decisions that impact parks across the city.

No. FOTP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We don’t receive tax revenue or make government policy. We work through advocacy, education, and partnerships to ensure Chicago’s parks serve everyone.

We engage elected officials at all levels of government as both partners and advocates for accountability. We push for policies that protect parks, expand green space, and promote equity. We never engage in electoral politics or endorsements.

Your donation supports everyday operations, programs, advocacy, and public education. Public support helps us defend the lakefront, resource community park leaders, and fight for an equitable park system that serves all Chicagoans.

Equity is central to our mission. We advocate for investment in under-resourced parks, for fair distribution of city funding and programming, and for thoughtful responses to issues like encampments in parks and event-related privatization (think Lollapalooza or NASCAR). Our goal: vibrant, inclusive parks in every neighborhood.

Chicago’s parks and open spaces thrive when community members join in to care for them. Whether you’re looking to volunteer at a cleanup, advocate for stronger protections, or support our work with a donation, there’s a place for you in the Friends of the Parks family. Together, we can protect the lakefront, expand access to green space in every neighborhood, and ensure our parks remain vibrant, welcoming spaces for generations to come.