For more than 40 years, Friends of the Parks (FOTP) has championed Chicago’s parks and open spaces. We work to preserve, protect, and expand green spaces so that every community can thrive. Our vision is a Chicago where:

Every child can safely play and explore in nature

Every family can find joy and connection in beautiful parks

Every neighborhood—regardless of zip code—has equal access to the natural spaces that make our city healthier, stronger, and more human

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Advocacy & Policy: Driving policies, budgets, and decisions that advance equity, health, and community well-being.

Education: Creating learning opportunities that empower future leaders and build a culture of environmental responsibility.

Planning: Guiding development to center community voices and protect parks and green spaces for generations to come..

Protection: Defending parks and open spaces to ensure their benefits are shared equitably across all neighborhoods.

Partnership & Care: Fostering strong partnerships and shared responsibility to safeguard and sustain Chicago’s parks and green spaces.

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.

At Friends of the Parks, our events are more than just gatherings—they’re opportunities to come together, celebrate our shared love of Chicago’s green spaces, and build the movement for equity, health, and environmental justice.

See our events here >

Our 50th Anniversary Campaign, Branch Out & Grow, is both a celebration and a call to action. It honors our roots while planting seeds for a greener, more inclusive future.

Learn more about Branch Out & Grow >