How to Form a PAC in Chicago Park District Park:
- The community should notify the Alderman and the park supervisor who oversees the playlot/park to discuss forming a Park Advisory Council;
- Set up a community meeting that encompasses the areas around the park or playlot;
- Put up flyers in the playlot and surrounding community areas, local businesses, libraries, etc.;
- Make sure to invite the Chicago Park District to talk about advisory councils;
- All interested members must fill out the PAC Application (application here and Chicago District website guide here);
- The group must submit a letter of intent to the park supervisor;
- An election should be held no sooner than 21 days after the 1st meeting;
- After your election the Board should fill out the PAC Registration which can be found here.
How to Form a PAC in a Non-Chicago Park District Site:
Since there is no formalized system for non-Chicago Park District affiliated green and open spaces, we suggest that you follow similar guidelines set by the Chicago Park District.
- The community should notify the Alderman, state representative, supervisor who oversees the open space to discuss forming a Park Advisory Council;
- Set up a community meeting that encompasses the areas around the open space;
- Put up fliers in the immediate and surrounding community areas, businesses, libraries, etc.;
- Make sure to invite the managers of the green/open space;
- During the first meeting decide on name, [ ] Advisory Council or Friends of [ ] are suggested;
- An election should be held 21 days after the 1st meeting;
- Keep your alderman, the site’s manager, and Friends of the Parks apprised of progress.
Resources & Support:
Although the PAC terminology is common within the Chicago Park District, others – such as banks, politicians, site managers – will mostly likely be unfamiliar with this language. Friends of the Parks’ Director of Neighborhood Parks can provide assistance to those interested in PACs in both Chicago Park District and non-Chicago Park District parks. The Chicago Park District has designated staffers to support PACs within their Department of Legislative and Community Affairs: (312) 744-6177 or www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
