Friends of the Parks Calls on the South Works Redevelopment to invest at least $50 Million in park improvements for the Southeast Chicago community
Friends of the Parks (FOTP) is calling on Related Midwest, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois to commit $50 million (about .05% of the total development cost) for park benefits and protections as part of the proposed $9 billion redevelopment of the former U.S. Steel South Works site at 8080 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Winter Social
On December 9th, we hosted our first Winter Social and it was a smashing success! We are grateful to everyone who joined us for such a warm and joyful evening. With over 120 guests in attendance, we were able to enjoy each other’s company, listen to great music, eat good food, raise money for FOTP, and commemorate the 50 years of advocating for our parks.
A Long-Promised New Park Is Coming to Chicago’s Southeast Lakefront
Friends of the Parks joined partners, city leaders, and community advocates to celebrate a major victory: the Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) will be transformed into Park #608, fulfilling a decades-old promise for the Southeast Side.
After years of advocacy and a successful lawsuit, the City has committed to capping the toxic site, investing $500,000 in a framework plan, and beginning the process of creating new, equitable lakefront parkland.
Celebrate the future closure of the CDF
Join Friends of the Parks at Calumet Park Fieldhouse on Wednesday, November 12 at 11:00 AM to celebrate the future closure of the Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) and the exciting plans ahead for the Southeast lakefront.
Hear from Mayor Brandon Johnson, Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, community partners, and Friends of the Parks’ Executive Director, Brian Gladstein, as we mark this major milestone for environmental justice and take the next steps toward a more accessible lakefront for all Chicagoans.
All are welcome!
Friends of the Parks Calls for Benefits & Commitments for the Southeast Side
FOTP is urging Related Midwest, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois to formally adopt the below proposed benefits, in addition to the Community Benefits Agreement developed by the Coalition for a South Works CBA. Read the proposed Southeast Side Benefits & Commitments for more details on the four key asks and add your name to join us in advocating for community investment, environmental protection, and guaranteed public access to the lakefront.
Major Victory for Environmental Justice
Friends of the Parks is proud to announce a major victory for environmental justice, public health, and the future of Chicago’s parklands.
After years of persistent community advocacy, coalition building, and legal action carried out in partnership with Alliance of the Southeast (ASE) and Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially withdrawn their proposal to expand the Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) on Chicago’s Southeast Side.
A Message from our new Executive Director
Brian Gladstein, Executive Director of Friends of the Parks, shares reflections on his first 100 days leading the organization. From major advocacy victories to deepening community partnerships, his early tenure has been marked by growth, listening, and a strong commitment to park equity across Chicago.
Park Heroes 2025 Celebration
Friends of the Parks celebrated its 50th anniversary by honoring the individuals and groups who make Chicago’s parks equitable. On August 2, 2025, we hosted the Park Heroes, where more than 100 people joined us in recognizing outstanding contributions to our park system. We celebrated 11 awardees across various categories—read their bios here.
