For 50 years, Friends of the Parks has fought to ensure every Chicagoan has a voice in their parks. We are kicking off our next 50 years with an important question: What does a park system that works for everyone actually look like?

In January 2026, we partnered with Loyola University on a member survey. We brought organizations from across Chicago together for a Park Roots Summit to talk about what it takes to build a multi-racial, multi-cultural park system. This August, we're holding three neighborhood dialogues in parks across the city to hear directly from the people who use them.

What we learn will shape our Park Roots Report, coming out in October 2026. It will lay out where our park system is succeeding, where it's falling short, and where we go from here.

The report will address five key issue areas:

  • Access & Equity

  • Community Involvement

  • Funding & Infrastructure Improvements

  • Housing, Safety & Community Building

  • Lakefront and Park Protection

The 2026 Park Roots Report will build the blueprint that will guide FOTP’s work over the foreseeable future as the voice of Chicago’s parks. Join us!



Sign up for Park Roots updates