Policy

Principles of Friends of the Parks

Friends of the Parks supports Park District and City policies that achieve these goals:
1) Land Policies

Preserve existing park lands.
Insure only public use of parks – no private or public encroachment.
Add new parkland wherever and whenever practicable, especially in neighborhoods with the greatest need and at the lakefront.
Remove inappropriate park encroachments such as parking lots, unnecessary roadways, signs, etc.
Restore historic landscapes, historic boulevard system and park facilities.

2) Lakefront Protection

Comply with the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance.
Maintain the “Forever Open, Clear, and Free” Lakefront park system.
Preserve Lakeshore Drive as a boulevard only.
Discourage the construction of additional buildings on lakefront parkland except for public recreational uses that are defined as “accessory buildings”.
Work to complete the lakefront park system by constructing the “last four miles” of parks, two miles on the north from Hollywood to Evanston and 2 miles on the south side from 71st Street to the Indiana border.
Encourage water based recreational activities in lakefront parks.

3) Improve Bureaucracy and Enhance Transparency in Governmental Agencies

Partner with the Chicago Park District to increase responsiveness to the public.
Support the hiring of park and forest preserve personnel with degrees and/or experience in the field of parks, recreation and resource management.
Adhere to the legal requirements for open meetings and an open bid process.
Promote the efficient and equitable spending of tax dollars in all Chicago neighborhoods.
Support the broadening of the tax base for the museums in the parks as well as for the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Brookfield Zoo.
Urge the appointment of Park District Board members who have expertise in and are committed to Chicago parks.

4) Improve Environmental Education and Practices

Establish pro-active programs for park landscaping.
Support the elimination of environmentally damaging practices.
Implement comprehensive energy conservation program.
Encourage Audubon certification for all Park District and Forest Preserve golf courses.
Expand natural area plantings throughout the parks.
Support the adoption of “green building” standards for all new building construction.
Promote clean water practices in lakefront harbors, beaches and in rivers and lagoons.
Encourage the restoration of savannas, woodlands and prairies in the forest preserves.

5) Develop Healthy Communities Through Connections to Neighborhood Parks

Provide opportunities for active recreation for the health and wellness of all citizens.
Expand programs to engage children in enjoying nature and the outdoors.
Promote community determination of local park needs in park planning.
Increase use of field houses during the day and night, as well as on weekends.
Develop recreation programs for children, teens, adults and seniors.