Chicago Park District
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The Chicago Park District owns more than 8,800 acres of parkland, making it the largest municipal park manager in the nation.
Managing 8800+ acres of Chicago parkland, more than 600 parks & hundreds of events. 2014 Gold Medal Award winner for park and rec management excellence in the U.S. The Chicago Park District’s 606 parks offer thousands of sports and physical activities as well as cultural and environmental programs for youth, adults, and seniors. The Chicago Park District is also responsible for 26 indoor pools, 51 outdoor pools, and 26 miles of lakefront including 27 swimming beaches plus one inland beach. From canoeing to batting cages to arts and crafts, there is never a shortage of activities to participate in Chicago’s parks. The Chicago Park District oversees the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories, two tropical paradises within the city that house thousands of rare and exotic plants. In addition, the Chicago Park District oversees 16 historic lagoons plus 10 bird and wildlife gardens. From rich pond life teeming with frogs, herons, and dragonflies, to shrubby areas where migratory birds stop to rest, to lush prairies filled with native grasses and wildflowers, the Park District offers many ways to explore nature in the city’s parks. Popular attractions that fall under the management of the Chicago Park District include the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, which is located in Grant Park. Proudly referred to as Chicago's front yard, Grant Park is among the city's loveliest and most prominent parks. Ten world-class museums are located on Chicago Park District property, three of them in Grant Park: the Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium. More than 20 million people visit Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain annually, making it the second most visited park landmark in the U.S. In addition to these landmarks, the Chicago Park District offers 220 stunning facilities, many of which can be rented to host special events. There are so many ways to get involved with the Chicago Park District, including as a volunteer. We need all hands on deck as we strive to continually improve and expand our park system. There are volunteer opportunities for every interest and level of time-commitment. From enjoying movies or concerts to exercising in our facilities to working in our community gardens, we hope to see you soon in our parks. CORE VALUES:
Children First - Our most important task is to bring children and families into our parks and give them great reasons to stay and play for a lifetime. Best Deal in Town - We prioritize quality in our programs and accountability in our fiscal management to provide excellent and affordable recreation that invites everyone to come out and play. Built to Last - We use our capital to renew our aging infrastructure and leverage partnerships that produce new parks and facilities that are forward-thinking and world class. Extra Effort - We support innovation and welcome new ideas. We believe that professionalism, communication, technology, and team work serve as the foundation for great customer service and a productive workplace.
*Press/media inquiries: 312-742-4786
📣 The votes are in! Cue the drum roll... 🥁
The winning project in the Grant Park Participatory Budgeting vote is… Bathrooms at 9th & Columbus! 🚻
Thank you to all who voted on the improvement projects you’d like to see funded for Grant Park.
Learn more at: chicagoparkdistrict.com/PB
10/19/2026
🏀 SEE RED. GIVE BACK.
Cheer on the Chicago Bulls live at the UC with the Chicago Park District! Every ticket supports Inner City Hoops, a FREE youth basketball program for kids 9 to 12 in our city.
🎟️ GET YOUR TICKETS AT: https://linktr.ee/ChicagoParks
Enjoy Halloween in the Parks! From family-friendly Fall Harvest Fests, and pumpkin patches, to haunted houses, parties, and more, there is something for everyone this season in the parks.
Come celebrate this spooktacular time of year in the parks! Enjoy free candy provided by Mars!
10/13/2026
🏊 Love the water? Become a Chicago Park District lifeguard and earn $21.25/hour!
Next Lifeguard Skills Test:
📅 November 13 at 4 PM
📍 Whitney Young High School
Ready to dive in? Apply and select your test date at: chicagoparkdistrict.com/be-lifeguard
10/12/2026
In observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day, all Chicago Park District administrative offices and conservatories will be closed on Monday, October 12. Select fieldhouses and pools will operate on modified holiday schedules.
Learn more at: chicagoparkdistrict.com
10/09/2026
🌺 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at West Lawn Park! 💃 🎶
An evening of culture, music and dance brought the community together through the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series presented in collaboration with Son Monarcas.
From the vibrant traditions of Nahui Ollin Aztec Dance, to the talented dancers and performers of Ballet Folklorico Ruby, every performance celebrated the richness and diversity of Hispanic heritage.
Thank you to all the dancers, performers, vendors, food truck teams and everyone who joined us to make the evening special!
10/09/2026
The Chicago Park District and General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa are proud to be recognized by Illinois ASLA with its Public Recognition Award.
The award highlights the importance of landscape architecture in shaping urban parks and recognizes Superintendent Ramirez-Rosa’s leadership and support of the profession and the communities our parks serve.
This recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of the staff who make Chicago’s parks exceptional places for all.
10/08/2026
📢 Douglass Park, your voice can help shape your park!
Through Participatory Budgeting, you can help decide which improvements and investments move forward at Douglass Park!
Here’s how to vote:
1️⃣ Review the three proposed projects in the carousel.
2️⃣ Rank them from 1 (your top choice) to 3 (your least preferred).
3️⃣ Submit your ballot online or in person at Douglass Park.
📅 Voting ends October 15!
✅ You must be at least 13 years old and live or attend school within these boundaries:
• I-290 to 26th Street
• Western Avenue to Kostner Avenue
Vote in-person at the Douglass Park Field House or online via https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/PB
10/08/2026
Want to do business with Chicago Parks? Join us for a Vendor Information Session to meet the team, ask questions and learn about upcoming opportunities to work with the Chicago Park District.
📅 Wednesday, October 21
⏰ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
📍 South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore Dr.)
Learn how to get connected, explore opportunities and get started doing business with Chicago Parks.
🔗 Register at: https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/96864012/select-race?error=login_required&state=fe858a75-b1ac-4102-b8d0-735bb72fd8fe&_p=6173337716947288
10/07/2026
Get ready to dive into the Chicago Shoreline Plan for Coastal Resilience! Join our virtual webinar for a quick look at the plan’s history, shoreline updates, and summer engagement feedback—plus what’s coming next and a live Q&A.
🗓️ Oct 19, 2026 – 6 PM
🗓️ Oct 21, 2026 – 7 PM
Register at: https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/lakefront
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Telephone
Address
4830 S. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL
60609
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
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