Authorizes design and construction of $5.7 million in upgrades to historic Douglass Park Fieldhouse, approves code changes to include the gender diversity policy and authorizes IGA and joint procurement agreements with the city for vital services, Board hears presentations on Judd Goldman Sailing program and Night Out in the Parks series
During the public hearing held today at the 快播视频 headquarters, 4830 S. Western Avenue, the 快播视频 Board of Commissioners received public comment on the District鈥檚 proposal to sell $55 million in general obligation bonds for the purchase, development and maintenance of parkland and facilities. The sale of bonds will cover $35 million spent on the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan and $20 million for funds spent on the 2024 Capital Improvement Plan. The funds support various park investments including fieldhouse upgrades, new playgrounds, HVAC replacement and other site improvements.
Following the public hearing, the 快播视频 Board of Commissioners held its regular monthly meeting. During the meeting, the Board authorized the District to enter into an agreement with Bauer Latoza Studio dba Arda Design for the design and construction of upgrades to Douglass Park fieldhouse, 1401 S. Sacramento. The $5.7 million renovation project, announced last Spring, will include reconstructing the lower level of the historic fieldhouse and reconfiguring the space to accommodate new restrooms with pool access, storage spaces, dance studio, multi-purpose and lounge spaces. Building envelope stabilization and waterproofing with HVAC, electrical upgrades and site improvements are also planned. These improvements will remediate the water infiltration that currently impairs use of the space and allow the Park District increase the number of cultural, athletic and wellness programs that offer positive opportunities for youth, teens and families.
MBE/WBE participation for the contract is 80.55% MBE and 10% WBE, exceeding the District compliance goals. The Park District recently launched community engagement for the project and expects construction to begin in 2026.
Following the required 45-day public comment period initiated at the July meeting, the Board approved changes to Chapter IV of the Park District Code to clarify the definition of retaliation to include retaliation for reports made directly to a supervisor; update the definition of 鈥淰ulnerable Adult鈥 to make it consistent with policy and add interference with an investigation to the list of Prohibited Conduct. The changes also add the Gender Diversity Policy to the list of policies related to the Human Rights Ordinance and includes language to specify that the files and reports of the District鈥檚 Office of Prevention and Accountability are confidential.
The District also approved changes to Chapter VII of the Code to proposed amendments to Chapter VII to align with the District鈥檚 Gender Diversity Policy, allowing individuals to use the restrooms, comfort stations, and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity. The amendment also outlines consents for adult chaperones of children aged six (6) and younger of a different gender and companions of individuals with disabilities who require assistance. Lastly, the amendments provide that single-occupancy restrooms are all-gender restrooms and may be used by persons of any gender or for family or assisted use.
The Board also heard proposed changes to Chapter I to codify the Park District鈥檚 long-standing practice of requiring economic disclosure statements from parties seeking approval by the Board, the General Superintendent, and the Director of Purchasing pursuant to various chapters of the Code. The proposed amendments are drafted to align with the economic disclosure requirements set forth in the City of Chicago鈥檚 Municipal Code, vendors that wish to do business with both the Park District and the City of Chicago will have a more streamlined application process. Additional proposed changes include updates to Chapter III of the District鈥檚 Code to codify the existing practice that prohibits any Park District officer or employee from accepting Honoraria for participating in speaking engagements, lectures or discussion forums.
The Board鈥檚 approval of these proposed Code changes initiates a 45-day public comment period in which residents can provide feedback on the proposed changes after which the Board can vote to approve or reject. The public can share their comments on the proposed Code changes at /chicago-park-district-code.
Also, during today鈥檚 meeting, the Board authorized various contracts that support vital park operations including a joint procurement agreement with City鈥檚 contract with Trane, U.S. Inc for HVAC products and services; a joint contract with Singh and Associates Inc for professional engineering services and an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Chicago Department of Fleet and Facility Management for fuel supply, equipment maintenance and repairs.
The Board also initiated the 45-day public comment period to rename Park 601, Dunning Read Natural Area. The 20-acre park, located in the Dunning community in northwest Chicago features diverse native areas including prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. The park has approximately one mile of mulch trails and two gathering spaces. The natural area is a popular location for birding and supports a vibrant community of native plants. /park-namings-renamings.
The Board also approved the renaming of the great lawn at the 快播视频鈥檚 administrative office, 鈥淐ommissioners Commons鈥 to honor the work and commitment of 快播视频 Commissioners past and present.
The Park District delivered a presentation on the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program. Now in its 35th year, the program offers sailing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and is the largest program of its kind in the country. In addition, to local programming, the Judd Goldman supports travel for out-of-town events and sponsors the Independence Cup which attracts sailors with disabilities from across the United States and other countries. The Judd Goldman Foundation also offers a lagoon sailing program at Humboldt Park, Garfield Park and Columbus Park to give Park District day campers the unique experience of sailing in their neighborhood park. Each year, the Judd Goldman Sailing program serves more than 1000 participants annually.
The Board also heard a presentation on the Night Out in the Park series which brings hundreds of cultural opportunities, including movies, dance, theatrical performances and concerts to park across the city. Admission to most events is free. Night Out not only make these experiences accessible in all neighborhoods but it also supports the city arts community which makes Chicago so unique. Launched in 2013, Night Out in the Parks has become one of the Parks District鈥檚 signature programs. In addition to making world class cultural experiences accessible to residents, Night Out in the Park also uplifts Chicago arts community and helps activate parks as safe spaces. Since its inception, Night Out has partnered with more than 370 artists and arts organizations, provided more than 50,000 safe hours of programming to nearly two million audience members.