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Park District encourages new vendors to apply to do business in parks; avoid costly penalties

CHICAGO- Today, the Park District, along with the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), announced the expansion of business compliance authority while supporting local entrepreneurs with growth opportunities under the Park District’s concessions program. On May 21, 2025, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance authorizing BACP to help enforce business licensing requirements under the Chicago Municipal Code on �첥��Ƶ property. Under an intergovernmental agreement between the Park District and BACP, BACP investigators will enforce provisions of the Park District Code regulating concessions licensing and permitting. The expanded authority will ensure that vendors operating on park district property do so in compliance with the Park District concessions program. The new authority will go into effect in late June.

Prospective vendors, such as those who plan to sell food from a vehicle or cart, must obtain a license and permit under the Park District concessions program before operating. Chicago’s parks offer current and future business owners the ability to bring character and unique offerings to high-visibility, high-traffic public spaces. To learn about the Concessions Program, visit ChicagoParkDistrict.com/Concessions-Program.

“We’re proud to partner with BACP to ensure full compliance across our park concessions,” said �첥��Ƶ General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “From bike rentals to dining, these amenities enrich the park experience and help fund programs for children and families. Strengthening enforcement not only protects the integrity of the program—it also supports the vendors who follow the rules and, in turn, helps sustain the parks and communities we serve.”

“Chicago’s parks are more than just green spaces—they’re hubs of community activity,” said BACP Commissioner Ivan Capifali. “The Park District concessions program enhances the parks experience for visitors and provides current and future business owners a unique opportunity to grow their operations. BACP is proud to help ensure that local entrepreneurs operating in the parks can offer their products in compliance with the Park District’s licensing and permitting rules.”

The Park District’s concessions program offers food, retail, and recreational services in neighborhood parks and along the lakefront. These permitted vendors enhance the park experience while generating revenue that supports programming for children and families. Vendor applications are accepted year-round and are managed by UCG Associates, the Park District’s concessions administrator.

Outreach efforts include:
•    Hosting a free webinar: On Friday, June 13 at 9:30 a.m., “How to Operate on Park Property,” will be hosted by BACP and presented by UCG Associates, in partnership with the Park District. To register for the webinar, visit . 
•    Distributing informational flyers: The Park District will distribute informational flyers in English and Spanish to unlicensed vendors operating in parks encouraging them to apply through the concessions program or face fines.
•    Utilizing social media: The Park District and BACP will share business information on respective social media platforms to build awareness.
•    Encouraging consumers to use the Chi 311 system: Chicagoans are encouraged to report unlicensed business activity by submitting a complaint via the City’s 311 system (call 3-1-1, use the CHI311 mobile app, or visit ), which is the primary and most expeditious way that residents can request services from City departments and agencies.

For more information about the Park District’s concessions program, including how to apply or view a list of current vendors, please visit the .

For more information on BACP services and programs, visit .