Board of Commissioners
Chicago Park District
Parks
Remote
This is a remote assignment. A link to access the meeting live-stream will be posted at https://chicagoparkdistrict.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
Check the source website for additional information
Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Chicago - IL Documenters Team
Live reporting by
Will Reynolds
Gates at Wooded Isle, Life rings, Bob Pickens Track and Turf
Will Reynolds
@willinois
Hi, I'll be live-tweeting today's Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners meeting for @CHIdocumenters
#CHIdocumenters
#CHIdocumenters
11:28 AM Sep 8, 2021 CDT
@CHIdocumenters The meeting is scheduled to start at 11:30am. Links to live video and the agenda can be found here: chicagoparkdistrict.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.…
I'll be tweeting remotely while I watch online.
I'll be tweeting remotely while I watch online.
The meeting got going at 11:40am. I'm watching on the microsoft teams link on the board website. Audio on the youtube stream was temporarily mute but is working now. chicagoparkdistrict.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.…
A member of park staff gives a slide presentation on summer programs for kids and teens. He encourages commissioners to visit their teen centers.
chicagoparkdistrict.com/teens-parks
Amazon gave $300,000 for some summer programs.
chicagoparkdistrict.com/teens-parks
Amazon gave $300,000 for some summer programs.
Speaker is park programs director Alonzo Williams. More info about summer programs. Lifeguards had 10 rescues this summer, including from a boat that capsized.
Board chair LaVelle praises Williams for his job over a difficult COVID summer.
Board chair LaVelle praises Williams for his job over a difficult COVID summer.
Next is a statement on lakefront safety from general counsel Tim King. He mentions people swimming in unsafe locations despite signs telling them not to.
He doesn't mention it but this has been in the news recently: wgntv.com/news/chicago-n…
He doesn't mention it but this has been in the news recently: wgntv.com/news/chicago-n…
King talks about a number of safety measures. Life saving devices will be available in "safe to swim" areas. He invited several speakers.
Next speaker brings up life ring states along the beach. A typical member of the general public can't throw a life ring a considerable distance.
Says life rings in open areas results in vandalism.
"We don't want to give the public the idea it's safe to swim in this area."
Says life rings in open areas results in vandalism.
"We don't want to give the public the idea it's safe to swim in this area."
A member of the public installed a life ring where someone recently drowned. The park district removed it. The speakers are justifying that decision.
Next speaker says life ring stations create "legal liability" for district.
abc7chicago.com/rogers-park-dr…
Next speaker says life ring stations create "legal liability" for district.
abc7chicago.com/rogers-park-dr…
There's a lack of data showing life rings are likely to save lives. King says there's no action for the board to take. They're only giving an update. They're already putting up more signage and leaflets.
They'll consider more life buoys at "safe to swim" locations for spring.
They'll consider more life buoys at "safe to swim" locations for spring.
Public speakers are next on agenda. First public speaker talks about Riot Fest and Douglass park. Says locals in the community don't benefit.
Next public speaker, Susan, is also opposed to for-profit music festivals in the parks. Asks if park district relies on income from festivals and how much money festivals donate.
Next, Bethany, talks about "necessary halt" of riot fest. Says most artists and attendees are white.
Next, Bethany, talks about "necessary halt" of riot fest. Says most artists and attendees are white.
A park staff member responds that Riot Fest brings revenue to the park district. Has support of local alderman. They always evaluate the event but it will happen this September.
Next, another public speaker opposed to Riot Fest.
Next, another public speaker opposed to Riot Fest.
Next public comment, Robert, talks about his daughter being singled out for abusive humiliation in park program, facilitated by staff. Wants third party audit of park whistleblower program. Staff says they've contacted speaker and investigated incident.
New speaker says life rings should be placed at beaches.
Louise is next, praises Jackson Park cherry blossom garden. chicagoparkdistrict.com/cherry-blossoms
Problem is vandalism around the garden, including graffiti and damage from motorcyclists. Wants dark to down curfew enforced.
Louise is next, praises Jackson Park cherry blossom garden. chicagoparkdistrict.com/cherry-blossoms
Problem is vandalism around the garden, including graffiti and damage from motorcyclists. Wants dark to down curfew enforced.
Agency Information
Chicago Park District
To govern the Chicago Park District, setting policies, governing operations, and charting the direction of current and future programs.
Remote meetings are live-streamed at https://chicagoparkdistrict.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.
