Board approves authorizes agreements for emergency response equipment, plumbing and pool supplies contract to operate outdoor ice rinks and joins the Park District to celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring park employees who demonstrate excellence in the workplace and the communities they serve
Today, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners met for its regular monthly meeting held at Park District headquarters at 4830 S. Western Avenue in Brighton Park. The Board authorized an agreement with Open Kitchens, Incorporated to manage the Park District’s Summer Food Service and the Child and Adult Care programs to provide nutritious meals and snacks at more than 200 park locations throughout the year.
This program ensures that park program participants, particularly those facing food insecurity, have access to healthy food regardless of their circumstances. Last year, the Park District served more than 950,000 meals through the Food Service program. The estimated cost of the contract is $2.7 million but may vary depending on the number of meals served. This contract meets the Park District’s compliance goals with 25% MBE and 75% WBE participation.
“Parks have a long, rich history of responding to the immediate needs of the communities we serve,” said General Superintendent Ramirez-Rosa. “In a time where food insecurity is so prevalent, the Park District food service program is as important as ever, especially as we approach summer break for students who rely on schools for free meals. We look forward to providing this vital service and easing the concerns of any family with a child registered in our programs.”
Also during the meeting, the Board granted provisional approval for various large-permitted events including Red Bull Spin Off at 12th Street Beach and Northerly Island, Global PeaceFest at Jackson Park and Forever Mine Music Festival and Michelada Fest to be held at Union Park this year. The Park District’s Code requires provisional Board approval for permitted events with 10,000 or more attendees per day. Provisional approval authorizes the event organizer to continue with the permit process which includes the fulfillment of other requirements including approvals from city agencies.
Event organizers must submit and execute a community engagement plan among other requirements before a Special Event Permit can be issued. Last year, the Park District launched the Park Enhancement Fund, to allocate a percentage of revenue from multi-day, permitted events with daily attendance of 3000 or more and reinvests funds directly into the park that hosted the event. The Park District utilizes participatory budgeting, the democratic process in which community stakeholders are engaged to determine how funds are spent.
The Board approved a contract with LIFESAFETY365, LLC for the supply, delivery, installation and management of automated external defibrillators (AED) in parks. The State of Illinois requires that the Chicago Park District maintain AEDs in a safe and operating condition. LIFESAFETY365 L.L.C. will also provide certified training for staff across the District in AED administration and usage as well as CPR to respond in the event of an emergency. The amount of the three-year contract is not to exceed $1,008,040.48. Participation for the contract is 95% MBE and 5% WBE participation, meeting the Park District’s compliance goals.
The Board also approved a contract with Westrec SMI OPCO, L.L.C to manage and operate five Park District outdoor rinks located at McKinley Park, Midway Plaisance Park, Mt. Greenwood Park, Warren Park, and Wentworth Park. Westrec will be responsible for daily management during operating season, resurfacing the ice, maintaining the refrigeration and all other equipment. Other responsibilities include developing and managing rink schedules including rentals, marketing the rinks for skating lessons and hockey, maintaining and renting skates, and custodial services. The amount of the seven-year contract is not to exceed $1,050,000. Participation for the contract is 34% MBE and 6% WBE participation, meeting the Park District’s compliance goals.
Other agenda items included approvals for one-year extensions on contracts for safety alarm and camera services, plumbing supplies and pool related supplies.
In observance of March as Women’s History Month, the Board and Park District celebrated the winner and consolation recipients of the Willye B. White Award, acknowledging women park employees of excellence.
This year’s winner is Ametheyse Williams, Physical Instructor at Fosco Park. Williams is recognized for as a role model who balanced academic excellence, athletic leadership, and mentorship—showing girls that they can succeed in multiple arenas at once. She has worked to expand opportunities for girls through programs like Girls’ Day of Play, which works to expand opportunities for girls in sports. Finalist award recipients are Elizabeth Luna, Physical Instructor at Vittum Park, Melissa Godinez, Physical Instructor at Scottsdale Park and Gina Murray, Physical Instructor at Pasteur Park.
The District also gave a presentation on youth hiring. The Park District is the city’s leading single employer of Chicago youth and young adults. Last Summer, the Park District hired more than 2,600 youth under the age of 25; a 4% increase from 2024. Seasonal positions including Recreation Leader, Junior Laborer, Lifeguard provide opportunities for teens and young adults to earn competitive wages, gain valuable resume building experience and keep them active and engaged. In addition, seasonal employment creates a pathway for year-round employment opportunities. Over the past three years, more than 450 seasonal employees have been placed in permanent year- round positions with the District.