Chicago Park District Board Approves 2025 Operational Budget Spurring Nearly $600 Million in Investment in Youth and Families, Communities and its Workforce; Approves Code[...]

Balanced budget reflects fiscal responsibility and forges path for the future; no new property tax imposed

Today, during its final monthly meeting of the year, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners voted to approve the District's 2025 budget, a $598 million plan that prioritizes the city's youth and their families and strengthens communities by creating and preserving vital youth opportunities and supporting park programming, workforce development, sustainability initiatives and infrastructure. The newly adopted budget also supports residents and communities by keeping program fees at or below 2019 costs with no additional property tax increase.

"The 2025 budget reflects the District's commitment to investing in and uplifting our city's youth, families, our workforce and every community across the city," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. "Each year, residents look to us to provide programs, facilities and other resources that support their needs and interests and improve their overall quality of life. This budget allows us to continue to offer the exceptional experiences residents have come to expect while continuing the important work of investing in our youth, prioritizing the well-being of our workforce and strengthening parks for future generations."

Highlights of the 2025 budget include the addition of beginner gymnastics programs on the city's south side to address the growing demand for quality and affordable instruction for the popular sport. In the coming year, the District will increase the number of field trips for day campers and college tours for teen groups to enhance educational and enrichment experiences for youth. The budget also upholds $1.7 million in vital youth employment opportunities, previously supported by expiring grants. Through this commitment, Parks will retain 480 seasonal wage and stipend-based positions, included in its overall $7.8 million summer hiring plan that will employ more than 1800 teens and young adults next year. The District will also continue to offer job training programs to prepare teens for job readiness and create a pipeline for future park professionals.

Other highlights include the continuation of efforts to transform our parks through the installation of wi-fi in areas in need, updating aging electrical systems in historic parks and replacing lead water supply lines in parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District's 2025 adopted recommendations can be viewed online here.

Today, the Board also approved changes to Chapter V of the Park District Code to expand the existing Paid Parental Leave Policy from eight weeks parental leave to up to twelve weeks for eligible park employees beginning January 1, 2025. This decision underscores the District's commitment to supporting the health and well-being of its employees and their families. The Park District adopted its first paid, parental leave in 2022.

The Board heard a presentation on the District's work as part of the city's multi-agency coordination efforts to support homeless encampment cleanings on park property and connect unhoused residents with resources that support long-term health and stability.