Chicago Park District Board Hears Presentation on District’s Heart Health Campaign and Efforts to Expand Health-Focused Initiatives in 2025; Highlights the Impact of Nearly[...]

Approves the Intergovernmental Transfer of Funds and Other Resources for Park Investment, Appoints Representative to the Public Building Commission Board

Today, during its first monthly meeting of the year, the Park District delivered a presentation on its Heart Healthy campaign, a new initiative, slated to launch next month to raise awareness of the importance of heart health. In recognition of February as Heart Health Month, the Park District in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health and community-based health organizations will host five heart health events in communities where health and life expectancy disparities exist. Residents can take advantage of free blood pressure readings, resting heart readings and professional consultation on how to maintain/improve heart health. Park District representatives will also be available to share information on free and affordable park fitness opportunities.

The Heart Health initiative is led by the Parks' General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño and Board President Dr. Marlon Everett, a practicing cardiologist, who is committed to sharing important heart health messaging, particularly in at-risk communities. This effort, which expands the District's existing health-focused offerings in 2025, also aligns with the Park District's Strategic Plan and commitment to advancing community wellbeing. More information on the District's heart health events can be found on the District's website.

"The District's new Health and Wellness initiative will drive our efforts to address health disparities in 2025! We are proud to strengthen the Park District's partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health and community-based health organizations to address health disparities and be the solution to improving and closing the life expectancy gap," said Chicago Park District Superintendent & CEO Rosa Escareño. "Elevating awareness and bringing resources to improve heart health is vital in supporting the health and well-being of residents in all communities. We encourage Chicagoans to take advantage of the heart screenings and use parks to live healthier, more active lives in 2025 and beyond."

The District also delivered a presentation highlighting the array of cultural experiences in Chicago parks. Chicago parks have a rich history of connecting residents with the opportunities to engage in music, drama, dance and visual arts. Last year, the Park District offered nearly 4000 cultural programs and events and saw nearly 32,000 individual registrations for these opportunities.

"We are proud to be among the largest providers of arts programming, and for many communities, the Chicago Park District is the only place to experience rich arts and cultural programs at little to no cost," said Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño These experiences not only boost creativity and personal growth for people of all ages but they also foster a deeper understanding of community and appreciation for cultural diversity."

The District and Board celebrated 53 recent Chicago Park District retirees who have collectively dedicated more than 1300 years of service to the District. The contributions of these professionals have made a positive and lasting impact on enhancing the quality of life for all Chicagoans. Each retiree was presented with a resolution thanking them for their contribution to the city's world-class park system and well wishes on their retirement.

Also, during the meeting, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners authorized the District to accept funds and services from various sources for park investment. These funds include grants from city, state and federal government and other legislative appropriations supporting capital projects. These funds and/or services are instrumental in supplementing The Park District's limited capital budget and will be applied toward the payment or reimbursement of the acquisition, development, and renovation costs of various Park District property or projects. Last year, the District secured roughly $70 million in external funding that was used for vital capital investment.

"The District can be assured that funding sources to support important projects can be realized through this approval process," said Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. "Our capital needs are great, and these funds allow us to supplement the District's capital budget and fulfill much needed park projects."

The Board also voted to appoint Commissioner Robert Castaneda to the Public Building Commission of Chicago Board for a term that expires in 2028.

Other agenda items included the presentation of Certificate of Filing of the Park District's 2024 Supplemental Ordinance Appropriation, the Certificate of Publication of its 2024 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance, the Certificate of Filing of the 2025 Appropriation Ordinance and the Certificate of Publication of the 2025 Annual Appropriation Ordinance.