CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT BOARD APPROVES THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT TO HOST RIOT FEST IN DOUGLASS PARK; CONTRACT TERMS INCLUDE UP TO $4 MILLION IN REVENUE FOR PARKS AND TRIPLES COMMUNITY[...]

CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT BOARD APPROVES THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT TO HOST RIOT FEST IN DOUGLASS PARK; CONTRACT TERMS INCLUDE UP TO $4 MILLION IN REVENUE FOR PARKS AND TRIPLES COMMUNITY GIVE BACK TO REINVEST MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN THE PARK THROUGH PILOT PARTICIPATORY BUDGET PROCESS <_o3a_p>

Board hears presentation on large, permitted events, grants provisional approval for ARC Fest and approves seven-year contract to manage and operate Maggie Daley Park

Today, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners voted in favor of a multi-year permit agreement with Riot Fest organizers, cementing the music festival's home in Douglass Park for three years. The agreement incorporates significant changes that will bring up to $4.5 million in potential revenue to support park programs citywide and an unprecedent $1 million investment into Douglass Park. In addition, the Park District announced the district's first-ever Participatory Budgeting Process to ensure the community is empowered to determine how the $1 million give back from Riot Fest will be invested in Douglass Park.

"The Riot Fest multi-year agreement reflects the collaboration between the Park District, 24th Ward Alderwoman Scott, festival organizers and the North Lawndale community," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Carols Ramirez-Rosa. "In addition to securing the festival's home in Douglass Park for an additional three years, the agreement addresses valuable input gathered from park stakeholders and increases benefits to the park and community, including a projected $1 million in community-driven capital investment and enhanced engagement with neighboring residents and businesses. These added benefits underscore the Park District's and Riot Fest's commitment to working together to uplift the community."

The three-year agreement includes a new permit fee structure that allows for increased revenues for the Park District as well as the Douglass Park community. Permit fees will equal the greater of an annual payment of $575,000 with a $15,000 increase annually or revenue shares from ticket sales: 2025 - $5.25 per ticket, 2026 - $5.375 per ticket, 2027 - $5.50 per ticket, 2028 (extension) - $5.625 per ticket and 2029 (extension) - $5.75 per ticket. Under the agreement, including the two-year extension, the Park District could see $3 million to $4.5 million in revenue from the three-day festival that attracts 50,000 daily.

New this year, the Park District and Riot Fest will each commit 10% of the permit fee revenues in addition to the existing 10% in revenues dedicated through the Park Enhancement Fund, which allocates funds from multi-day events with a daily attendance of 3,000 or more and reinvest it directly into the park that hosted the event. As a result, Douglass Park will receive a 30% giveback in total; three times the percentage allocated from last year's festival. The Board's vote follows strong support from the North Lawndale leadership and community, including 24th Ward Alderwoman Monique Scott and the Douglass Park Advisory Council. As a permitted event with an attendance of 10,000 or more, Riot Fest is required to submit and execute a community engagement plan which includes a public meeting. For more information on the Riot Fest multi-year agreement, visit the Riot Fest FAQ on the Park District website.

The Board also granted provisional approval to permit the ARC Fest at Union Park this Summer and heard a presentation by the District on large permitted events including Sueños and Lollapalooza, which both have multi-year agreements with the Park District. Sueños Festival, scheduled to be held May 24th and 25th in Grant Park is projected to generate $2 million in revenue for parks and Lollapalooza, which will be held in Grant Park July 31st through August 3rd is projected to bring $8.5 million in revenue. In addition to generating $22 million in revenue that support parks, permitted events are vital to the activation of parks and contribute to the rich, cultural landscape of Chicago.

Also during the meeting, the Board authorized the Park District to enter into an agreement with ASM Global (ASMG) to manage Maggie Daley Park, located within Grant Park. ASMG will be responsible for maintaining and operating all interior and exterior features of the park, including but not limited to the ice skating ribbon, climbing walls, children's play garden, tennis/pickleball courts, groves and lawns, hardscape and walkways, Cancer Survivor's Garden, Peanut Park and landscape, excluding natural areas which are maintained by the Park District. Opened in 2015, Maggie Daley Park is one of Chicago's most acclaimed parks, attracting 4.5 million visitors annually. An international leader in venue operations and asset management that spans nearly five decades, ASMG currently manages Soldier Field, the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center at Gately Park and four other sports facilities for the Park District.

The seven-year agreement, includes one, three-year extension. The minority and women-owned participation for this contract includes: 67% MBE participation and 15% WBE participation, exceeding the District's goals.  

The Board received proposed changes to Chapter V of the Chicago Park District Code to use consistent language across personnel policies; to remove ambiguous language; align Military Leave with federal and state laws and ensure Peace Corps leave comply with the rules outlined in the Illinois Administrative Code. Additionally, the Board received proposed changes to Chapter VIII of the District Code to align with applicable law. The Board's approval initiates a 45-day public comment period in which residents can provide feedback on the proposed changes after which the Board can vote to approved or reject. The public can share their comments on the proposed Code changes here.

Other agenda items include the appointment of Board President Marlon Everett to the Park District Personnel Board, the authorization to enter into an agreement for pool chemicals and supplies and the authorization to exercise a one-year extension for plumbing supplies.