Today we’d like to introduce you to Willa Lang, Executive Director of the Chicago Parks Foundation.
Willa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Every great city has a foundation to support its parks. The Chicago Parks Foundation was established in 2013 as a public-private partnership with the Chicago Park District. Independent in the collaborative spirit, the Chicago Parks Foundation works with the community, Park Advisory Councils and corporate partners to improve, enhance and conserve Chicago’s amazing parks.
There are more than 600 parks, 8 golf courses, 220 fieldhouses, 18 miles of beaches and lakefront trails and all the associated harbors. Tax dollars alone cannot adequately provide all the funds that are needed and the parks are being used now, more than ever.
The Chicago Parks Foundation is committed to converting park lovers and users to park givers and stewards. It is time for the parks to be part of the charitable landscape in the city of Chicago. Our parks are our greatest asset, and the communities who love them need our support.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Chicago Parks Foundation has been well-received by the community and local corporate partners. The CPF serves as the fiscal sponsor for more than 58 Park Advisory Councils (PACs) and provides educational workshops to help communities raise funds for their local projects. The CPF also offers several annual fundraising events such as a golf outing and an adults-only camping event at Northerly Island.
One of the most popular programs is our donor benches in the parks. This year more than 15 benches honoring or celebrating loved ones were placed in the parks. So you can say perhaps, that it has been a smooth introduction to the charitable landscape of Chicago.
However, greater awareness to the needs of our community is required. Chicago parks cover a vast range of geographical area and socioeconomic levels. The Chicago Parks Foundation, together with the Chicago Park District, work to better identify and understand community needs and interests and find ways to financially support those requests.
This fall the CPF will introduce a membership program so that all Chicagoans can directly give to their parks in some way. Just like other cultural institutions in the city, the parks deserve public support.
Chicago Parks Foundation – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Chicago Parks Foundation is extremely proud of how we communicate with our communities, listen to their needs and promote positive productive park energy.
Our small dedicated team is able to provide that personal touch and we enjoy helping others navigate the layers and bringing community projects come to life.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
In 2015, the Pritzker Foundation provided a one million dollar grant to the Chicago Parks Foundation to resurface or convert existing tennis courts across the city. This project entitled ‘Take the Court,’ included community conversations to better identify how park tennis courts were used, if at all, and if not what use would best serve the community’s passion.
In less than one year, more than 30 tennis courts were resurfaced or converted into mini artificial turf fields or multi-sport courts in every corner of the city.
‘Take the Court’ was a tremendous accomplishment and launching pad for the foundation, which had only just formed two years earlier. As a very young non-profit, securing a major partnership and project like this was invaluable. Take the Court impacted so many parks, and showcased the Chicago Parks Foundation as a competent, accountable and responsive partner.
Contact Info:
- Address: 541 N. Fairbanks Court Chicago, IL 60611
- Website: www.chicagoparksfoundation.org
- Phone: 312-742-4781
- Email: info@chicagoparksfoundation.org
Image Credit:
1. AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha) Park Bench Dedication
2. Team ChiParks 2016 Runners
3. Camp Northerly 2017
4. It’s Your Park Day volunteers at Jackson Park
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