Connect, Reflect, Revive: A Letter from Our Executive Director

Willa & Remy in the park last Fall (Photo Credit: Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

Willa & Remy in the park last Fall (Photo Credit: Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

EARTH WEEK 2020

I hope this message finds you, your families and friends safe and well, and that you are able to find some peace and connection during this uncertain time.

I want to personally thank you for your support and commitment to the Chicago Parks Foundation. During this time, our team continues to work diligently on maintaining support to our Park Advisory Councils, managing ongoing grants, and moving our park projects forward.

We have heard from so many of you who are unsure when we will be able to fully enjoy our parks. We hear you and understand. We want you to know that we will all meet in the park again. But for now, we must continue to be patient during this great pause for the greater good.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day when we are reminded of the importance of nature and our parks and how vulnerable we all are, as well as our planet. Our Chicago parks have always been there for us and will be again, with diverse programming, festivals, natural areas and history offering millions a place of connection, reflection and revival.

The Chicago Parks Foundation is proud to work side by side with our communities during the most challenging times, as well as the joyful carefree days that will once again be part of our daily lives. Though some parks are temporarily closed for now, we are fortunate to have 600+ parks that will continue to connect us with nature and good health and are only a few minutes’ walk from our homes.

Please help us maintain our connection with you and your parks by becoming a member of the Chicago Parks Foundation.  When I think of all those who love the parks and who depend on the Chicago Parks Foundation to help raise funds for their park projects, to share reliable communication and to be responsive and transparent while providing productive solutions in their communities, this request comes easily to me. 

GET ONE, GIVE ONE

Now through June 1st, 2020, the Chicago Parks Foundation is offering a free membership for a friend with every new one purchased. Plus, you will each receive our custom picnic blanket to enjoy at home now and in the park later.

Your support today will have a lasting impact by helping to connect your community to your parks. The Chicago Parks Foundation builds community through parks, and during these times our goal is to work together to build a better tomorrow for our parks and each other.

So please join us and experience the power of the parks. Until then, thank you for your consideration and time.

We also thank all our courageous frontline essential workers, including our Park District groundskeepers and facility folks. We salute and appreciate you.


Stay well,

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Willa Iglitzen Lang
Executive Director
Chicago Parks Foundation


Give One, Get One

Now through June 1st, 2020, the Chicago Parks Foundation is offering a free membership for a friend with every new one purchased. Plus, you will each receive our custom picnic blanket to enjoy at home now and in the park later.

BRONZE • $5/year

SILVER • $50/year

GOLD • $100/year

PLATINUM • $250/year

GREEN CIRCLE • $1,000/year

Along with our standard locally designed “Meet Me in the Park!” gifts, you’ll receive our custom parks picnic blanket when you “Give One, Get One.”

Along with our standard locally designed “Meet Me in the Park!” gifts, you’ll receive our custom parks picnic blanket when you “Give One, Get One.”

*”Get One, Give One” offer applies to Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum membership levels only. Offer valid through June 1, 2020. After you complete your initial membership purchase, you will receive a follow-up communication from the Chicago Parks Foundation to complete your “give one” membership. Contact us at info@chicagoparksfoundation.org with any questions regarding this offer.


 

THE CHICAGO PARKS FOUNDATION is here for you as a positive, productive partner during this time. Our parks will be waiting safely for you when brighter days return. Stay safe and keep in touch via our Seeing Green Blog as we continue to share more park stories throughout the coming weeks!


Chicago Parks Foundation