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PROVISIONAL APPROVAL FOR SPECIAL EVENTS - J.P. MORGAN CORPORATE CHALLENGE, BIKE THE DRIVE, AND HOT CHOCOLATE RUN - CHICAGO
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To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District:
I. Recommendation
Pursuant to Chapter VII, Section C.3.c of the Code of the Chicago Park District, it is recommended that the Board of Commissioners review and make a determination of provisional approval or denial for special event permit applications with an attendance of 10,000 or more per day. Such provisional approval would then authorize the General Superintendent or her designee to continue the Chicago Park District special event permit process which includes collection of required fees and documents including but not limited to insurance, site plan and waste removal plans. Attached as Exhibit A is a summary report of forms received prior to the due date for submission to the Board.
II. Information
Parties: See Exhibit A
Contract Type: Permit
III. Budget and Financial Information
Budget Classification: Operating Revenue
Fiscal Year: 2025
Fund line: 001.9310.9310.423005.00001.01.01.00001
IV. Explanation
The Chicago Park District Code requires the Board of Commissioners to give provisional approval for permitted special events with an attendance of 10,000 or more per day before a Special Event Permit can be issued. Community Engagement Guidelines suggest ways a community engagement plan can be employed to keep neighboring residences, businesses and other community stakeholders abreast of planned event operations. As part of their community engagement organizers are also encouraged to bring benefits to the community by hiring local residents and securing local vendors. Actions taken by event organizers over the years have included benefits such as financial support to local parks and schools, organizing park clean ups, hosting holiday food and toy drives, and/or contribute to park capital improvements.
Event organizers must submit engagement and benefit information and plans as part of their Special Event Permit application.
Special Events are held throughout the city in all sizes and types and offer many benefits, including:
• Revenues support parks and programs citywide
• Subsidizes and supports Park mission to maintain low or free program fees
• Increases access of special event option to community residents
• Activation of parks enhances safety, brings community together
• Enhance city vibrancy by bringing residents and visitors to communities
V. General Conditions
1. Conflicts: The agreement shall not be legally binding on the Chicago Park District if entered into in violation of the provisions of 50 ILCS 105, the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act.
2. Ethics: The Chicago Park District’s Ethics Code, Chapter III of the Code of the Chicago Park District, shall be incorporated into and made part of the agreement.
3. Contingent Liability: Any agreement lawfully entered into for a period of more than one year shall be executory only for the amounts for which the Park District may become liable in succeeding fiscal years pursuant to 70 ILCS 1505/17(i). The agreement shall contain a clause that any expenditure beyond the current fiscal year is subject to appropriation in the subsequent fiscal year budget.