Title
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER IV OF
THE CODE OF THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT
Body
To the Honorable Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Park District:
I. Recommendation
It is recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve the amendments to Chapter IV of the Code of the Chicago Park District.
II. Explanation
Chapter 70 ILCS 1505/7.02, enables the Board of Commissioners to “establish by ordinance all needful rules and regulations for the government and protection of parks…” Therefore, it is recommended that the following chapters of the Chicago Park District Code be amended to reflect the following additions or modifications of language and/or section:
The Chicago Park District wishes to repeal the existing Chapter IV of the Code and to replace by amendment the proposed Chapter IV of the Code of the Chicago Park District to update the Human Rights Ordinance and to create the Office of Prevention and Accountability to help the Park District meet its commitment to providing an equitable, inclusive, safe, and respectful recreation and work environment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, workplace violence, abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults, and retaliation.
The amendments to Chapter IV of the Code of the Chicago Park District were presented to the Board at the January 26, 2022 Board Meeting, after which the Board Secretary initiated a notice period of at least 45-days pursuant to Chapter 1, Section B.2 of the Chicago Park District Code, to provide public notice and to solicit public input regarding the requested amendments. Notice of the proposed amendments was provided in several locations on the Park District’s website. In addition, printed copies of the notice and the proposed amendments were posted at all Chicago Park District fieldhouses.
During the notice period, Interim General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño held several outreach events regarding the new Office of Prevention and Accountability including three public Town Hall events and two employee Town Hall events, receiving over 100 comments from members of the public and employees. Since December 2021, Superintendent Escareño also held ten listening sessions with current and former aquatic staff, which helped inform the mission and duties for the new Office of Prevention and Accountability. The Chicago Park District provided the proposed amendments to Members of the Chicago City Council. Lastly, the Park District reached out to a number of Chicago community organizations including organizations that work with Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot’s Women’s Advisory Council in order to seek additional feedback and recommendations.
In addition to the aforementioned outreach events, members of the public could also submit comment through the Chicago Park District’s website or by calling or writing to the Department of Legislative and Community Affairs.
The Chicago Park District reviewed and considered all public comment submitted in response to the proposed Amendments to Chapter IV of the Code. The Park District received valuable feedback which will be instructive for the new Office of Prevention and Accountability and its Director when they prepare the Office’s written policies and procedures, which will guide their work and ensure that the Park District continues to prioritize safety, accountability, and transparency. Further, the Chicago Park District made additional updates to the final version of the Amendments now being presented to the Board for consideration, where these changed are redlined in Exhibit A to the Ordinance.
The initial 45-day public notice period expired March 12, 2022 but was extended to April 1, 2022. The General Superintendent recommends that the Board approve the amendments to Chapter IV of the Code as set forth in Exhibit A to the Ordinance.
Upon final approval, the General Counsel shall review, prepare and publish electronic copies of the Code of the Chicago Park District that have been revised by reason of these amendments.