About the Chicago Park District
Hortus in Urbe — “Garden in the City.” Organized 1934.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to give people of all ages, identities, and abilities access to quality recreation, wellness opportunities, and sustainable green spaces in every neighborhood.
Who We Are
The Chicago Park District is its own unit of local government — funded primarily by a dedicated property-tax levy and governed by a Board of Commissioners — serving Chicagoans in every neighborhood of the city. As the Park District describes its own footprint:
600+
Parks
~8,800
Acres of green space
230+
Field houses
26
Miles of lakefront
~78
Pools
29
Beaches
Leadership
General Superintendent & CEO — Carlos Ramirez-Elena
Board of Commissioners — the District’s governing body
City of Chicago — Brandon Johnson, Mayor
Main Office
4830 S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60609