The Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño presented the $598.5 million 2025 Budget Recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.  It supports Chicago residents by maintaining park programs affordable and accessible, and invests in its workforce to strengthen the pipeline for youth employment necessary to bolster robust, quality programming.  The 2025 Budget priorities are guided by the District’s newly announced Strategic Plan, which offers a new mission, vision and core values informed Chicago residents during an extensive, amplified community engagement process. The Budget Recommendations are available for viewing on the Chicago Park District’s website. Additional key investments in the District’s 2025 Budget include the following: 

Investment in our Workforce: This financial plan also underscores the importance of a strong workforce by allocating nearly 50 percent or $300 million of the Budget to our employees in wages, benefits and compensation. This year, we will increase the number of full-time employees by 34.9 to broaden our programming offerings and support sustainability efforts citywide.

Strengthening Programs and Experiences: In 2025, the Chicago Park District will conduct a community needs assessment to better reflect the interests of the residents they serve, and equitably invest in areas of demand. In response to feedback from the community engagement process, they are increasing the number of field-trips to museums and college tours to offer youth even more access to quality, educational experiences during the summer.

Community Wellness: In 2024, the District firmed up connectivity between sustainable infrastructure and community health with the announcement of the District’s Health and Wellness Pillars that focus on promoting community wellbeing, supporting active living and ensuring a healthy food environment.

The Chicago Park District’s 2025 budget recommendations can be viewed online at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/annual-budget-process.