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What's News!
Lincoln Park Conservancy
AND
THE LINCOLN PARK CONSERVATORY COUNCIL
are pleased to announce a merger of their community organizations
The North Pond Conservation Council and Lincoln Park Conservancy agree in their mission to preserve and enhance Lincoln Park's greatest assets through advocacy, stewardship and special projects. They also agree in the methodology of identifying an area's needs, restoring it to its full potential and then committing to the area's long-term care while working in partnership with the Chicago Park District.
Lincoln Park Conservancy, a private non-profit entity organized in 1984, recently partnered with the Chicago Park District in the $2.4 million Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool Restoration Project. They conducted a major fundraising campaign to raise $1.1 million to help finance the rehabilitation and will take part in the site's future management. Other projects have included the award-winning Lincoln Gardens and the restoration of the Lincoln Monument and Bates Fountain as part of their Adopt-A-Monument Program.
The mission of the North Pond Conservation Council is to protect, promote and maintain the North Pond area of Lincoln Park as a high-quality urban wildlife and natural area for the benefit of its visitors, neighbors, wildlife and the environment. Through community planning meetings, educational events, volunteer planting days, fundraising and grant writing, the North Pond Conservation Council will continue to improve the area in partnership with the Chicago Park District.
In 1999, the Chicago Park District completed a $1.25 million ecological rehabilitation of North Pond. The goal of the merger is to build on the success of these successful park projects.
Anyone who wishes to join Lincoln Park Conservancy and the North Pond Conservation Council may call (773) 883-7275 for a membership brochure.
For more information about the merger or about these community organizations, please contact Steven Zelner, Executive Director, Lincoln Park Conservancy.
Since 1997, the Lincoln Park Conservatory Council has been working with the Chicago Park District to promote the appreciation, understanding and use of Chicago’s historic Lincoln Park Conservatory through development and funding of quality displays and programs. The Hot House Holiday Party, a festive winter fundraiser, which takes place in the Conservatory, has been a tremendous success for the past three years.
The Lincoln Park Conservatory Council and Lincoln Park Conservancy agree in their…
~ MISSION… to preserve and enhance Lincoln Park's greatest assets through advocacy, stewardship and special projects.
~ METHODOLOGY… to identify an area's needs, restore it to its full potential and commit to its long-term care.
~ The Lincoln Park Conservatory Council will act as a committee of Lincoln Park Conservancy
~ Three Conservatory Council Board Members will join the Lincoln Park Conservancy’s Board of Directors
For more information about the merger, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Steven Zelner
Executive Director
Lincoln Park Conservancy
folp@earthlink.net
773/883-7275
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Running Track Issue:
Where are you getting your information about the proposals that may affect your park?
On January 29th, 2002, a community meeting organized by the Chicago Park District took place to discuss a proposal to build a running track at a site near the South Field house in Lincoln Park (near Stockton Drive and North Avenue). The purpose of the meeting was to present the proposal to members of the community so that they could review it and express their opinions regarding it.
Lincoln Park Conservancy, a volunteer organization formed by a group of concerned residents who are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural assets of Lincoln Park attended this meeting as we are interested in the views and opinions of our membership and the community regarding this proposal. Although you may or may not be a member of Lincoln Park Conservancy, your input is valuable and will assist our Board of Directors in making an informative and sound decision regarding the support or lack of support for this proposal.
You can make your views known in two ways. First, help us preserve and enhance the Park by becoming a member of our volunteer organization. Second, contact our office with your comments and suggestions about the Running Track proposal. Let your voice be heard regarding this important decision.
The Board of Directors of Lincoln Park Conservancy will use your feedback when offering our opinion about the Running Track to the Chicago Park District. Please contact me soon with your comments via fax at 773/883-7278, send e-mail to folp@earthlink.net or call me at 773/883-7275. I welcome your thoughts in any way you care to express them.
If being informed and making your opinion matters regarding the issues that affect your Park is important to you – join Lincoln Park Conservancy now!
Pertinent Information about the Running Track:
Track Proposal Information:
~ Synthetic, 400 Meter, 8 Lane Track (Illinois High School Association approved)
~ Man made turf for the interior with use possibly for football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse
~ Basketball, volleyball courts would be relocated
~ 17 trees relocated, removed, or replaced
~ 9 trees would be removed permanently (2 mature diseased Cottonwoods)
~ 50 new trees will be planted in this area
~ Berming around the track
Some Q/A regarding this proposal:
Q: What is the cost of this proposal?
A: $2.2 million dollars.
Q: Is funding already available for this proposal?
A: No, this proposal is conceptual and it is not in the 2002 capital budget.
Q: Who would fund this proposal?
A: This would be a public/private venture. Possible funding could come from The Chicago Board of Education, Latin School, CPD or a Grant.
Q: Did the Latin School initiate this track proposal?
A: No, the Chicago Park District initiated the proposal in accordance with the Lincoln Park Framework Plan.
Q: Do schools use this area today?
A: Yes, they utilize this area on a regular basis for soccer and track.
Q: Will the schools use the track so that the general public will not be able to use it?
A: No, this track would be “permitted” just like other tracks and Park District facilities.
Q: What is the Lincoln Park Framework Plan?
A: The Lincoln Park Framework Plan was completed, with community involvement, in 1996. This plan took four years to complete. This site is earmarked, in the framework plan, as a recreational activity area.
Q: Is this running track a done deal?
A: No, that is why these community meeting are held. There will be another meeting in late April about this proposal.
If you have any other questions/comments, please contact, Steven Zelner, Executive Director, Lincoln Park Conservancy at 773/883-7275 or via email at folp@earthlink.net
Lincoln Park Conservancy ~ 2000 N. Racine, Chicago, IL 60614 ~ 773.883.7275