(Chicago Parks Foundation / Facebook)
Chicago’s parks have been heavily used as a source of respite and recreation during the coronavirus pandemic. Now it’s time to give back in the form of a little volunteer TLC.
The nonprofit Chicago Parks Foundation has created a citywide volunteer program, “Pitch in for the Parks!” as a way for people to help keep the parks clean in the absence of seasonal employees who typically undertake ongoing maintenance.
Ways to get involved include:
— Organizing a volunteer group. Either adopt a park or let the Parks Foundation play matchmaker. The foundation will supply your crew with trash bags, gloves and water.
— Joining a prescheduled park cleanup event. Check the Parks Foundation website for dates and times.
— Taking matters into your own hands and picking up litter safely whenever you visit a park.
All participating volunteers are required to wear face masks and to practice social distancing. Volunteer groups are capped at 50 people.
“When you invest in a park you are investing in the communities who love and use them,” said Willa Iglitzen Lang, executive director of the Chicago Parks Foundation. “And for that we say thank you!”
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
