Nomination deadline looming: Volunteers-in-Parks

The deadline for recognizing outstanding Chicago parks advocates is September 18, says Juanita Irizarry, Executive Director of Friends of the Parks. 

There are seven categories in the Friends of the Parks' 2019 volunteer recognition awards, Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP). They are:

• Stewardship Award-Awarded to individuals who work to beautify and improve the natural assets in parks.
• Advocacy Award-Awarded to groups/individuals that work to better their park through community organizing and public advocacy, but committing their voice and time to addressing a park issue or concern.
• Park Advisory Council Award-Awarded to advisory councils who have made a significant contribution to their park and local community.
• Individual Volunteer Award-Awarded to individuals who volunteer in their parks other than in stewardship capacity.
• Community Group Award-Awarded to community groups or organizations that have made a significant contribution to their park and local community.
• Outstanding Park District Employee-Awarded to individuals whose commitment to their job and their park greatly benefit the local and Chicago community.
• "Smoky Sakurada"-Awarded to individual volunteers who support FOTP staff in their mission. 

To submit your nominees click here. Or nominees names may or mailed to Gene Moreno, Friends of the Parks, 17 N. State, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60602. Submissions must be in by Wed., Sept. 18 by 8 p.m.