Registration for Summer Camps at Chicago Park District Going on Now!
April 23rd, 2010 by Shorty
Registration for summer camps at the Chicago Park District is going on now. Online registration has begun; in-person registration starts on Saturday, April 24, 2010.
Most camps will be held from June 28 – August 6, 2010. Hours vary for each park.
Visit the Chicago Park District to register and for more details.
TRACE internship at Chicago Park District – Dealine April 2nd
March 29th, 2010 by Shorty
TRACE Program Description: TRACE (Teens Re-Imagining Art, Community & Environment) is a teen internship program at 3 South Region parks that promotes environmental learning and community engagement through the arts. At its core, the program cultivates creative activism in its youth participants and emphasizes stewardship, youth leadership and career development.
Participating youth (high school teens) study environmental issues at their parks, attend workshops to develop skills in specific art forms, and meet with local artists, activists and community leaders who concentrate on environmental and community concerns in their work. The program runs, for the teens, 20 hours a week for 6 weeks under the direction of a Counselor and Lead Artist. At each park site, the group addresses one environmental focus/challenge and studies one specific art form.
TRACE Counselor Duties: Lead internship program at one of three participating parks. Attend all planning and orientation sessions. Lead and participate in team-building exercises, park stewardship activities, and community-focused arts initiatives. Work closely with lead artist to develop community partnerships, and envision and execute summer project. Work resourcefully and enthusiastically with teenagers. Plan and accompany youth on field trips to education institution, public functions and/or recreation activities. Supervise youth to ensure their safety and well being. Manage supplies and equipment necessary for activities. Candidates need to be available beginning June 1. Work begins June 14 and continues through August20 and is 30-35 hours a week commitment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Enrollment in a college or university for Bachelors degree. 2010 salary: $16.21 per hour.
Relevant experience includes: youth development experience with teens, participation in or supervision of community arts project, outdoor and adventure recreational work with youth, high school classroom experience, community organizing related to youth issues, environmental education and advocacy specific to urban locales.
Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery at South Shore Cultural Center
February 23rd, 2010 by ShortyToday the Dr. Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery was revealed to the world. Located inside the South Shore Cultural Center, Dr. Burroughs’ artwork dating back to the 1950s as well as some of her many accomplishments and accolades (you should see the wall!) are some of the treasures found at the gallery.
I won’t go into her accomplishments because there are many of them. However, I would like to share a few reasons why I adore this phenomenal woman.
Dr. Burroughs is 92 years old and still teaches art classes at the prison, goes bowling and roller skates. Yes, roller skate! She is officially my favorite role model on this side of heaven (next to my mother, of course).
Mayor Daley & Dr. Burroughs
Dr. Burroughs & Shorty
Check out the gallery as soon as you can. The South Shore Cultural Center is located at 7059 South Shore Drive.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Parks
January 27th, 2010 by Shorty
The Chicago Park District will holding Valentine’s Day dances and parties from February 5 – 14. Most events will feature music, refreshments, photo opportunities, games, and arts & crafts stations. Costs vary by park district.
I Love My Family and Friends Valentine’s Dinner
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6-8 p.m.
Palmer Park, 201 E. 111th St., 312-747-6576
Admission $7, all ages
Valentine’s Day Party
Thursday, Feb. 11, 4-6 p.m.
Brainerd Park, 1246 W. 92nd St., 312-747-6027
Admission $2, ages 6-12
Valentine’s Day Dance
Friday, Feb. 12, 3-6 p.m.
Kennicott Park, 4434 S. Lake Park Ave., 312-747-7138
Admission $4, ages 6-13
Visit http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ to find events at individual parks.
Black History Celebrations at the Chicago Park District
January 26th, 2010 by Shorty
The Chicago Park District will be hosting several free and low cost events during the month of February to celebrate Black History Month. Most of the events are family events, so no one will be left out. Although only two parks are listed below, individual parks have their own programs. Contact them directly at
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.home.cfm
Black History Celebrations on the South Side:
Brainerd Park – 1246 W. 92nd St., 312-747-6027
Black History Event “Black Chicago”
Thursday, Feb. 18; 6-7:30 p.m.
Admission $2, all ages
Children ages 6-12 in the Chicago Park District’s Park Kids program
present a program titled “Black Chicago” highlighting the city’s African
American history.
Washington Park – 5531 S. King Dr., 773-256-1248
Ashaki Black History Month Celebration
Friday, Feb. 26; 6-9 p.m.
Admission $2, all ages
Celebration features African art, dancing, and a marketplace featuring
various items for sale.
Please go out and support the children and programs in the park. Not only will you see young people doing great things, you will also have something positive to do.
Enjoy A Week of Free Workouts at Chicago Park Districts
December 28th, 2009 by Shorty
From January 2 – 10, 2009, Chicago residents can work out for free at any of the Chicago Park District’s (CPD) fitness centers.
CPD fitness centers offer state-of-the art equipment as well as accessible equipment for people with disabilities at 22 of the facilities.
Patrons who sign up for a membership will receive a free Nike cinch bag. Membership rates range from $30 to $75 for three months.
To learn about the fitness centers hours and locations, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.PLAY or 312.747.2001 (TTY).