ABOUT US
The Wicker Park Advisory Council (WPAC) consists of volunteers who meet on a regular basis to support the functioning of Wicker Park. WPAC has been a 501c3 organization since 2002. View the WPAC 501c3 PROFILE.
THE BOARD – 2023 Update
John Shirk – President
Grant Drutchas – Vice-President
Elaine Coorens – Treasurer
Mike Runkle – Secretary
Doug Wood – Coordinator of The 10,000 sq. ft. of Ornamental Gardens, Waste Management, Graffiti Removal, Communications
Mike Payette – Parliamentarian
Denise Browning – Finance/Plant Sale and Gardens
Kristin Drutchas – Dog Park
Leah Root – Fundraising and Sponsorship
Susan Fontana – Programming and Events
Amy Shirk – Hospitality
The Council works with:
- the park supervisor and other Chicago Park District staff
- advising them on the needs and concerns of the community
- making recommendations and suggestions regarding Wicker Park
- with numerous Chicagoland artists, educators, businesses, and churches to enhance programming and events in the park our events series, called the CREATE Series
Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as the Environment, Mental Health and Social Well Being, our initiatives have helped:
- Improve our neighborhood as well as other Chicago neighborhoods
- Provide Park programming and neighborhood environmental improvements