COVID-19 Period – March 2020-August 2021

MINUTES – COVID 19 Period – POSTED 8/9/2021

March 2020 – August 2021 – CONTACT US @ Doug.Wood@WickerPark.org

PRESIDENT: Adam Housley    VICE-PRESIDENT: Mike Payette   SECRETARY: Doug Wood

TREASURER: Denise Browning

 

During this period the Board communicated virtually and via social media and direct email with each other and the public to address issues of importance to our park’s patrons.  These discussions involved working with these groups:

  • Quick responses to all emails we received via our website platform – we answered the public’s questions and directed them to solutions to their questions. WickerPark.org
  • Twice OR more per Week Communications with Claribel Rodriguez, Park Supervisor
  • Communications with Area Manager Raquel Maldonado and Regional Manager Art Richardson
  • Regular Communications with 1st, 2nd and 32nd Ward Aldermen LaSpata, Hopkins, and Waguespack
  • Communications with neighborhood organizations
  • Communications with the Chicago Police Department and Park Security
  • Landscaping Staff
  • Permits Staff
  • Trades Staff & Dog Park Coordinators
  • Direct mailings to our list of 2,500 and weekly posts on 10-14 social media Facebook Platforms

 

During this Period – March 2020 – August 2021

  • All of our educational programs in the field house were canceled due to the field house not housing programming
  • We offered The Garden As Inspiration Art Classes (Drawing, Watercolor, Mixed Media) – 18 Students per session – 5 sessions – Classes were Outside by the Gardens and at The Robey Hall (We rented the space from The Robey)
  • Most all Events were canceled due to the field house hours that did not work with our regular programs and COVID-19 restrictions: Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, Open Mic, Classical Music Series, Boo-Palooza, WickerICE Rink
  • We did present a Scarecrow Extravaganza in October 2020 and the Annual Plant Sale in May 2021. We have submitted permits for the Sunday 2021, Music series – but most of it was canceled since the field house was closed on Sundays and there were no restrooms or RAIN backup location for the musicians.  We will hold one Contemporary Classical Music Performance on Sunday, September 12 at 1pm – if COVID-19 restrictions do not change.
  • WE are planning to present Boo-Palooza on October 23, 2021 COVID-19 Restrictions Pending
  • We maintained the 10,000 sq. ft. of gardens in the park from March 1 – December 1 in 2020 and have maintained the gardens from March 1 – present in 2021.
  • We assisted with Waste Management in the park during this period and pulled weeds in all locations of the park that were previously weed whacked.
  • We assisted the Park Staff in promoting Park District Classes and videos produced by the staff to our mailing list and on 14 Social Media Neighborhood Facebook Pages and Instagram.
  • We requested that budgeted staff be hired so the field house could resume regular hours –this has not yet been realized.

 

TO DO – Contact Doug.Wood@WickerPark.org to Participate in these Committees

  • Work on Boo-Palooza (Funding, Volunteers, Promotions) – August 9 – Oct 23, 2021
  • Establish a Playground Renovation Committee (Water Feature, Soft Surface, Layout)
  • Establish a Dog Park Renovation Committee