Law Department
The Law Department manages the legal affairs of the District. Routine areas of daily business include claims filed against the District, environmental litigation, real estate issues, tax matters, labor relations, intergovernmental agreements, facility accessibility, land acquisitions, permits, Constitutional First Amendment issues, contracts, municipal finance transactions and management of Freedom of Information requests. Additionally, the Law Department oversees the District's legal investigations and handles the District's Whistleblower Hotline.
Whistleblower Hotline
Any person who would like to report information regarding any misconduct, unlawful activity, or prohibited behavior occurring within the Chicago Park District can call the District's Whistleblower Hotline at (312) 742-DEED (312-742-3333). All calls will remain confidential.
Law Student Externship Program
Legal Externships at the Chicago Park District provide law students with the opportunity to work in a diverse and friendly environment. Legal externs can expect to assist Park District attorneys with legal matters in multiple practice areas, while gaining practical legal experience. For more information on this program please click here: Law Student Externship Program
Freedom of Information Act
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state statute that provides the public the right to access government documents and records. The law provides that a person can ask a public body for a copy of its records on a specific subject and the public body must provide those records, unless there is an exemption in the statute that protects those records from disclosure (for example: records containing information concerning trade secrets or personal privacy).
How to submit a FOIA request
FOIA requests must be in writing; please include the following information:
- Name, mailing address and daytime phone number of the requester
- A description of the records that are being requested
In addition, please indicate how you'd like the information sent to you: via e-mail, regular mail, or made available for pickup at our office. Allow five business days for a response to your request.
FOIA requests can be mailed, faxed, e-mailed or dropped off in person to:
Freedom of Information Officer
541 N. Fairbanks Court
Chicago, IL 60611
Fax: (312) 742-5328
E-mail: foia@chicagoparkdistrict.com
Requests can also be submitted using the FOIA Request Form.
Fees
The first 50 pages are free of charge. Each additional page is copied at 15 cents per page.
FOIA Contact
Maria Castaneda
Phone: (312) 742-4789
E-mail: foia@chicagoparkdistrict.com
FOIA FAQ
Where do I go to fill out or drop off a FOIA request in person?
You can fill out or drop off a FOIA request in person at CPD Headquarters, located at 541 N. Fairbanks Court, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611.
What records are maintained by the Chicago Park District?
A list of records maintained by the Park District can be found in the Record Classification List. Please note: Records listed may not be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.
How do I appeal a denial?
In the event of a denial, you may either file a Request for Review with the Attorney General's Public Access Counselor (PAC), or file a lawsuit in court. For complete information contact PAC at:
Public Access Bureau
500 S. 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 558-0486
publicaccess@atg.state.il.us
What records are available online?
You can review and download the following information:
- Advisory Councils
- Annual Financial Report
- Board Of Commissioners Information
- Budget
- Capital Improvement Plan
- Contract Bid And Award Information
- Document Library
- Framework Plans
| Title | Modified | Size | |
| Attorney Bios | 01/20/10 | 31 KB |  |
| FOIA Request Form | 12/29/09 | 101 KB | |
| Record Classification List | 12/30/09 | 35 KB | |
Download Code of the Chicago Park District:
| Title | Modified | Size | |
| Chapter 00 Table of Contents | 09/10/09 | 84 KB | |
| Chapter 01 | 01/11/10 | 14 KB | |
| Chapter 02 | 01/11/10 | 36 KB | |
| Chapter 03 | 09/10/09 | 135 KB | |
| Chapter 04 | 01/11/10 | 20 KB | |
| Chapter 05 | 01/11/10 | 41 KB | |
| Chapter 06 | 09/10/09 | 121 KB | |
| Chapter 07 | 02/24/10 | 80 KB | |
| Chapter 08 | 01/11/10 | 68 KB | |
| Chapter 09 | 09/10/09 | 112 KB | |
| Chapter 10 | 09/10/09 | 100 KB | |
| Chapter 11 | 09/10/09 | 197 KB | |
| Chapter 12 | 09/10/09 | 79 KB | |
| Chapter 13 | 09/10/09 | 3 KB | |
last updated:Wednesday, December 30, 2009 2:31:54 PM