Lincoln Park Conservancy

The Lincoln Park Conservancy is an independent, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that identifies, preserves and enhances the natural, historical and cultural assets of Lincoln Park through restoration, management, advocacy, and stewardship to benefit the park, the public, and the environment while providing opportunities for education and community involvement. Incorporated in 1984 as Friends of Lincoln Park, we changed our name in 2003 to reflect our expanded role as co-managers of our donor-restored park sites. We are funded entirely by our membership, individual donations, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and grants from individual, corporate and government sources. We pick up where the Chicago Park District leaves off, taking on projects that are important to Lincoln Park, but do not fit into the city budget. We begin by identifying a park asset in need and creating a Master Plan for its restoration. We then raise private funds and co-manage the project to restore the site to its full potential. Once restored, we commit to its long-term care by managing the site in partnership with the Chicago Park District under a Master Agreement. In addition, we create and run programs to promote understanding, appreciation and awareness of the restored park site. The Conservancy's management of our restored park sites protects the financial and emotional investments of our donors and ensures the sites do not fall into a cycle of neglect during periods of personnel changes and budget shortfalls common to city government. Our Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to creating and maintaining the highest quality restorations possible. Each restoration is overseen by an in-house project manager. Once a restoration is completed, a Conservancy site manager personally cares for the site assisted by our staff and volunteers.