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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION HONORING NEIGHBORSPACE
WHEREAS, NeighborSpace is an innovative and effective way for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to support Chicago residents through open space projects that are too small and too fragmented to be managed along with the District's system of preserves and natural areas; and
WHEREAS, by design, the Forest Preserves encircle the city, and are an oasis of natural areas and vast open spaces that offer an escape from the stress, noise, congestion and demands of urban living; and
WHEREAS, NeighborSpace is a unique collaborative partnership between the private sector and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, the City of Chicago, and the Chicago Park District, that offers a way to bring the benefits of open space to more Cook County residents; and
WHEREAS, NeighborSpace works with community organizations including block clubs, schools, and churches to secure land for small parks, gardens, natural areas, river edges and scenic landscapes; and
WHEREAS, to date NeighborSpace has acquired 99 sites, primarily in underserved areas of Chicago, and has dozens of community volunteers for each site - it is both expansive and inclusive, with each site as unique as the community that surrounds it; and
WHEREAS, NeighborSpace will be acquiring its 100th site in April of 2015, and will help commemorate the District's 100th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, through NeighborSpace, the Forest Preserve District and other agencies are addressing a need that cannot be fulfilled by acting alone. NeighborSpace is a success because of the founding agencies' belief in the benefits of open space preservation and community involvement, and their commitment to supporting the efforts of neighborhood volunteers; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Board of Commissioners, hereby thanks and acknowledges great works of NeighborSpace and commends Forest Preserve and Cook County Board Commissioner Deborah Sims, General Superintendent Arnold Randall, and Director of Planning & Development Christine Slattery for serving on the NeighborSpace Board of Directors.
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