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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING COMMISSIONER DEBORAH SIMS SERVICE TO NEIGHBORSPACE
WHEREAS, NeighborSpace was founded in 1996 through a unique collaborative partnership between the private sector and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the City of Chicago, and the Chicago Park District to bring the benefits of open space to more Cook County residents; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Deborah Sims served on the NeighborSpace Board of Directors beginning in March 1997 thereby making her the organization’s longest serving board member; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims began serving as the Vice President of the NeighborSpace Board of Directors in May 1997; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims has championed the NeighborSpace land trust as an innovative and effective way for the Forest Preserves of Cook County to support Chicago residents through open space projects that are small and fragmented; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims helped to keep the organization on mission to preserve and support community based open space projects in underserved areas; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims worked with NeighborSpace staff and Board of Directors to broaden the organization's scope to include emerging models of community open space projects including nature play gardens which provide the experience of playing in nature in neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, under Commissioner Sims leadership, the NeighborSpace organization expanded to include 114 community-managed gardens; and
WHEREAS, Commissioner Sims leadership allowed NeighborSpace to focus on its dual commitment to open space preservation and community-based leadership; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby thank Commissioner Sims for her service to community open space.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners requests ceremonial copies of this resolution be presented to Commissioner Deborah Sims.
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