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PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to amend its Partnership Agreement with Openlands, Chicago, Illinois
Reason: The Forest Preserves wishes to extend its partnership agreement with Openlands in order to complete restoration activities undertaken in association with the installation of a community gathering space at Beaubien Woods.
Contract Period: 1/11/2022 - 9/30/2023
Proposed Partnership Agreement Extension: 10/1/2023 - 12/31/2024
Fiscal Impact: N/A. This is an extension for time only. The project will continue to be implemented at no direct cost to the Forest Preserves, which may provide in-kind staff support for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the projects.
Account(s): Grant and Mitigation 51010.521314 and 51010.521444
Concurrences: The Interim Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final amendment is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 4, 5
Summary: Due to project delays, Openlands has requested and been granted a one-year extension from the Walder Foundation to complete a grant-funded project supporting approximately twenty-one (21) acres of ecological restoration at Beaubien Woods. As a result, the Forest Preserves is subsequently seeking to extend its partnership agreement with Openlands in order to accommodate completion of the project.
This request is an extension for time only. The project is being conducted at no direct cost to the Forest Preserves, and builds on plans developed by the Forest Preserves, local communities, and several other governmental organizations and nonprofits to create inviting and culturally relevant access to nature and the Little Calumet River in a way that fosters a healthy community. The project was originally approved by the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners on 10/5/2021, per Board Item No. 21-0453. The original agreement also referred to the creation of a community gathering space, which has been addressed via a separate partnership agreement with The Field Museum of Natural History and Artist Christine Perri (See Board Item No. 22-0521).
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