We, the undersigned, request the 2026 Chicago Park District (CPD) budget reflect more arts and crafts classes throughout our city public parks. Programs for all ages are much needed; especially adult creative arts. These offerings enrich the lives of the participants and the community, and we wish to urge the CPD administration to invest more in this kind of arts instruction.
Suggested arts and crafts classes are jewelry making, stained glass, ceramics, textile arts, mosaics, sculpture, music, acting, photography and dance. We know that interests in some of these disciplines are in great demand where waiting lists are now necessary.
We also petition to have arts and crafts distributed more equitably throughout the city. Since 2018 we have seen a decrease of 30% in arts instructors hired at the CPD.
Please consider hiring community artists to partner with the CPD to create and offer these various programs. Park Advisory Councils can be available in surveying local interests to assist in the hiring of qualified instructors in these areas of interests.
30 Comments
I am on another advisory council and with federal funding disappearing at an alarming rate, I think that the park district needs to pick up some of the slack. I approve an increase in my property tax bill for this!
Adult creative classes have been shown to increase well being and decrease loneliness and isolation. Being together with other people and creating is good for brains and souls. We need more of this programming, not less! Thank you!
I am an artist that also enjoys expanding my knowledge of other artistic mediums. Of the four CPD field houses within walking distance of me, most do not offer any type of art and crafts classes, and those that do are extremely limited. There used to be a lot more, but they are very hard to find now. I would love to be a part of offering classes as well as taking them.
I take arts & Crafts classes at the park, it’s not easy to get in these classes and space can be crammed. These classes enriches lives at a reasonable cost, many local artist would probably be happy to partner with the park district.
We need more jewelry making classes, introduction to painting, ceramics and casting wax models into silver copper rings.
Expanding programming for creative outlets is worthwhile! Maybe there's some available grant opportunities to research?
We need more arts programs…find some money to fund them, please!
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
We, the undersigned, request the 2026 Chicago Park District (CPD) budget reflect more arts and crafts classes throughout our city public parks. Programs for all ages are much needed; especially adult creative arts. These offerings enrich the lives of the participants and the community, and we wish to urge the CPD administration to invest more in this kind of arts instruction.
Suggested arts and crafts classes are jewelry making, stained glass, ceramics, textile arts, mosaics, sculpture, music, acting, photography and dance. We know that interests in some of these disciplines are in great demand where waiting lists are now necessary.
We also petition to have arts and crafts distributed more equitably throughout the city. Since 2018 we have seen a decrease of 30% in arts instructors hired at the CPD.
Please consider hiring community artists to partner with the CPD to create and offer these various programs. Park Advisory Councils can be available in surveying local interests to assist in the hiring of qualified instructors in these areas of interests.
30 Comments
Only if any expanded arts & crafts programs are funded within the existing budget. I realize this would mean cutbacks in other programs to pay for art & crafts.
I am on another advisory council and with federal funding disappearing at an alarming rate, I think that the park district needs to pick up some of the slack. I approve an increase in my property tax bill for this!
Adult creative classes have been shown to increase well being and decrease loneliness and isolation. Being together with other people and creating is good for brains and souls. We need more of this programming, not less! Thank you!
I am an artist that also enjoys expanding my knowledge of other artistic mediums. Of the four CPD field houses within walking distance of me, most do not offer any type of art and crafts classes, and those that do are extremely limited. There used to be a lot more, but they are very hard to find now. I would love to be a part of offering classes as well as taking them.
I take arts & Crafts classes at the park, it’s not easy to get in these classes and space can be crammed. These classes enriches lives at a reasonable cost, many local artist would probably be happy to partner with the park district.
We need more jewelry making classes, introduction to painting, ceramics and casting wax models into silver copper rings.
Expanding programming for creative outlets is worthwhile! Maybe there's some available grant opportunities to research?
We need more arts programs…find some money to fund them, please!
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 100 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept our Terms and Privacy Policy and agree to occasional emails about petitions. Unsubscribe anytime.
Share this petition
Share this petition to help it reach more people.
Your share link
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Only if any expanded arts & crafts programs are funded within the existing budget. I realize this would mean cutbacks in other programs to pay for art & crafts.