Annually the Parks Division designates approximately $50,000 in its Capital Matching Fund to match private money with public to pay for public projects that improve our community's park system.

How can you and your group utilize the Matching Fund?

First, discuss your project idea with your neighbors and your alderperson. Everyone must be in agreement with the proposal. Parks staff review the application and written project proposal and check it against the criteria set in the Parks and Open Space Plan. If the donation part of the project exceeds $5,000, the proposal must go to the Park Commission.

Upon approval, you (or the fund-raising coordinator for your project) will meet with the Parks Outreach Coordinator to discuss the timeline and fund-raising procedures. Then, the really difficult work begins: raising the money!!

This may all sound rather cumbersome (and for some projects it is!). But ask the residents of the Meadowood Park area if it's worth it! (Or Vilas or Kennedy, or Oak Park Heights, or...)

Every year the demands on the Matching Fund exceed the fund limit. So, plan early. If you have questions about the People for Parks Matching Fund, please call Laura Prindle at 266-5949.