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The Chicago Park District Board recently voted to approve a three-year agreement allowing Riot Fest to continue its operations in Douglass Park. The contract aims to generate up to $4.5 million in revenue for park programs throughout the city and promises a $1 million investment directly into Douglass Park. Riot Fest, a major music festival, is set to stay in place for an additional three years with this agreement.
"The Riot Fest multi-year agreement reflects the collaboration between the Park District, 24th Ward Alderwoman Scott, festival organizers, and the North Lawndale community," stated Chicago Park District General Superintendent & CEO Carols Ramirez-Rosa. He highlighted the agreement's benefits, citing a $1 million community-driven capital investment and improved engagement with local residents and businesses.
The deal has introduced a new permit fee system to increase revenue for the Park District and Douglass Park community. Permit fees are determined either by an annual raising sum starting at $575,000 or a revenue share from ticket sales. The agreement, including a possible two-year extension, could yield $3 million to $4.5 million in revenue from the festival.
In this fiscal deal, both the Chicago Park District and Riot Fest will allocate 10% of the permit fee revenues to the Park Enhancement Fund, tripling last year's fund percentage to 30% back into Douglass Park. The approval came following endorsements from North Lawndale leadership, including 24th Ward Alderwoman Monique Scott and the Douglass Park Advisory Council.
In addition to Riot Fest, the Board provisionally approved the ARC Fest at Union Park and reviewed presentations on other large festival events like Sueños and Lollapalooza, which also contribute notably to park revenue. These events are expected to generate $22 million in total.
The Board also decided to enter a management agreement with ASM Global (ASMG) for Maggie Daley Park. The internationally recognized leader in venue operations will oversee the park's features, excluding natural areas. This management contract includes a seven-year term with a three-year extension, surpassing participation goals for minority and women-owned businesses.
Other meeting discussions involved proposed updates to the Chicago Park District Code to ensure language consistency and compliance with federal and state laws. Public comments on these changes will be accepted over a 45-day period before final decisions are made. Additional agenda items addressed operational agreements related to park maintenance and resources.
