Between Friends Competitors

The Chicago Park District owns more than 8,700 acres of green space, making it the largest municipal park manager in the nation. The Chicago Park District’s 597 parks offer thousands of sports and physical activities as well as cultural and environmental programs for youth, adults, and seniors. The Chicago Park District is also responsible for 26 indoor pools, 51 outdoor pools, and 26 miles of lakefront including 23 swimming beaches plus one inland beach. From canoeing to batting cages to arts and crafts, there is never a shortage of activities to participate in Chicago’s parks. The Chicago Park District oversees the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park conservatories, two tropical paradises within the city that house thousands of rare and exotic plants. Popular attractions that fall under the management of the Chicago Park District include the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain. Proudly referred to as Chicago's front yard, Grant Park is among the city's loveliest and most prominent parks. Ten world-class museums are located on Chicago Park District property. On October 14, 2014 the Chicago Park District received the 2014 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. This award is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The Chicago Park District's mission is: - To enhance the quality of life in Chicago by becoming the leading provider of recreation and leisure opportunities - To provide safe, inviting and beautifully maintained parks and facilities - To create a customer-focused and responsive park system

Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through innovative services and programs, as well as cutting-edge technology. Through its 80 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults. CPL received the Social Innovator Award from Chicago Innovation Awards; won a National Medal for Library Services from the Institute for Museum and Library Services; was named the first-ever winner of the National Summer Learning Association’s Founder’s Award in recognition of its Summer Learning Challenge; and was ranked number one in the U.S., and third in the world, by an international study of major urban libraries conducted by the Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf in Germany. For more information, visit chipublib.org.

Each year, After School Matters provides life-changing after-school and summer program opportunities to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens. Our hands-on, project-based apprenticeship and internship programs – in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM – allow teens to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. After School Matters full-time staff of approximately 85 supports the day-to-day operations and administration of the organization, as well as the provision of our signature programs across the city, while hundreds of individuals across Chicago work with us part-time as After School Matters instructors and program providers. We seek to serve our teens and achieve our mission by: • Advocating for teens and youth development • Building opportunities for teens through partnerships • Engaging teens in skills development for work and higher education • Showcasing teen accomplishments • Disseminating research and best practices about out-of-school time for teens