General

2023 Year in Review

Welles Park Advisory Council


2023 was a full year at Welles Park and we hope you enjoyed one or many of the highlights below:

  • At the start of 2023 we said goodbye to long-time Park Supervisor Becky Kliber and welcomed new Supervisor Michelle Baldwin. Congrats to Becky on her retirement and stop by the Field House to introduce yourself to Michelle.
  • Workdays took place throughout Welles Park starting in April and running through October, especially focused on the Nature Play Area and creating new play items including log steppers, branches, and sticks.
  • Community-led bird walks took place throughout April-May and September-October thanks to our resident expert Sigrid.
  • The gazebo concert series took place July – August with seven great events.
  • Welles hosted the 2nd annual 47th Ward EcoFest on August 19th with over 30 community organizations and hundreds of visitors.
  • September brought the circus to Welles with five sold-out performances by Midnight Circus plus a special performance for families in the foster-care system.
  • Holiday parties including Valentines, Halloween, and other events took place throughout the year by Park staff and supported by the Park Advisory Council.
  • Sports leagues including baseball, softball, horseshoes, volleyball, and football used Welles to grow as teams and have fun.
  • Six Park Advisory Council meetings took place to make all these events happen and to be the community’s voice in park district decision-making.
  • Picnics, parties, and play took place during warmer days and we can’t wait to 2024 to see you at Welles next year!

Consider supporting Welles Park in 2024 with a donation or volunteering. The Welles Park Advisory Council depends on your support to bring programs such as the Gazebo Concerts, Holiday Parties, Midnight Circus, and the Nature Play Area to you. As a group of volunteers supporting the Park District, many of the great experiences offered by Welles can’t be supported by the Park District directly. This is where the Park Advisory Council comes in, but we need your support to make it happen.

Please take a moment to make a tax-deductible donation here, and thank you!

Published by Welles Park Advisory Council

Welles Park Advisory Council is a group of volunteers who meet regularly to fundraise for, advise, and support Chicago's Welles Park. Our meetings are always open to community members, and you, too, can become a member. Join us!