The Chicago Park District held a meeting today to decide whether or not Riot Fest will happen in September. Many community members of North Lawndale and surrounding areas have been vehemently against the three-day festival. The nay-sayers raised concerns about noise pollution, traffic, litter, and other factors, at every community meeting. Riot Fest council members were able to sway some people, however, others remained firm in their discontent of having the event at Douglas Park.
Riot Fest was founded in 2005 as a collection of indoor concerts. They moved to an outdoor venue in 2012. At their last meeting, they stated they were going to have local artists from North Lawndale and Little Village. Furthermore, they will have noise control solutions in place.
Furthermore, they said there would be additional resources to implement better traffic control, security, and public safety. Moreover, they will have garbage cleanup with additional trash receptacles dispersed in the surrounding neighborhoods during and post-event. There will also be more portable restrooms set up outside of the festival’s perimeter for those leaving.
First Portion of the Meeting
The first portion of the Park District’s meeting was dedicated to saying goodbye to a council member, COMMISSIONER DONALD EDWARDS. He said that there is no more important thing than the children being able to have parks to play in. He has been serving the city of Chicago’s Park District for 10 years.
Edwards urged citizens to take part in their parks. Help clean them, attend meetings, and become involved with issues they are concerned about. Then they honored Commissioner Edwards with awards and recognition and gathered for a photo op.
Next, they appointed trustees to the Park Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago. All the Commissioners voted in favor of it. Then, they approved the Certificates of Filings of the Chicago Park District 2022 Annual Tax Levy Abatement with the Clerks of Cook and DuPage Counties.
Approval of Meeting Minutes and Award Recipients
Afterward, they approved the minutes of the May 10 meeting. This was followed by the Recognition of the Recipients of the 2023 Junior Citizen Award. After, the speaker read off the recipients — and fixed the sound issue with the microphone — some of the award winners were able to speak about their boards.
The youth spoke about how they were grateful for their opportunity to be part of the Park District and stated where they were going or potentially attending college. One of the Commissioners said that this was why she was part of the committee. She added that the youth are the future and the hope of Chicago’s equity.
Lifeguards
Next, the Council heard about the city’s lifeguard efforts. They were told how officials began the recruitment process earlier than usual. The $85 fee for the application was removed — with the applications being paid by the Park. They have doubled their applications submitted with over 1,800. Furthermore, they are hoping to have everything in place by the 18th however it may not be until the 23rd when the pools will be open to the public.
They have already begun training their lifeguards. The schedule for the lifeguards working will align with CPS’ school hours.
Museum Prices
Afterward, they discussed changes to museum prices. Speakers for the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) laid out the price changes and the reasoning behind them. The implemented changes wouldn’t take place until on or after July 1 with a $1 for residents and $2 for nonresidents.
In addition, the MCA will continue to have free admission to residents on Tuesdays along with their activities that were previously free will continue to do so. They also will have special pricing for those with disabilities and their caretakers and certain groups.
One of the Commissioners said they ask all not just MCA to think about having a weekend day for free admission to residents. Two of the Commissioners recused themselves from the voting process as they were trustees of the museum. Then the rest approved the raise of prices.
Speaking Up About Riot Fest
The residents signed up to speak to the committee about the decision of holding Riot Fest in Douglas Park. Florena Flores spoke first. She talked about both sides of the viewpoints. Flores stated she was not against Riot Fest. She said there has to be a better process for having meetings for events in local parks.
Corrina Solanto spoke next. She said that she wasn’t “going to pretend not to be mad about it.” Solanto said that “Riot Fest can just get the F out of the park.” She pointed out that the head of “Riot Fest never apologized about residents being fearful and they never allowed people to speak.” Solanto said she felt the park district was playing mediator.
Derek Brown spoke next. He stated he was the founder of Boxing Out Negativity. He was happy with “Riot Fest giving employment opportunities to the youth. Riot Fest has brought a lot of youth together and give them jobs. We want to welcome Riot Fest for stepping up and taking charge of bringing resources to the community.”
Next Speakers
Three other speakers spoke about Riot Fest. “Why Not North Lawndale,” stated one of the speakers. Princess Shaw thanked people in the room for participating and pointed out how the room was packed. Said, “We even got our alderwoman out — Alderwoman Scott.” Shaw thanked the Park District for continuing to have meetings and letting people know what is happening. She also thanked them “for proving people wrong and being trendsetters.” She further asked for conversations to continue.
Alderwoman Scott asked the Riot Fest supporters to please stand. She announced that she “has lived on her same street since she was 13 years old. I am up here defending my community against people who don’t look like me.” Then, Scott spoke to the nay-sayers, “Protestors you are going against growth.”
North Lawndale is a hidden gem.
Alderwoman Scott’s Views on Riot Fest
“Riot Fest is moving North Lawndale forward,” Scott added. “It shows North Lawndale in an entirely different Light.”
Riot Fest is tried and true to the community.
Alderwoman Scott requested for the money made from the event go into the community it is being held like it is supposed to.
Non-North Lawndale Resident’s Views
One of the speakers caused attendees to protest what he was saying. Those people were displeased about his comment since he was not from the area. After the council stopped the clock, she reprimanded the outburst. The man continued to speak after clarifying he wasn’t from the area but was displeased by the park’s conditions after these types of events leave local parks. The next two speakers were also not from the area one, however, works in the Pilsen area. They reiterated the displeasure of cleanliness and pointed out issues about sound.
Additional speakers from outside the community shared their outrage about the festival and others like them. Several accused the Park District of not having the community’s interests in mind.
Riot Fest Permit
The Riot Fest has an attendance maximum of 50,000 people every day. The permit is projected to cost $705,000. They expect to start setting up for the event between September 6 and the 14th. The event – if approved today – will start on September 15 with an ending date of the 17th. Moreover, the teardown process will take place between September 18 to the 22nd.
In addition to adding noise control solutions, they will also have booths for local vendors and nonprofits. Riot Fest is also extending the areas available for free tickets to a four-block radius. Furthermore, Riot Fest has partnered up with local organizations like Boxing Out Negativity and will be assisting in the Juneteenth event.
Wanting to be Part of the Community
Riot Fest has stated on its website and during the meeting they wish to make Douglas Park their home. The commissioners would like Riot Fest to know if that’s the case then they need to participate and help the community all year round not just during their event.
They also need to employ local talents, local vendors, and community members. The way to heal is to respect and acknowledge all aspects of the community. They need to apologize for any wrongdoings if that is the case.
All of the Commissioners approved Riot Fest’s permit.
Source:
Chicago Park District: Live Meeting June 14, 2023
WGN 9 Chicago: Chicago Park District expected to vote on Riot Fest permit as some object
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of swimfinfan‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Images Courtesy of Sheena Robertson
