As a board member of Friends of the Parks I would like to point out a recent improvement in one of Grant Park`s most visible sections. The maintenance of the area across from the Cultural Center was recently privatized. This section has been deplorable for many years. This summer there are office workers enjoying the two flower gardens in front of the fountains during their lunch breaks.
I urge that this park be viewed as a pilot project for privatization of the maintenance of all of Grant Park and eventually all of our parks.
This summer we have lost many elm trees in Grant Park, the largest remaining stand of American elms in the country. Year after year we lose these beautiful trees because the Park District puts so little of its $350 million budget into landscaping and maintenance. Since this is such a small part of its budget, it is obviously a low priority the Park District should not mind giving up.
Given the many municipal and state budget crises, taxpayers must look to privatization as one means of receiving improved services at less expense.
