Chicago Park District Board of

Commissioners
541 North Fairbanks Court, 7th Floor
312/742.4200 (phone)
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
News Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Bryce Yancy,
November 10, 2021 bryce.yancy@chicagoparkdistrict.com

Statement from Chicago Park District Board President Avis LaVelle

(Chicago, IL) For more than 30 years, I have been in public service for the City of Chicago—
for all but three of those years and right through to the present, I volunteered as a board
member and in Board leadership.

In all those years, I operated with fairness, honesty, and integrity. These are the values that
have guided my actions every step of the way.

And in all cases, my commitment to public service has come from my heart. I love this city
and its residents and have been guided by my desire to do what I can to give back.

Today, I speak to you with that same commitment.

As I have said before, I am deeply sorry the culture of abuse and harassment was allowed to
fester in the Beaches & Pools Division of the Chicago Park District. It is apparent that this
went on for many years, even decades before I joined the CPD Board. I take responsibility
because it came to light on my watch.

My fellow board members are not to blame for this culture of abuse and should not be held
responsible. My fellow commissioners were not aware of the investigation for many, months.
The Office of Inspector General reports only to the Board President and all investigations are
held confidential until they reach a conclusion. That is not the best protocol, so I have
recommended the Board form a committee to oversee IG investigations going forward from
here.
I fully supported a thorough investigation—one that followed the facts to reveal what
happened, who was responsible for this abusive behavior, and who tried to cover it up instead
of addressing it.

While the facts may not matter to everyone, I am confident that the facts to date and those yet
to be disclosed will show that I acted honestly and responsibly here, as I have throughout my
entire public career. If you know me, then you know that’s how I have lived my life publicly and
privately.

My integrity and reputation are among the things I value most. I came to this board position
with my integrity and reputation intact. I would do nothing-- in this role or in any position-- to
put that at risk.

I have worked alongside the new CPD leadership to initiate policy changes that are
underway—with much more to come—to build the positive, nurturing culture the Park District,
its employees, and patrons all deserve.

As the work at CPD moves forward, I am gratified to see the positive impact of new
leadership. I have known and worked with Interim Superintendent Rosa Escareno for many
years. I respect and admire her for the ability, fresh perspective and energy she is bringing to
the Park District.

With this understanding, I’ve made the decision to step down—guided by my values and
consistent with my legacy of integrity. This will be my last meeting and my last day as
President and as a member of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners.

Let me be clear. I am not being forced out. Mayor Lightfoot did not ask me to resign. She has
been resolute in her support of me publicly and privately. For that I am profoundly grateful.

I thank Mayor Lightfoot for allowing me to serve the Park District under her administration and
for allowing me the freedom to make this choice for myself and by myself.

I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the many great men and women who work here—
who have worked here over the decades. I grew up in Chicago Parks, and I met so many of
those dedicated workers then—have met so many more being on the board for many years.
Chicago parks are a vital part of the fabric of life here in Chicago. For generations, the parks
have been our front yard gardens, our backyard playgrounds, and the place we gather with
family & friends to learn, play, and preserve our health.

With a lifelong appreciation for that role, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as
President of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners.

I leave you knowing that you are in good hands with a board comprised of committed public
servants and a great new leadership team.

I am stepping off this stage and on to the next with my head held high and with the knowledge
that I have done my best to serve.

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