posted Mar 26, 2021, 7:22 PM by UPAC UPAC
Unity's 2021 Kicks Off with Our Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt
Volunteers needed to fill candy bags!
We'll be hard at work tomorrow 3/20 from 9 AM - 2 PM, stop by or email info@UnityPArkChicago.org to help!
How to Egg Hunt?
Here are all the EGG-citing details!
Last year we had to cancel our Unity Park Easter Egg Hunt but this year it's back in a fun new and SAFE way that will also help support local businesses while creating a fun, way for families to explore the community.
This year UPAC is teaming up with Grace Church for a EASTER EGG SCAVENGER HUNT. From March 35th Through April 2nd, participants will find Easter Eggs placed in the windows of local businesses and search for other items on the scavenger hunt list. Scavenger hunt lists can be picked up at select locations and will be available as a download on the UPAC website and several TBA.
On Saturday, April 3rd, participants can bring their lists of found items to Unity Park from 10 AM - 1 PM and exchange it for a special Easter treat bag with goodies & prizes. (While supplies last!)
The event is free.
Want to Have Your Business or Organization Participate?
Sponsorship opportunities begin at just $10 and your business will appear in promotions for the event plus it's a great way to highlight your business and support UPAC! Contact Beth Juarez, Co-Director of Development at juarez@bbbschicago.org
|
|
posted Mar 16, 2021, 7:25 PM by UPAC UPAC
U*foria! A Silent Auction and Raffle to Benefit Fun Programming at Unity Park!
Presenting U*Foria, an online fundraiser! U*Foria takes the place of UPAC's annual Winter Party for the Park fundraiser at WeeGee's, has two components - an online silent auction and a raffle. All proceeds from U*Foria will help support UPAC's programs and projects at Unity Park and sustain our tradition of offering free, family-friendly, and vibrant programs to the neighborhood.
So check out and bid on 20 one-of-a-kind keepsakes and experiences, including those pictured here (complete list after the pictures)! Make sure you get your bid in early and often!
Items include gift cards, a custom pinata, bike essentials, and much much more (click on any image to bid)! And be sure to check out the goodies being raffled off in the next section below!
|
|
|
And here's the complete list of auction items.
| Tour the Square! Logan Square Guided Tour by author/historian Andrew Schneider |
Original Artwork by Jane Michalski "Small Bedrock Color II" |
Original artwork by Julie Sultzen "Bloomingdale Trail in the Winter" PLUS 8 "Couch House in Winter" notecards by Julie Sultzen |
Set of 5 "Art Deco Hotels of Miami Beach" photographs by Robert Castillo |
| Custom Piñata by Mosaico Arte Chicago |
Set of Ortrief Classic Waterproof Panniers from Boulevard Bikes |
Tree Care by Betsy! Two hours of expert tree care & elm tree planting by Betsy Elsaesser |
An Avondale Adventure with Dan Pogorzelski Avondale Guided Tour |
| Logan Square Framers & Farmers Package: LGNSQ The Logan Square Book plus 2 Logan Square Farmers Market Totes & Gift Cards |
Original artwork 4 by Steve Keene |
Original artwork by photographer Julie Dworkin |
Rev Brew Gift Cards donated by Liberty Bank |
| Metropolis Coffee "Coffee Lovers" Gift Basket |
2 framed 16 x 20 botanical images |
2 Original artworks from Tristine Walker Imagery "Ascend" & "StereoMind" |
Fellini's Des Femmes Movie Poster Framed 47in x 63in |
| Original artwork by Flash ABC |
Original artwork by Gilbert "Love Art" |
Original artwork by Kim Wiater |
Untitled Piece/Artist Unknown |
| Original artwork by Tracy Kostenbader, "Untitled" |
|
|
Throw Your Hat into the Ring in Our Raffle!
You can also enter the raffle and support UPAC by making a donation of $5 or more here. Alternately, you may mail us a check, to the following address, but please send an email to Info@UnityParkChicago.org immediately if you do so.
Unity Park Advisory Council
2732 N Avers Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
Winners will be announced December 20th. Complete list of raffle items below their pictures (click on any picture to donate and enter the raffle)!
|
|
|
And here's a list of raffle items!
|
|
LoganSquarist T-shirt, Mug & Sticker
|
Lucha Libre in the Park T-shirts
|
UPAC Maggie & Milton Soy candles
|
|
| Fleur Care box
|
Gardening set (tools, gloves, seeds and a book)
|
Family Fun Pack with 10 toys & games for children ages 2-10
|
|
LGNSQ The Logan Square Book
|
I Love Logan Square tote bag
|
Shawnimals Pork Dumplings including one with box signed by artist
|
|
A Quick Recap of Unity's 2020!
UPAC had to cut back its usual full event schedule this year due to the pandemic, but still managed to hold To-Go versions of its popular Art in the Park and Pumpkinfest events. We even had a community Asian Carp taco BBQ with the help of our partners! We look forward to resuming and even expanding our schedule next year... there are rumors of an expanded sports schedule, so stay tuned!
Here are some pictures to transport you back to the sunny days of months past and the events that happened - click the pictures to open albums on a new page!
In July, we gave out free art kits assembled by UPAC members and friends at Art in the Park at Home!
Then came fall, and the Asian Carp taco BBQ!
... and more BBQ pics...
And then our Fall classic with a lockdown twist, Pumpkinfest-To-Go!
Plus Rollin' Rec! And your participation in U*foria - the auction or the raffle - will support even more and even brighter events in 2021!
P.S. Santa's elves have been busy putting up lights on the Unity Park gazebo, go check it out!
|
|
posted Dec 17, 2020, 5:34 PM by UPAC UPAC
On Giving Tuesday, Give to Keep Our Park Vibrant!
We are always amazed at how our neighbors step with with their donations of time and money to keep the programming going at Unity Park; 90% of the programs at Unity at organized and paid for by the Advisory Council. So we need you to give!
|
|
|
|
Craft and candy bags that will be given out along with the pumpkins
|
|
Pumpkins and Decorations (Plus a Few Surprises!) to Be Distributed Saturday 10/24 From 10 Am Until Supplies Last!
We'll celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our Fall Classic - Pumpkinfest, with a special To-Go version. The popular (and free!) event will be held on Saturday, October 24th at Unity Park, and kicks off at 10 AM and will run until supplies last.
Due to current guidelines there will not be a pumpkin patch or pumpkin decoration stations. This year's event will feature free pumpkins, free popcorn and a craft bag filled with fun decorations so children can decorate safely at home. No costume parade will be held but folks are encouraged to wear costumes. Safety guidelines will be practiced including masks/facial coverings and social distancing.
Please share pictuers of decorated pumpkins on social media, and tag UPAC with #PumpkinfestToGo & #MyPumpkin
|
Our 2020 Pumpkinfest To-Go Sponsors
| Chicago Park District |
Dill Pickle Food Coop |
Walgreens |
| Allstate Insurance/Ortega Family Agency |
Cook County Commissioner Luis Arroyo Jr. |
State Representative Will Guzzardi |
| Oak Street Health |
Logan Square Mutual Aid |
Monarch Thrift Shop |
| State Representative Will Guzzardi |
Tracy Kostenbader |
Grace Church Logan Square |
|
Necessary & Sufficient Coffee |
|
How to Get In on the Fun
|
Chicago Halloweek Guidelines
For info about Chicago's Halloweek including the guidelines Mayor Lightfoot aka Rona Fighter, announced today,
click here! Have fun and do your part to fight the pandemic!
|
|
|
posted Oct 19, 2020, 4:48 PM by UPAC UPAC
See Where You can get your Art in the Home Kit
Download the Unity Coloring Book! folding version non-folding version (bigger pictures)
Unity Park Advisory Council (UPAC) will be hosting an "at home" version of the organization's popular Art in the Park event this year due to current COVID-19 guidelines. The organization plans to distribute 1000 art kits to the community.
The kits will be distributed free (1 per person, while supplies last) at the following locations:
- Monday, June 15th, 9AM - 1PM* @ Monroe School, 3651 W Schubert.
The distribution will happen during the free meal distribution program
* Please note that we may not be there the full 4 hours; it is only while supplies last.
- Saturday, June 20th, 9AM - 1PM* @ Unity Park, 2636 N Kimball.
The distribution will also include mask distribution by Ald. Rosa & Commissioner Arroyo
* Please note that we may not be there the full 4 hours; it is only while supplies last.
Each art kit will contain a collection of materials including canvases, paint, brushes, craft supplies, papers, donated stickers and our 1st ever ART in the Park At Home Coloring Pages booklet.
Local artist Amie Sell (amiesell.com) is coordinating this year's ART in the Park and has coordinated the event for several years. Sell has enlisted the support of local arts collective AnySquared Projects whose members have donated 1000 stickers, donated images to and helped create an ART in the Park Coloring Pages booklet and have helped assemble kits at their Life In Progress exhibit at Hairpin Arts Center. A Logan Square themed coloring page centerfold by Scott Kroll is also included in the booklet. There are also plans to make the Coloring Book pages downloadable from the UPAC website (UnityParkChicago.Org)
"Cancelling Art in the Park was not an option. Finding a way to pull it off during a pandemic was easy with many people wanting to do something joyful and positive for the kids. I believe art has the power to heal and asking the kids to Reimagine CommUnity is the perfect theme for these times where the future may seem abstract, but together we can begin to envision a world we never thought possible." stated Amie Sell, Art in the Park 2020 Coordinator.
"UPAC is proud to continue our history of providing a creative outlet for the community thru our annual Art in the Park. We may not be holding the event at Unity Park this year but we're still providing all the materials necessary for participants to art at home and create in place. We're thankful for such a supportive community that is helping make this new way of hosting Art in the Park possible and look forward to seeing how the artists address the theme of Re-Imagining CommUNITY! added UPAC's Robert Castillo.
ART in the Park is one of UPAC's Summer staples and brings together artists of all ages and skill levels to create art in an open air setting. This year, kits will be distributed so children can #artathome and #createinplace to ensure safety. UPAC will post pics of completed works on UPAC social media and participants are encouraged to tag UPAC using hashtag #artinthepark2020 with pics of their work or email images to: info@UnityParkChicago.Org and include first name, age & name of work.
Artists will also have the option of having their work displayed at a future UPAC event and can arrange for a contact less pick up. Details will be posted on UPAC social media in the coming months.
Our 2020 Art in the Park contributors, partners, sponsors & volunteers include:
| Alderman Carlos Rosa |
Amanda Dietrich |
Amie Sell |
Friends who assembled kits |
| AnySquared Projects |
Cook County Commissioner Luis Arroyo Jr. |
Connie Baznik |
James Monroe Elementary School, Principal Bryan Quinlan |
|
| Logan Square Mutual Aid |
Scott Kroll |
Sommers & Fahrenbach Full Service Printers |
State Representative Will Guzzardi |
|
| Tracy Kostenbader |
Unity Park Advisory Council |
The Waste Shed |
|
Chicago Parks Re-opening Plans
Please click the headline above to read about how the Chicago Park Districts plans to open the parks this summer.
Remember, playgrounds can transmit COVID-19, and remain closed!
Register for summer programs hosted by the Park District at neighboring parks. We do not have these programs at Unity PArk, but we are planning to bring them soon!
|
|
posted Jun 11, 2020, 8:42 PM by UPAC UPAC
|
|
We're planning something exciting for Art in the Park 2020 - Stay tuned, and let us know if you want to help out!
|
What Should the Parks Do for the Summer?
The wheels are turning for how Chicago is going to reopen and that includes our lakefront and other parks. As the Park District plans how to best serve Chicago this summer, they are asking for your thoughts on a variety of possible programming options.
Please take the time to share your thoughts and preferences by completing this Summer Programming Survey. The survey will be available through Friday, May 22nd.
Also, the Friends of the Parks, who work to bring great parks for everyone, wants to know how they can best engage with you so that they can represent your interests better, so please let them know through this survey!
|
We need your help to keep Chicago safe!
We remind you that the Governor’s Stay at Home order is in effect until at least April 30, 2020. This is essential to flatten the infection curve. Additionally, all playgrounds in Chicago's parks are closed, and some parks (such as the Bloomingdale/606 Trail and Lakefront Path) are closed too.
While other parks can be used, you must follow safe-distancing and mask guidelines. No congregating nor contact sports. While parks are a great asset and respite to many Chicagoans, parks should only be used for activities like quick bike rides, walks and jogs. We suggest keeping it to 15 minutes. As Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot have reminded all residents – aside from necessary personnel, people should stay home and only go out for essential visits like doctor appointments and grocery shopping.
We need your help to keep Chicago safe. Please follow the directions above. Playground surfaces can harbor the COVID-19 virus; and they are not being disinfected continuously. While it appear to be a nice day to play there, you are setting up yourself and your children for an infection if you play there.
Some useful links
|
The Easter Egg Hunt and Earth Day are Canceled!
Our events and in-person meetings are canceled until further notice.
Please interact with us and other park users on our Facebook page.
|
|
posted Apr 5, 2020, 12:34 PM by UPAC UPAC
The fun and family-friendly programs that we put on at Unity Park keep the neighborhood vibrant and engage our neighbors. They're free to anyone who comes to the park, and that is only possible because of the generosity of neighbors like you and local businesses and elected officials.
A fun way to contribute is to come to our party!
Thursday, December 5 th 2019, 6-10 PM
Weegee's Lounge, 3659 W. Armitage Ave.
The party is such an enjoyable experience that it feels unbelievable that you're supporting our programs at the same time! For a small donation, $20, you get an entry that includes delicacies from the finest local restaurants, a drink, and an raffle entry. Oh, the raffle prizes are always amazing too! So get your tickets here now!
Here's a glimpse of some of the prizes in the raffle or up for auction at the party. And we have food from Buona Terra, Reno, and more on the way!
|
posted Nov 9, 2019, 10:49 AM by UPAC UPAC
In less than 24 hours ,Opera-matic will bring Lost and Found" to Unity Park! This free performance is part of Chicago Park District's Nights Out in the Parka 2019 - Year of Chicago Theatre.
And don't worry about the cold - we’ve got hot cocoa, a bunch of hand warmers, fire pits, and outdoor space heaters to warm up the event!
Opera-matic is returning back to Unity Park with their Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) theme show, Lost and Found! We all remember their hit Joyful Passage show from last year!
November 2nd, 5 - 7:30 PM at Unity Park
Opera-Matic's "Lost and Found" event series will feature live music, interactive art, and a variety of activities and experiences guided by an ensemble of theatre performers, including a Carnival of Lost Things and a Memory Parade. Opera-Matic events are designed to be enjoyed by park neighbors and community members of all ages and backgrounds.
|
posted Nov 1, 2019, 7:36 PM by UPAC UPAC
There will be so much happening on Saturday at Pumpkinfest at Unity Park, from 10 AM - 2 PM.
- Pumpkins - free, 1 per child, till supplies last
- Pumpkin-decorating
- Face-painting
- Costume parade at 12 noon led by Ald. Carlos Rosa
- Chicago Hockey Initiative's "Puck-In-Fest"
- Seasonal music by Jim Ryan and DJ GIO Sandz
- Popcorn, apple cider, and sweets
And, several local organizations and elected officials will have tables at the event, including State Representative Will Guzzardi and Inner City Impact.
Pumpkinfest will also serve as a voting location for the 35th Ward Partcipatory Budget Voting.
Help make this the biggest and best Pumpkinfest ever - email us to volunteer!
Thank you to these Pumpkinfest sponsors!
- Dill Pickle Food Co-op
- S G Cap Trading
- State Senator Iris Y. Martinez
- State Representative Will Guzzardi
- Chicago Park District
- Unity Park Advisory Council
|
posted Oct 17, 2019, 1:24 PM by UPAC UPAC
Fall is here, and Unity's fall line-up is here to go along with your pumpkin spice latte!
Health & Wellness Fair This Weekend!
Dr. Jessica Reggi and Katie Palmer will be at our health and wellness event at Unity Park on Saturday, September 28, from 10:30 AM - 12 PM. They'll tell you how to stay healthy the fall, with tips from pediatrics, yoga, and more!
|
Don't Miss Midnight Circus at Kosciuszko Park!
The big tent is back at Kosciuszko Park, with two shows each on October 5th and 6th! Not only can you enjoy and marvel at the amazing feats of acrobatics, juggling, and other world‐class contemporary circus performances , but you support your neighborhood parks as you do so!
Make it a circus night out (or matinee show) at Koz Park, or any of the other parks in the schedule below!
Want to help with the circus (and see the show for free)? Email us to find out more, or come to our next meeting - Wednesday, 10/2/2019 7 PM at LSNA, 2840 N. Milwaukee Ave.
|
Pumpkinfest - Join the Team!
Before you know it, it'll be time for charlie to roam the pumpkin patch! Come join us as we scheme to make this the biggest and best Pumpkinfest ever - email us to join, or come to our next meeting - Wednesday, 10/2/2019 7 PM at LSNA, 2840 N. Milwaukee Ave.
|
|
posted Sep 25, 2019, 1:25 PM by UPAC UPAC
No prizes for guessing what is up on August 31! (Hint: see the flyer below :)
|
|
