The Chicago Park District has announced opportunities for concession operations in city parks in 2023.

"We welcome the traditional, but essential park concessions that have become a staple in many parks, and encourage new experiential concepts to expand our range of offerings and grow opportunities for local entrepreneurs in their communities," Rosa Escareño, general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, said. "Concessions in the parks are designed to deliver the highest quality and variety of goods, commodities, and services, while enhancing visitor experience."

The Park District’s Focus Community Area pilot program "will help local entrepreneurs expand their businesses in South/West Side parks by supporting business endeavors and creating more opportunities for emerging vendors by reducing or eliminating some fees and costs in an effort to elevate businesses," according to the city.

The Park District will consider "creative concession concepts" such as cooking on site, selling prepackaged food, or selling noncooked products, the district said.

"Concessions that would enhance Chicago’s parks include but are not limited to food and beverage operations, including fine dining restaurants, cafés and grab-n-go operators. Service concessionaires have varied from bike rental and maintenance services, Segway rentals, massage services, rental of beach chairs and umbrellas," the city said. "Water equipment rentals have varied from rental of jet skis, rental of kayaks and rental of stand-up paddle boards."  

Applications can be found at www.parkconcessions.com and must be submitted online, no later than 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12.