Our Community Spotlights feature all the wonderful food, nightlife, and local businesses found within Douglass Park, home to Riot Fest. Join us throughout the year as the Riot Fest staff recommends their favorite spots in the neighborhood on a continuing basis—in hopes that you’ll make a stop in Douglass Park before, during, and well after the fest concludes.
At the heart of Chicago’s West Side, Douglass Park Advisory Council (DPAC) stands as a dedicated force for community advocacy, engagement, and revitalization. Established in 2016, DPAC has been instrumental in fostering positive change in North Lawndale, ensuring that the park and its surrounding neighborhoods remain spaces of opportunity, recreation, and connection for all residents.
A Mission Rooted in Community
DPAC’s mission is clear: to provide opportunities that achieve community goals through outreach, positive communication, and active engagement with residents, park patrons, and local organizations. Their commitment is reflected in their core services:
Community Awareness
Keeping residents informed about park developments, resources, and city initiatives.
Community Engagement
Bringing people together to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Community Outreach
Ensuring that voices are heard and needs are met through various programs and events.
Community Partnerships
Collaborating with both public and private entities to enhance parklands and facilities.
Special Events
Hosting programs and celebrations that highlight the vibrancy of Douglass Park and its residents.
Through these efforts, DPAC actively promotes leadership and involvement, offering recreation programs, educational resources, employment opportunities, and distribution of donated items to community members of all ages.
A Leader Committed to Change
For nearly five decades, Dr. Latasha Ajayi has called the Douglass Park community home. Her deep-rooted connection to the neighborhood and unwavering commitment to its residents led her to take an active role in DPAC. Recognizing that many community members were unaware of available opportunities and park initiatives, she stepped up to bridge the gap and bring people together.
Latasha believes in three key principles that drive DPAC’s success: initiative, organization, and communication.
Initiative
Latasha emphasizes the importance of going beyond expectations, making herself available, and taking proactive steps to understand the needs of the community.
Organization
Under her leadership, DPAC has structured itself through a strategic plan, subcommittees, and leadership development. Each member plays a vital role, ensuring that goals are met efficiently and effectively.
Communication
DPAC has made it a priority to keep residents informed through surveys, social media outreach, and direct engagement. This has led to increased participation and excitement about community-driven projects, such as park renovations and special events.
Impact and Looking Ahead
In 2017, DPAC was recognized as a recipient of the Chicago Parks Foundation’s Connecting Communities Award, a testament to its meaningful impact. The grant was used to enhance community events like the Naw Head for Life Reunion, an annual gathering focused on health, music, and food, bringing together residents in celebration and support.
Latasha envisions an even stronger future for DPAC and Douglass Park. She encourages everyone to get involved in their local community, acknowledging that while the work is hard, the rewards are immeasurable. With a passionate team and a growing network of community partners, DPAC continues to shape a more inclusive, engaged, and empowered neighborhood.
As Latasha puts it, “Douglass Park is coming with better things in the future.” And with DPAC leading the way, the future is indeed bright for this beloved community space.
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