<h2>Midwest Grows Green: Pesticide-Free Parks</h2>
<span style="color: #222222;">The goal of the Pesticide-Free Parks program is to </span>help park managers<a href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621.jpg"><img class="alignright wp-image-359" src="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/2100-x-1400-DandelionHeadband-e1380813500621-300x133.jpg" alt="Dandelion Headband" width="311" height="137" /></a> move toward the adoption of sustainable turf management practice, thereby reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and lessening lessen their impact on the health of people, pets, and the environment. Pesticide-Free Parks is designed as an educational tool to inform the community about natural lawn care and highlight the park district’s (or managing entity’s) commitment to healthful and environmentally responsible gathering spaces for the community.

<a href="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3008-x-2000-SoccerKids-e1380813891838.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-361" src="http://midwestpesticideaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/3008-x-2000-SoccerKids-e1380813891838.jpg" alt="SoccerKids" width="308" height="134" /></a>Through a public/private partnership, MPAC launched the first pesticide-free park program with the City of Evanston in 2015 with the designation of five parks as pesticide-free. MPAC created posters and other information materials distributed throughout Evanston’s parks to promote the program.  In addition, MPAC drafted a press release that was picked up by over 18 media outlets, providing the program with exposure and positive feedback. Our hope is to grow the Pesticide-Free Parks program in other communities across the Midwest.
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>What is a pesticide-free park?</strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">We define a pesticide-free park as one that is maintained under the principals of natural lawn care. As part of the program, signage will be incorporated to let the community know that the park is being managed without the use of harmful chemicals that could compromise the health of their children and the natural environment. A press release that will be covered by local media outlets such as newspapers and online journals will also be utilized to draw community attention to the initiative.</p>