BrightView Partners with Chicago Bears and PNC at El Valor

BrightView in Chicago is teaming up with the Chicago Bears, PNC Bank, and Gateway Green to enhance a park and construct a garden for El Valor, a nonprofit that supports and challenges urban families to achieve excellence and participate in community life in Chicago’s South Side. El Valor is the second largest provider of early child education in the city, yet the park at their Ray Gonzales Facility is outdated and surrounded by caution tape.

BrightView recently completed the design for a new park and community garden at the facility and is scheduled to begin construction this month. 

BrightView’s collaboration with high-profile partners in Chicago goes well beyond funding. Their plan is to work together – literally. BrightView teams have worked alongside more than 100 volunteers from PNC Bank and the Chicago Bears to remove dangerous playground equipment and conduct demolition to prepare for the new park. During the project’s construction phase, PNC and the Bears will be sending groups of five to 10 volunteers to work with our team on a daily basis.

“The collaborative approach of this area is focused on environmental stewardship, educational achievement and physical activity,” said Rey Gonzalez, CEO of El Valor. “These three elements ensure future generations can grow, learn, and find success.”

The new park and community garden will support education for children, increase family engagement in children’s early education and increase awareness of natural environments, urban conservation, and healthy food choices in the community.