The McKinley Park Civic Association , the longest-serving and only resident membership organization in Chicago's McKinley Park neighborhood, held its meeting on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library , welcoming new members and putting a new cadre of officers to work.

The association also voted to again be a part of the Chicago's Birthday Party event, at which all gather at the geographic center of Chicago to sing Happy Birthday to Chicago in multiple languages. The celebration for Chicago's 189th birthday is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Association President Chris Bania also provided updates on new programs, including welcome letters for new residents moving to McKinley Park, and a neighborhood holiday decorations contest. Bania welcomed the association's new digital coordinator, who is building an association website and capability for online membership signup.

Bania also noted the association's Christmas party in December, at which all members are welcome. He shared that association membership has nearly doubled over the summer to more than 50 members, and he welcomed more neighborhood residents and businesses to join. (Membership costs $5.)

Kate Eakin and Eladio Montenegro from the McKinley Park Development Council also attended and spoke about development council programs, including improvements to the Chicago River and Sanitary and Ship Canal, and programs to help the West 35th Street commercial corridor.

The next McKinley Park Civic Association Meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the McKinley Park public library, 1915 W. 35th St., Chicago.