Year in Review 2017 - Carol Stream Park District

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Every Season - Every Age - Every Interest

YEAR IN REVIEW

Something for Everyone!

Community Needs Assessment

Hello Carol Stream Residents,

The Park District reached out to residents in 2017 to find out how we are doing. Operating within the theme of “Taking care of what we have,” we worked with the Office of Recreation and Park Resources of the University of Illinois to conduct a community needs assessment.They studied population, developed a survey, conducted meetings and focus groups, and conducted interviews with commissioners, staff and community leaders. Focus was on current issues, anticipated needs and future trends impacting the Carol Stream Park District community. The survey was mailed to a random selection of residents in May 2017. Recipients of the survey were able to tell us how we did, where we can improve and what else residents would like to see. We used these results as the groundwork for our Strategic and Master Plans.

Strategic Plan The strategic plan process starts with the mission statement of the organization:

The mission of the Carol Stream Park District is to enrich our community by fulfilling our residents’ needs for healthy, accessible, quality recreation activities, parks and facilities, and to be responsible stewards of our community resources.

Using the mission statement to define strategy or direction and recognizing what residents shared in the needs assessment, the Park District has developed a Strategic Plan.The plan, which is Board and Staff driven, identifies key priorities, focuses our energy and resources, and ensures employees are working toward the intended outcomes. Implementation covers a five-year period starting 2018 through 2022 and establishes the organization’s goals and the actions needed to achieve those goals.The plan is designed to adjust in a changing environment. It guides all that we do as an organization.

We rolled out our mobile friendly website in 2017! Now our residents can access the website from any device! We’ve also revamped our concession operations and are providing a fresher variety of food at our facilities.

The District continued its work on a comprehensive Capital Repair and Replacement Program. The plan lays out a timeline and funding needs for equipment, vehicles, facilities, parks, playgrounds, parking lots, and technology.

We looked beyond the surface and assessed amenities such as HVAC systems, furnaces and boilers. It’s our goal to better prepare the Park District for the future needs of the community.

The District continues to maintain strong relationships with our local government partners like the Village of Carol Stream; School Districts 93, 25, and 87; Librar y, Fire District; Rotar y, Chamber, County and Township. With these partnerships, we have found ways to expand ser vices, save money on local projects, and increase communication. We also applaud ever y single volunteer who dedicates their time and talent in numerous ways throughout the year. From the volunteer coaches, to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation members, to the Glenbard North Young Men’s Ser vice League . . . we are a strong Park District because of you!

The Carol Stream Park District has seen much change in the past decade. We built Fountain View Recreation Center and McCaslin Park Sports Complex. We worked with DuPage County and the Village to help divert flooding from residential areas around Armstrong Park. We built the Bark Park, partnered to create a Disc Golf Course, converted Slepicka Farm to a passive park, updated playgrounds, purchased a new bus for trips, updated programming rooms, and repaired parking lots - things that improved ser vices and amenities for all residents, in other words, “something for ever yone.”

Jim Reuter, Executive Director

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The Park District Board of Commissioners and staff met to identify goals to accomplish in the next 5-10 years, particularly with facilities and parks. Having a long-range vision for the development and maintenance of facilities and parks provides specific direction and is key in the evaluation of future capital improvements. It also creates standards for ongoing park maintenance.Thematic concepts weave through the goals, objectives and tasks. Some thematic concepts include: fiscal responsibility, community reputation, providing community benefits, taking care of what we have, operating efficiently, meeting the needs of our demographics, park and facility improvements and maximizing usage. The Master Plan lays out the groundwork for the District’s future.

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Master Plan

The year 2017 was busy evaluating how well we ser vice our residents. Thank you to those residents who responded to our Community Needs Assessment sur vey. That important information led to the development of our 3-5 year Strategic Plan as well as our longer term Master Plan. Visit our website to view the full plans.

to past Board Member, Wynn Ullman (2009-2017)

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to new Board Member, Anthony Del Preto (2017-2019)

Awards & Grants $200,000 Community Block Development Grant to develop a new park at Carolshire/Klein Creek Condominiums.

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2018.

Government Finance Officers Association Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting - 16th Consecutive.

Volunteers

Earned accreditation level for risk management by the Park District Risk Management Association.

Commissioner Tim Powers (pictured below) recognized by Illinois Association of Park Districts as Master Board Member for 10 years of service.

Sponsorships, Advertising, and Donations

The District is grateful for over 900 volunteers hours received in 2017.

That doesn’t include the huge number of hours from sports team coaches, and team parent volunteers at events, and productions. We partnered with Glenbard North High School ‘Advancing into Mainstream’ students, who volunteered to complete various assigned tasks and projects at both Fountain View and Simkus Recreation Centers.

We are fortunate to have local businesses who give back to the community. Generous donations and sponsorships helped to keep our programs affordable. In 2017, the District received over $67,000 in sponsorship revenue and in-kind donations valued at over $12,000.

Supporting the The Carol Stream Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing financial support for residents of the Carol Stream Park District. The Foundation has been the driving force behind the ‘Raise the Flag” for the new Veteran’s Memorial Plaza Project. In addition, the Foundation donated $2,000 to the District’s Youth Scholarship program in 2017.

Foundation Members: Frank Parisi, President, Alann Petersen, Vice President, Clem Malinowski, Treasurer, Jim Reuter, Secretary, Mike Ashby, Board Member, Cindy Carlson, Board Member, Dave Creighton, Board Member, Craig Cronquist, Board Member, Carol Floren, Board Member, Amanda Vasak, Board Member, Pam Falco, Staff Liaison , Bike Club Contact: Steve Ravanesi

Pictured From Left: Alann Petersen, Dan Bird, Brenda Gramann, Tim Powers, Jacqueline Jeffery, Brian Sokolowski, John Jaszka, Jim Reuter, and Frank Parisi

Recreation

Every Season—Every Interest—Every Age! That’s what we provide for the residents of Carol Stream. Through the 2017 Community Needs Assessment we were able to confirm that our residents enjoy a variety of activities and pastimes. That’s why we are proud to have so many options!

Before & After School Care

Dance

Forever Young

The ActivKids Before and After School program served 335 children in 2017. In addition to providing safe and convenient before and after school care, children gain social interaction and participate in fun activities. Fountain View Fitness staff brought health and fitness activities to the kids each month.

The Recital and Seasonal Dance program groomed 183 young dancers in 2017, and over 750 viewers were in attendance for the spring dance recital. Adult dance programs such as Ballroom, Salsa, Swing and Line dancing drew over 125 participants.

Forever Young is not just for those over 50! Over 3,700 participants enjoyed 117 programs and events, from ziplining, Cirque du Soleil, holiday luncheons, casinos and even aqua Zumba. Overnight trips entertained 92 participants at Mackinac Island and Canada.

Community/Special Events

Fountain View Fitness continues to serve just over 3,100 members through a combination of all-inclusive benefits, walking track and corporate memberships. Walking track memberships total 269 residents. An average of 600 members visit the fitness center daily to enjoy the health benefits of unlimited fitness classes, fitness equipment, scheduled lap swim and walking track.

These events remain popular for our residents. Mom-Son Prom, Daddy Daughter Dance, Father’s Day Fishing Derby, Holiday Trolley Express, Middle School Bonfire, Bunny Bash and BooFest are some of events offered. Staff work to develop and offer events for every season and every interest!

Fitness

In 2017 we added 5 new aqua classes, 12 new group fit classes to include Forever Young, Kids Zumba and Yoga. A new spin bike and cross training lateral X machine were added.

Special fitness events included the Fitness and Nutrition Expo, Fit for Life competition, Sofa to So Fast with a new 5K race as the final goal, and the 500-mile walking challenge. We design our programs and classes to meet the varying needs of our patrons.

Gardening Plots Slepicka Park offers garden plots for rent, and in 2017, 17 residents used them to grow vegetables and herbs.

Gymnastics Gymnastics accommodated 1,110 kids from age one through high school. The 43-member Springers Gymnastics team brought home State awards in tumbling, optional and compulsory competitions to include gold, silver and bronze medals from the State Championship!

Mini Golf Over 13,000 rounds were played in 2017 at Coyote Crossing Mini Golf. Ten group outings were hosted, along with special events to include Mom/Son Date Night, Flashlight Egg Hunt, and 3 Cosmic Golf nights, drawing golfers of all ages.

Preschool The District’s dedicated early childhood center provided preschool programming to 122 kids in 2017. Children gained social interaction and participated in fun activities.

They also burned off energy during indoor field days at the Simkus Recreation Center during the winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions Rentals/Parties Of growing interest to residents is clean, beautiful and affordable rental space at Fountain View and Simkus Recreation Centers. A total of 234 room rentals took place in 2017. Themed birthday parties increased with a total of 108 birthday parties held.

Special Interest/Family/Nature The District offered a variety of youth and adult programs from knitting to nature programming to fun family trips!

Sports Armstrong and McCaslin Parks hosted 17 youth tournaments and 19 adult softball tournaments including the 12” USSSA Major and 16” SSA National tournaments for the third year in a row. The first youth baseball all-star event was hosted that drew kids from all over the Midwest to participate and show their skills to professional scouts.

Over 240 adult softball teams participated in 19 tournaments hosted.

There were over 2,300 youth that participated in baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball and dodgeball leagues while another 3,900 adults participated in softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, dodgeball and floor hockey leagues.

Summer Camp Awesome Adventure Camp offered something exciting for every camper entering 1st through 6th grades. Campers spent the summer swimming and enjoying activities such as ninja warrior training, laser tag and making ice cream. There were 20 different theme days, 10 field trips and 10 special events that created a fun-filled summer for campers.

Theatre The productions of the Lion King Jr. and Seussical Jr. saw 200 youth actors take a bow in over eight show days. Participants also took part in theatre camps and workshops.

Why is the restroom located away from the ballfields?

The ball fields and hub are within a floodway; buildings are not permitted in that area. The facility was built as close to the fields as allowed.

Where can we go snow sledding?

There are two sled hills available.

One is located at Weeks Park, 25 W149 Doris. The second one is located on the northeast side of Armstrong Park near the Kids World playground. Staff continue to supplement the height of the Armstrong sled hill with dirt left over from other projects.

Why doesn’t the District light parks and pathways?

Parks close at dusk. Without lighting, we hope to discourage unwanted behavior and ‘hanging out’ after the park closes.

Why does the landscaping at the Fountain View Recreation Center look like it needs help?

The landscaping surrounds a natural bioswale that helps compliments the facilities environmentally friendly LEED certification. The plantings are mainly native, salt tolerant, and drought tolerant.

Can the Park District mow less grass and maintain natural areas to reduce it’s carbon footprint and reduce costs?

We’ve already converted 10% of our park lands to ‘no mow’ areas. Native areas reduce mowing fuel usage and emissions.

Does the Park District seek out grant opportunities?

Yes; portions of McCaslin Sports Complex, Fountain View Recreation Center, Slepicka, Armstrong and Community Park were all completed with grant dollars. We’ve received over $3.6 million dollars in grants since 2010.

Who can I contact about maintenance of sports fields?

Our 10 person parks staff currently maintain a variety of 54 sports fields, along with over 460 acres of open space. Any issues can be reported to the Parks department.

Who maintains the trail system in town?

The Village of Carol Stream provides the awesome and extensive trail system through the village.

Can you add benches along trails?

The District maintains benches and picnic tables within the parks that it owns.

Parks & Facilities Projects

Armstrong Field 1

Ray Nazlian Field 1, located at the northwest corner of Armstrong Park, underwent a complete renovation in 2017 to improve drainage and playability. The infield was reconstructed and a new backstop and dugouts have been added. Pavers create a frame behind the backstop areas. New cement walkways and a planter box complete this beautiful field.

Help Stop Vandalism in the Parks

The District created a task force to fight vandalism in neighborhood parks. We’ve gained the support of the Police Department, School Districts and the Library to help spread the message. The “See Something, Say Something” campaign encourages kids and community members to report vandalism. The cost of vandalism in 2017 to the District and its residents was over $10,000.

New Concession Operations

Better food quality, more affordable pricing, and healthier selections all describe the District’s new concession stands. Home Plate Concessions at McCaslin Park and Cove Concessions at Coral Cove Water Park are now operated by the Park District.

The 2017 opening season was a great hit with residents!

Simkus Recreation Center

The facility underwent a mini-facelift last year. From new flooring, ADA-accessible doors/vestibules, to curb cuts and redesigned/newly landscaped center island, the Simkus Recreation Center remains the busy center for many recreational activities.

Shoreline Restoration

To distract geese and stabilize the shoreline at Veteran’s Park, we’ve restored the shoreline area along the bridge. The area acts as a buffer to improve water quality along the corridor. The variety of plants and flowers attract butterflies and birds.

Veterans Memorial Plaza We look forward to the completion of a new Veteran’s Memorial Plaza at Town Center. This project continues to gain momentum. Almost $82,000 was raised in 2017 putting the total raised over $100,000. With a fundraising goal of $200,000, there is still work to be done in 2018. The project is supported by the Carol Stream VFW, American Legion,Village Trustees, Mayor Frank Saverino, Chamber of Commerce, Park District Commissioners and Park District Staff.

Finance Reducing our Reliance on Taxes The overall operating revenues for the District are generated from two sources: taxes and earned revenues (fees, charges).

To offset the impact of the referendum bonds that were used to bring residents improvements such as McCaslin Sports Complex, Bark Park, Fountain View Recreation Center, and many other improvements, the District has worked to reduce its reliance on taxes to support operations. Since 2013 the District has lowered reliance on tax from 61.9% to 44.42% of its total operating budget.

Financial Report

YEAR ENDING 12/31/17

OPERATING FUNDS - REVENUES

Property/Corporate Taxes/Interest

$3,723,663

Recovery of Cost/Rentals/Sponsorships

$313,365

Vending/Concessions

$184,851

Programming Revenue Due From Other Funds/Miscellaneous

$3,764,014 $96,583

Awards/Grants/Donations Total Revenues

Tax Revenue Allocation 2018

$1,000 $8,083,477

OPERATING FUNDS - EXPENSES

Wages/Benefits/IMRF

$4,384,044

Utilities

$416,666

Services

$1,020,825

Supplies

$663,000

Audit/Insurance/Miscellaneous

$343,621

Capital Improvements Total Expenses

$35,015 $6,863,171

TOTAL OPERATING FUNDS NET $1,220,393 CAPITAL/RESTRICTED FUNDS - REVENUES

Property Taxes

$4,753,483

Interest Recovery of Cost Total Revenues

$6,656 $272,169 $5,032,307

CAPITAL/RESTRICTED FUNDS - EXPENSES

Wages/Benefits

$11,697

Services

$44,344

Capital Improvements Tax Allocation-WDSRA Supplies/Transfers Debt Service Total Expenses

TOTAL CAPITAL/RESTRICTED FUNDS NET

$1,111,612 $241,075 $11,786 $4,043,576 $5,464,091

$(431,783)

Comparison to Local Taxing Bodies Tax Bill 2017

The mission of the Carol Stream Park District is to enrich our community by fulfilling our residents needs for healthy, accessible, quality recreation activities, parks and facilities, and to be responsible stewards of our community resources.