Year in Review 2018 - Carol Stream Park District

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bor h g i e n r u sident o e r g P d r a o B “Helpin , i lowsk - Brian Soko

o t u o y k n T h a ou r Volu nte e rs!

Hello Carol Stream Residents,

The park district had a busy and exciting 2018! Our commitment to bring a variety of quality programs, activities and ser vices was made possible in part by volunteers who gave their time and talents to help. The support of our volunteers speaks to the importance of family, friendships and community.

What a community!

Each year residents give hours of their time by volunteering with the Carol Stream Park District.

Saying thank you just does not seem like enough.

The District hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Event at Coral Cove Water park over the summer as a way to say ‘Thank You’.

Without you, hundreds of our patrons wouldn’t have been able to have fun, build memories, socialize, or enjoy activities.

Why do you do it?

Because we are all in this together; we all believe in Carol Stream as a community, a wonderful place to live, raise our families, and create wonderful friendships.

We couldn’t do it without you!

We’re always looking for volunteers. If you’re interested, complete our volunteer application at csparks.org.

The District continues to follow residents’ resounding direction to ‘Take Care of What We Have’. Energy efficient LED lighting replaced old lighting at Red Hawk Park, Simkus Recreation Center Gym, Coral Cove Water Park and our Park Maintenance Facility. Diseased trees were removed and replaced at Simkus Recreation Center as well as other parks. The pathway at Pleasant Hill Park was replaced, and several older pieces of equipment were replaced with new pieces at Fountain View Fitness.

Some improvements aren’t quite as visible. The District recently converted its network to a fiber connection. The conversion allows us to take advantage of web-based ser vices and rely less on costly hardware. A District-wide plan was developed to identify accessibility improvements and ADA accommodations.

This will ser ve as a guide for us over the next several years.

The District also went through a vigorous review of administrative operations and earned the Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited Agency designation in 2018. We were also successful in being awarded a Community Development Block Grant. The grant will fund part of the new playground and open area between Carolshire Apartments and Klein Creek Condominiums. This area was identified as one without access to recreational space; construction is planned for next spring.

It’s been a wonderful and exciting year. With the support of our residents, volunteers and Board we look forward to 2019 and all it will bring to our community and residents!

Jim Reuter, Executive Director

Park Board President, Brian Sokolowski congratulates Dan Bird for his service.

Volunteer: Dan Bird

Park Board Commissioner since 2003, Dan Bird was recently recognized by the Illinois Association of Park Districts for his distinguished service to the residents of the Carol Stream Park District. Park commissioners are not compensated for their services; like our volunteers, they serve in this role because of their strong commitment to our community.

Awards & Grants Government Finance Officers Association Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting - 17th consecutive year.

Earned the IAPD/IPRA Distinguished Park and Recreation Accredited Agency designation.

DuPage County Community Development Block Grant for the development of Carolshire Park.

The Foundation received: National Association of Park Foundations Creative Event Production Award

Sponsorships, Advertising, and Donations We are fortunate to have local businesses who give back to the community. Generous donations and sponsorships help keep our programs affordable. In 2018, the District received over $23,000 in sponsorship revenue, $30,000 in advertising revenue, and in-kind donations valued at approximately $9,000.

Volunteers

Our secret to success!

Volunteers donated their time for over 14,000 hours in 2018!! If that doesn’t speak to the generous nature of our residents, I don’t know what does?

Those volunteers helped coach youth sports and tournaments, coordinate theatre performances, dance recitals, swim team, gymnastics meets, luncheons for our senior citizens, and much more!

If your business or employee participates in sponsoring community efforts, let us know!

Whether it’s a financial donation, or in-kind donation, we appreciate your support.

Contact Pam Falco at 630-784-6123 or via email at pamf@csparks.org.

Veterans Memorial Carol Stream Plaza Parks Foundation Veterans Memorial Plaza task force made huge strides this year as another $70,000 was raised through fundraisers, donations and community organized events benefiting this project. A soft ground breaking was observed in October and the first phase of construction has begun.

We are working toward a completion date in time for Memorial Day 2019.

The Veterans Memorial Task Force is comprised of VFW Post 10396, Park District Commissioners and Staff,Village Trustees, the American Legion and community volunteers. Thank you to all who have contributed to this project.

Donations and fundraising are ongoing.

Managed by a volunteer board of directors who live or work locally, the Carol Stream Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing additional financial support for public parks and recreation programs of the Carol Stream Park District. The Foundation is the agency supporting the fundraising efforts for Veterans Memorial Plaza. Additionally the Foundation supports the Carol Stream scholarship program, donating $1,500 in 2018.

Recognized for Lehman Award For Park Foundation Excellence in 2018.

Presented to Carol Stream Parks Foundation for Creative Event Production for our Annual Duck Race Fundraiser presented at the National Association of Parks Foundation Awards Dinner, November 20, 2018.

Foundation Members: Dave Creighton (President), Frank Parisi (Past President), Alann Petersen (Vice President), Clem Malinowski (Treasurer), Jim Reuter (Secretary), Mike Ashby, Cindy Carlson, Craig Cronquist, Carol Floren, Donna Freeman, Pam Falco (Staff Liaison)

Awesome Adventure Camp

Full-day Awesome Adventure Camp added kindergarteners to the program this year.

Campers enjoyed a fun-filled summer with swimming, field trips, special events, park days, and themed activities. With almost 4,500 registrations, enrollment increased by 13% compared to 2017.

Aquatics

Private swimming lessons increased by 12%.

Over 28,000 people enjoyed Coral Cove Water Park this summer.

Before & After School Care

The ActivKids Program serves an average of 275 participants on a daily basis at its six program sites. The program includes ActivTime which allows visitors to come to the sites to provide extra activities for participants. Visitors include: science, sports, dance and magic.

Concessions

Concessions operations at McCaslin Park, Coral Cove Water Park, Fountain View and Simkus Recreation Centers generated over $215,000 in revenue. New in 2018 was the ability to sell alcoholic beverages at McCaslin Park and the addition of new menu items. At Coral Cove, 3,961 ice cream cones were sold and 4,634 Gatorades were sold at McCaslin Park.

The most popular food item sold at McCaslin Park was the hot dog and at Coral Cove was fries/cheese fries.

Coyote Crossing Mini Golf

Over 10,000 rounds were played in 2018 at Coyote Crossing Mini Golf by kids and adults. The facility also hosted private rentals; think of us for your next outing!

Coyote Crossing also hosted special events like Mom/Son Date Night and Flashlight Egg Hunt. What a great way to have fun with your family!

R

n o i t a ecre

Dance

The District’s dance program has continued to grow with over 950 youth and adult participants in our seasonal and recital programs.

The Dance Recital was held at the Arcada Theatre in May. Dancers also performed at the Holiday Dance Showcase in December. The Fortè Dance Company, with 42 members, participated in their first competition and received multiple awards including Judges’ Choice.

Fitness

Almost 3,300 all-inclusive, corporate, and walking track fitness memberships generated approximately one million dollars in revenue. An average of 1,600 members scan into the fitness center each month.

New TRX Suspension Training classes were added and an average of 1,100 members participated in group fitness classes each week. Aqua class attendance had a 39% increase and Forever Young classes had a 4% increase. A strength rig was also added to the fitness floor with 10 new lifting stations. About 231 members walked or ran a total of 39,689 miles and 45 members finished the 500-mile challenge. The Stars & Stripes 5K shuffle saw 105 runners and raised approximately $1,000 for the Memorial Park Plaza project. Zumbathon saw 125 participants and raised $500 for breast cancer research. About 30 Glenbard North transition students participated in workout programs four days a week.

Forever Young

Our seniors participated in 110 Forever Young trips and special events throughout the year. They traveled far and wide, from Maine, to the Ark in Kentucky, to New Orleans, for our multi-day overnight trips. Forever Young programming had over 3,600 registrants.

Gymnastics

Over 1,300 gymnasts participated in our instructional gymnastics program, with ages ranging from 1 to 17.

Carol Stream Park District’s Springers Gymnastic Team reached 54 members and brought home awards in compulsory, tumbling and optional competitions to include gold and silver medals from the State Championships!

Preschool

The preschool program serves 115 participants in nine different class options ranging from 2.5 to 4 years old.

Participants continue to enjoy the use of the gym at the Simkus Recreation Center during winter months, a trip to Hampe Park in the fall, and visits from the Carol Stream Police and Fire Departments.

Rentals & Parties

The multi-purpose rooms at Fountain View and Simkus Recreation Centers hosted many parties, receptions, ceremonies and meetings in 2018. Revenue for the year totaled $97,019.

A variety of youth birthday party themes are available at the Carol Stream Park District. Theme and Action parties are held at the Fountain View and Simkus Recreation Centers year round including indoor pool parties. Outdoor summer parties are held at Coral Cove Water Park and Coyote Crossing Mini Golf. In 2018, there were 87 parties booked for over $22,000 in revenue.

Special Interest, Family & Nature

Special interest classes continued to be popular in 2018, especially youth and nature classes. New class options in 2018 included several different types of STEM classes.

Special Events

Community and special events are offered every season and many become annual traditions for children, adults and families to enjoy. Popular events in 2018 included Daddy Daughter Dance, Bunny Bash, Mom-Son Prom, Boo Fest and Polar Express.

Staff strive to make each event creative and unique and give participants a chance to celebrate the season or a special holiday.

Look for our NEW Community Event coming summer 2019.

Sports

McCaslin Park and Armstrong Park hosted 19 youth tournaments and 14 adult softball tournaments which included the 12” USSSA Major and 16” SSA National tournaments for the 4th year in a row.

A new Movie in the Park family event was hosted at McCaslin Park featuring “The Sandlot”.

Over 2,400 youth played in our baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, volleyball and dodgeball leagues.

Another 3,900 adults participated in softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, dodgeball and floor hockey leagues. Over 150 adult softball teams attended the 14 tournaments that we hosted.

Parks & s Facilitie Projects

Community Park

Brush was cleared throughout trails at Community Park. Approximately two feet of brush was cut back on both sides of the trail system making better walking paths for all park users.

LED Light Conversion

New LED lights were installed in the Simkus gymnasium, gymnastics area, inside and out at the Parks Maintenance Facility and Redhawk Park Concessions. Coming in Spring 2019, the outdoor lights at Coral Cove Water Park will be replaced with LED lights as well.

Cambridge Park

ADA Surfacing: Degraded accessible playground tiles were removed from Cambridge Park by Carol Stream Park District staff and replaced with synthetic turf. The new turf is less maintenance annually and brings the facility back to ADA compliance.

Theatre

The productions of Mulan Jr. and Aladdin Jr. saw over 200 youth actors take a bow in eight performances. Shows took place in both the winter and summer with 3,000+ spectators at Wheaton Academy and Glenbard North High School.

FVRC Roof Repairs

Approximately one third of the roof at Fountain View Recreation Center was repaired in October 2018. Another third of the building will be completed in April 2019.

Pleasant Hill Trail Restoration

The Carol Stream Park District, in cooperation with School District 200, removed and replaced the entire bike/ walking trail within Pleasant Hill Park. The project included: new asphalt, tree trimming, bringing the entire trail to ADA compliance, new culverts and trail restoration.

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2018

Reducing our Reliance on Taxes

The overall operating revenues for the District are generated from two sources: taxes and earned revenues (fees, charges, interest).

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 41.34% of its total operating budget.

Financial Report

YEAR ENDING 12/31/18 *unaudited information OPERATING FUNDS - REVENUES

Property/Corporate Taxes/Interest

$2,889,590

Recovery of Cost/Rentals/Sponsorships

$300,232

Vending/Concessions

$243,392

Programming Revenue Due From Other Funds/Miscellaneous

$3,744,134 $80,876

Awards/Grants/Donations Total Revenues

$7,258,224

OPERATING FUNDS - EXPENSES

Wages/Benefits/IMRF

$3,778,805

Utilities

$469,159

Services

$1,490,906

Supplies

$571,299

Audit/Insurance/Miscellaneous

$146,024

Tax Revenue Allocation 2019

Capital Improvements Total Expenses

$6,456,192

TOTAL OPERATING FUNDS NET $802,032 CAPITAL/RESTRICTED FUNDS - REVENUES

Property Taxes Interest Recovery of Cost Total Revenues

$5,008,348 $12,832 $288,030 $5,309,211

CAPITAL/RESTRICTED FUNDS - EXPENSES

Wages/Benefits

$12,859

Services

$72,931

Capital Improvements

$395,370

Tax Allocation-WDSRA

$261,665

Supplies/Transfers Debt Service Total Expenses

TOTAL CAPITAL/RESTRICTED FUNDS NET

$14,646 $4,256,256 $5,013,728

$(295,483)

Comparison to Local Taxing Bodies Tax Bill 2018

y l t n e u q e r F s n o i t s e u Q d e k s A Why is the restroom located away from the ballfields at Armstrong Park?

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, 25W149 Doris. The second one is located on the northeast side of Armstrong Park near the Kids World playground.

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 compliment 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 its 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. In 2018 the District was awarded a Community Development Block grant for $200,000.

Who can I contact about maintenance of sports fields?

Our 10-person parks staff currently maintain a variety of 54 sports fields, along with approximately 456 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.

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.