2025 YEAR IN
BehindEvery Great Great Year YearisaGreat isaGreat Team! Team!
Dear Carol Stream Park District Residents,
BehindEvery BehindEvery Great Great Year YearisaGreat isaGreat Team! Team!
Welcome to the 2025 Year in Review! As we reflect on the past year, one theme rises above the rest: BEHIND EVERY GREAT YEAR IS A GREAT TEAM. The accomplishments of 2025 are not the result of any one person or project — they are the product of dedicated staff, committed board members, supportive partners, and volunteers who care deeply about this community.
This year marked an important milestone as the District completed its new Strategic Plan. Developed with input from residents, community leaders, and partners, the plan will guide our priorities and investments in the years ahead. It reflects our shared vision for parks and recreation in Carol Stream and reinforces our commitment to thoughtful planning, financial stewardship, and long-term sustainability.
We also experienced transitions in leadership. After 24 years of dedicated service, we extend our sincere gratitude to Board Members Brenda Gramann and Brian Sokolowski for their leadership and unwavering commitment to the District. We welcomed newly elected Board Members Katie Becker and Jenn Pauling, elected by our residents, and re-elected Adam Parisi. We are grateful for the continued guidance and governance of our Board as we move forward.
Our team’s dedication was recognized beyond our community as well. The Park District received the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ Best of the Best Award, celebrating our strong partnership with the Village of Carol Stream. I was honored to be recognized at a Women to Watch event hosted by one of our local legislators — recognition that truly reflects the strength of our entire organization. In addition, one of our staff members published an article in Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how our team builds meaningful summer experiences for our community. These recognitions belong to the many individuals who work tirelessly every day to serve our residents.
We are especially proud to celebrate the people who make the Carol Stream Park District exceptional. This year, we honored a preschool teacher celebrating 35 years of service — a remarkable milestone reflecting patience, creativity, and heart poured into generations of young learners. We also recognized numerous staff anniversaries, each representing years of commitment to this community.
Partnership continues to be at the core of our success. From collaboration with the Village of Carol Stream and local school districts, to working alongside the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, the DuPage County Food Pantry initiative, and the Carol Stream Rotary Club, our impact is strengthened when we work together. These partnerships expand opportunities, enhance services, and help meet the evolving needs of our residents.
Our volunteers remain essential to everything we accomplish. In 2025, more than 400 community members generously gave their time to coach teams, support programs and events, preserve natural areas, and improve our parks. Through initiatives like our monthly Volunteer Spotlight Series, we are proud to share the stories of the individuals who quietly and consistently make a difference. We also remember and honor those who left a lasting legacy, including dedicated community members whose passion and service helped shape our programs and facilities.
Throughout the year, we continued to invest in our parks, facilities, and natural areas — enhancing spaces for recreation, restoring and preserving open space, and planning for future improvements. Whether through capital projects, sustainability efforts, expanded programming, or growing participation in our facilities and rentals, every achievement reflects careful planning and dedicated staff effort.
Behind every program delivered, every field maintained, every event hosted, and every improvement completed is a team of professionals who care deeply about serving Carol Stream. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is visible throughout our parks, facilities, and community.
Thank you for your continued trust, support, and partnership. It is an honor to serve you, and we look forward to building on this momentum together in the year ahead.
Sue Rini Executive Director , CPRP
BehindEvery BehindEvery Great Great Year YearisaGreat isaGreat Team! Team!
2001 following the successful $12 million referendum, they later provided leadership during the 2010 $37 million referendum that led to the development of Fountain View Recreation Center and improvements to McCaslin Park. Both served as Board President —Brenda for seven years and Brian for three— and earned Master Board Member distinction. During their tenure, the District received Illinois Distinguished Agency recognition in 2007, 2013, and 2018 and National Gold Medal Awards in 2002 and 2008.
Over the past two decades, their leadership supported the acquisition, development, and renovation of numerous parks and facilities, more than $7 million in grant funding, and the formation of strong intergovernmental partnerships that enhanced recreational opportunities for residents. They championed sound financial management, long term planning, improved accessibility, environmental stewardship, and high standards of service—helping position the Carol Stream Park District as a respected leader in parks and recreation.
Thank you for your 24 years of service!
Commissioner Brenda Gramann
Commissioner Brian Sokolowski
In 2025, the Carol Stream Park District welcomed two newly elected Board members (Becker and Pauling) and the appointment with election of Commissioner Parisi, strengthening the Board with a blend of fresh perspectives and continued leadership.
Katie Becker brings professional experience in horticulture, forestry, and public works to the Board, along with a passion for recreation and community service. She is focused on maintaining and enhancing park assets, keeping programs affordable, and promoting transparency and community engagement.
Adam Parisi brings a background in education and public finance. He is committed to expanding recreational opportunities, maintaining high quality facilities, and supporting responsible financial planning.
Jenn Pauling is a long time Carol Stream resident, dedicated mother of four, and active advocate for youth and family programs. She is focused on expanding access to quality programs, supporting cost effective operations, and fostering open communication and collaboration.
Katie Becker
Jenn Pauling
BehindEvery BehindEvery Great Great Year YearisaGreat isaGreat Team! Team!
STRATEGIC PLANNING
In 2025, directors, managers, and the Park District Board of Commissioners partnered with facilitators from Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies to develop the District’s new Strategic Plan. Through collaborative sessions focused on mission alignment, stakeholder input, accomplishments, and a comprehensive analysis, the team refined both short and long term goals. The Strategic Plan was successfully completed in 2025, providing a clear roadmap for the District’s future.
READ MORE
Executive Director Recognized at Women to Watch Event
Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on April 22.
Nominated by State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro, this inspiring event celebrates emerging women leaders from across Illinois who are making a difference in their communities and professions. Sue was invited to join a distinguished group of women leaders, representing fields from marketing and science to park district management and local government.
AWARDS
BehindEvery BehindEvery Great Great Year YearisaGreat isaGreat Team! Team!
PUBLICATION
IAPD Award - Best of the Best
“Meeting
the Moment”
We're proud to share that the Carol Stream Park District is featured in the July/August issue of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine! The article, “Meeting the Moment – How Our Park District Builds a Better Summer for All,” offers a behindthe-scenes look at how we plan, create and deliver meaningful summer experiences for our community. From inclusive programming to thoughtful design, it’s a reflection of the passion and teamwork that goes into every season. Take a peek into the heart of what we do.
READ MORE
35-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
In 2025, we proudly celebrate Preschool Teacher Kathy Earnest’s 35-year anniversary with the Carol Stream Park District. Since beginning her role in 1989, Kathy has dedicated her career to early childhood education, nurturing generations of young learners with patience, creativity and heart. After 35 years in the classroom, Kathy continues to bring excitement and wonder to every lesson, celebration, and milestone—helping each child create special memories that last well beyond preschool.
In 2025, the following staff had milestone anniversaries:
Kathy Earnest - 35
Chauncey Wrenn - 25
Carolyn Mondlock - 20
Brian Thorsen - 20
Suzanne Waghorne - 20
Linda Nge - 15
Theresa Esposito - 10
April Kinzel - 10
Avegail Lavaty - 10
Partnering for Impact Partnering for Impact
The District actively develops relationships with other government agencies, not-for-profits, and businesses to benefit residents through cooperative services, programs, and facilities.
WDSRA
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) is a collaboration of nine park districts including Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Carol Stream, Naperville, Winfield, West Chicago, Roselle, Warrenville, and Bloomingdale. WDSRA supports individuals with special needs. The Fountain View Recreation Center hosts the WDSRA Rec & Roll program which offers assistance with daily living skills and fun activities for adults. WDSRA provides Inclusion Services to children who need it to participate in park district programs.
The Park District partners with the Village of Carol Stream to host the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Christmas Sharing events. We also appreciate our collaboration with the Carol Stream Police Department, which has brought its Blue Scoops trailer to celebrate new park grand openings. In addition, the Carol Stream Fire Protection District utilizes the indoor pool at Fountain View Recreation Center and Veterans Park Lake for rescue diving and training drills.
Village of Carol Stream
Partnering for Impact Partnering for Impact
team use of the indoor pool at Fountain View Recreation Center.
Community Consolidated School District 93
In partnership with CCSD93, we offer ActivKids Before and After School Program to all CCSD93 elementary grade students, which is staffed by the District but held in the elementary schools.
Evergreen Elementary School, District 25
We partner with Evergreen by an intergovernmental agreement that provides gym space for park district programming after school and on weekends.
Wayne Township
We partner with Wayne Township to provide additional parking space for our large and popular Red Hawk Park.
Golf Course for use by our community.
DuPage Storm Water Commission
The District partnered with the Village and DuPage County Stormwater Management to stabilize Klein Creek’s stream banks in Armstrong Park and nearby areas. This longplanned project protects natural resources, enhances public spaces, and addresses environmental challenges through a collaborative effort.
Village of Glendale Heights
We partner with the Village of Glendale Heights and exchange amenities so that Carol Stream residents can golf at Glendale Lakes Golf Course at their resident rates, and their residents can use our indoor pool at our resident rates.
Partnering for Impact
PARTNERSHIPS
Community Food Drive - Combating Hunger with Community Partnerships
The Park District partners with DuPage County to support its Food Pantry Program by providing year-round donation sites at park district facilities to help address hunger in the community. Each month, a park district program area highlights the food drive in newsletters and emails to participants to raise awareness and encourage donations. Coral Cove Water Park hosted the food pantry collection bin in August.
Pictured is the ad used to promote the drive at Coral Cove.
Keeping the Community Warm with the Rotary Club of Carol Stream
Each year, the Carol Stream Park District partners with the Rotary Club of Carol Stream, the Village of Carol Stream, and Benjamin Middle School to collect winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for those in need. Donations are distributed to local individuals and families, reflecting the power of community partnerships and the District’s commitment to supporting residents.
Disabilities Resource & Job Placement Expo
In September 2025, the Carol Stream Park District hosted a Disability Resource & Job Placement Expo at Fountain View Recreation Center in partnership with State Senator Seth Lewis and local legislators. The event connected individuals in the intellectually and developmentally disabled community with employment opportunities, services, and local resources.
Making a Difference
Foundation Growth & Giving In Remembrance
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation raised almost $24,000 in 2025, donating $10,000 to the Carol Stream Park District’s Scholarship Program, park enhancements, and sponsoring a trip for our active seniors.
In 2025, the Carol Stream Parks Foundation introduced the opportunity for donors age 70½ and older to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) directly from their IRA. Many know this as a RMD-Required Mandatory Distribution. This giving option allows eligible donors to transfer funds directly to the Foundation in a tax-advantaged manner, potentially satisfying required minimum distributions while supporting youth recreation, park improvements and senior programs in Carol Stream.
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation mourns the loss of Dana Hybl, a dedicated Board member whose compassion and leadership left a lasting impact on our community. Since joining in 2021, Dana played a key role in advancing youth scholarships, most notably leading the Annual Duck Race fundraiser, which
raised thousands of dollars to expand program access for children. She generously stocked the Little Library at Simkus Recreation Center, supported community events, and helped secure grants that funded improvements at Armstrong Park and Coral Cove Water Park. Dana’s legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering commitment to others will continue to shape our work for years to come.
Making a Difference
CAROL STREAM PARKS FOUNDATION
On April 26, the Carol Stream Parks Foundation and Bike Club dedicated their third Bike Fix-It Station in honor of Dave Creighton, a passionate cycling enthusiast and valued club member from 2017 until his passing in 2023.
Photographed from left to right: Park Board Commissioners Dan Bird, Brian Sokolowski and Jacqueline Jeffrey; Steve Ravanesi and his wife Karen and daughter Angela; Park Board Commissioners Brenda Gramann, Sara Witteck, Adam Parisi and Tim Powers.
This station stands as a lasting tribute to Dave’s Foundation Bike Club
At the March 10, 2025, Carol Stream Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting, the Board unanimously approved Resolution No. 2501, honoring Steve Ravanesi for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Park District, Carol Stream Parks Foundation Bike Club, and the Carol Stream community.
Steve’s impact on the Park District is nothing short of extraordinary. From his years as a Park Board Commissioner (1994-2001) to his work as a volunteer soccer coach, his work with the Carol Stream Parks Foundation to form the Bike Club, and later as a project manager through McDonough & Company, Steve has played a vital role in shaping the parks, trails and facilities that our community enjoys today.
Dave was a strong advocate for bike safety, maintenance and long-distance ride preparation. He also gave back by volunteering with students to refurbish bicycles for families in need. His wife Ann, their children and family members joined Park District Commissioners, community leaders and friends for the dedication.
Bike Fix-It Station Dedication
Making a Difference Making a Difference
Restoring Gretna Station
At Armstrong Park, a beloved piece of local history is coming back to life. Built in 1895, Gretna Station once served as a busy railroad depot and is now being carefully restored to reflect its 1950s-era appearance. Thanks to dedicated community volunteer Jim Yanke, the depot is seeing remarkable progress. Jim has crafted new wooden windows, rebuilt original signage using historic photos for accuracy, repaired siding, and sourced salvaged materials to keep the restoration both authentic and cost-effective. Once the station is complete, plans are in place to restore the adjacent caboose as well.
Jim’s attention to detail and resourcefulness are at the heart of the project. From building custom scaffolding out of reclaimed wood to repairing and repainting original clapboards, he is preserving as much of the depot’s character as possible. He has carefully recreated the Carol Stream station signs—testing colors, perfecting letter spacing, and sealing them to withstand the seasons. Slowly but surely, Gretna Station is being transformed, ensuring this historic landmark can be enjoyed by the community for years to come.
READ MORE
Celebrating the Heart of Our Programs
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
Throughout 2025, we proudly launched a monthly Volunteer Spotlight series recognizing the dedicated VOLUNTEERS.
Volunteers are essential to the success of the Carol Stream Park District, and we are deeply grateful for their time, dedication and community spirit. In 2025, more than 400 community members volunteered as coaches, assisted with programs and events, and helped maintain our parks.
To recognize their impact, we continued our monthly Volunteer Spotlight series, sharing personal stories through email, our website blog, newsletters and social media. This year’s spotlight recipients included: Adam Stadler, Kristin Derrico, Vince Panvino, Todd Phillips, Sean Carter, Angela Heinisch, Jakub Grochal, Martin Medina, Jon Nelson, Angela Foley and Keith Schmerer.
Thank you to our incredible volunteers across all programs — your commitment and enthusiasm make a lasting impact. We couldn’t do it without you.
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
Citizens of the Year
On March 8, 2025, the Carol Stream Park District nominated three dedicated volunteers for Carol Stream’s 2024 Citizen of the Year recognition. We proudly recognize their outstanding commitment to the Park District. Jeff Bates was nominated for Special Citizen of the Year for his tireless work with the Parks Department removing invasive species in local parks. Robyn Nielson was recognized for her volunteer support in Dance, Gymnastics, and Theatre programs, and Heather Reyes for her dedication to the Dolphins Swim Team, helping keep the team organized and energized. We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart each brings to our community.
Making a Difference
Voices for All Voices for All
CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITY
The Carol Stream Park District is committed to creating inclusive recreational spaces for all. As part of this mission, the District is installing communication boards at playgrounds to support individuals with communication challenges, including young children and those with special needs. These boards feature visual aids that help users express their interests and needs, fostering social interaction and inclusion. Initiated by staff with personal connections to the project, the communication boards are a first for the area, reflecting the District’s dedication to accessibility and innovation. Starting with seven parks in 2024 designed and installed, the initiative expanded in 2025 with six signs designed for 2026 installation (see below). All future playgrounds are to include this vital resource, helping families enjoy recreational experiences together.
Bierman Park
Carolshire Park
Jirsa Park
Park on the Green Park
Pleasant Hill Park
Walter Park
Building Building for the for the Future Future
In 2025, the Carol Stream Park District continued its commitment to reinvesting in parks and facilities, highlighted by the renovation and reopening of Pleasant Hill Park. Along with other improvements and added amenities, these projects enhance accessibility, strengthen community connections, and expand recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Improvements to Meet Community Needs
COMPLETED PROJECTS
Pleasant Hill Park
In 2025, the Carol Stream Park District celebrated the completion and opening of the newly renovated Pleasant Hill Park, a $1.2 million project supported by a $600,000 OSLAD grant and a $250,000 partnership contribution from Community School District 200. This collaborative effort reflects strong intergovernmental cooperation in serving our shared community. The revitalized park now features six pickleball courts with spectator seating, two basketball half courts, an upgraded playground for ages 2–12, bag toss courts, a multi sport game table area, improved accessible pathways, enhanced landscaping with a rain garden, expanded parking, and a portable restroom—creating a vibrant, inclusive space for recreation and connection.
Building Building for the for the Future Future
2025 MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS
Facilities
Simkus Recreation Center gymnasium received a brand-new wood floor system designed for both performance and longevity, now proudly featuring the Park District logo. Beneath the surface, a specialized lattice-pattern subfloor creates air channels, supported by a system of fans and motors that activate when humidity reaches a set level. This innovative design helps circulate air, protect the wood, and maintain a high-quality playing surface for years to come— just one example of the many behind-the-scenes efforts made to maintain and enhance our facilities.
Throughout 2025, we placed a strong focus on maintenance improvements—centered on taking care of what we have. The bathroom facility at McCaslin Park was resurfaced with a new epoxy finish, giving it a fresh look while making it easier to maintain. At Coral Cove Water Park, the large bucket play feature was sanded and repainted, extending the life of this popular attraction and adding many more years of fun.
Restoring SustainingNature,Tomorrow
Parks Report - Natural Areas
Over the past four budget cycles, the Carol Stream Park District has made consistent investments in restoring and maintaining native landscapes across the community. Through dedicated funding, in house staff efforts, and partnership with Bedrock Earthscapes and the Village of Carol Stream, measurable progress has been made in controlling invasive species such as Phragmites, Ragweed, Cattails, Reed Canary Grass, and woody growth. As a result, native grasses and wildflowers—including Goldenrod and Milkweed—are re-establishing, strengthening ecosystems and enhancing the natural beauty of our parks.
Visible improvements can be seen throughout the District. Bioswales at Carolshire Park are recovering, water edges at Veterans Park and Jirsa Park are stabilizing, and woodlands at Slepicka Park are thriving following targeted treatments. Evergreen Park’s wetlands show dramatic recovery compared to just two years ago, and McCaslin Park and the Coyote Crossing basin have experienced significant seasonal cleanup and regrowth of native plantings.
This work remains ongoing, but the transformation is clear. Healthier native areas support biodiversity, improve stormwater management, and create more vibrant, sustainable spaces for residents to enjoy— demonstrating the long term value of steady investment and thoughtful environmental stewardship.
READ MORE
Sustaining Tomorrow
Controlled Burns
In March and April 2025, the Carol Stream Park District, in partnership with Bedrock Earthscapes, conducted controlled burns at several park locations, including Jan Smith, Slepicka, Tedrahn, McCaslin, Evergreen and Hampe parks, as well as Fountain View Recreation Center.
Controlled burns are an important land management tool that support healthy native ecosystems. Carefully planned and supervised, they help control invasive species, reduce excess plant material, and return nutrients to the soil. Fire plays a natural role in prairie and woodland environments, stimulating native plant growth, improving wildlife habitat, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting stormwater management.
Through this proactive approach, the District continues its commitment to environmental stewardship and resilient, sustainable landscapes.
Armstrong Park Butterfly Garden
Director of Parks Shane Hamilton and Alison Mezera (Girl Scout leader) coordinated the installation of a butterfly pollinator garden at Armstrong Park by Girl Scout Cadette Troop #1539. After discussing logistics, a final garden location was selected near the pickleball courts with access to water. The Parks staff prepped the site by tilling the soil and adding compost. The troop planted the garden in late May and roped off the area to protect it.
Sustaining Tomorrow
Barbara O’Rahilly Volunteer Park
Carol Stream Park District partnered with the O’Rahilly family to create a small plaza honoring former Executive Director Barbara O’Rahilly. The space features a bench, trees, and a brick paver gathering area, offering a place for reflection and community connection. This meaningful project was made possible through generous family contributions, along with support from the Park District and Board of Commissioners.
Red Hawk Park Soccer Field
With a focus on delivering higher quality athletic fields to the community, staff enhanced a soccer field using an innovative biostimulant treatment designed to support healthier turf. The product, derived from natural plant extracts commonly used in dry climates, helps promote deeper root growth and improved resilience during periods of low moisture. This approach supports stronger, more sustainable playing surfaces while reducing reliance on excessive watering. This is a unique approach in our area as these biostimulants are primarily being used in the Southwestern portion of our country. If this works, it could revolutionize turf in our area by creating quality turf with less maintenance needed.
Enriching Enriching Experiences Experiences
In each of our four seasonal brochures and mini guides (Adult Trips, Camp, Fitness, Sports), the District offers hundreds of activities, programs, special events, trips, and sports leagues. Each year, the District aims to further expand offerings and increase recreational opportunities within our community.
Activities & Programs
ATHLETICS
FITNESS
Athletics proudly hosts annual Opening Day celebrations for basketball (January), baseball/softball (April), and soccer (August), complete with parades and family-friendly activities that unite the community and attract more than 800 attendees per event.
Youth athletics continue to thrive, engaging more than 3,600 participants across basketball, baseball, dodgeball, soccer, softball and volleyball leagues. Contracted sports classes further expanded opportunities, reaching over 950 participants in a variety of introductory sports. This year, free sports classes were introduced for Community Park residents, offering futsal, basketball and soccer and serving a total of almost 100 participants.
Adult leagues in basketball, cup-in-hand kickball, floor hockey, pickleball, softball, and volleyball engaged 3,500 participants. Additionally, 58 multi-sport tournaments were hosted at McCaslin Park, Armstrong Park, Red Hawk Park and Fountain View Recreation Center.
Fountain View Fitness experienced significant engagement with over 175,000 visits, 1,789 allinclusive members, 384 corporate members, and 283 walkingtrack members. Group Fitness offered up to 65 weekly classes with 33,357 total participants, while monthly challenges saw 866 registrations. Personal training and StretchPro Coaching sessions totaled 648. A total of 28 group training classes were offered with 105 registrations.
Enriching Enriching Experiences Experiences
Activities & Programs
PROGRAMMING
The ActivKids program provided childcare at the CCSD93 schools with 697 school-year registrations and 1,217 daily flex passes sold. Days Off Club had 662 registrations, featuring field trips,special events and theme days. Early childhood classes, camps and events engaged 652 participants. Preschool had 142 participants during the school year and 56 summer preschool registrants. Special interest classes had 282 participants throughout the year.
Adventure Camps were a summer highlight, with 2,767 Awesome Adventure Camp registrations and the third year of Epic Adventure Camp increased to 1,110 registrations. Together, the programs engaged 456 individual participants, with Awesome Adventure Camp averaging 155 campers weekly and Epic Adventure Camp averaging 83 campers. Weekly activities included field trips, swimmingat Coral Cove Water Park, special events, theme days, park visits and mini golf, offeringa variety of memorable experiences all summer long. We also had 31 campers in our Little Explorers camp for preschool-aged children.
Swim lessons grew to 1,934 participants from babies to adults.The Dolphins Swim Team had 196 members between the fall/winter and summer. The indoor pool offered lap swim memberships to 134 participants.
The dance program had over 500 registrations, between competitive, recital, seasonal and adult classes and camps. Over 100 dancers performed at the Spring Dance Recitals, with over 900 tickets sold. Forte Dance Company and Storm Poms Team's competitive successes led to the addition of a third Storm squad and two new Forte companies. The year concluded with a Holiday Dance Showcase, featuring our competitive and recital dancers in three performances.
Gymnastics had over 1,600 participants across instructional classes, adult programs, camps and private lessons. The Springers Gymnastics Team earned many first place accolades and ended the year with 48 members.
Starbound Theatre workshops, camps, and productions welcomed 330 aspiring actors, including performances of Descendants, Alice in Wonderland, and Beetlejuice—which marked the highest participation for a fall production and included adult performers. Participants performed on stage, with over 3,300 tickets sold, compared to just over 2,500 in 2024.
Enriching EnrichingExperiences Experiences
Activities & Programs
PROGRAMMING
Special events drew over 3,000 participants, with highlights like Daughter's Dance, Flashlight Egg Hunt, Father's Day Fishing Derby, Trick or Treat Trail and Polar Express. A new free event, Kick-Off to Summer at Community Park, showcased the newly renovated park and featured free hot dogs, activities, sports demonstrations, raffles and music. Over 800 attendees enjoyed this inaugural event.
The Adult Trips program experienced a highly successful year, highlighted by two overnight excursions including a spring trip to Nashville and an October journey to South Dakota, attracting 43 and 50 participants. In addition to these travel offerings, the program also hosted four Program Preview Days, all of which reached capacity with more than 100 attendees per session. Together, these initiatives reflect strong community interest and continued growth in adult programming.
Total enrollments have remained strong over the past four years, growing from 17,960 in 2022 to a peak of 21,770 in 2024. In 2025, enrollments held steady at 21,457—demonstrating sustained community engagement and continued demand for Park District programs.
ENROLLMENTS
Your Place Your Place to Gather to Gather
Facilities & Rentals
FACILITIES RENTALS
Coral Cove Water Park: The water park welcomed 38,854 visitors, sold 21,922 daily passes, and hosted 1,718 members. Concessions included specialty drinks like The Wave, of which 2,953 were sold.
Coyote Crossing Mini Golf: Coyote Crossing hosted 11,284 rounds of mini golf, including themed events such as Era’s Night, Wicked, and Adult Glow Golf. The Coyote Hideout was also utilized for the first ever bags league. Additionally, Coyote Crossing hosted Adult Mini Golf Leagues with a total of 31 teams.
McCaslin Park Sports Complex: From March through November, McCaslin was a central hub for youth and adult sports, hosting 37 baseball and softball tournaments in addition to countless games and practices. Record breaking concessions generated nearly $350,000 in revenue. Sales included more than 5,600 hot dogs, nearly 12,000 alcoholic beverages, and almost 21,000 non-alcoholic beverages.
The multi-purpose rooms at Fountain View and Simkus Recreation Centers hosted parties, receptions, showers, ceremonies and meetings in 2025. Revenue for the year totaled$175,980.
Five park shelters held 121 rentals, bringing in $23,300 in revenue. A total of 76 children celebrated their birthday at our various locations. Both indoor and outdoor parties were popular including Splashtastic pool parties at Coral Cove Water Park and Gymnastics parties. Coral Cove Water Park, Coyote Crossing Mini Golf, Gymnastics and Fountain View indoor pool hosted 82 group outings.
Throughout 2025, our gyms and fields hosted a wide range of sporting events, producing an impressive $370,000+ in revenue.
SPONSORSHIPS AND DONATIONS
Local Local Funding Funding
Our affordable sponsorship and advertising opportunities are designed to increase visibility, foster community engagement, and strengthen local businesses’ brand recognition. In 2025, we partnered with 25 businesses, representing over $35,000 in additional revenue. Thanks to generous donations, sponsorships, and advertising, we’re able to continually enhance our programs and events while keeping them affordable.
2025 SPONSORS
GRANTS RECEIVED
Financial Stewardship Financial Stewardship
DCEO grant for $22,500 to add Access Control/Cameras for safety improvements. OSLAD Grant for $600,000 to support the $1.2 million renovation of Pleasant Hill Park.
OPERATING BUDGET
In a typical fiscal year, the operating budget is approximately $11 million dollars of which approximately 41% is funded by property tax revenue. The remaining 59% (approximately) is generated from program user fees, concession sales, interest and rentals. Annually, the District sets aside portions of earned revenues to support capital improvements, and pay for repairs and replacements.
TAX BILL
ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT
The District received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2024. The Award is received subsequent to the closing of the prior fiscal year following a comprehensive independent financial audit. This is the 25th consecutive year we’ve received this award. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
The pie chart below shows how your 2024 tax bill (paid in 2025) is allocated among the various taxing districts in Carol Stream. The Park District represents approximately 7% of the total tax levy.
Financial Stewardship
REVENUE ANALYSIS
$1,109,669.49 FINANCIAL REPORT - FISCAL YEAR 2025 Year Ending 12/31/25 Unaudited Information
TAX VS NON-TAX REVENUE
$8,309,351.29
Leadership Leadership
PARK BOARD
Regularly scheduled meetings of the Park Board are held on the second and/or the fourth Monday of each month at 6pm. All residents of the Carol Stream Park District are welcome to attend our monthly board meetings and ask questions during the Listening Post session.
Jacqueline Jeffery, President
Adam Parisi, Vice President
Katie Becker, Commissioner
Dan Bird, Commissioner
Jenn Pauling, Commissioner
Tim Powers, Commissioner
Sara Witteck, Commissioner
LEADERSHIP TEAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sue Rini
DIRECTOR OF RECREATION
Renee Bachewicz
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS AND WEBSITE RESOURCES
The following documents and website resources are available online at csparks.org.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Budget
DIRECTOR OF PARKS & FACILITIES
Shane Hamilton
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & IT
Lisa Scumaci
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Christine Quinn
List of Parks & Facilities Board of Commissioners Board Agendas and Minutes Master Plans
Jacqueline Jeffery Adam Parisi
Katie Becker
Jenn Pauling Tim Powers Sara Witteck
Dan Bird
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.
VISION
Be known by residents as the best parks and recreation provider.
CORE VALUES
Fun
Fairness & Equity
Total Customer Commitment
Positive Attitudes
Public Trust
Established in 1964, the Carol Stream Park District’s focus is to fulfill our residents’ needs for healthy, accessible, quality recreation activities, parks and facilities, and to be responsible stewards of our community resources. The Carol Stream Park District is recognized as one of the best in the state, winning two national gold medals and being the first in Illinois to receive a LEEDS Silver Certification for the eco-friendly facility, Fountain View Recreation Center. The Park District maintains more than 40 parks and playgrounds of which many link to regional trail systems and nearby county forest preserves. Picnic shelters at seven larger, scenic parks are available to rent, in addition to garden plots at the beautiful Slepicka Park and the newly renovated Community Park.
ABOUT THIS REPORT
The Carol Stream Park District’s 2025 digital Year in Review provides highlights of the District’s accomplishments, finances, activities, events, and projects undertaken during 2025. Questions or feedback concerning any of the information provided in this report may be directed to Executive Director Sue Rini at info@csparks.org.