Parks and Recreation Master Plan

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION 2023-2028 COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN Adopted November 7, 2023

Parks & Recreation Board

Staff

Sokol Delisi Commissioner

Jeron Dorsey Superintendent of Parks and Recreation

Art Lovering Commissioner

Nicole Interrante Recreation Supervisor (Aquatics)

Victor Shaw Commissioner

Kandice Newton Recreation Supervisor (Camp)

Laura Tomacic Commissioner

Julie Glowacki Receptionist/Clerk

Kenneth “KJ” Malca Commissioner

Adriana Flores Marketing Coordinator

Courtney Tucker Chair

Karen Hawk Director of Parks and Recreation

Leah Brennan Commissioner

Project Team

Hitchcock Design Group Planning and Landscape Architecture Williams Architects Architecture and Facilities BerryDunn Programs and Services University of Illinois Community Survey 2

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

INTRODUCTION

Contents

INTRODUCTION

4

Introduction

9

Chapter 1: Envision & Prioritize: Alternative & Preferred Strategies

21

Chapter 2: Implement: Action Plan

33

Chapter 3: Analyze: Inventory & Analysis

73

Chapter 4: Connect: Community Engagement & Needs Assessment

103

Chapter 5: Appendix

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

3

Introduction Since the last comprehensive planning effort, much has changed within the Village of Lincolnwood. This plan was developed to address these changes and provide an updated vision for the future.

Purpose

• Assess existing parks, facilities, and programs • Determine community opinion on services and facilities • Identify park, facility, and program needs • Define strategic and measurable goals and objectives • Provide an action plan to implement strategies over the next five years • Benchmark Village recreation service assets relative to statewide, national, and industry standards and against peer communities

Planning Process

The comprehensive planning process encompasses five key phases: Analyze, Connect, Envision, Prioritize, and Implement. This master plan is the synthesis of the first four phases and is meant to inform and guide the final phase, Implement.

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The planning process began in October 2022 with an in-depth inventory and analysis of the Village of Lincolnwood’s parks and open space, indoor facilities, programs, and community context. During the Connect phase, the Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, staff, stakeholders, and community shared their opinions about the Parks and Recreation Department’s parks, facilities, programs, and needs.

How to Use the Plan

This Comprehensive Plan will be used by the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department as a guide to implement action items over the next five years. The Action Plan should be thought of as a “working list” that will need to be evaluated and updated annually.

Upon completion of the Analyze and Connect phases, the planning team met to develop alternative strategies. Input from the Board and staff prioritized and incorporated these strategies into a cohesive action plan to be implemented over the next five years.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

INTRODUCTION

Envision

STRUCTURE OF THE DOCUMENT

Implement

Chapter One

Envision & Prioritize: Alternative & Preferred Strategies Chapter One outlines the needs that arose during the Analyze and Connect phases. It provides the background of those needs, synthesizing the results from the previous phases into justification and background for future items and the strategies to achieve them.

Analyze

Implement: Action Plan Chapter Two outlines the highest priority strategies in a five-year action plan. The action plan designates when strategies will occur and how to accomplish them.

Analyze: Inventory & Analysis Chapter Three provides a detailed inventory of parkland open space, Department facilities, schools, and relevant adjacent land uses. Park assets are classified and quantified by standards, size, location, and amenities.

Appendix Chapter Five contains the Illinois Department of Natural Resources useful life criteria, Village of Lincolnwood zoning map, the focus questions asked at the various workshops and input sessions during the Connect phase, the graphs and results from the community survey, the recreation assessment, the peer fee comparison analysis, the needs and strategies memorandum, the facilities assessment, and the dog park study and concept design community meeting notes and schematic design.

Appendix

Connect

Connect: Community Engagement & Needs Assessment Chapter Four includes national, state, and local parks and recreation trends. It also includes summaries of the community survey, community workshops, staff workshop, and stakeholder interviews.

Chapter Five

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

INTRODUCTION

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

5

Village Profile

The Village of Lincolnwood covers approximately 2.7 square miles of incorporated land within its municipal planning boundaries. The population of the Village is about 13,300 people. Located in Cook County, the Village maintains nearly 70 acres of open space.

The Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation properties consist predominately of neighborhood-level parks, along with a handful of community parks and trails. The Village also owns two facilities where it provides indoor recreation, education, administration, and support services and one outdoor pool.

The Village is located in the northeast portion of Cook County. In addition to the incorporated land under the Village’s jurisdiction, the Village boundary overlaps one park district and two school districts. These are Crawford Park District, School District 74, and Community High School District 219. Lincolnwood is adjacent to the Village of Skokie and the City of Chicago.

The Parks and Recreation Department encompasses approximately 1,728 acres, much of which is occupied by residential and business land uses. Included in the Village boundaries are 13 parks and two multi-use recreational paths.

The Village’s primary revenue source consists of taxes. Other revenue sources include licenses and permits, donations and grants, service charges, fines, and investment income. Village revenue is divided into trusts and funds which are used to fund new developments, maintenance costs, operating costs, salaries, and other expenses.

Organizational Structure

The Village has ten different Boards and Commissions. The Parks & Recreation Board consists of one chairperson and six members. Each Board member serves a three-year term. They review and recommend policies, fees, administrative, and budgetary matters relating to parks and recreation to the Village Board for consideration.

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VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Related Plans

Related documents referenced during the master planning process included: • CMAP Community Data Snapshot for Lincolnwood • 2016 Village of Lincolnwood Comprehensive Plan • 2022 Lincolnwood Town Center Concept Plan • Fiscal Year 2023 Budget in Brief • Capital Improvements Plan

History

The present-day Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department evolved from The Lincolnwood Day Association, a non-profit organization which began to acquire land to build a network of neighborhood playgrounds in Lincolnwood.

In 1955, a Parks and Recreation Board was created to establish, maintain, and conduct recreation programs. Since that time, the name was changed to the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department.

The Department has grown to include management of 13 parks, an aquatics center, and a 5,038 square foot community center. The Parks and Recreation Department relies heavily on partnerships with the school district and area businesses and community groups to fulfill the recreation needs of its residents. The Department offers a wide variety of programs and events including aquatics, senior trips, summer camps, fitness, after school programs, athletics, outdoor recreation, and special events.

INTRODUCTION

Skokie Swift

Village Map Legend

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Springfield Park Columbia Park

Central Park

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INTRODUCTION

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VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

¯ Feet 3,200 7

8

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

INTRODUCTION

Chapter One Envision & Prioritize: Alternative & Preferred Strategies

Overview This Chapter documents the Envision: Alternative & Preferred Strategies phase of the comprehensive master planning process.

Purpose

The purpose of the Envision: Alternative & Preferred Strategies phase is to develop actionable items for the Department to accomplish over the next five years.

The project team conducted a visioning workshop to develop a series of goals and strategies to address the opportunities revealed during the evaluation and analysis phases. The strategies were then organized into primary goals that relate back to the needs that were identified in the previous phases. Following the visioning workshop, the project team met with Parks and Recreation Department staff members to review and build upon the proposed strategies.

staff and Park Department Board of Commissioners to review the initial priorities and determine the most preferred action items to implement over the next five years.

Chapter Outline

This chapter is organized by the defined objectives as listed in the following pages. Determined through discussion with Park Department staff and committees, goals were organized into a 5-year Action Plan or listed as recurring best practices.

Objectives 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Improve Existing Village Assets to Preserve Current Community Use Expand Offerings with Higher Demand Items to Address Emerging Trends and Better Serve the Community Address any Underserved Demographics and User Groups Evaluate Indoor Space Improvements and Expansion Continue and Strengthen Existing Relationships with Key User Groups through Administrative Improvements

Staff then worked through an initial prioritization exercise to determine high, medium, and low priorities. Finally, the planning team met with both 10

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 1

1) IMPROVE EXISTING VILLAGE ASSETS TO PRESERVE CURRENT COMMUNITY USE Justification • • • •

Accessibility improvements within parks. Noted during Board Workshop and Community Meeting #2.

During the Community Meetings, Staff Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and Community Survey, the need for upgrades/repairs to ballfields, courts and accompanying amenities were mentioned several times. This ranked as the 2nd highest priority capital project in the Community Survey, and as the 4th highest priority at both Community Meetings.

Address skatepark safety concerns. Mentioned during Board Workshop as an under utilized space.

Aquatic facility improvements – repair, renovation, or relocation. Was top priority in the Staff Workshop and Community Meeting #1. High priority topic during Board Workshop and Stakeholder Interviews, and 5th highest capital priority in the Community Survey.

Strategies 1.

Develop (or Update) an ADA Transition Plan to evaluate, track, and prioritize accessibility updates at parks and facilities: • Develop a list of existing issues at existing parks and indoor facilities: • Accessible routes from parking to high-use amenities • Playground ramps and points-of-entry • Path connection points to courts • Seating areas (site furnishings, spatial requirements) • Points-of-entry and egress at buildings • Prioritize and group parks and facilities for implementation of improvements • Coordinate timing to align with ongoing improvements / initiatives

2.

Develop and implement Master Plan Update for Proesel Park (including park improvements from FY 2024 OSLAD submission): • Consider FY 2024 OSLAD submission as Phase One: • Design and Engineer – Phase One • Bid and Construct – Phase One • Complete master plan update for remaining park areas • Develop phased implementation strategy • Design, Fund, and Engineer – Remaining/Future Phases • Bid and Construct – Remaining/Future Phases

3.

Develop and implement Master Plan Update for Centennial Park: • Develop implementation strategy – all master plan items or phased • Design, Fund, and Engineer – all or phased • Bid and Construct – all or phased • Determine later phase(s) implementation schedule, if needed

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE & PREFERRED STRATEGIES

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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IMPROVE EXISTING VILLAGE ASSETS TO PRESERVE CURRENT COMMUNITY USE 4.

Develop (or update) a Playground Renovation Schedule so updates can be planned and budgeted for each year: • Establish a list of park groupings for playground renovations to be made each year, prioritized based on age and need for improvements: Priority Group A (high need – Years 1-2) • M. Lester Flowers Park (as part of current OSLAD improvements) • Arthur M. Goebelt Park • Columbia Park • Henry A. Proesel Park addition (as part of FY2024 OSLAD submission) Priority Group B (medium need – Years 3-4) • Kildare Park • Richard R. Rossi Park • Kenneth Park Priority Group C (low need – Year 5+, replace as playgrounds reach the end of their useful life) • Springfield Park • Drake Park • Charles L. O’Brien Park • G.G. Rowell Park • Central Park

5.

Develop and implement Aquatics Facility Strategy for Proesel Park Aquatic Center: • Short Term Strategies: • Resolve maintenance challenges, (Priority A,) • Resolve pool leaks with additional testing to identify location • Separate pool chemicals in the outdoor storage container • Implement urgent, required Priority A and B Items and Code violations identified in the FGMA report • Implement an Admission Reconfiguration per FDMA report • Incorporate ADA accessibility to pools in compliance with current code requirements • Replace diving boards (Village identified as being replaced) • Provide Panic Hardware on exterior gates to facilitate emergency egress • Interview staff to understand maintenance of the facility • Investigate programming to keep facility offerings up to date • Long Term Strategies: • Establish a maintenance capital replacement plan for the pool mechanical systems, nearing end of life • Renovate the Admission Building with New Admission, Family Changing, and Enlarged Training Room • Expand Filtration Building for Additional Chemical Storage • Expand Admission Entrance • Renovate Facility with New Splash Pad - Potentially Re-purpose Kiddie Pool • Based on age of the facility, a potential long-term strategy includes a full replacement of the pool

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VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 1

IMPROVE EXISTING VILLAGE ASSETS TO PRESERVE CURRENT COMMUNITY USE 6.

Develop a Field and Court Renovation Schedule so updates can be planned and budgeted for each year: • Establish a list of park groupings for field and court renovations and supporting amenities to be made each year, prioritized based on need for improvements: Priority Group A • M. Lester Flowers Park (as part of current OSLAD improvements) • Charles L. O’Brien Park Priority Group B • Henry A. Proesel Park (as part of FY 2024 OSLAD submission) • Columbia Park • Springfield Park Priority Group C • Central Park • G.G. Rowell Park Priority Group D • Arthur M. Goebelt Park • Kenneth Park • Richard R. Rossi Park Priority Group E • Drake Park • Kildare Park

7.

Develop Drainage Improvement and Maintenance Plan for sports fields and align implementation with field improvement schedule

8.

Develop Skatepark Improvement Plan focusing on safety improvements: • Design, Fund, and Engineer • Bid and Construct

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE & PREFERRED STRATEGIES

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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2) EXPAND OFFERINGS WITH HIGHER DEMAND ITEMS TO ADDRESS EMERGING TRENDS AND BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY Justification • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dog park needed within Village limits. Noted as needed during the Board Workshop, Staff Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and both Community Meetings.

Ranked 7th highest priority capital project in the Community Survey.

Evaluate property acquisitions for expanded outdoor space. Noted at both the Staff Workshop and Stakeholder Interviews. Ranked as 4th most important capital project in the Community Survey.

Add pickleball courts to address increased demand. Noted during Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and Community Meeting #2. Ranked as 4th highest priority capital project in the Community Survey.

Add amenities & supporting features along or within existing trails. Noted during Stakeholder Interviews and ranked as 3rd highest priority capital project in Community Survey.

There is a desire for splash pads. Community Meetings, Stakeholder Interviews.

Additional space needed for Parks Department staffing. Noted in Staff Workshop, Board Workshop, and Stakeholder Interviews.

Weekday after school program. Noted in Staff Workshop and Community Meeting #2. Two-thirds (64.6%) of respondents to the Community Survey are interested in utilizing a childcare/after school program if offered by Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department.

Summer Camp improvements. Noted in Stakeholder Interviews and Community Meetings.

Expand/change Village/sponsored event offerings (seasonal festivals/events). Noted in Stakeholder Interviews and both Community Meetings. Only about a third of the Community Survey respondents indicated they had attended a special event held by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department in the past year.

Sustainability improvements/integration, various initiatives (native plant gardens, recycling). Sustainability ranked as the 3rd highest priority in Community Meeting #1.

Additional staffing needed. Noted in Staff Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and Community Meeting #2.

More special events at aquatic center (Float Night, Adults Only BYOB). Noted at both Community Meetings.

Strategies 1.

Develop and Implement Dog Park plan: • Evaluate possible locations: • Henry A. Proesel Park • Centennial Park • New park location • Develop Proposed Improvement Plans at preferred location • Design, Fund, and Engineer • Bid and Construct

2.

Evaluate locations for New Pickleball Courts: • Consider adding pickleball lines to existing tennis courts at: • Central Park • M. Lester Flowers Park

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VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 1

EXPAND OFFERINGS WITH HIGHER DEMAND ITEMS TO ADDRESS EMERGING TRENDS AND BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY •

Consider adding new dedicated pickleball courts at: • Arthur M. Goebelt Park • Charles L. O’Brien Park • Drake Park • Centennial Park (aligned with park master plan update noted in Objective 1) • New park location

3.

Determine feasibility and Explore Options for New Splash Pad: • Consider locations at: • Arthur M. Goebelt Park • Charles L. O’Brien Park • Drake Park • New park location • Develop Proposed Improvement Plans at preferred location • Design, Fund, and Engineer • Bid and Construct

4.

Improve Recreation Department Programming: • Increase current staffing - two additional full-time staff positions are needed • Marketing position needs to be full-time • Another full-time position is needed to evenly allocate workload • Reassess staffing needs once new community recreation center is available • Increase Programming offerings • Active adult programming (chair yoga, trips, outdoor experiences) • Youth program offerings outside of sports (STEM/STEAM) • Adult programming (evenings and weekends) • Add birthday party service • Reinstate aquatic fitness classes (all age groups) • Update and Improve Department Operations • Standardize/simplify program naming using the new registration software • Leave out the day a program is offered or age of participants • Research and implement an effective program evaluation tool and track results on a seasonal and annual basis

5.

Re-evaluate program fees to preserve participation and remain attractive to residents: • Consider lowering fees for all-day youth camps to remain competitive with surrounding agency offerings • Consider increasing sports camp and program fees to generate more revenue ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE & PREFERRED STRATEGIES

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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3) ADDRESS ANY UNDERSERVED DEMOGRAPHICS AND USER GROUPS Justification • • •

Improve connectivity within Village – bike route(s) expansion. Noted during Stakeholder Interviews and Community Meeting #2. Ranked 3rd most important and 3rd highest priority capital project by respondents in the Community Survey.

Engage older population/demographics. Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, Community Meeting #2. In the Community Survey, Lincolnwood residents expressed they wanted more programming overall, specifically for children, adults, seniors, and more social programming.

Address gaps in service. The Overall Level of Service Map from the Analyze Phase shows multiple gaps in service areas within the Village.

Strategies 1.

Evaluate Property Acquisitions: • Target acquisition in underserved planning areas • Target parcels adjacent to existing parks

2.

Update and Implement Village-wide Bike Trail Expansion Plan: • Explore trail and bike path-specific grant opportunities • Add amenities and supporting features at key points along trails: • Seating • Informational kiosks • Wayfinding signage • Mile markers • Drinking fountains

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VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 1

4) EVALUATE INDOOR SPACE IMPROVEMENTS AND EXPANSION Justification • •

Additional indoor space needed for recreation-focused activities and programming. Noted multiple times in Staff Workshop, Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and both Community Meetings. Ranked as top priority in Community Meeting #2. By far, “build a multi-purpose recreation center” was the highest priority project with 60.2% of respondents ranking it in their top three potential projects in the Community Survey.

Utilize SD74 facilities more for public use. Use of school facilities was noted several times during Stakeholder Interviews and Community Meeting #2.

Strategies 1.

Improve Existing Community Center Space usage: • Re-purpose existing spaces to better fit current Staff and program needs • Immediate/Preliminary Items: • Maintenance: • Maintenance (masonry tuckpointing, lintel repair, water infiltration issues) • Sound proofing in office area • Interior updates (interior remodeling, mechanical repairs and replacements, general plumbing maintenance and repairs, lighting upgrades, emergency exit lighting upgrades, fire alarm inspection) • Consider potential relocation options and feasibility • Utilize partner facilities where feasible • Begin strategizing new building options

2.

Conduct Feasibility Study for New Community Recreation Center (building on Village Facility Assessment): • Evaluate potential locations: • Potential property acquisitions • Consider Lincolnwood Town Center (if it becomes available)

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE & PREFERRED STRATEGIES

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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EVALUATE INDOOR SPACE IMPROVEMENTS AND EXPANSION 3.

Develop and implement New Community Recreation Center Strategy: • Top facilities priority • Identify program offerings for a new community recreation center • Validate suggestions identified during the Connect Phase: • Senior/Adult programming, sport recreation, fitness, youth programming, after school program/childcare • Initial spaces may include the following: • Multi-use rooms (2-3 program rooms) • Gymnasium (2 court gymnasium) • Health and fitness • Fitness group exercise (1-2 rooms) • Walking/running track • Supporting administration functions • Multi-function space(s) for programming • Identify/confirm spatial programmatic requirements for new community recreation center

4.

Strengthen Partnership with School District 74 for indoor facility use: • Explore opportunities for: • Public open gym use • Camp use • Athletic programs • After-school programs • Evaluate additional opportunities

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VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 1

5) CONTINUE AND STRENGTHEN EXISTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH KEY USER GROUPS THROUGH ADMINISTRATIVE IMPROVEMENTS Justification • • • •

Revamp field/court rental/reservation strategies. Noted multiple times during Stakeholder Interviews and both Community Meetings.

Technology improvements for Staff. Noted in Staff Workshop and Board Workshop.

Better information sharing & communication for scheduled events and updates. Noted in Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and both Community Meetings.

Better advertising and public notification of special events. Noted in Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and both Community Meetings. In the Community Survey, the most preferred method of staying informed among respondents was email. Direct mail, the newsletter, brochures, social media, and the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation website were listed as highly preferred as well.

Strategies 1.

2.

Improve Communications between Village and Residents relating to: • Program information and timely updates • Special events • Low participation programs (to avoid cancellation due to low registration numbers) Evaluate Current Field and Court Policies: • Improve system for resident rentals

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE & PREFERRED STRATEGIES

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 1

Chapter Two Implement: Action Plan

Action Plan The Implement: Action Plan Chapter outlines the proposed tasks and projects for the Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation Department over the next five years.

Purpose

This chapter outlines the steps and potential timeline for implementing the Comprehensive Master Plan strategies identified in the Envision & Prioritize phase. They were further refined and finalized through workshops with the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation staff and Park Board members to develop the action plan. The action plan guides Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department in implementing the strategies over the next five years and will be periodically re-evaluated and adjusted to reflect completed projects and the community’s changing needs.

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The action plan is organized as follows: • An at-a-glance Action Plan timeline with each year divided into quarters (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) to provide a general idea of when each action or action item step might start or end within a given year.

• A detailed summary of the action items provided in a year-by-year list in chronological order from 2023 - 2029+ • The action items are further organized within each year according to the following categories: • Facilities • Parks and Open Space • Programs and Events • Policy and Operations

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

The Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department is following a January to December fiscal year.

CHAPTER 2

Grant Funding Sources

Each year, various grants are announced to partially fund design and implementation of capital improvements for parks & recreation open space and facilities. There are several grants available and advertised through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), typically on a yearly-basis for: park space acquisition and development, recreation-base facilities, trail systems, boating access, and much more. The matching funds that can be obtained for these grants typically range from 2575% of the proposed project cost and some even up to 100% for communities noted as “economically distressed” on the State’s list that is distributed each year. Additional grant funding sources are available through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, green infrastructure from the State or local utility companies (ComEd, for example), and amenity equipment purchasing programs offered by various product manufacturers and vendors. Staff should plan to evaluate these types of grants ahead of or at the beginning of each fiscal year to identify potential funding sources as they become available to help implement upcoming strategies identified in the action plan for that particular year or years ahead.

IMPLEMENT: ACTION PLAN

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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Current CurrentYear Year 2023 2023 Jan Jan Feb Feb March March

April July April July May Aug May Implement Aug Field and Court June Sept June Renovation Sept

Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

Implement Playground Priority Group C

Jan Jan Feb Feb March March

Year Year11 2024 2024 April April May May June June

Priority Group D

July Oct July Oct Aug Aug ImplementNov Nov Field and Court Sept Dec Sept Renovation Dec Priority Group E

Year Year22 2025 2025

Implement Playground Priority Group C, continued

Jan Jan Feb Feb March March

April April May May Recurring June June Annually

Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group E, continued

Develop and Develop and Implement Implement Short-Term Short-Term Strategies forfor Strategies Aquatic Center Aquatic Center Determine Feasibility and Explore Options for New Splash Pad

Evaluate Property Acquisitions Improve Improve Existing Existing Community Community Center Space Center Space Usage Usage

Evaluate Property Acquisitions

Develop Fund Develop Fund Evaluate Master Plan forfor Centennial Master Plan Centennial Property Centennial Park Centennial Park Acquisitions Park Improvements Park Improvements

Improve Recreation Develop Fund Proesel Develop Fund Proesel Department Master Plan forfor Park Phase I I Master Plan Park Phase Programming Proesel Park Proesel Park Improvements Improvements

Improve Design and Design and Recreation Engineer Engineer Department Proesel Park Proesel Park Programming Phase I I Phase Improvements Improvements

Evaluate Current Field and Court Policies Improve Communications between Village and Residents

Develop Master Plan Playground Playground Renovation Renovation Schedule

July Ju Aug Au Sep Sep

Improve Recreation Department Programming Design and Design and Engineer Engineer Centennial Centennial Park Park Improvements Improvements

Bid and Bid and Evaluate and Construct Construct Adjust Program Centennial Centennial Fees Park Park Improvements Improvements Bid and Bid and Construct Construct Proesel Park Proesel Park Phase I I Phase Improvements Improvements

Evaluate Current Field Implement Implement andPlayground Court Playground Policies Priority Group AA Priority Group

Improve Evaluate Evaluate Implement Field Implement Field Communications Options forfor Options and Court and Court between Village New Pickleball New Pickleball Renovation Renovation and Residents Courts Courts Priority Group AA Priority Group

Evaluate and Adjust Program Fees

Evaluate and Adjust Program Develop ADA Develop ADA Fees Transition Plan Transition Plan

Evaluate and adjust Action Plan Items Annually

Evaluate and adjust Actionand Develop Develop and Plan Items Dog Implement Implement Dog Annually Park Park

Evaluate EvaluatePLAN 24Evaluate VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVEEvaluate MASTER Property Property Property Property Acquisitions Acquisitions Acquisitions Acquisitions

Evaluate Current Field and Court Policies Improve Communications between Village and Residents

Implement Field Implement Field Evaluate and adjust Action and Court and Court Plan Items Renovation Renovation Annually Priority Group BB Priority Group

Legend Facilities Parks and Open Space Programs and Events

Devel Dev Draina Drai Improvem Improve Mainten Mainte Plan Pl

Five-Year Act

Policy and Operations

Village of Lincolnw

Evaluate Evaluate Property Property Acquisitions Acquisitions

CHAPTER 2

t v c

nd r al

Year Year22 2025 2025 Jan Jan Feb Feb March March

April April July July May May Implement Aug Aug Field and Court June June Renovation Sept Sept

Oct Oct Nov Nov Dec Dec

Year Year33 2026 2026

Implement Playground Priority Group C

Jan Jan Feb Feb March March

April April May May June June

July July Oct Oct Aug Aug ImplementNov Nov Field and Court Sept Sept Renovation Dec Dec

Priority Group D

Determine Feasibility and Explore Options for New Splash Pad Evaluate Property Acquisitions

s ents

BidBid and and Construct Construct Centennial Centennial Park Park Improvements Improvements

Priority Group E

Year Year44 2027 2027

Implement Playground Priority Group C, continued

Jan Jan April April Feb Feb Recurring May May March March Annually June June

Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group E, continued

Develop and Develop and Implement Implement Long-Term Long-Term Strategies forfor Strategies Aquatic Center Aquatic Center

Evaluate Property Acquisitions

Conduct Conduct Feasibility Feasibility Study forfor New Study New Community Community Center Center

Develop and Develop and Improve Implement Implement Recreation New New Department Community Community Programming Center Strategy Center Strategy Update and Update and Implement Implement Village-wide Village-wide Bike Trail Bike Trail Expansion Plan Expansion Plan

Evaluate Property Acquisitions

Evaluate and Adjust Program Fees

Improve and BidBid and Recreation Construct Construct Department Proesel Park Proesel Park Programming Phase Phase I I Improvements Improvements

Improve BidBid and and Recreation Construct Construct Department Proesel Proesel Park Park Programming Phase Phase II II Improvements Improvements

Evaluate Current Field and Court Policies

Evaluate Current Field and Court Policies

Evaluate Current Field Implement Implement andPlayground Court Playground Policies Priority Priority Group Group B B

Improve Communications between Village and Residents

Improve Implement Field Implement Field Communications and Court and Court between Village Renovation Renovation and Residents Priority Group B B Priority Group

Improve Communications between Village and Residents

Evaluate and Adjust Program Fees

Evaluate and Adjust Program Fees

Evaluate and adjust Action Plan Items Annually

Evaluate Evaluate IMPLEMENT: ACTION PLAN Property Property Acquisitions Acquisitions

Develop Develop Drainage Drainage Improvement & & Improvement Maintenance Maintenance Plan Plan

Evaluate and adjust Action Plan Items Annually

Evaluate and adjust Action Plan Items Annually

Implement Implement Field Field and and Court Court Renovation Renovation Priority Priority Group Group C C Develop Skate Develop Skate Park Park Improvement Improvement Plan Plan

July Ju Aug Au Sep Se

Implemen Implem and Co and Renovat Reno Priority Gr Priority

Legend Facilities Parks and Open Space Determine Determine Programs and Events Feasibility and Feasibility and Explore Options Explore Options forfor New Splash New Splash Policy and Operations Pad Pad

Five-Year Act

Village of Lincolnw

Evaluate VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE Evaluate Evaluate Evaluate MASTER PLAN Property Property Property Property Acquisitions Acquisitions Acquisitions Acquisitions

25

t v c

Year Year 444 Year 2027 2027 2027 Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb March March March

April July April July April July May Implement Aug May Aug May Aug Field and Court June Renovation Sept June Sept June Sept Priority Group D

Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec

Implement Playground Priority Group C

Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb March March March

Year Year 555 Year 2028 2028 2028 April April April May May May June June June

July Oct July Oct July Oct Aug Implement Nov Aug Nov Aug Nov Field and Court Sept Renovation Dec Sept Dec Sept Dec Priority Group E

Implement Playground Priority Group C, continued

Beyond Beyond Beyond 5Years Years Recurring 55Years 2029+ Annually 2029+ 2029+

Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group E, continued

Evaluate Property Acquisitions Determine Develop and Develop and Develop and Feasibility and Implement Implement Implement ExploreNew Options New New forCommunity New Splash Community Community Pad Center Strategy Center Strategy Center Strategy

Improve Recreation Department Programming

Evaluate Property Acquisitions

Evaluate Property Acquisitions

Evaluate and Adjust Program Fees

Improve Recreation Department Programming

Improve Recreation Department Programming

Evaluate Current Field and Court Policies

Evaluate Current Field and Court Policies

Evaluate Current Field Implement Implement Implement and Court Playground Playground Playground Policies Priority Group Priority Group C C C Priority Group

Improve Implement Implement Implement Playground Communications Playground Playground Priority Group Priority Group C, C, C, between Village Priority Group and Residents continued continued continued

Improve Communications between Village and Residents

Implement Field Evaluate and Field Implement Field Implement Field Implement Implement Field Implement Field and Court adjust Action and Court and Court and Court and Court and Court Renovation Plan Items Renovation Renovation Renovation Renovation Renovation Priority Group Group E, E, E, Annually Priority Group Priority Group Priority Group E E E Priority Priority Group continued continued continued

Evaluate and Adjust Program Fees

Evaluate and Adjust Program Fees

Legend

Evaluate and Determine Determine Determine adjust Action Feasibility and Feasibility and Feasibility and Plan Items Explore Options Explore Options Explore Options for New Splash forAnnually New Splash for New Splash Pad Pad Pad

Evaluate and adjust Action Plan Items Annually

Improve Communications between Village and Residents

Implement Field Implement Field Implement Field and Court and Court and Court Renovation Renovation Renovation Priority Group Priority Group D DD Priority Group

Evaluate Evaluate Evaluate Evaluate Evaluate 26Evaluate VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN Property Property Property Property Property Property Acquisitions Acquisitions Acquisitions Acquisitions Acquisitions Acquisitions

Facilities Parks and Open Space Programs and Events

Five-Year Act

Policy and Operations

Village of Lincolnw CHAPTER 2

IMPLEMENT: ACTION PLAN

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

27

Current Fiscal Year Facilities

(January 2023 Through December 2023)

Develop and implement short-term strategies for Aquatic Center Parks and Open Space

Develop Playground Renovation Schedule Develop Master Plan for Proesel Park Fund Proesel Park Phase I Improvements Evaluate options for New Pickleball Courts Implement Field and Court Renovation Group A

Fiscal Year 1

(January 2024 Through December 2024)

Facilities

Develop and implement Short-Term Strategies for Aquatic Center (continued from the Current Year) Improve existing Community Center Space usage Parks and Open Space

28

Develop Master Plan for Centennial Park Fund Centennial Park Improvements Design and engineer Centennial Park Improvements Design and engineer Proesel Park Phase I Improvements Implement Playground Priority Group A Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group A (continued from the Current Year) Develop ADA Transition Plan Develop and implement Dog Park

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 2

Fiscal Year 2 Facilities

(January 2025 Through December 2025)

Improve existing Community Center Space usage (continued from Year 1) Parks and Open Space

Design and engineer Centennial Park Improvements (continued from Year 1) Bid and construct Centennial Park Improvements Bid and construct Proesel Park Phase I Improvements Implement Playground Priority Group A (continued from Year 1) Implement Field and Court Renovation Group B Develop Drainage Improvement and Maintenance Plan

Fiscal Year 3

(January 2026 Through December 2026)

Facilities

Develop and implement Long-Term Strategies for Aquatic Center Conduct feasibility study for New Community Center Parks and Open Space

Bid and construct Centennial Park Improvements (continued from Year 2) Update and implement Village-wide Bike Trail Expansion Plan Bid and construct Proesel Park Phase II Improvements Implement Playground Priority Group B Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group C Develop Skate Park Improvement Plan Develop Drainage Improvements and Maintenance Plan (continued from Year 2)

IMPLEMENT: ACTION PLAN

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

29

Fiscal Year 4 Facilities

(January 2027 Through December 2027)

Develop and implement Long-Term Strategies for Aquatic Center (continued from Year 3) Develop and implement New Community Center strategy Parks and Open Space

Update and implement Village-wide Bike Trail Expansion Plan (continued from Year 3) Implement Playground Priority Group B (continued from Year 3) Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group C (continued from Year 3) Develop Skate Park Improvement Plan (continued from Year 3) Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group D Determine feasibility and explore options for New Splash Pad

Fiscal Year 5

(January 2028 Through December 2028)

Facilities

Develop and implement New Community Center strategy (continued from Year 4) Parks and Open Space

30

Update and implement Village-wide Bike Trail Expansion Plan (continued from Years 3 and 4) Bid and construct Proesel Park Phase II Improvements Implement Playground Priority Group C Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group D (continued from Year 4) Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group E

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 2

Year 5+ Parks and Open Space

(January 2029 and Beyond)

Implement Playground Priority Group C (continued from Year 5) Implement Field and Court Renovation Priority Group E

Recurring Items Parks and Open Space Evaluate Property Acquisitions Programs and Events Improve Recreation Department Programming Evaluate and adjust Program Fees Policy and Operations Evaluate current Field and Court Policies Improve Communications between Village and residents Evaluate and adjust Action Plan items annually

IMPLEMENT: ACTION PLAN

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

31

32

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 2

Chapter Three Analyze: Inventory & Analysis

Overview The Analyze: Inventory & Analysis chapter provides a description and illustration of the existing conditions of the Village of Lincolnwood. The information in this chapter aims to show a basic understanding of the Village’s recreation assets and programs.

Purpose

This chapter documents the inventory and analysis accomplished during the Analyze phase of the Comprehensive Master Planning update process. This phase describes the context in which the Village operates, the recreation services it provides, and the patrons that utilize parks, facilities, and programs.

Included in the chapter is information defining the community’s demographic makeup and detailed maps of the Village that identify parks, trails, and other relevant land uses. This chapter also includes the level of service analysis for parks and facilities comparing the Village’s total acreage of parks and open space, and indoor facility square footage to local, state, and national benchmarks. A distribution mapping analysis of the geographic location of parks is also found in this chapter.

This information provides insight into potential surpluses or deficiencies the Village has in terms of parks, open space, facilities, and amenities.

34

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Chapter Outline

• Demographics • Existing Conditions • Asset Inventory • Park Classifications • Park and Open Space Matrix • Level of Service Analysis • Acreage • Distribution • Mini Park Distribution Analysis • Neighborhood Park Distribution Analysis • Community Park Distribution Analysis • Overall Park Distribution Analysis • Amenities • Amenity Distribution Analysis • Program Assessment

CHAPTER 3

Context Map

ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

35

Demographics

TOTAL POPULATION

The demographics review utilized the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Business Analyst Online (BAO) software to gather up-to-date demographic data necessary to gain an understanding of the Village and its community demographic makeup.

Summary

According to 2022 estimates, the Village of Lincolnwood has a population of 13,369. Total population numbers from 2020 indicate the population is decreasing at an annual rate of 0.7%. However, with the new development occuring at District 1860, there is an expected increase in population that will effectively cancel out any overall decline in population. Thus, it is safe to assume flat population growth over the next few years. The graphic to the right illustrates the overall trend (not accounting for the new development population gains). The national growth rate is on the rise at 0.25%.

There are 4,386 households within the Village of Lincolnwood. According to the U.S. Census, a household “includes all persons who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence.” Out of these 4,386 households 75.44% (3,309) are families. A family is defined as a household in which one or more people are related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. The 2022 average household size is 2.98 in the Village of Lincolnwood. This is a slight increase from 2020 (2.97), but the number is projected to drop to 2.96 by 2027.

Age Distribution

With a median age of 48.2, the Village has an adult, aging population. According to 2022 estimates, 42.6% of the population is over 55. This is expected to hold steady into 2027. However, the senior population (ages 65+) will grow 36

from 28.8% to 30.6%. This age group’s growth is consistent with that of the state and nation. The aging active adult and senior populations are, and will continue to be, a major Village demographic. Since 2020, all age groups under 25 have decreased. The populations for these age groups are expected to hold constant or decrease going into 2027, with the exception of a small increase in the 0-4 age group.

Race and Ethnicity

According to ESRI, the Village of Lincolnwood has a diversity index of 62.5. The Diversity Index captures the racial and ethnic diversity of a geographic area in a single number, 0 to 100, and allows for efficient analysis of diversity throughout the U.S. The Diversity Index is “the likelihood that two persons, selected at random from the same area, would belong to a different race or ethnic group.” According to demographic estimates, 57.6% of Lincolnwood residents indicate their race as White, which results in a median diversity index. The second largest racial group within the Village is Asian with 31.5% of the population reporting their race as “Asian Alone.” This group is followed by 5.9% reporting “two or More Races,” 2.6% as “Other Race,” 1.9% as “Black Alone,” 0.4% as “American Indian Alone,” and 0.0% as “Pacific Islander Alone.” Seven point five percent of the population identifies their ethnicity as Hispanic. Race and ethnicity are considered two different concepts and are measured separately. The U.S. Census Bureau defines race as “a person’s self-identification with one or more social groups.” Meanwhile, ethnicity “determines whether a person is of Hispanic origin or not. Hispanics report as any race.”

Source: Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

AGE DISTRIBUTION

35 30 25 20

Income

The median household income for the Village of Lincolnwood residents is above the state and national median. It is expected that the median household income in the Village will increase at a rate of about 9.09%. This is higher than the projected growth rate for both the state and the nation (1.5% and 1.6%, respectively). It is projected that the median household income will still be higher than both state and national medians in 2027.

Seven percent of the Village’s population make less than $25,000 per year, which is the poverty line as defined by Illinois Legal Aid.

INCOME DISTRIBUTION

15 10 5 0

RACE & ETHNICITY

ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

37

Existing Conditions

The first step in the comprehensive planning process is to understand not only the context around the Village but also the existing conditions of the Village’s assets including land use, open space, natural resources, and trails.

Land Use

The Village of Lincolnwood is predominantly residentially zoned. Business zoning is concentrated along Lincoln Avenue, which bisects the Village. There are other pockets of business along Touhy Avenue and Devon Avenue.

Light manufacturing is concentrated on the east side of the Village. Planned Unit Developments are concentrated along the north end of Lincoln Avenue and Touhy Avenue as well as the Lincolnwood Town Center site. Office, Public Open Space, and School zoning also exist throughout the Village. The Village of Lincolnwood zoning map can be found in the appendix.

Open Space Providers

The Village of Lincolnwood is the largest provider of parks and open space within the Village. Lincolnwood School District 74, Skokie Park District, and the Chicago Park District own and manage public open space within the Village boundaries. There is also a private golf club located in south-central Lincolnwood. The map to the right shows the open space locations throughout the Village.

Public Open Space Park District, Municipal, Conservation District, State, and Federal The Village of Lincolnwood owns nearly 70 acres of active and passive open space. Skokie Park District operates just under 1 acre of land within the Village (Pohatan Park) and the Chicago Park District owns approximately 4 acres of land within the Village of Lincolnwood boundaries.

Institutional Open Space Elementary, Middle, and High Schools and Colleges / Universities The Village is served by Lincolnwood School District 74.

The School District manages about 9 acres of open space.

Private Open Space The 139-acre, privately-owned golf course, Bryn Mawr Country Club is located within the Village of Lincolnwood boundaries.

38

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

Inventory Map

Skokie Swift

Inventory Map Legend

41 £ ¤

Village of Lincolnwood Charles L O'Brien Park

Lincolnwood PRD Facility

Richard R. Rossi Park

Lincolnwood PRD Parks

Kildare Park Kenneth Park

Other Parks Other Open Space Trails

CHASE AVE

§ ¦ ¨ I-94

Schools

TOUHY AVE

Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center

Centennial Park

Drake Park

Pohatan Park (Skokie) le Pa th

Henry A. Proesel Park

50 V U

a ian P

AVE

ne Trail

d Cana

A SH

Unio n

AUG AN

41 £ ¤

i Valley L

NS

W PRATT AVE

cifi c

N MCCORMICK BLVD

M. Lester Flowers Park

Pacif ic

Bicyc

Lincolnwood Community Center

Bryn Mawr Country Club

RR

G. G. Rowell Park

W DEVON AVE Arthur A. Goebelt Park

I-94 § ¦ ¨

Springfield Park Columbia Park

Central Park

Park No. 538 (Chicago) Thillens Park (Chicago)

1 inch = 1,600 feet ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

0

800

1,600

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

¯ Feet 3,200

39

Asset Inventory As a part of the planning process, the guidelines outlined by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) - Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines Manual are referenced.

NRPA recommends creating a park classification system to serve as a guide for organizing an agency’s parks. Park, Recreation and Greenway Guidelines provide recommendations for the amount of land a community should provide for various classifications of parks, open space, and greenways.

Mini Park, Neighborhood Park, School Park, Community Park, Large Urban Park, and Sports Complexes are the six classifications for parks recognized by the NRPA. Commonly, School Parks are included in the Neighborhood Park category and Large Urban Parks and Sports Complexes are included in the Community Park category. For the purposes of this plan, school parks, urban parks, and sports complexes have not been defined or used.

These categories are based on size, function, and 40

use. Mini Parks are the smallest and most limited in function, while Community Parks are typically the largest parks of a system and serve a variety of functions for the community. Other open space categories recognized by the NRPA are Natural Areas, Trails, Corridors, or Linear Parks, and Special Use. Undeveloped Parks are sites not yet developed for meaningful access. This category is recognized for planning purposes but is not an NRPA category.

categorized by the type of facility and / or programming. The facility space inventory follows the park and open space inventory. It categorizes the Park Department’s facilities by use and identifies the total administration, recreation, and support space allocations within each facility.

These classifications are vital to a comprehensive Level of Service Analysis. In the parks and open space matrix on the following pages, amenities were quantified to understand the Village’s total recreational offerings. The numbers in red text indicate an amenity is beyond its useful life, per the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Useful Life Criteria (found in the appendix).

The Park Department’s indoor space was also

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

PARK CLASSIFICATIONS Classification

General Description

Service Area

Size Criteria

Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Facilities

Mini Park (M)

Mini Parks meet the need for a walkable, drop-in recreation experience.

Appropriate elements in these parks include playgrounds, picnic areas, and seating. These parks usually do not include parking. Used to address limited, isolated, or unique recreational needs.

Less than 0.25 mile distance in a residential setting.

N/A

None

Neighborhood Park (N)

Neighborhood Parks remain the basic unit of the park system and are generally designed for informal active and passive recreation and community gathering spaces. Elements in these parks often include playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and trail systems. Neighborhood Parks serve as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood.

0.25 to 0.5 mile distance and uninterrupted by non-residential roads and other physical barriers.

0.2 to 3.0 acres

Arthur M. Goebelt Park, Central Park, Charles L. O’Brien Park, Columbia Park, Drake Park, G.G. Rowell Park, Kenneth Park, Kildare Park, M. Lester Flowers Park, Richard R. Rossi Park, Springfield Park

Community Park (C)

Community Parks focus on meeting community-wide recreation needs.

These parks preserve unique landscapes and often serve the community as gathering places and general athletics. Elements in these parks include playgrounds, pavilions, trails and path systems, multiple sport courts and fields. Serves broader purpose than neighborhood parks. Focus is on meeting community based recreation needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces.

Determined by the quality and suitability of the site. Usually serves two or more neighborhoods and 0.5 to 3 mile distance.

As needed to accommodate desired uses.

Usually a minimum of 10 acres.

Centennial Park, Henry A. Proesel Park

Natural Areas*

Conservation and wildlife areas, wooded areas and waterways that are maintained for the most part in their natural state.

Service radius is unlimited.

No applicable standard.

None

Special Use*

Special use facilities focus on meeting community-wide recreation needs.

No applicable standard.

Often, these spaces, both indoor and outdoor, are designed as single-use recreation activities. Examples of special use facilities include golf courses, nature centers, recreation centers, and museums. Areas for specialized or single purpose recreational activities. Generally designed for active recreation and focus on meeting community based recreation needs.

Variable, depending on desired amenity.

None

Trails, Corridors, and Linear Parks*

Effectively tie park system components together to form a continuous park environment.

Resource availability and opportunity.

No applicable standard.

Valley Line Trail, Union Pacific Trail Corridor

Lands owned by the agency, but not yet developed with any amenities to provide meaningful access to the site such as trails, seating areas, and other passive and active recreation amenities. *from NRPA’s Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines

No applicable standard.

Variable.

None

Undeveloped Park

ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

41

Park & Open Space Matrix Swimming Beach (linear feet)

Volleyball Court

Tennis Court with Pickleball Overlay

Tennis Court

Softball

Soccer

Skate Park

Pickleball Court

Lacrosse

3

Horseshoe Pit

4

Golf Driving Range

2

Golf Course (holes)

1

Football / Rugby

2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1

Disc Golf (holes)

Basketball (hoops)

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Baseball

Playground

SPORTS COURTS AND AMENITIES

Picnic Shelter

Dog Park

Fitness Stations

Concessions

Restrooms

Indoor Program / Support Facility

Nature / Interpretive Trails

Amphitheater

DAY USE AMENITIES

INDOOR FACILITIES

Bicycle Trails

Hiking Trails

Multi-Use Trails

TRAILS

Regional Trail Access

Acreage - Own

Acreage - Lease / Manage

ACREAGE

PARK AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM Neighborhood Parks Arthur M. Goebelt Park Central Park Charles L. O'Brien Park Columbia Park Drake Park G.G. Rowell Park Kenneth Park Kildare Park M. Lester Flowers Park Richard R. Rossi Park Springfield Park

1.0 0.7 0.8 0.2 0.8 0.7 0.4 0.3 2.3 0.5 3.0

Neighborhood Park Acreage

x

1 1

1

x

10.7

2

2 1

0.0

10.7

Community Parks

13

20

3

9

0

0

0

0

0

0

5 .4 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0

0

0

0

3

0

1

4

13

20

3

9

0

0

0

0

0

BEYOND USEFUL LIFE AMENTIIES AT CURRENT STANDARDS

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 3

0 0

0 1

0 4

4 9

0 20

0 3

0 9

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

tball / Rugby

Course (holes)

Driving Range

Horseshoe Pit

7

0

2

0

0

1

1

1

7

0

2

0

0 0

0 0

0 1

0 1

0 1

0 7

0 0

0 2

0 0

olleyball Court

4

sc Golf (holes)

1

leball Overlay

1

Baseball

1

Tennis Court

0

Basketball

1

Softball

3

Playground

3

Soccer

0

Picnic Shelter

1

Skate Park

0

Amphitheater

1

ickleball Court

0

58.7

Lacrosse

3

Dog Park

9

1

itness Stations

1 2

Concessions

Community Park Acreage

1.8 1.2

Restrooms

37.5 21.2

upport Facility

Centennial Park Henry A. Proesel Park

2

0.0

58.7

TOTAL PARK & OPEN SPACE HOLDINGS

6 9 .4 0 .0 6 9 .4

2

3 .0 0 .0 0 .0 0 .0

OTHER DEPARTMENT OPEN SPACE & FACILITIES Trails, Corridors, and Linear Parks / Greenways Valley Line Trail - 1.3 miles Union Pacific Trail Corridor - 1.1 miles

1.3 1.1

Trail, Corridor and Linear Park Acreage

0.0 0.0

TOTAL DEPARTMENT HOLDINGS

42

6 9 .4 0 .0 6 9 .4

2

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

0 0 0 0 TOTAL 0 0DEPARTMENT 1 1 HOLDINGS 1 7 6 9 .4 0 .0 0 69.2 4 02 51.4 00.0 0.10 0.00 01 01 01 30 0 1 4 13 20 3 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 7 0 2 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 BEYOND 0 0 USEFUL 0 LIFE 0 0 2 0 CURRENT 1 0 STANDARDS 1 0 AMENTIIES AT 00 01 00 01 00 01 00 30 0 0 0 1 0 4 4 9 0 20 0 3 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 7 0 0 0 2 0 0

tball / Rugby Course (holes) Driving Range Horseshoe Pit Lacrosse ickleball Court Skate Park Soccer

Softball

Tennis Court leball Overlay

Sled Hill upport Facility Boat Launch Restrooms Fishing Concessions Open Water itness Stations ea / Gardens Dog Park Amphitheater Picnic Shelter Playground Basketball Baseball sc Golf (holes) tball / Rugby Course (holes) Driving Range Horseshoe Pit Lacrosse ickleball Court Skate Park Soccer Softball Tennis Court leball Overlay

43

olleyball Court

Neighborhood Park Acreage 1

1 1

ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS 3

Community Park Acreage

TOTAL 0 PARK 0 &0 OPEN 1 SPACE 1 HOLDINGS 1 7 10.7

37.5 21.2 2

58.7

Trail, Corridor and Linear Park Acreage 1.8 1.2 1

6 9 .4 0 .0 0 69.2 4 02

Valley Line Trail - 1.3 miles Union Pacific Trail Corridor - 1.1 miles

Ice Skating

Centennial Park Henry A. Proesel Park

31.0 00.0 0.10 0.00 1 1

x

Neighborhood Parks

1 1

1

x

0.0

Community Parks 10.7

0.0

58.7 1 2 x 1 3

01 01 01 30 0 1 4 13 20 3 9 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 9

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1

1 2 4 3

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Swimming Beach (linear feet)

Volleyball Court

Tennis Court with Pickleball Overlay

Tennis Court

Softball

Soccer

Skate Park

Pickleball Court

Lacrosse

Horseshoe Pit

DAY USE AMENITIES

Golf Driving Range

Golf Course (holes)

Football / Rugby

Disc Golf (holes)

Baseball

Basketball (hoops)

PARK AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM Playground

Picnic Shelter

NATURAL WATER-BASED AMENITIESINDOOR FACILITIES TRAILS FEATURES

Amphitheater

Dog Park

Fitness NaturalStations Area / Gardens

Concessions Creek / River / Open Water

Restrooms Fishing

Indoor Program / Support Facility Boat Launch

Nature Sled Hill/ Interpretive Trails

Bicycle Trails Ice Skating

Hiking Trails Splash Pad

Swimming Pool Multi-Use Trails

Swimming Beach (linear feet) Regional Trail Access

Volleyball Court Acreage - Lease / Manage

Tennis Court with Pickleball Overlay Acreage - Own

Tennis Court

Softball

Soccer

Skate Park

Pickleball Court

Lacrosse

Horseshoe Pit

Golf Driving Range

Golf Course (holes)

Football / Rugby

ACREAGE

Splash Pad

0 2 1.0 0.7 0.8 0.2 0.8 0.7 0.4 0.3 2.3 0.5 3.0

wimming Pool

0 2

ch (linear feet)

Arthur M. Goebelt Park Central Park Charles L. O'Brien Park Columbia Park Drake Park G.G. Rowell Park Kenneth Park Kildare Park M. Lester Flowers Park Richard R. Rossi Park Springfield Park

olleyball Court

0 SPORTS COURTS AND AMENITIES SPORTS COURTS AND AMENITIES

2

2

1

1 1 3

1 1 1 7 0 2 0

2

OTHER DEPARTMENT OPEN SPACE & FACILITIES

Trails, Corridors, and Linear Parks / Greenways

1.3 1.1

0.0 0.0

Level of Service Analysis

The Level of Service analysis evaluates how well the Village’s parks, facilities, and amenities are serving the current needs of the community. Level of Service is evaluated through four different methods.

The development of a Level of Service standard for parks and recreation began in the 1980s with the development of Levels of Service for other infrastructure such as water, stormwater drainage, sewer systems, and transportation.

These benchmarks provide agency officials with the ability to respond to growing communities, evolving demographics, and changing needs. However, it is important to note that these benchmarks are not strict rules that all communities should follow. These Level of Service benchmarks are simply another gauge for agencies to use when determining future needs and services.

According to the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), Level of Service is a quantification of the park and recreation delivery, philosophy, and policy of a community. Its basic utility is in meeting a legal and / or economic requirement of quality service and equity. As a basic rule, a Level of Service benchmark should: 1.

2.

3.

44

Be practical and achievable Provide for an equitable allocation of park and recreation resources throughout a community; there should be equal opportunity access for all citizens Reflect the real-time demand of the citizens for park and recreation opportunities

There are four different Level of Service measurements that help a community understand how equitable and comprehensive its current park and recreation offerings are. These include: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Acreage: A calculation of the minimum amount of land required to provide all of the recreation activities and facilities required to support such activities Distribution: An evaluation of how equitable park and open space sites are placed throughout the community as well as how accessible existing sites are to residents Amenities: A calculation of the minimum number of amenities and facilities required to meet state and / or national averages Square Footage: A calculation of the minimum number of indoor square footage required to provide all of the recreation programs and services

Level of Service guidelines are developed by state and national agencies, including NRPA. Historically, a Level of Service analysis has been limited to total park and open space acreage alone and did not include distribution, amenities, or indoor square footage. The national standard for acreage Level of Service was 10 acres per 1,000 population, but as park and recreation planning developed, professionals saw the need to develop a more comprehensive benchmarking tool that could be adjusted for, and specific to, each community.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

Because one size does not fit all, the NRPA recommends using community-specific benchmarks. Park Metrics is the NRPA’s online management tool designed for public park and recreation agencies.

This tool is a supplement to the NRPA standards that have guided land acquisition and development for the past 55 years. Through this tool, agencies have the ability to compare themselves and their offerings with departments and agencies in their state or region. Agencies can also compare themselves to others based on factors such as total population, operating budget, and full-time technical equivalent employees. Now, agencies can plan and benchmark with more applicable data than national averages.

Park Metrics has thousands of data points and more than 1,000 completed profiles. It is now the largest and most comprehensive collection of detailed municipal, county, state, and special district data. As more agencies add their data to the database, trends and patterns begin to emerge that help agencies plan and benchmark.

The following Level of Service analyses reference national NRPA standards, Park Metrics benchmarks, and local- and regional-specific standards set by the State of Illinois and the planning team. The Village of Lincolnwood was compared to 39 U.S. park districts and recreation departments with populations between 10,000 and 15,000 registered with the NRPA’s Park Metrics database.

ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

45

Acreage Acreage Level of Service benchmarks are calculations of the recommended amount of land required to provide recreation activities and the facilities to support them.

The NRPA’s population ratio method (acres / 1,000 population) emphasizes the direct relationship between recreation spaces and people and is the most common method of estimating an agency’s level of service for parkland and open space. In addition to the baseline of 10 acres / 1,000 population used in this analysis, Park Metrics benchmarks are also used to understand how the Village of Lincolnwood compares to agencies of similar population size.

Based on the NRPA benchmark of 10 acres per 1,000 population, 133.69 acres of Mini, Neighborhood, and Community Park space is recommended for the Village.

The table to the right designates these park assets as “Active Recreation Areas.” With 69.40 acres of open space dedicated to Neighborhood and Community Park uses, Lincolnwood has a 64.29 acre deficit compared to this benchmark. The Village has a level of service of 5.19, which is just over half of the NRPA recommendation of 10 acres per 1,000 population.

The Village doesn’t own or maintain any other open space holdings that would impact their Level of Service, but when school open space is factored in, the Level of Service for Lincolnwood residents increases slightly to 5.87 acres per 1,000 population.

46

The Park Metrics database was referenced to understand how the Village of Lincolnwood compares to agencies across the nation with similar population sizes. Lincolnwood has a population size of 13,369. Out of over 1,000 agencies reporting, there were 39 U.S. agencies with populations between 10,000 and 15,000. Park Metrics provided information on the following Level of Service benchmarks: • Total Number of Parks • Total Park Acres • Total Acres Managed • Acres of Parks per 1,000 population The Village has 13 active parks that total 69.4 acres, which is more than the median 10 parks but less than the median 123.0 acres maintained as reported by Park Metrics.

Regarding acreage Level of Service, Park Metrics recommends 156.42 total park acres or 11.70 acres per 1,000 population. With 69.40 acres of active recreation areas, the Village is deficient by 87.02 acres. Lincolnwood is also below the Park Metrics recommended Level of Service. This information is shown in the chart on the next page.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

Level of Service Analysis: 10 acres / 1,000 population OWNED / LEASED ACTIVE RECREATION AREAS Classification

Lincolnwood Acreage (Total)

Lincolnwood Existing Level of Service (acres / 1,000 population)

IAPD/NRPA Recommended Acreage

IAPD/NRPA Recommended Level of Service (acres / 1,000 population)

Acreage deficiency / surplus (acre)

0.00 10.70 58.70 69.40

0.00 0.80 4.39 5.19

6.68 26.74 100.27 133.69

0.50 2.00 7.50 10.00

-6.68 -16.04 -41.57 -64.29

Mini Park Neighborhood Park Community Park Total Active Recreation Areas

Recommended acreage is based off the existing population of 13369

ALL VOL MANAGED OPEN SPACE Classification Mini Park Neighborhood Park Community Park Natural Areas Special Use Greenways Total Lincolnwood Open Space

Lincolnwood Acreage (Total)

Lincolnwood Existing Level of Service (acres / 1,000 population)

IAPD/NRPA Recommended Acreage

IAPD/NRPA Recommended Level of Service (acres / 1,000 population)

Acreage deficiency / surplus (acre)

0.00 10.70 58.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 69.40

0.00 0.80 4.39 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.19

6.68 26.74 100.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 133.69

0.50 2.00 7.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 10.00

-6.68 -16.04 -41.57 0.00 0.00 0.00 -64.29

Recommended acreage is based off the existing population of 13369

ALL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE Classification Total Parks & Open Space School Open Space Forest Preserve Open Space Total Public Open Space

Lincolnwood Acreage (Total)

Lincolnwood Existing Level of Service (acres / 1,000 population)

IAPD/NRPA Recommended Acreage

IAPD/NRPA Recommended Level of Service (acres / 1,000 population)

Acreage deficiency / surplus (acre)

73.43 9.05 0.00 82.48

5.19 0.68 0.00 5.87

133.69 0.00 0.00 133.69

10.00 0.00 0.00 10.00

-60.26 9.05 0.00 -51.21

Recommended acreage is based off the existing population of 13369

Level of Service Analysis: Park Metrics Benchmark OWNED / LEASED ACTIVE RECREATION AREAS Classification Total Active Recreation Areas Total Managed Open Space

Lincolnwood Acreage (Total)

Lincolnwood Existing Level of Service (acres / 1,000 population)

Park Metrics Recommended Acreage

Park Metrics Average, Recommended Level of Service (acres / 1,000 population)

Acreage deficiency / surplus (acre)

69.40 69.40

5.19 5.19

156.42 156.42

11.70 11.70

-87.02 -87.02

Recommended acreage is based off the existing population of 13369

ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

47

PA*

Population

1

181

2

88

Distribution

3

1,969

4

2,469

Planning areas are used to analyze park distribution, land acquisition, and park facility

5

907

6

1,318

redevelopment needs. Planning areas are delineated by major pedestrian barriers including major roads or highways, railroad corridors, and impassable natural features.

48

1,547

8A

132

9

296

10

3,059

*Planning Area RR

After dividing the Village into planning areas, the geographic distribution of the parks and open spaces was analyzed. A service area, illustrated on the following maps with an orange halo, was created around each individual park. The shape of each service area is determined by analyzing the existing road and sidewalk infrastructure to identify the actual route of travel and distance one has to travel to access the park. The size of the service area

8

cifi c

In the Village of Lincolnwood, arterial roads served as the main pedestrian barriers. These barriers resulted in 10 planning areas and 2 sub-planning areas within the Village. Areas identified as “non-planning areas” are shown by a dark blue shade and are not included in the analysis because they do not contain residential development.

The table on page 41 notes the various recommended service area distances for Mini, Neighborhood, and Community Parks. Natural Areas, Special Use Sites, Linear Parks, and Undeveloped Sites are not included in this analysis.

128

a ian P

Methodology

is dependent upon the park classification and is either a quarter-, half-, or one-mile distance.

1,268

d Cana

Not only is the quantity of parks and open space important, but the location and geographic distribution of the parks themselves also offer an indication of how well a park and recreation agency is serving its residents. By understanding where parks are located in relation to residential development, we are able to understand who is under-resourced. This analysis may reveal the need for acquisition in under-resourced areas of the Village or may reveal that the Village is serving its residents well and should focus on maintaining or updating existing assets.

7 7A

Service area buffers for Mini and Neighborhood Parks were truncated to the planning area boundaries in which the park is located. Planning area boundaries are considered barriers to safe or comfortable pedestrian access, and Mini and Neighborhood Parks are considered walk-to destinations. Community Park service areas were not truncated because these parks are seen as drive-to destinations.

Finally, overlaying the service area maps reveals which areas are most and least served by the existing park system. The most served areas are illustrated by the dark orange, while the least served are illustrated by the lack of orange. The orange service area buffers overlap to form a gradient. The darker the orange, the better those residents are served. Residents who fall within the darker or opaque orange areas are served by multiple parks and their amenities. Demographics for each planning and service area further informed the Level of Service Analysis.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

**PA Population Explanation Planning area populations are projections of the most recent US Census information used by ESRI. At the time of publication, ESRI was using 2010 Census data. Planning areas that did not have any residential development in 2010 and were not zoned for residential development at the time may have a projected population of zero, despite having residential development present today. The planning team took these populations into consideration when developing strategies and the action plan during the Envision and Prioritize Phases.

CHAPTER 3

Planning Area Map Legend Non-planning Area

Other Open Space

Planning Area

Schools

Village of Lincolnwood

Lincolnwood PRD Parks

Lincolnwood PRD Facility

Other Parks

Trails

1 inch = 1,600 feet

Charles L O'Brien Park Richard R. Rossi Park Kildare Park Kenneth Park

Feet 3,000

1 ! !2 § ¦ ¨ I-94

TOUHY AVE

!

!

M. Lester Flowers Park

G. G. Rowell Park

Bryn Mawr Country Club

!9

10 !

W DEVON AVE Arthur A. Goebelt Park

I-94 § ¦ ¨ ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

ne Trail

8 !

8A !

41 £ ¤

i Valley L

!7

W PRATT AVE

50 V U

!6

Bicyc

!4

7A

Drake Park

!5

Pohatan Park (Skokie) Henry A. Proesel Park

Centennial Park

3

le Pa th

1,500

Pacif ic

750

41 £ ¤

Unio n

0

¯

Planning Area Map

Skokie Swift

Springfield Park Columbia Park

Central Park

Park No. 538 (Chicago) Thillens Park (Chicago)

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

49

Mini Park Distribution Analysis Mini Parks meet the need for a walkable, drop-in recreation experience. Appropriate elements in these parks typically include playground, picnic areas, and seating opportunities.

The purpose of the Mini Park Distribution Analysis is to determine which planning areas are under-resourced by the Parks and Recreation Department’s existing Mini Park land holdings. Currently, the Village of Lincolnwood has no Mini Park assets.

% Served

Population Not Served

1

0

0.00%

181

2

0

0.00%

88

3

1,969

100.00%

0

4

1,930

78.17%

539

5

811

89.42%

96

6

526

39.91%

792

7

752

59.31%

516

7A

0

0.00%

128

8

723

46.74%

824

8A

0

0.00%

132

9

296

100.00%

10

2,993

97.84%

0 66

a ian P

cifi c RR

The map to the right illustrates the 0.25-mile service area reach for Mini, Neighborhood, and Community Parks. Quartermile service areas are shown for Neighborhood and Community Parks because these parks serve the function of a Mini Park for those residents within a 0.25-mile distance from the park. According to NRPA’s Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, Mini Park service areas do not include residents who must cross a planning area boundary to reach the park. Service areas are truncated at all planning area boundaries.

Population Served

d Cana

The Mini Park level of service map illustrates a 0.25-mile service radius (shown in orange) around each existing Mini Park.

PA*

Mini Park service (via Neighborhood and Community Parks in the VOL) is scattered throughout the Village with the heaviest concentrations in the north and southeast portions of Lincolnwood. Planning Areas 3 and 9 have complete service coverage with Planning Area 10 close behind at 97.8%. The percent of the population with access is important, but knowing the number of residents within each area without access allows the Planning Team to prioritize based on need.

The Planning Areas with the most unserved residents are Planning Areas 8, 6, 4, and 7, all with more than 500 residents not served by a Mini Park asset. It should also be noted that while smaller, the entire populations of Planning Areas 1, 2, 7a, and 8a are completely unserved. Overall, 74.8% of the Village of Lincolnwood’s population has access within a 0.25mile walking distance of their home. This is much higher than the median Mini Park Distribution Level of Service of 45.2% within the Planning Team’s database.

School Districts also offer outdoor recreation opportunities for residents on many elementary, middle, and high school grounds and can serve the same needs as Mini and Neighborhood Parks. However, since these sites are not owned and controlled by the Village, and may have reduced or limited access during school hours and activities, they are not included in this Distribution Level of Service Analysis.

50

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

Mini Park Level of Service Map Legend Non-planning Area

Other Parks

Planning Area

Other Open41 Space

0.25-Mile Service Area

Trails

Village of Lincolnwood

Schools

£ ¤

Feet 3,200

800

1 ! !2 § ¦ ¨

1,600

I-94

Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center Pohatan Park (Skokie) Henry A. Proesel Park

CHASE AVE

TOUHY AVE

NA S

G. G. Rowell Park

!7

8 !

8A !

!6 41 £ ¤

Bryn Mawr Country Club

!9

10 !

W DEVON AVE Arthur A. Goebelt Park

I-94 § ¦ ¨ ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

ne Trail

HA VE

W PRATT AVE

i Valley L

AUG A

50 V U

!4

Centennial Park Drake Park

N MCCORMICK BLVD

NS

!5

7A !

Lincolnwood Community Center M. Lester Flowers Park

!

3

le Pa th

0

Kildare Park Kenneth Park

Bicyc

¯

Richard R. Rossi Park

Pacif ic

1 inch = 1,600 feet

Lincolnwood PRD Parks

Charles L O'Brien Park

Unio n

Lincolnwood PRD Facility

Mini Park Distribution

Skokie Swift

Springfield Park Columbia Park

Central Park

Park No. 538 (Chicago) Thillens Park (Chicago)

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

51

Neighborhood Park Distribution Analysis Neighborhood Parks remain the basic unit of the park system and are generally designed for informal active and passive recreation and community gathering space.

The purpose of the Neighborhood Park Distribution Analysis is to determine which planning areas are under-resourced by the Parks and Recreation Department’s existing Neighborhood Park land holdings. Currently, Lincolnwood has 11 Neighborhood Parks that range from 0.2 to 3.0 acres in size.

% Served

Population Not Served

1

0

0.00%

181

2

0

0.00%

88

3

1,969

100.00%

0

4

2,469

100.00%

0

5

907

100.00%

0

6

526

39.91%

792

7

1,268

100.00%

0

7A

33

25.78%

95

8

1,187

76.73%

360

8A

132

100.00%

0

9

296

100.00%

0

10

3,059

100.00%

0

a ian P cifi c RR

This map also illustrates a 0.5-mile service area (shown in orange) for Community Parks because these parks can serve the function of a Neighborhood Park for residents within a 0.5-mile distance from the park. According to NRPA’s Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, Neighborhood Park service areas do not include residents who must cross a planning area boundary to reach the park. Service areas are truncated to all planning area boundaries.

Population Served

d Cana

The Neighborhood Park service area map illustrates a 0.5-mile service radius (shown in orange) around each existing Neighborhood Park.

PA*

Neighborhood Park service is distributed similarly to the Mini Park service areas - primarily concentrated in the north and southeast portions of the Village. Planning Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, 8a, 9, and 10 all have complete service coverage. Areas with more than 100 unserved residents include Planning Areas 6, 8, and 1. It should also be noted that the entire populations of Planning Areas 1 and 2 are completely unserved. The table to the right compares the total population served by a park within 0.5 miles of their home. Overall, 88.7% of the Village of Lincolnwood’s population has access to a Neighborhood Park asset within a 0.5-mile walking distance. This is significantly higher than the median Neighborhood Park Distribution Level of Service of 53.2% found in the Planning Team’s database.

School Districts also offer outdoor recreation opportunities for residents on many elementary, middle, and high school grounds and can serve the same needs as Mini and Neighborhood Parks. However, since these sites are not owned and controlled by the Village, and may have reduced or limited access during school hours and activities, they are not included in this Distribution Level of Service Analysis.

52

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

Neighborhood Park Level of Service Map Legend Trails

Non-planning Area

Other Open41 Space

Planning Area

Schools

Village of Lincolnwood

Lincolnwood PRD Parks

Lincolnwood PRD Facility

Other Parks

Richard R. Rossi Park Kildare Park Kenneth Park

CHASE AVE

I-94

Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center Pohatan Park (Skokie) Henry A. Proesel Park

TOUHY AVE

NA S

G. G. Rowell Park

!7

8 !

8A !

!6 41 £ ¤

Bryn Mawr Country Club

!9

10 !

W DEVON AVE Arthur A. Goebelt Park

I-94 § ¦ ¨ ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

ne Trail

HA VE

W PRATT AVE

i Valley L

AUG A

50 V U

!4

Centennial Park Drake Park

N MCCORMICK BLVD

NS

!5

7A !

Lincolnwood Community Center M. Lester Flowers Park

!

3

le Pa th

1 ! !2 § ¦ ¨

Feet 3,200

1,600

Bicyc

800

¯

Charles L O'Brien Park

Pacif ic

0

£ ¤

Unio n

1 inch = 1,600 feet

Neighborhood Park Distribution

Skokie Swift

0.5-Mile Service Area

Springfield Park Columbia Park

Central Park

Park No. 538 (Chicago) Thillens Park (Chicago)

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

53

PA*

Population Served

% Served

Population Not Served

ALL

12,302

92.07%

1,060

Community Park Distribution Analysis Community Parks focus on meeting community-wide recreation needs. These parks may preserve unique landscapes and often serve as event and recreational team sport spaces.

The purpose of the Community Park Distribution Analysis is to determine the location of gaps in Community Park service area coverage. Currently, Lincolnwood has 2 Community Parks that range in size from 21.2 to 37.5 acres.

a ian P cifi c RR

Unlike Mini and Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks are considered drive-to recreation destinations. Service areas are not limited to the boundary of the planning area in which they are located. These drive-to destinations cover multiple planning areas and are community destinations for Village residents. Additionally, it is common for residents living beyond the Village boundary to also utilize Community Parks.

d Cana

The Community Park service area map illustrates a 1.0-mile service radius (shown in orange) around each existing Community Park.

Overall, 92.1% of Village residents have access to a Community Park asset within a one-mile drive from where they live. the largest gaps exist at the extreme western boundary of Lincolnwood. All Planning Areas have at least partial service coverage. Planning Areas 3, 6, 9, and 10 are the most heavily served due to the two Community Park service areas overlapping. This Level of Service coverage is significantly higher than the median Community Park Distribution Level of Service of 69.8% identified in the Planning Team’s database.

54

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

Community Park Level of Service Map Legend Village of Lincolnwood

Other Parks

Non-planning Area

Other Open41 Space

Planning Area

Trails

1-Mile Service Area

Schools

£ ¤

Feet 3,200

800

1 ! !2 § ¦ ¨

1,600

I-94

Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center Pohatan Park (Skokie) Henry A. Proesel Park

CHASE AVE

TOUHY AVE

NA S

G. G. Rowell Park

!7

8 !

8A !

!6 41 £ ¤

Bryn Mawr Country Club

!9

10 !

W DEVON AVE Arthur A. Goebelt Park

I-94 § ¦ ¨ ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

ne Trail

HA VE

W PRATT AVE

i Valley L

AUG A

50 V U

!4

Centennial Park Drake Park

N MCCORMICK BLVD

NS

!5

7A !

Lincolnwood Community Center M. Lester Flowers Park

!

3

le Pa th

0

Kildare Park Kenneth Park

Bicyc

¯

Richard R. Rossi Park

Pacif ic

1 inch = 1,600 feet

Lincolnwood PRD Parks

Charles L O'Brien Park

Unio n

Lincolnwood PRD Facility

Community Park Distribution

Skokie Swift

Springfield Park Columbia Park

Central Park

Park No. 538 (Chicago) Thillens Park (Chicago)

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

55

Overall Park Distribution Analysis The Overall Distribution Analysis illustrates the Village-wide deficiencies for Mini, Neighborhood, and Community Park assets combined.

The purpose of the Overall Park Distribution Analysis is to develop a Village-wide understanding of the location, distribution, and Level of Service for all existing Mini, Neighborhood, and Community Parks. Natural Areas, Special Use Facilities, Linear Parks, and Undeveloped Land Holdings are not included in this analysis.

% Served

Population Not Served

1

181

100.00%

0

2

88

100.00%

0

3

1,969

100.00%

0

4

2,469

100.00%

0

5

907

100.00%

0

6

1,318

100.00%

0

7

1,268

100.00%

0

7A

128

100.00%

0

8

1,401

90.56%

146

8A

132

100.00%

0

9

296

100.00%

0

10

3,059

100.00%

0

a ian P cifi c RR

Per NRPA guidelines, the Mini and Neighborhood Park service areas are truncated to the boundaries of the individual planning areas in which they reside. Community Parks are considered drive-to destinations and their service areas are not truncated to the planning area boundaries.

Population Served

d Cana

The Overall Service Area map illustrates the service areas for all Mini (0.25-mile), Neighborhood (0.5-mile), and Community (1.0-mile) Parks.

PA*

Overall, 98.9% of Lincolnwood residents have access to a Mini, Neighborhood, and / or Community Park resource within a mile of where they live. The only gap in coverage exists at the south end of the Village, between Planning Areas 7 and 8a. The Village of Lincolnwood’s Overall Level of Service of 98.9% is higher than the median 91.8% found in the Planning Team’s database.

The map to the right illustrates the overall park service area coverage.

56

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

Overall Level of Service Map Legend Village of Lincolnwood

Other Parks

Non-planning Area

Other Open41 Space

Planning Area

Trails

Lincolnwood PRD Facility

Schools

£ ¤

Feet 3,200

800

1 ! !2 § ¦ ¨

1,600

I-94

Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center Pohatan Park (Skokie) Henry A. Proesel Park

CHASE AVE

TOUHY AVE

NA S

G. G. Rowell Park

!7

8 !

8A !

!6 41 £ ¤

Bryn Mawr Country Club

!9

10 !

W DEVON AVE Arthur A. Goebelt Park

I-94 § ¦ ¨ ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

ne Trail

HA VE

W PRATT AVE

i Valley L

AUG A

50 V U

!4

Centennial Park Drake Park

N MCCORMICK BLVD

NS

!5

7A !

Lincolnwood Community Center M. Lester Flowers Park

!

3

le Pa th

0

Kildare Park Kenneth Park

Bicyc

¯

Richard R. Rossi Park

Pacif ic

1 inch = 1,600 feet

Lincolnwood PRD Parks

Charles L O'Brien Park

Unio n

Service Area

Overall Park Distribution

Skokie Swift

Springfield Park Columbia Park

Central Park

Park No. 538 (Chicago) Thillens Park (Chicago)

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

57

Amenities In addition to park acreage and distribution, another measure of Level of Service is the total recreation amenities available to residents. These benchmarks come from the Illinois Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and NRPA’s Park Metrics.

SCORP Comparison

This analysis takes into account useful life criteria as defined by the State of Illinois and defines those amenities that meet current useful life standards. Based on the Illinois SCORP, the Village meets or exceeds the recommended number of amenities for 12 of the 36 amenities outlined in the chart to the right that are measured in the SCORP. The SCORP comparison is limited to outdoor amenities. Amenities that meet or exceed the recommendation are identified by green text in the “Surplus / Deficit” column.

The School District and private golf club also provide recreational amenities for the community. While these assets are not included in the analysis, they may be providing additional recreation opportunities for Village of Lincolnwood residents who have access to them.

Items with red text noted in the “Surplus / Deficit” column are deficiencies. The top five amenities with the greatest deficiencies, according to the comparison against SCORP averages, are: • Swimming beaches (-226.5 linear feet) • Hiking trails (-6.1 miles) • Cross-country trails (-5.3 miles) • Fishing pier / docks / access (-4.5) • Marina slips (-3.6) Because the Village of Lincolnwood is a landlocked community, some of the deficiencies listed are to be expected. Meeting the benchmarked totals for these amenities does not need to be a priority for the Parks and Recreation Department.

58

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3

SCORP Amenity Needs Analysis Existing Population 2022 Lincolnwood

Illinois Facility Average

Surplus / Deficit

IL Average # of Total # of Facilities needed to meet IL Facilities per 1,000 population Average

Surplus / Deficit

Existing # of Facilities (total)

Existing # of Facilities at current standards

Existing # of Facilities per 1,000 population

1 1 0 0 1 0 0

1 1 0 0 1 0 0

0.07 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.00

5.5 1.6 0.5 3.6 0.4 226.5 0.4

0.41 0.12 0.04 0.27 0.03 16.94 0.03

-4.5 -0.6 -0.5 -3.6 0.6 -226.5 -0.4

5.4 0 0 3 0 0 0 0

5.4 0 0 3 0 0 0 0

0.40 0.00 0.00 0.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

2.2 6.1 1.4 2.9 0.7 5.3 1.5 2.4

0.16 0.46 0.10 0.22 0.05 0.40 0.11 0.18

3.2 -6.1 -1.4 0.1 -0.7 -5.3 -1.5 -2.4

4 13 1

4 13 1

0.30 0.97 0.07

2.8 5.4 0.1

0.21 0.40 0.01

1.2 7.6 0.9

7 20 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 9 1 0

7 20 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 9 1 0

0.52 1.50 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.67 0.07 0.00

6.6 3.3 2.3 3.5 1.9 0.7 2.4 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.5 3.2 0.0 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0

0.49 0.25 0.17 0.26 0.14 0.05 0.18 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.04 0.24 0.00 0.05 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.00

0.4 16.7 -0.3 -1.5 0.1 -0.7 -1.4 -0.1 -0.1 0.0 0.5 -3.2 0.0 -0.6 -0.1 8.9 0.8 0.0

WATER-BASED FACILITIES Fishing Pier / Docks / Access Boat Launch Ramps / Access Canoe only access areas Marina Slips Swimming Pools Swimming Beaches (linear ft.)

Spray Grounds / Splash Pads

TRAILS Multi-Use Trails (Miles) Hiking Trails Bicycle Trails Physical Fitness Trails (Stations) Nature / Interpretive Trails (Miles) Cross-Country Trails Snowmobile Trails Ski Trails

DAY USE FACILITIES Picnic Shelters Playgrounds Amphitheater

SPORTS COURTS AND FACILITIES Tennis Courts Basketball Courts Volleyball Courts Baseball Fields Softball Fields Football Fields Soccer Fields Golf Course (18-Hole Course) Golf Course (9-Hole Course) Golf Driving Range Ice Rinks Horseshoe Pits Bocce Court Shuffleboard courts Dog Parks Frisbee Golf Skate Park Field Hockey

ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

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Park Metrics Comparison In addition to the SCORP averages, the Planning Team referenced Park Metrics to identify how the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department compares to other agencies throughout the U.S. with populations of 10,000 to 15,000. Park Metrics provided information about the total population per facility for 18 recreation facilities and amenity types.

cies with similar populations. According to Park Metrics benchmarks, the Department meets or exceeds the total number of playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The Village’s top five most deficient amenities are: • Arena (-5.3) • Soccer / Lacrosse / Rugby fields (small) (-4.5) • Baseball fields (50-65 ft) (-3.1) • Softball fields (adult) (-2.7) • Ice skating rink (indoor) (-1.3)

The table below compares the number of Village-owned and managed facilities within their useful life to agen-

Existing Population 2022 Lincolnwood

Illinois Facility Average

Surplus / Deficit

Existing # of Facilities (total)

Existing # of Facilities at current standards

Existing # of Facilities per population

Total # of Facilities needed to meet Park Metrics median

Surplus / Deficit

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

0.00 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1.1 1.1 1.0 1.3 0.9 1.1 1.2 5.3

-1.1 -0.1 -1.0 -1.3 -0.9 -1.1 -1.2 -5.3

13 1

13 1

0.97 0.07

6.6 1.1

6.4 -0.1

7 20 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 1 1

7 20 2 0 2 0 1 0 1 1 1

0.52 1.50 0.15 0.00 0.15 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.07 0.07 0.07

4.3 3.6 5.1 1.2 2.5 2.7 1.3 4.5 1.1 1.3 1.1

2.7 16.4 -3.1 -1.2 -0.5 -2.7 -0.3 -4.5 -0.1 -0.3 -0.1

INDOOR FACILITIES Recreation Center Community Center Senior Center Ice Skating Rink (indoor) Teen Center Stadium Nature / Interpretive Center Arena

DAY USE FACILITIES Playgrounds Amphitheater

SPORTS COURTS AND FACILITIES Tennis Courts Basketball Courts Baseball Fields (50-65 ft) Baseball Fields (90ft) Softball Fields (youth) Softball Fields (adult) Soccer / Lacrosse / Rugby Fields (regulation) Soccer / Lacrosse / Rugby Fields (small) Skate Park Ice Rink (outdoor) Swimming Pool

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SCORP - Park Metrics Key Comparison Graphics - All Amenities Level of Service (LOS)

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Amenity Distribution Analysis The location and distribution of amenities is an important factor in an agency’s level of service. Just as parks themselves should be equally distributed, so should the recreational amenities available to residents.

The NRPA established service areas for each park classification and individual recreation amenity in its 1990 and 1996 publications of the Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines.

The amenity service area table describes the recommended service area per NRPA recommendations for each amenity and lists the number of each amenity owned and operated by the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department. The graphics on the following pages illustrate the service area coverage for various individual amenities. Each dot represents an individual amenity and the surrounding orange halo illustrates that amenity’s service area.

The darkest shades of orange indicate the overlap of multiple amenity service areas while the lightest shade of orange represents coverage by a single amenity only.

Amenity

Service Area

VOL Amenities

Playground

0.5-mile

13

Shelter*

0.5-mile

4

Softball Field

0.5-mile

1

Baseball Field

0.5-mile

3

Tennis Court

0.5-mile

7

Pickleball Court*

0.5-mile

0

Basketball Court (hoops)

0.5-mile

20

Soccer Field

30 min. drive

1

Swimming Pool

30 min. drive

1

Volleyball Court

1.0-mile

2

Golf Course

2.0-mile

0

*Service areas determined by the planning team, as there are no NRPA suggested outdoor development standards for these amenities.

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Playgrounds 13

0.5-mile

Shelters 4

Softball Fields 1 ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

0.5-mile

0.5-mile

Baseball Fields 3

0.5-mile

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Basketball Courts (Hoops) 20

0.5-mile

Volleyball Courts 2

Soccer Fields 1 64

30-minute drive

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Swimming Pools 1

30-minute drive CHAPTER 3

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Program Assessment This assessment includes an analysis of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department’s program and service offerings.

The report offers a detailed perspective of recreation programs and events and helps to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for future program direction.

Recreation Programs Assessment

BerryDunn performed a recreation programs assessment that reviews the Department’s recreation program and service offerings through a series of individual analyses. The recreation assessment report offers detailed insight into the Department’s recreation program offerings and helps identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for future program direction. The report also assists with identifying program categories, programming gaps, and future program considerations.

Staff meeting

The recreation assessment included a meeting with the program staff to discuss the Department strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). A list of questions was provided to staff in advance, and three programming staff attended the meeting. The following strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities were identified:

The reports and data that informed the recreation assessment included the Department’s seasonal program guides, participation data, and revenue and expenses. Internal meetings with staff also provided insight.

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Staff identified special events and the outdoor pool as Department strengths. Staff also indicated there is potential to create a policy to improve contractor accountability.

Adequate facilities for programming are also a threat to the Department. Staff suggested multiple facility additions including a fitness center, gym, green space, and multipurpose rooms.

As noted above, communications and marketing were identified as a weakness. Although a parttime position has recently been filled, a full-time marketing position is needed to meet all the marketing demands of the Department. Staff indicated that adult and teen programs have low registration, low attendance, and frequent class cancellations.

A new agreement with School District #74 has recently been approved for the use of school space – both indoors and outdoors. These new spaces will provide the Department opportunities for new programming. The staff would like to see additional partnerships established with other organizations within the community. The Department should also seek opportunities to increase teen and adult participation and programs.

Inadequate staffing is an overall threat to the Department.

• There is currently one full-time staff member who manages aquatics, athletics, special events, and other duties as needed.

• Another full-time programmer oversees summer camps (26), school break camps, special events, year-round youth, adult and senior programs, facility rentals, the Lincolnwood Fest Family Tent, and assists with the coordination of the Turkey Trot.

• The superintendent of recreation is responsible for the Turkey Trot and the Memorial Day parade – these events should be the responsibility of a programmer. Handling these large events prevents the superintendent from focusing on the primary responsibilities of this leadership position.

With every staff person over capacity, the Department is unable to focus on building community partnerships, assessing and pivoting current programs, and general strategic management of the Department.

ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

Core Program Areas

Department staff consider their core program areas aquatics, camps, special events, sports, and other.

Aquatics

Lincolnwood offers a robust swim lesson program during the summer months at their outdoor pool.

Several levels of lessons are available for those 3 to 4 years, entering kindergarten, grades 1-2, and grades 3-9. The Department provides a swim team, Lincolnwood Lightning, and diving instruction.

Private and semi-private lessons are available for all ages.

Camps

There are several summer camps to choose from in Lincolnwood for youth ages 3 to 15 years. In addition to the traditional day camp, there are specialty camps offered as well including volleyball skills, basketball, coding, ultimate frisbee, soccer, mobile app development, sports, and more. School break camps (spring and winter) are also provided.

Before and after care is also available for all camp offerings.

Special Events

The Department offers several special events throughout the year that focus on holiday and out of school programming. The special events have a family focus and include: • Lincolnwood VIP Dinner Dance • Buddy Bingo • Egg Hunt • Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony • Lincolnwood Fest • Turkey Trot (5K and 10K) walk, run and Drumstick Dash (3 and younger) • Movies/Concerts in the Park • Touch a Truck • Parents Night Out • Pumpkin Picassos • Halloween Trunk or Treat • Make a Flake • Santa’s Mailbox • Lincolnwood Lights • Gingerbread House • Breakfast/Lunch with Santa • Holiday House Decorating • Noon Year’s Eve

Sports

The Department offers a wide variety of instructional youth sports programming including basketball, cheerleading, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Without indoor programming space, many of these programs are offered outdoor during the spring, summer, and fall.

After School Care

An after-school care program was not offered by the Department in 2022 but will likely resume in January 2024.

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Other Programs

Lincolnwood offers several programs that are categorized as “other”. These programs include: • Archery • Bitty Ballet • Build a Play • Filmmaking • Music (parent/child) • Lunch Bunch (for those 55 years and older) • Taekwondo • Yoga (parent/child) As the Department continues to grow, new core program areas should be formed to improve the tracking and growth of areas.

Programming For Those With Special Needs

Lincolnwood, along with the park districts of Des Plaines, Golf-Maine, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, and Skokie, is a member of the M-NASR. Since 1972, M-NASR has provided programs, events, and facilities for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. M-NASR offers a wide range of recreation programming including athletics, adaptive sports, camps, cultural arts, social opportunities, and special events. In addition, M-NASR staff will work with Lincolnwood staff to secure inclusion aides for children who need support in Department programming.

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Program Inventory

The following is a list of major program categories that park and recreation agencies throughout the country commonly provide. This list helps to identify whether there are any common program areas not offered by an agency. Most agencies offer a majority of these programs. In matching the Department’s inventory of programs against this list, 47.9% are represented. Programs highlighted in red indicate they are currently offered by the Department.

For comparison purposes, the consulting team reviewed the current category percentages against its database of past clients from across the country.

The comparison agencies’ average percentage of program categories offered was 64.5%, which is above the Department’s 47.9% The program categories depicted in black text represent opportunities for program menu expansion as facility space becomes available and in alignment with community needs.

Programs Active Adult

Golf

Preschool

Aquatics

Gymnastics / Tumbling

Running / Walking

Arts

Historical programs

Seniors

Before / After School

Homeschool

Special Events

Biking

Horseback Riding

Specialty Camps

Birthday Party Service

Ice Skating / Hockey

Sports Instruction

Childcare

Inclusion Opportunities

Sports Leagues - Adult

Cooking

Language Instruction

Sports Leagues - Youth

Dance

Lifelong Learning

STEM / STEAM

Day / School Break Camps

Martial Arts

Summer Camp (day-long)

E-Sports

Music

Sustainability / Green

Early Childhood

Nature Education

Teen

Environmental / Nature

Open Gym

Tennis

Extreme Sports

Outdoor Adventure

Theatre / Acting

Fitness

Pets

Trips

General Interest

Pickleball

Wellness

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Program Distribution

Understanding how the Department’s enrollmentbased program menu is distributed across the core program areas helps to identify the extent of programming within each program area in relation to the whole. A total of 275 programs were offered by the Department in 2022. The categories with the most programs offered included camps (39%), aquatics (25%), and sports (18%).

youth. The chart below depicts the Department’s 2022 program menu’s percentage of programs according to each age segment.

Enrollment Distribution

A review of program enrollment demographic information from 2022 revealed that a total of the Department attracted 6,003 program participants.

Youth under 18 years had the highest enrollment with 83% total. Adult enrollments made up 12% and seniors made up 5%.

Youth (6 to 12 years) attend the most programs with 57%, followed by early childhood (0 to 5 years) with 25%. Teen (13 to 17 years) programming makes up 11%. 2% of programming is for adults over 18 years.

The remaining 5% of programs are open to all ages.

Age Segmentation

The age segment analysis reviews the distribution of the program offerings according to the age segments serviced. For the purposes of this assessment, BerryDunn delineated age categories according to the following age structure: • Early Childhood, 0 – 5 years • Youth, 6 – 12 years • Teen, 13 – 17 years • Adult, 18 – 54 years • Senior, 55+ years • All Ages

The age segmentation analysis is one helpful method to review the Department’s programming related to the community demographics.

Demographic data can be helpful to consider how programming efforts are aligned with the makeup of the community. The adjacent comparison of the community’s population and enrollment-based program offerings in Figure 4 demonstrates two key age segments’ relationship between the population percentage and the percentage of programs offered.

Of the total participants, 55% identified as female and 45% identified as male. Residents and non-residents participate equally (50%) in programs.

If a program section spanned clearly across age categories (e.g., ages 4 – 8 years), BerryDunn counted that section once in early childhood and once in ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

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The chart below compares how often residents and non-residents participate once versus multiple times. Non-residents are more likely to enroll in a program once and residents are more likely to maintain enrollment after one visit.

effectively to the community. In addition, another full-time programming position is needed to more evenly allocate current workloads.

Once new facility space is available, another staffing assessment should be completed to best determine additional positions needed.

Programming Department staff should increase programming for: • Active adults (chair yoga, trips, and outdoor experiences) • Youth – new offerings in addition to sports such as STEM/STEAM programs • Young adults (evenings and weekends) who are still working full-time

Drop in Programming

In addition to the enrollment-based programs, the Department offers a fitness class for those 55 years of age and older twice a week throughout the year.

In 2022, this program attracted 1,297 participants.

Recommendations

The following recommendations were developed with Department staff input and in alignment with the public input received for this project.

Program space The Department needs new indoor space to offer the programs that residents are seeking as noted in the public input sessions and the survey results.

Building a new recreation center was the top item of importance in the community survey results.

In addition, Department staff should: • Add a birthday party service • Reinstate aquatic fitness classes (for adults of all ages) Operations With implementation of the new registration software, Department staff should create a more effective system for the naming of programs – leaving out the day a program is offered or age of participants.

Research and implement an effective program evaluation tool and track results on a seasonal and annual basis.

Staffing Currently, two additional full-time staff positions are needed. The current marketing position is part-time but full-time hours are needed to market the Departments programs, events, facilities, and services 70

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ANALYZE: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS

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Chapter Four Connect: Community Engagement & Needs Assessment

Overview The Connect: Community Engagement & Needs Assessment chapter outlines the recognized national, state, and local trends in the recreation industry. The chapter also includes summaries of input received from Village residents.

Purpose

The purpose for understanding park and recreation trends is to determine probable demands for certain services and amenities. Recreation trend reports were compiled from nationally-recognized sources to explore spending, participation, and inactivity.

Commissioners, and hosted discussions with key community stakeholders. A community survey was also distributed to a random sampling of households in the Village to obtain statistically valid results. In all, over 400 residents, stakeholders, and staff participated in these community engagement opportunities. Residents were also encouraged to provide input via email.

In order to increase participation, knowing the trends and interests of various user groups is crucial. Significant changes in specific activities (both increases and decreases) from national, state, and local trends are summarized. Summaries of all engagement sessions follow the various trends reports.

Chapter Outline

• Review of Trends • National • State • Local • Community Survey • Community Meetings • Stakeholder Input • Staff Workshop • Board Input

During the Connect phase of the master planning process, the planning team reviewed trends, facilitated two community meetings, conducted workshops with Department staff and the Board of 74

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METHODOLOGY Review of Trends

National, State, and Local Trends National trends were derived from the 2023 Sports, Fitness, and Recreational Activities Topline Participation Report, facilitated by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, a top national researcher in the sports and fitness industry. The 2022 Outdoor Foundation’s Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report was also utilized. State trends were derived from the 2020 Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The Environmental Systems Research Institute’s (ESRI) Business Analyst provided local recreation participation trends.

Community Survey

Statistically Valid, Village-wide Survey Conducted by the Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign during Spring of 2023, the statistically valid community survey was distributed to a stratified random sample of 3,000 households in the Village of Lincolnwood to assess recreation needs.

A total of 341 Lincolnwood households completed the survey for a 13% response rate. The results for this sample have a 95% level of confidence with a precision rate of at least ± 5%.

CONNECT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Community Meetings

Public meetings to gather input from community members Two public meetings were held at the Lincolnwood Community Center to gather input from the public at-large. Twenty-nine total residents participated in focus-group activities to provide input on needs, desires, and priorities for the next five years.

Stakeholder Input

Online conference calls for key stakeholder groups to provide input on parks, programs, and facilities Specific interest groups, or stakeholders, relevant to the Parks & Recreation Department’s programs, operations, parks, and facilities were invited to participate in small group online conference calls regarding needs and priorities for the next five years. Each group was formatted as a facilitated discussion between participants.

Staff Workshop

Focus group workshop with various staff members Staff provided input about their goals, objectives, desires, and hopes for the next five years as well as their opinions on the current state of the Department in a workshop.

Board Input

Meeting held to gather input form the Board of Commissioners A Board meeting was held with the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners to discuss strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities as they relate to the Parks and Recreation Department.

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National Trends Derived from the statistically valid surveys facilitated by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association with the Physical Activity Council and The Outdoor Foundation, the following data will help inform the planning team’s recommendations.

The Physical Activity Council (PAC) is a partnership of seven major trade organizations in U.S. sports, fitness, and leisure activities. These organizations are the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the National Golf Foundation (NGF), Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the International Health, Racquet, and Sports Club Association (IHRSA), the Tennis Industry Association (TIA), the United States Tennis Association (USTA), and Snowsports Industries America (SIA).

The PAC produces an annual Sport, Fitness & Recreational Activities Topline Participation Report providing information on participation, inactivity, spending, aspirational participation and projections. The 2023 report compiled and analyzed the 18,000 online responses collected in 2022. These surveys were then weighted against a total population of 305,439,858 ages 6 and older.

The following variables were used: gender, age, income, household size, region, and population density.

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Other research incorporated in this chapter references the Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline Report, created by the Outdoor Industry Association and Outdoor Foundation. These partner organizations research and publish the annual topline report which tracks American outdoor recreation trends with a focus on youth, diversity, and the future of the outdoors.

A special 2021 report studied the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports and fitness. A brief summary of these findings can be found at the end of this section.

In addition to these studies, this chapter references Active Network, a national software company that utilizes recreation data to study market trends.

Sports and Fitness Participation

For the fifth consecutive year, physical activity in the U.S. has increased. Over three-quarters (77.6%) of all

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Americans participated in at least one activity during 2022. This is a 9.2 percent increase from 2017 and a 1.9 percent increase from 2021. Americans are making physical activity more of a priority in their lives. Comparing participation rates from 2013 to 2022 highlights the increased participation rate in every measured category, with the exception of individual sports. Team sports numbers have recovered to nearly match pre-pandemic levels (23.2 percent participation in 2022 compared to 23.4 percent in 2019). Fitness sports had the largest rate increase going from 60.1 percent in 2013 to 67.4 percent in 2022.

The data collected suggests that Americans are continuing to add high-calorie burning exercise to their existing exercise routine. The most popular activities continue to be Fitness Sports. Following Fitness Sports, the most popular activity categories are Outdoor Sports, Individual Sports, Team Sports, Racquet Sports, Water Sports, and Winter Sports. Among these categories, only Individual Sports and Winter Sports had a decrease in participation rates while all other categories increased, with Racquet Sports having the largest increase in the last year. Activity participation is measured by core participation and growth. Core participants are defined as those who participate in a sport or activity on a regular basis. Based on core participation, the top ten activities in 2022 defined by the number of participants, were: 1.

2.

3.

Walking for Fitness (50+ times / year) Golf (On or Off Course) (1+ times / year) Free Weights (Dumbbells / Hand Weights) (50+ times / year) 4. Treadmill (50+ times / year) 5. Golf (on a 9- or 18-Hole Golf Course) (1+ times / year) 6. Running / Jogging (50+ times / year) 24,040 7. Tennis (1+ times / year) 8. Wildlife Viewing more than 1/4 mile from Home / Vehicle (1+ times / year) 9. Bicycling (Road / Paved Surfaces) (26+ times / year) 10. Fishing (Freshwater / Other) (8+ times / year)

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In addition to referencing the current most popular activities by measuring core participation, the Overview Report also lists the growth of activities over one-, three- and five-year periods. These predictions can be used to recognize ongoing recreation trends and predict future areas of growth. The top ten core growth activities over the past three years are: 1. Climbing (Sport / Boulder) (164.7%) 2. Alpine Touring (91.3%) 3. Pickleball (83.7%) 4. Winter Fat Biking (55.7%) 5. Golf (off-course only) (56.9%) 6. Snowboard Touring (45.2%) 7. Tennis (33.4%) 8. Hiking (Day) (30.7%) 9. Surfing (29.7%) 10. Camping (25.4%) As evidenced by the above lists, 2022 saw growth in a diverse range of activities with four of the ten activities falling into the Fitness Activities category based on the number of participants and three into the category of Outdoor Activities. The remaining top ten activities by participation fell under the Individual Sports and Racquet Sports categories.

Growth trends, however, indicate a different, but equally diverse trend. Activities from Winter Sports (3), Outdoor Sports (3), Racquet Sports (2), Water Sports (1), and Individual Sports (1) are all represented in the top ten core growth activities.

These trends reveal that active people are increasingly looking for nontraditional health and recreation experiences that offer a fun physical, emotional, and mental experience. While the largest amount of growth is being seen in less traditional sectors, many class-based group fitness and exercise programs, as well as health club-based activities have seen a decrease in popularity over the last three years, due in large part to restrictions as a result of the pandemic. Some activities are beginning to recover with small increases over 2021 78

participation but are still significantly down from their 2019 numbers. Inversely, individual activities, particularly outdoor activities, saw a significant increase in participation in 2022 and are expected to continue their growth.

Team sport participation continued to drop in 2022.

In 2019, American participation in team sports for fitness needs increased for the first time since 2016.

In 2020, total participation decreased in 18 of the 23 activities. This may be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic as discussed later in this section. In 2022, all team sports, with the exception of outdoor soccer, saw a decrease in core participation.

However, many of these sports displayed a significant increase in casual participation, with basketball, outdoor soccer, flag football, and tackle football having the highest rates of increase.

For the first time since 2015, all seven Racquet Sport activities increased its total participation number compared to the previous year. Pickleball continued to be the fastest growing sport in the country.

Participation nearly doubled in 2022 with an 85.7 percent increase from 2021 and a 158.6 percent increase over the last three years.

Continued overall participation decreases were observed in the Individual Sports and Winter Sports categories. While overall category participation is down, eight of the nine Winter Sport activities have seen positive growth in the last year, and five of the nine have seen growth over the past three years. Similarly for Individual Sports, golf has seen a continued increase in participation, both over the past year and past three years.

The above findings are confirmed by the Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2023, which conducts an annual international survey among practitioners in the commercial, clinical, community, and

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corporate fitness industries. In their predictions for 2023, the majority of activities in the top ten and the top 20 could be described as fitness-related, while other trends can be classified as outdoor sports or technology. Eighteen of the top 20 trends reported remained from the previous year, but online live and on-demand exercise classes and online personal training moved out of the top 20 trends over the last year. These online / virtual trends were replaced with core training and circuit training which may be an indication of people returning to their pre-pandemic fitness habits. The top 10 trends for 2023 are: 1.

Wearable technology (activity trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors, GPS trackers, and smart eyeglasses) 2. Strength training with free weights (strength training using barbell, kettlebells, dumbbells, medicine balls, and other free weights) 3. Bodyweight training (resistance training using minimal equipment and multiple planes of movement) 4. Fitness programs for older adults (safe, age-appropriate exercise for older, retired adults) 5. Functional fitness training (uses strength training to improve essential balance, coordination, muscular strength, and endurance to improve daily living) 6. Outdoor activities (any event taking place outside for recreation including short, day-long, or multi-day events) 7. High-intensity interval training (HIIT uses short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by short recoveries) 8. Exercise for weight loss (incorporates weight loss programs with an exercise program) 9. Employing certified fitness professionals (emphasis placed on hiring certified professionals with proper education, training, and credentials) 10. Personal training (services provided by professionals with proper education, training, and credentials) CHAPTER 4

Outdoor Sports & Participation

According to the most recent Outdoor Foundation Topline Report, published in 2022, over half the U.S. population (54.0 percent) participated in one or more outdoor sport or activity. These 164.2 million people went on a reported total of 12.4 billion outings over the course of the year. The average number of outings per participant increased by 6.1 percent to 75.6 outings per person in 2021. Despite this, the number of core participants has been on the decline since 2011.

Across all age groups, running, jogging, and trail running remained the top form of outdoor outings by participation rates and frequency. Bicycling and fishing were also among the top five activities for all ages. The most popular activities for youth (age 6-17) determined by participation rates were: 1. Bicycling (road, mountain, and BMX) (14.9M / 29.9%) 2. Camping (car, backyard, and RV) (13.1M / 26.2%) 3. Fishing (fresh, saltwater, and fly) (12.8M / 25.6%) 4. Running, jogging, and trail running (10.7M / 21.3%) 5. Hiking (10.1M / 20.2%) Three-year growth trends indicated that the following activities saw steady or increasing participation from 2019 to 2021 among participating ages 6+ and were likely to continue to provide opportunities to engage more people in the future: • Boxing (fitness and recreation) • Racquet Sports (Cardio Tennis, Pickleball, Tennis) • Climbing (indoor, sport / boulder) • Hiking (day) • Kayaking (recreation, white water) • Martial Arts • MMA (competition) • Roller skating (in-line wheels) CONNECT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & NEEDS ASSESSMENT

• Snowboarding • Soccer (outdoor) • Stand up paddling • Trail Running • Wakesurfing • Walking for Fitness • Yoga Three-year trends also identified activities with declining participation between 2019 and 2021.

They are: • Hunting (shotgun, handgun) • Paintball • Racquetball • Roller Hockey • Rugby • Sailing • Scuba Diving • Shooting (Sport Clays, Trap / Skeet) • Skiing (Alpine / downhill / free ski / telemark, cross-country) • Sledding / Saucer Riding / Snow Tubing • Snowshoeing • Softball (slow-pitch) • Swimming for Fitness • Target shooting (handgun, rifle) • Track and Field • Triathlon (non-traditional / off-road, traditional / road) • Volleyball (beach / sand)

Engaging Inactives

An “inactive” person is defined by the Physical Activity Council as one who does not participate in any of the sports/activities covered in the PAC Overview Report. For the first time since 2010, the number of inactive people in the U.S. dropped below 70 million. In 2022, 68.6 million (22.4 percent) Americans were inactive. This is the fourth consecutive year of inactivity decline. Of the eight

age groups, only 18-24 and 25-34 year olds, became less active from 2021 to 2022. While their overall activeness is increasing, Americans over 65 have the largest rates of inactivity, reflecting the trend that people generally become less active as they age.

In order to understand how to engage inactives in sports and activities, the PAC survey lists “aspirational” activities that inactives are interested in participating in. Aspirational activities are becoming more varied between age groups but camping made the top ten list for all age groups in 2022, and fishing made the list for all age groups except 18-24.

For younger inactives, there is a greater interest in team sports such as soccer, baseball, and 7 on 7 football. As Americans age, interest in outdoor sports such as hiking, fishing, and hunting grows.

Interest in individual activities such as working out with weights and machines and cardio fitness also increases. Adults 65 and older list fishing as their number one aspirational activity and camping as their second. Shooting, hunting, and hiking are also within the top ten activities for this age group resulting in five of the ten items focused on outdoor activities.

Americans are tending to remain involved in more strenuous activities later in life, such as swimming, cardio fitness, working out with weights, and working out using machines. These activities were all listed as top ten aspirational activities for the 3544 age group and all older groups.

Active adults, as well as inactives, are interested in social programs and sports leagues as well as active recreation. Active Network recommends the following activities for adult recreation programs: • Sports – Broomball, Inner Tube Water Polo, Pickleball, Wallyball • Exercise – Zumba Gold, Dance Buffet

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(multiple styles of dance in a single program), Kettlebells, Outdoor • Technology – Beginner’s Guide to iPad, Social Media, Digital Photography • Entertainment – Karaoke, Improv, Murder Mystery Dinners, Speed Dating, Wii for Seniors • Art – Cooking, Drawing/Painting, Jewelry Making, Mixed Media Arts, Pottery, Quilting • Professional/Other – Languages, Estate Planning, Self-Publishing, Brain Fitness, Voice-Overs, Memoirs Many agencies are “branding” their active adult programs for younger populations instead of the traditional senior to encourage long-term participation.

COVID-19 Effect on National Trends

The Outdoor Foundation released a special report in 2021 summarizing the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on participation and the anticipated trends moving forward.

Many of the trends observed can be attributed to the facility closures and activity cancellations observed during the pandemic. Group exercise class participation such as stationary cycling, crosstraining, and kickboxing decreased dramatically as gyms and fitness clubs closed. Likewise, the cancellation of casual, competitive, and travel sports leagues led to decreases in many team sports. Volleyball, swimming on a team, and gymnastics experienced the biggest declines in participation.

In general, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in intensity of participation but an overall increase in casual participants. Despite declines in core participation, casual basketball and soccer had gains during the pandemic, likely because they 80

can be practiced alone, at home, with minimal equipment. These same factors likely contribute to the increase of casual participation in yoga and the record high increases seen for biking, skateboarding, and surfing. Running, jogging, and walking also continued their year-after-year rising participation trend.

continuation are travel, resuming pre-pandemic activities, and family demands.

It is not yet clear how the pandemic will affect the popularity of different activities and core and casual participation long-term as many of the pandemic restrictions and concerns are still in place. However, the Outdoor Foundation found that about onequarter of participants would prefer to return to their pre-pandemic habits rather than continuing new activities started in 2020.

Finally, the Outdoor Foundation also considered participation by diversity. Compared to those who participated in outdoor activities in 2019, new participants are more likely to be: • female (58 percent in 2021 vs 49 percent in 2019) • younger (45 in 2021 vs 54 in 2019) • ethnically diverse (66 percent white in 2021 vs 71 percent white in 2019) • living in urban areas (36 percent in 2021 vs 29 percent in 2019) • in a lower income bracket (41 percent with income of $100K+ in 2021 vs 46 percent in 2019) Those who participated in an outdoor activity for the first time alone during the pandemic did so close to home and chose an activity with a low barrier to entry. Nearly 60 percent of these participants indicated they plan on continuing these activities after restrictions lift. Approximately one-quarter of participants say they don’t intend to continue any of the new outdoor activities they started during the pandemic. The top barriers to

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State Trends Data from the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is used to compare Department amenities to other recreation providers in the state of Illinois.

The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is prepared as a five-year document by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to maintain Illinois’ eligibility to participate in the Land Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) program. Its purpose is to “evaluate the outdoor recreation needs of Illinois citizens and determine how best to meet these needs, considering the state’s natural resources, recreational lands and facilities, and socioeconomic factors.”

The 2021-2025 SCORP identified Illinois’ continued low ranking of per capita supply of outdoor recreation land and facilities compared to the rest of the nation. As a result, park and recreation agencies throughout Illinois consistently plan for and achieve a high level of excellence with the recreation opportunities they provide to their communities and land acquisition remains a high priority where possible.

Recreation Facilities and Park Lands Inventory

There are about 1.5 million acres of outdoor recreation land in Illinois ranging from federal and state lands to schools and private commercial lands. Municipal agencies, which include park and recreation departments, park districts, forest preserve districts, conservation districts, and county-level park departments, provide an estimated total of 350,900 acres of parks. They also own 195,800 acres of natural areas and lease/manage another 15,600 acres of open space.

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The state itself offers over 470,000 acres of open space throughout the state, through the IDNR. State lands include parks, fish and wildlife areas, conservation areas, and recreation areas to name a few. Federal lands include the 280,000-acre Shawnee National Forest and ten National Wildlife Refuges sites throughout the state. Other recreation providers include schools, non profits, and private entities that provide unique outdoor recreation opportunities for the people of Illinois. The lands managed by these providers were not included in the SCORP.

Top Activities

Based on the 2020 Illinois Community Recreation Facilities and Park Lands Inventory, the top five trends across the state by importance for activities to be made available to Illinois residents are pleasure walking, scenic drives, swimming in an outdoor pool, picnicking, and bicycling (road) as determined by the Illinois resident responses.

These results align with the reported preference for investment in trail development and maintenance and the high participation in trail activities such as pleasure walking and running/jogging which had the highest frequency for median participation/year among resident responses. The continued and increasing popularity in pickleball and wildlife/bird watching as well as the decreasing participation in many categories from the 2014 results is likely due to the aging populations in communities across the state.

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According to the survey, municipal parks or county preserves are used as critical, close-to-home outdoor recreation opportunities and provide a variety of activities for programming/events, sports, trail systems, and play.

State parks are typically tourism destinations and are significant conservation sites mostly used for wildlife and water activities such as tent camping, vehicle camping, hiking, motor boating, and water skiing. Federal locations in Illinois consist mostly of water bodies and are primarily used for sailing, water skiing, and motor boating. Private recreation locations may offer a variety of activities such as athletic fields, walking tracks, playgrounds, campgrounds, and hunting areas.

The importance of providing outdoor recreation opportunities close to residents’ homes or neighborhoods has continued to increase with most of the surveyed activities reported to be taking a more localized form.

While this may be partially attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, previous surveys have also shown greater participation at localized locations for most activities.

Funding Priorities

Public recreation providers identified their top funding priorities for two categories: Outdoor Recreation and conservation efforts and Facilities. For outdoor recreation and conservation, the top three priorities were “maintain existing parks/recreation areas,” “provide environmental/ conservation programs,” and “develop/improve existing land/water open spaces.” The top facility priorities were “inclusive/ADA programs/facilities,” “community/regional parks,” and “neighborhood parks.”

Attitudes About Outdoor Recreation

Respondents were asked to rate the various factors they considered to be important when making decisions about engaging in outdoor recreation opportunities.

Top contributing factors to respondents’ decisions to participate in outdoor recreation activities include “to have fun,” “exercise/keep healthy,” “spend time with family and friends,” and “experience nature and/or the outdoors.”

Survey respondents indicated that “health and fitness,” “area inclusion”/service for all people, and “quality of life and economic development” are important aspects of parks and recreation. Additionally, over 70% of residents agreed with the importance of all of the other resources listed in the survey including “maintenance,” “health and fitness”, “area inclusion” (access for all people), “quality of life and economic development,” “trails and greenway development,” “wildlife habitat protected and restored,” “conservation education,” “public access to lakes, rivers, and streams,” and “land acquisition - outdoor rec.” The top reported concerns regarding parks and recreation were “facilities are clean,” “parking available,” “increased accessibility,” and “educational activities needed.”

Outdoor Recreation Priorities

Priorities identified by the IDNR are listed in the 2021-2025 State of Illinois SCORP as: • Improving Health and Wellness • Access to Parks and Recreation • Natural Resources and Conservation Management • Funding and Economic Development

COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused increased demand for recreation worldwide with a shift in participation towards localized opportunities. This trend was reflected nationally and in Illinois as participating agencies reported high park and trail use and Illinois resident survey participants reported a desire for equitable access to amenities and greater conservation of natural resources.

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Local Trends Local recreation participation trend information was derived from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Sports and Leisure Market Potential Report.

This data is based on national propensities to use various products and services, applied to the local demographic composition of the Village of Lincolnwood. Usage data was collected by Growth for Knowledge Mediamark Research and Intelligence, LLC (GfKMRI) in a national survey that was representative of U.S. households. Market Potential Index (MPI) measures the relative likelihood of the adults in the specified area to exhibit certain consumer behaviors or purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. An MPI of 100 represent the U.S. average.

Based on projected population, the top ten recreational activities Lincolnwood residents are most likely to participate in are: 1.

Walking for exercise (4,096 residents / 37.4% of the population) 2. Hiking (2,272 / 20.8%) 3. Swimming (1,836 / 16.8%) 4. Weight lifting (1,599 / 14.6%) 5. Bicycling (road) (1,482 / 13.5%) 6. Jogging / running (1,452 / 13.3%) 7. Yoga (1,331 / 12.2%) 8. Golf (1,089 / 10.0%) 9. Aerobics (1,077 / 9.8%) 10. Bowling (916 / 8.4%)

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The number of MPIs over 100 for Lincolnwood is much higher than what the planning team typically finds, which speaks to a very active community. Most communities have scores over 100 for approximately 12-15 activities, but the Village of Lincolnwood has 21 activities that score over 100. This is a significant number of high-scoring activities, which bodes well for program expansion in the future, particularly in fitness and outdoor recreationoriented activities.

Because the MPI indicates likely participation, these results indicate good potential for further expansion of indoor and outdoor recreation activities, and there may be opportunities to grow some program areas in the parks.

There may also be potential for growth in indoor activities.

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Sports and Leisure Market Potential Product/Consumer Behavior

Expected # of Adults/HHs

Percent

MPI

Participated in skiing (downhill) in last 12 months

496

4.5%

163

Participated in Zumba in last 12 months

486

4.4%

136

Participated in hiking in last 12 months

2,272

20.8%

130

Participated in golf in last 12 months

1,089

10.0%

126

Participated in Pilates in last 12 months

433

4.0%

126

Participated in tennis in last 12 months

517

4.7%

125

Participated in bicycling (road) in last 12 months

1,482

13.5%

120

Participated in walking for exercise in the last 12 months

4,096

37.4%

120

Participated in jogging / running in last 12 months

1,452

13.3%

119

Participated in aerobics in last 12 months

1,077

9.8%

117

Participated in yoga in last 12 months

1,331

12.2%

117

Participated in weight lifting in last 12 months

1,599

14.6%

116

Participated in ping pong in last 12 months

438

4.0%

115

Participated in bicycling (mountain) in last 12 months

466

4.3%

113

Participated in backpacking in last 12 months

444

4.1%

112

Participated in ice skating in last 12 months

286

2.6%

112

Participated in rock climbing in last 12 months

214

2.0%

110

Participated in softball in last 12 months

222

2.0%

107

Participated in swimming in last 12 months

1,836

16.8%

107

Participated in bowling in last 12 months

916

8.4%

104

Participated in basketball in last 12 months

745

6.8%

101

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Community Survey The Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign conducted a statistically valid, Village-wide survey during Spring of 2023. The survey was administered as part of the Village’s Comprehensive Master Planning Process.

Methodology

The Village of Lincolnwood worked with the Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to develop and implement a community needs and evaluation study. The specific aims of this project were to assess: • Frequency of use of Lincolnwood parks, facilities, programs, and services; • Opinions regarding the condition of park and recreation department facilities and parks; • Satisfaction with parks, facilities, programs, and services; • Constraints that prevent residents from using parks, programs, facilities, and services; • Areas that need improvement within the park and recreation department (i.e., facilities, parks, programs, services); • Feedback on special events; 86

•

Input on new programs and services needed in the future; and • Resident demographics.

The survey was developed in collaboration with the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation staff and questions were asked on the topics listed above. The survey was pre-tested by ORPR and Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation staff to evaluate how well questions aligned with the study’s aims and to assess the length, readability, and understandability of the survey questions and answer categories. The survey was comprised of mostly closed-ended questions, with some openended questions that were asked to gain more insight into areas of improvement needed for programs, facilities, and park areas. A general openended question was asked at the end of the survey inviting respondents to give input on any aspects of the park and recreation department including programs, services, facilities, parks, and staff. The survey

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was created in MS Word and was then created using Qualtrics, an online survey software.

Several strategies were used for data collection.

Using an address list provided by Dynata (a research company), ORPR staff generated a stratified random sample. Based on the demographic profile of Village residents, households from diverse ethnic and racial groups were oversampled because they are less likely to respond to surveys. A total of 3,000 households were randomly selected to receive a postcard invitation via mail to complete the survey.

The postcard included an explanation of the survey purpose, a URL link and Q/R code to access the survey, and instructions on how to use a Q/R code (for those new to this technology). A reminder postcard was mailed to non-respondents eight days after the initial postcard was mailed. Finally, the survey was promoted through a press release to the local paper, social media, website, and flyers placed around parks and facilities.

for confidence levels and error rates. The data was checked for outliers and data entry errors and was then analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Frequencies and distributions were calculated for all survey questions and the results are presented.

The major findings of the survey are summarized on the following pages.

A total of 341 surveys were completed, which yielded a 13% response rate. Twenty-nine percent of responses were from individuals who accessed the survey from the direct email or the Village website, 38% of responses came from individuals who responded to the postcard, and the rest were from signs and flyers. The random sample (i.e., those invited to participate via the postcard) was compared to the convenience sample (i.e., those who received an email, saw the announcement on social media or the brochure) on key demographics to determine if the samples were similar or different based on age, race, and gender. The samples were not significantly different on those demographics. Thus, the two samples were combined into one group for the purpose of the analysis and reporting the findings.

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Findings

Sample Description The mean age of the sample was 43 years with an age range from 18 to 95 years old. The majority of respondents were female (57%) and the race/ethnicity of the sample closely resembled that of the Village of Lincolnwood residents in which 65% of respondents were White, 17% were Asian, 9% were Hispanic/Latino, and 5% were Black. The average household size was 2.9 people and respondents have lived in Lincolnwood for an average of 19.5 years. Sixty percent have one or more child living in the household, and 78% are married/living with a partner.

Use / Opinions of Parks, Facilities, and Programs Overall, the facilities utilized most frequently are parks (93%), trails (86%), and playgrounds (75%).

Facilities used slightly less, but still used by twothirds of the sample included the pool (67%), outdoor fields and courts (69%), and outdoor shelters/ pavilions (71%). Reasons for not using parks and recreation programs, facilities, and parks included lack of interest, being too busy, poor quality outdoor facilities, kids aging out of programs, and limited mobility. Many Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) facilities were highly rated based on their condition, upkeep, and cleanliness.

Respondents overwhelmingly agreed or strongly agreed (92%) that recreation services, parks, and facilities are important to their quality of life and 91% agreed that LPD enhances the sense of community. Most respondents agreed that LPD programs are a good value for the money and the majority agree they are satisfied with the recreation opportunities provided by LPD. They also agreed that the front desk staff is knowledgeable and courteous, and 76% agree that the park and recreation department’s marketing is effective. However, 88

60% of residents agree there are not enough recreation facilities available to residents.

Importance of Proposed Capital Projects Respondents rated “build a recreation center” as the most important potential park and recreation department project to fund and implement followed by “adding amenities along existing trail corridors,” “add bike lanes,” and “land acquisition and park development”. When asked to rank their top projects that the agency should prioritize, “build a multi-purpose recreation center” was the number one choice for 60% of respondents followed by “add amenities along the existing trail corridors” (50% ranked as second choice), and “add bike lanes” (47% ranked as third). Twenty-seven percent of respondents ranked “bike sharing program” last.

Participation and Evaluation of Special Events and Program Forty-seven percent of respondents attended a special event in the last 12 months. Lincolnwood Fest and the Summer Concert Series were the most well attended events, whereas the VIP Dinner Dance had the lowest attendance. Lack of awareness and interest in the event were primary reasons why respondents did not attend special events.

Over half of respondents were interested in childcare and after school programs being offered by LPD with 65% of respondents having moderate or high interest. Thirty-seven percent of respondents had participated in Tot and Youth programs hosted

by LPD. For those who participated in Tot and Youth programming, soccer, martial arts, flag football, and cheerleading were the most popular with soccer (27%), floor hockey (23%), and martial arts (18%) having the most “excellent or good” ratings. The most heavily attended Sport for Development programs include Dodgeball, Total Sports, and Mini Dribblers with Total Sports (89%), Mini Dribblers (83%), and Mini Ninja Warriors (74%) having “excel-

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lent or good” ratings from participants. Softball, Tennis, and Pickleball were the most heavily attended Adult Athletic programs with 82% of respondents rating softball at “good or excellent.”

Relatively few respondents engaged in aquatic and fitness programs with Learn to Swim (86%) and Swim Team (90%) being the most highly rated.

Senior Program Participation, Evaluation, and Interests Among the 65+ age group, about 13% reported they participated in the Lincolnwood Social Club and 82% rated the club as “excellent or good”. All of the suggested programs had a majority of respondents indicating they would be interested.

Program ideas that stood out as most strongly desired included chair yoga (39 % very interested), trips (37%), and outdoor experiences (35%).

Other Agencies Used for Recreation and Preferred Modes of Receiving Information The most utilized recreation agencies outside of the LPD were: 1) Public Library system, 2) Private facilities, and 3) Other Park and Recreation Agencies. The most preferred ways of staying informed about parks and recreation news and information were: 1) email, 2) direct mail, 3) LPD program brochure, and 4) social media. The least preferred modes included: 1) park and recreation staff and friends or neighbors.

Strengths and Recommendations

Strengths The Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department has many strengths and areas in which they excel. Most respondents agree that LPD programs and services are a good value for the money and 75% believe that LPD is responsive to their needs.

Ninety-two percent believe LPD is important to their quality of life and 91% think LPD enhances a sense of community.

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Recommendations The findings point to several recommendations for fine-tuning operations and prioritizing future capital projects.

•

Capital Projects: Respondents rated adding a recreation center as the most important capital project to implement. It was also ranked as the top project to prioritize in a follow-up question.

This is consistent with results that indicated more recreation facilities are needed in Lincolnwood. In addition to the recreation center, residents wanted to see additional amenities added to existing trails and bike lanes.

•

Programming: Consider adding after-school and child-care programs. Respondents had a high level of interest. There is also support for pickleball programs and late night sports programming. Additional program ideas for the Lincolnwood Social Club include outdoor yoga, trips for seniors and organized groups for card games, particularly in the winter.

•

Other Recreation Options: Developing a community fitness center with options such as CrossFit and personal training was suggested by some residents. Programming for children and adolescents should be increased with girls softball, Little Kickers Soccer and Swim School listed as suggestions. Additionally, increased programming at Niles Park was requested (i.e., Tennis).

•

Other Potential Information Sources: People were interested in having text messages and emails with links to future events. Others were interested in the development of a Lincolnwood app. Outreach could also be improved via signs placed on walking/biking paths and newspaper ads.

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Community Meetings The following summary is an overview of the two community workshops held in March and April of 2023.

Village of Lincolnwood community members were asked a series of focus questions. Each participant then had the opportunity to write down all of their ideas and comments in response to those questions. From this list, they chose their three most important items for the Village’s Parks and Recreation Department to focus on over the next five years. The group categorized these ideas to find similar themes and goals then voted on priorities.

They were allowed to vote on a category (green bars in the charts on the following pages) or a single item within a category (orange bars in the charts on the following pages).

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Two community workshops were held to gather input. Both were held at the Lincolnwood Community Center in the spring of 2023. The results are summarized and listed on the following pages.

All comments are documented “as written” by community members during the meetings.

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COMMUNITY MEETING #1 RESULTS Disc Golf Improvements (2 votes)

• Improvements at Centennial Park Disc Golf Course

Playground Additions (1 vote)

• Ninja park / obstacle course, parkour course • Additional fitness / exercise areas • More toddler play options

Pool Improvements (4 votes)

• Better bathroom facilities at Proesel / pool • Improve existing facilities • Get rid of goose droppings • Fix all broken items at pool (water fountains, showers) • New / plentiful seating • Snack bar that can accommodate demand • Maintain existing, pool pumps, facilities

Sustainability (3 votes)

• More recycle bins (food also) • Waste-free events • Working more closely with the environmental commission

Native Plant Garden (3 votes) • Native plant garden

Indoor Space

• Indoor recreation like Skokie / LoVerde build up second level gym / indoor walking

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(like Weber Center), get rid of chandeliers so kids can throw ball • Create indoor facility - turn Community Center into gym, add second level for more space • More partnerships with SD74 open gyms • Rent out the school gyms for classes like Lil Dribblers after hours or weekends • Rent out the school gym for men’s pick-up basketball

Dog Park

• Dog park

Ballfield Improvements (2 votes)

• Field sponsorships • Lights and turf on Kostner fields (Proesel) • Rent / charge for field use to recoup investment • Improve parks (baseball fields) • Covered dugouts • Hoses on #2 and #3 • Fix batting cage entrance • Change policies / game times / field rentals so it is easier for neighborhood programs to rent - revenue stream

• Daddy - Daughter Dance • Mom - Son Bingo • Float Night at pool • Weekly Farmers’ Market in summer • Food trucks to supplement overflow from pool snack stand and for events like Music in the Park and other evening events • No more Lincolnwood Fest • Replace with art fair, farmers’ market, musical event, fall pumpkin patch, food truck event (like at the Lincoln Park Zoo), garden walk (like Sheffield Garden Walk), include Urhausen Greenhouse in some way • No incentive for local restaurants to participate with food tent

Increased Revenue

• Revenue generation strategy • Good ideas are expensive • Evaluate potential revenue streams

Park Improvements (1 vote)

• Water bottle filling stations at every park • Allow dogs at parks (on leash) and fine people when they don’t clean up after their dog • Address goose droppings everywhere • Replace sand in sandboxes and rake often

Program Enhancements

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COMMUNITY MEETING #2 RESULTS After School Programs (2 votes)

• After school programs • Care options for working parents (1 vote)

Pickleball (1 vote)

• Lighted courts • Courts separate from tennis courts

Indoor Recreation (11 votes)

• Gym, multipurpose room • Indoor fitness center w/ basketball court • Indoor courts for sports • Rec center for indoor recreation (1 vote) • Indoor fitness facility including pool • Convert Public Works building into recreation facility • Indoor facilities for fitness and team sports • Promote Community Center as a gathering / drop-in space (not just event space) • Partner with SD74 for open gym weekends / evenings (1 vote) • Rec center with indoor gym • Indoor facility • Rec center • Indoor sports complex

Dog Park

• Dog park • Designated dog area

Communication

• Need to be included in surveys or input via email or phone • Add event / info at boards at park facilities,

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keep updated • Keep information updated digitally • Improve engagement and support of baseball / softball leagues (1 vote) • Outsource entire recreation department with one person to coordinate offerings • Formal method for reserving tennis courts

Biking (1 vote)

• Pratt bike lane • Biking expansion (protected lanes, longer trails, bridges over roads) (2 votes)

Aquatic Improvements (4 votes)

• Pool needs to be cleaned thoroughly before it opens and be kept clean at all times (1 vote) • Pool services • Splash pad and more accessible water activities / programs • Expand aquatic center events and schedules - no random closure based on attendance (1 vote) • Aquatic improvements

Programming (3 votes)

• Pre-teen and teen programming (field trips, fitness, skill classes) • After school activities at SD74 buildings • Adult exercise programs • Family events like Family Ski Trip, Pumpkin Picasso, Turkey Trot • Community theater for kids and adults

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Ballfield Upgrades (2 votes)

• More baseball fields • More baseball / softball fields • Field upgrades (dugouts, etc.)

• Improve ballfields (via advertising) • Improved ballfields

Events

• Additional outdoor events for all seasons • No Lincolnwood Fest - keep car show (1 vote) • No Lincolnfest - Whatis revenue?

• Partner with Environmental Commission on clean up Lincolnwood events • More restaurants at Lincolnwood Fest • Resident-led events • Free yoga in the park

Active Recreation (2 votes)

• Fitness equipment in parks • Exercise course at Centennial Park • Create ninja warrior / obstacle courses structures and courses, good for all ages

Park Improvements (1 vote)

• Resurface all tennis courts, install new lighting (1 vote) • Drinking fountains • Badminton • Crosswalk on Devon between McCormick and Lincoln • Universal play surfaces at all playgrounds (i.e. wheelchair user friendly) (1 vote)

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COMMUNITY MEETING #2 RESULTS • More outdoor upgrades - to fields, dugouts, aquatic center locker room, fitness areas, etc.

• Better playgrounds for 7-12 crowd like parkour ninja course

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Stakeholder Input The following summary is an overview of input received from the stakeholder interviews facilitated as part of the comprehensive master planning process.

Format

The stakeholder interviews were structured as facilitated discussions between participants considering both their role as a stakeholder representative (for those representing a specific community agency or organization) and as an individual Village park and recreation user. A list of questions was used to lead the discussion. Some questions were skipped as participants provided answers earlier in the conversation or if time ran out due to more in-depth conversation around earlier questions.

The stakeholder interviews consisted of five virtual calls.

The following responses are not direct quotations, but rather a summarized interpretation of the participants’ conversations.

Results

Education (Schools, Library District) • Schools partner with parks to provide facilities for park programing, especially indoor facilities, and want to continue to do this and expand relationship – as long as it doesn’t conflict with school activities • Expand after school and summer programming • Schools have limited facilities available yearto-year for various building maintenance, so 94

capacity fluctuates • Library would love to partner more with the parks to provide more services for all ages • Maybe movies or story time at the parks, for example • COVID challenges strengthened the relationship between the Parks and the Library. The library was able to get out and interact with people in more areas of Lincolnwood (neighborhood parks all over).

The library wants to continue to do that.

Bring library programming to the people where they live • Library could provide a space for adult offerings (indoor yoga) • Push summer reading programs in concert with parks programming • Information on programming/events need shared regularly between parks, schools, and library to avoid overlap, redundancy, and gaps in material and scheduling • COVID caused afterschool programs to stop. Just getting going again and would love to expand and offer new things with the parks district • Weather issues (rain, excessive heat) cause park programming disruptions due to limited indoor space

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• Other groups utilize school facilities as well, so scheduling and communication are important.

Advance coordination and communication needed • Public regularly wants to see government agencies work together and that is what the education group wants, too. Coordination is key Top priorities: • Lead times in scheduling of spaces and planning events need better coordination so all can best accommodate requests • Room for parks to renovate existing areas to create more usable spaces (indoor) for events and sports (Proesel/Community Center) • Update/renovate to match community improvements • Library is working on a 3-year strategic plan soon and wants to join efforts/coordinate with Parks plan for a cohesive direction for Lincolnwood Municipal / Business / Historical (Police, Fire Department, Community Development, Finance) • Working relationship with VOL Parks and Recreation is good • Changes in staff have made consistent communication a bit challenging • Timely meetings for continued communication needed • A streamlined process to improve the planning of events in VOL • Parks and Recreation and VOL use different financial systems that are not connected, which causes some difficulties in revenue/reporting/ reconciliation for the department and Village • Parks and Recreation is good about keeping in contact with VOL about permits/zoning changes, this is a good thing that should continue • Weekly/monthly event schedule from Parks and Recreation would be great, especially to share CONNECT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & NEEDS ASSESSMENT

with police/fire supervisors • Good to know about large-scale events ahead of time to provide adequate security and emergency services • Centennial Park and east of channel – hope these areas become more accessible/usable to residents, especially with the coming update to Pratt Bridge • The various Village planning processes going on simultaneously (Parks and Recreation, Facilities Plan, Library, etc.)

• These should all reference one another/work together and be connected for Village-wide vision • There should be a focus on facilities, mobility, accessibility, and connectivity of community amenities (including considering those outside of the village proper) • VOL is largely built out already • Future redevelopment might include Town Center and/or the country club. Something to consider in future planning Athletics (Baseball and Softball Association) • Good relationship with VOL Parks and Recreation.

Association has an affiliate agreement with VOL Parks and Recreation • Association runs the baseball and softball spring, summer, and fall leagues in the Parks • Spring and fall leagues are already at capacity • Demand for new indoor and additional outdoor space throughout VOL is very high. The programs could improve and grow their programs with more space to practice • Indoor sports facility would be great, but where to put it and how to pay for it?

• Year-round training • Usable for multiple sports • Usable for events

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• Prioritize additional fields / turf fields /field lighting • Turf fields would minimize maintenance issues (less up-keep for personnel) • Hard to maintain program numbers since there is not enough room for teams to practice • Because of weather, seasons are limited to summer only (spring rainouts, early fall sunsets) • Lights would allow for increased capacity, additional 100-150 kids in fall • Possibility of getting old Thillen’s Field back into VOL Parks and Recreation?

• Already lit, great facility • Expand partnership with schools • Association does use school facilities at times, but scheduling can be tough • Batting cages added by Association at school • Not permanent and no on-site storage for nets etc.

• School could use the batting cages as well as partners • Association wants to keep costs low for kids. Finances shouldn’t keep kids from sports!

• Following COVID, there has been a huge increase in participation. All without much advertising • Continuing to grow and facilities need to keep up with demand • Field maintenance is always an issue (because of the weather, not under VOL Park and Recreation’s control) • However, many fields have drainage issues • Training is needed for Parks and 96

Recreation staff on how to properly drag and line fields to avoid mishaps Top priorities: • More fields • Turf fields • More lighting • Comfort amenities at fields (shade, water, seating) • Scheduling note: VOL has a large Orthodox population so many can’t play games on Saturdays freeing up fields for rental to other groups Village Leadership (Mayor, Village Trustees) • Staffing for parks programming and camps (and everything else) is difficult • Summer camps have been superior in VOL largely due to small groups of kids per counselor • Kids from outside of VOL come for the camps and pool. Do pay non-resident rates (extra revenue) • Parks and Recreation offerings should be a point of pride for Lincolnwood! Can do more!

• Need to keep updating existing VOL offerings – playgrounds, fields, courts, pool, to maintain level of excellence • New/popular amenities should be added • Adventure park/obstacle course • Disc golf course (advertise more, only one around) • Boat launch (not used regularly) • Stronger field and park signage throughout for clarity on rentals • Summer camps are a great asset and need to be continued but reorganized a bit • Camps get rained out frequently

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Limited indoor options available • Bowling • Lincoln and Rutledge Hall facilities are not utilized enough for camps • District 74/Rutledge could be used for evening leagues for all age groups • 36% of VOL residents have students in the school system – which is residentfunded. Should have access to facilities • Proesel Park improvements needed.

• Sells out of non-resident passes yearly, attracts many from outside VOL • Pool is great and needs to be kept great!

• Structure and pool are getting older and need renovated • Make it even better! Accessible, stateof-the-art • Pool and locker rooms need updated • Additional programming at the pool • Swim program?

• Swim team?

• Pool events?

• Enhance Community Center • In future, should Community Center stay? Expand? Be used for indoor sport facility? As a gym? Less formal? More formal? Be for more than just rentals?

• New permanent home for Parks and Recreation needed • Proesel Park expanded shelter/ addition • Community Center • Needs to be somewhere friendly with easy access for public interaction • Centennial Park updates • Needs something exciting/innovative to draw residents to the edge of the Village. Doesn’t feel like part of the CHAPTER 4

Village • Is under utilized, but a great park • Has little residential access • Amphitheater has not been hugely successful yet • Get people more aware of and comfortable with the area as a park • Bike path may be added along Pratt to make more connections • Summer events outdoors are popular, great for community • Lack of competitive sports programs in VOL • Need indoor recreation facility. (Basketball, flag football) • Could use school facilities more?

• Community Center?

• Winter sports location desired • Safety of the VOL community is a big draw for outsiders to parks and events. Keep this up!

• Neighborhood park maintenance could be better • Trails • Need to light the trails, not safe at night • Beautify trails (add plantings, water access) • Programming audit • What recreation programs are available in VOL and when?

• How well are those attended?

• What programs are desired by residents? What are the community needs?

• Communication – get the information out to the residents!

• Parks are a top priority for VOL leadership and attract visitors from outside of VOL CONNECT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & NEEDS ASSESSMENT

• Potential partnerships with nearby attractions? (Like Botanic Gardens)

Priorities: • Splash Pad (one is already planned thanks to donation from past resident, but more desired) • Pickleball courts, extremely popular (especially among seniors) • Tennis courts • Baseball fields, existing are well-used, but lack amenities and need upgraded (bleachers, scoreboards, shade, turf, infield). Need additional fields, too • Dog Park, highly requested/desired • Where is the question…

• With amenities including shade, waste stations, seating, etc.

• Indoor basketball/gym space • Spend VOL money on VOL Parks! For the residents of VOL • Park facility usage should be first and foremost for VOL residents, not just first come first serve or for revenue • Assets should be for use by residents first

• Parks and Recreation department needs an appropriate permanent home where they can better serve the community • Recreation building the community wants • Specifically for indoor recreation and hosting of programs • All-purpose gym with indoor track and courts • Concerns about the structural integrity of the Community Center. Should it be kept?

Updated? Torn down and space used for new center?

• Special events in VOL are very successful • School gyms are used some for park programs but are not available to all VOL residents regularly • Addition to the south side of the pool building could be beneficial from operational standpoint

Village Leadership (Village Manager) • Field conditions need to be better • Investment in sports areas including bleachers • Investment needed in playgrounds – play surfacing to be inclusive • Program-wise, the facilities are not up to date and have been on hold Priorities: • Aquatic facility – hasn’t had a major reinvestment • Redesign pool, slide, adjacent building to be up to date VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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Staff Workshop The following summary is an overview of the workshop Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department staff participated in.

Parks and Recreation Department staff members were asked a series of focus questions. Each participant then had the opportunity to write down all of their ideas and comments. From this list, they chose their top three most important items for the next five years. The group categorized these ideas to find similar themes and goals then voted on priorities. They were allowed to vote on a category (green bars in the chart to the right) or a single item within a category (orange bars in the chart to the right).

One staff workshop was held to gather input. The results are summarized and listed on the next page.

All comments are documented “as written” by staff members during the meeting.

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CHAPTER 4

STAFF WORKSHOP RESULTS Expand Outdoor Recreation

Programs

Technology (2 votes)

Park Improvements (2 votes)

• Expand outdoor recreation opportunities • More outdoor green space • Assess opportunities on east side of channel

• Technology CMS enhancements

Aquatic Facility Upgrade (8 votes)

• Rebuild the aquatic center • Renovation of the aquatic center to include splash pad • Fix or build new pool • Expand and upgrade aquatic center • Improvements for aquatic center (1 vote)

New Recreation Center (6 votes)

• Establish a functional community center scape • Building to include recreation room, party room, fitness center, and senior center • New recreation center • New buildings • Renovate / build community center for programs and staff (1 vote) • Cohesive staff offices and space • Development of facilities • Improved infrastructure (parks and facilities)

CONNECT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & NEEDS ASSESSMENT

• Review programming for current and future needs • Expand into schools • Commit to after-school LEAP program

• Improve tennis courts and add pickleball • New fields in Proesel Park (1 vote) • Invest in and utilize baseball / softball fields • Construct a dog park • Playground variety

Staff Improvements (4 votes)

• Adjusting staffing needs (3 votes) • Crew leader positions

Collaborate with surrounding Park Districts (1 vote) • Collaborate with neighbor parks

Public Works Support

• Increase public works transportation • Build up and out

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Board Input The following summary is an overview of input received from the Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners.

Format

The Parks and Recreation Board Chairperson, four commissioners, and one Village Trustee attended a meeting on November 8, 2022 to provide suggestions for the Village’s direction over the next five years.

Participants were asked to approach the question from their perspectives as residents and users of the parks and recreation amenities and as elected officials or volunteers.

Board members were asked what the Village Parks and Recreation Department should focus on for the next 5-10 years and to write down all of their ideas on a provided notecard. The Planning Team then facilitated an open dialogue discussion with the group as each commissioner or trustee spoke about what they felt was most important from their notecards and expanded on those ideas.

The following responses are not direct quotations, but rather a summarized interpretation of the participants’ conversations.

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Results

Commissioner #1: • Update aquatic facility to offer indoor athletic offerings • Need a facility (recreation center) specifically for department use • ADA improvements at playgrounds - eliminate wood mulch • Increase park safety - better lighting and emergency kiosks • Move skatepark to more visible and accessible area to increase safety and get better use of the space - evaluate re-purposing existing area • Need a dedicated dog park Commissioner #2: • Aquatic facility upgrades and improvements needed - reference Niles Family Center

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CHAPTER 4

• Update ballfields by providing more lights to increase and provide more flexibility of current use - evaluate turf fields • Preserve previous history and traditions of the Department while improving and expanding on current offerings Commissioner #3: • Year-round facility needed for indoor use and office areas for Staff - modernize for current staff and to attract new hires • Better technology available for Staff use and to better serve the community’s programming needs, better stream of revenue, and improved marketing strategy • Engage older community - blend younger and older age groups

• Reduce residents going out-of-district for recreational offerings • Evaluate adding indoor ice rink / skate center • Create opportunities for outdoor concerts amphitheater • “Keep up with the times” by adding pickleball and gaga ball pits - emerging trends

Commissioner #4: • Need to make Flowers Park more accessible pour-in-place rubber surfacing for playground • Memorial plaques needed at Flowers Park • Provide better connection with neighboring school at Flowers Park - community gardens • Provide yoga in the park opportunities • Schedule park clean up days • Maintenance equipment upgrades needed Commissioner #5: • Noted agreement with a lot of the ideas already discussed • Need more indoor space • Need dog park in a centralized location Trustee: • Pool updates needed since it is the Village’s most popular feature - modernize • Indoor recreation center needed with space for Staff / office use CONNECT: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & NEEDS ASSESSMENT

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Chapter Five Appendix

IDNR Useful Life Criteria

IDNR Grant Administration Division Per IPRA-Park & Natural Resource Management Section’s Recommendations USEFUL LIFE CRITERIA FACILITY

104

Expected useful life

Evaluation Criteria – Factor

BB/Softball fields

8-10 years

# Games/week, # Practices/week Grass infields?

Maintenance Procedure/Standards Is site used for multiple uses, soccer, football?

Is space used for organized or programmed events?

Spectator considerations – bleachers Concession stands

BB/Softball Field Lighting

20 years

Pole Type (wood, steel, concrete) Wiring type (aluminum, copper) HID or incandescent fixtures Existing FC vs. new standards Accepted grounding systems?

Panel Capabilities/Technology Electrical Code compliance

Soccer Fields

8-10 years

Usage rating A/B/C/D # games/week, # weeks/year, time of year, age of user

Irrigation system

20 years

Irrigated Y/N Usage # games per week Drainage considerations Maintenance standards/levels Is site used for organized or programmed events? To what extent?

Is site used for multiple uses? Softball, BB or football

Tennis Courts Resurface Total Renovation

12-15 years 20-25 years

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Lighted Y/N (Use BB Criteria) Surface clay, asphalt, other Color coat/overlay/rebuild Frequency of color coating Location – high water table Fencing material/posts Preventive maintenance Location: Water table concerns Is site used for organized or programmed events? To CHAPTER 5 what extent?

Are courts used for making ice?

Is site used for organized or programmed events? To what extent?

Is site used for multiple uses? Softball, BB or football Tennis Courts Resurface Total Renovation

12-15 years 20-25 years

Basket Ball Courts Resurface Total Renovation

12-15 years 20-25 years

Same as tennis courts

Sand / Grass?

Lighted Y/N Borders Bleachers/spectator area

Volleyball Courts

Shuffleboard Resurface Total Renovation

Lighted Y/N (Use BB Criteria) Surface clay, asphalt, other Color coat/overlay/rebuild Frequency of color coating Location – high water table Fencing material/posts Preventive maintenance Location: Water table concerns Is site used for organized or programmed events? To what extent?

Are courts used for making ice?

12-15 years 20-25 years

Same as tennis courts

Picnic Shelters 25 years Support structures: masonry, steel, wood Roof type: metal, asphalt, shingle, slate, cedar shake 1 IDNR Division of Grant Administration Useful Life Criteria 7/21/97 Construction type: post & beam, frame Historical value and consideration Preventive maintenance record Is site used for organized or programmed events? To what extent?

Playgrounds

Boat Launch Ramps

APPENDIX

15 years metal Meet Standards? ASTM, CPSC, ADA 10 years plastic Daily usage by intended user group 8 – 12 years wood Location: school, or neighborhood park Surfacing Material Preventive maintenance record Border construction material Location: retention area/water?

15-20 years

Construction materials, gravel, concrete Location i.e. Lake Michigan Annual Usage Is facility fee generating?

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN Region

105

Boat Launch Ramps

15-20 years

Boat Launch Ramps

15-20 years

Fishing Piers & Docks

15-20 years

Fishing Piers & Docks

15-20 years

Swimming Pools Bathhouse

25 years 25 years

Preventive maintenance record Border construction material Construction materials, gravel, concrete Location: retention area/water?

Location i.e. Lake Michigan Annual Usage Construction gravel, concrete Is facility fee materials, generating?

Location i.e.

Lake Michigan Region Annual Usage Is facilityconstruction fee generating?

Orginial materials plastic, wood, Region aluminum Location i.e. Lake Michigan Orginialvolume/usage construction materials plastic, wood, Annual aluminum Winter removal and storage?

Location Lake Michigan Preventivei.e. maintenance record Annual volume/usage Winteralone removal Stand site?and storage?

Preventive maintenance record Heated for winter?

Swimming Boathouse Pools Bathhouse

25 years 10-15 years 25 years

Stand alone site?

Attached to Community Center Y/N Heated for winter?

Mechanical room connected?

Boathouse

10-15 years

Restrooms

Same as pools

Parking Lots Restrooms Resurface Total Renovation Parking Lots Resurface Total Renovation

Same pools 10-12 as years 20-25 years 10-12 years 20-25 years

ADA compliance Y/N Attached to compliance?

Community Center Y/N Local Code Mechanical room connected?

Preventive Maintenance record ADA compliance Location i.e. LakeY/N Michigan Local Code compliance?

Preventive Maintenance record Same as pools Location i.e. Lake Michigan Gravel, asphalt or concrete Same as pools Monthly volume and load use i.e. delivery trucks or garbage Gravel, asphalt or concrete Spring use –heavy, moderate, light Monthly volume and load use Seal coating frequency i.e. deliverymaintenance trucks or garbage Preventive record Spring –heavy, moderate, light Originaluse construction design loads Seal coating frequency Location: flooding/water concerns Preventive maintenance record Snow removal or salt use?

Original construction design loads Curbed or sheet drainage to edges Location: flooding/water concerns Snow as removal orlots salt use?

Same Parking Curbed or sheet drainage to edges

Bike Paths

Same as Parking lots

Interpretive Center Bike Paths

Same as Bathhouse Same as Parking lots

Same as Bathhouse Same as Parking lots

Interpretive Center

Same as Bathhouse

Same as Bathhouse

IDNR Division of Grant Administration Useful Life Criteria 7/21/97 106

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IDNR Division of Grant Administration Useful Life Criteria 7/21/97

2 CHAPTER 5

2

Village Zoning Map

±

Village of Lincolnwood Zoning Map March 2020 Zoning District Legend

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APPENDIX

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Stakeholder Focus Questions

Memorandum

108

Date: To: From:

January 16, 2023 Village of Lincolnwood (VOL) Hitchcock Design Group (HDG)

RE:

Village of Lincolnwood – Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan; Stakeholder Interview Focus Questions 1.

Are you a Lincolnwood resident? How long have you lived in Lincolnwood and/or the surrounding area?

2.

How long have you visited and/or how often do you visit Lincolnwood parks and/or facilities? What activities have you participated in?

3.

Which programs and/or events are you affiliated with, or have you participated in?

4.

In comparing other recreation providers, what do you prefer about Lincolnwood offerings and what have you preferred at the other locations?

5.

In your experience working or coordinating with the Parks and Recreation Department, what has worked well? What are some areas that could be improved?

6.

How is your organization expecting to provide recreation over the next 5 years and how can the Parks and Recreation Department be involved? o How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your organization and long-term user needs?

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

7.

What service, facility, or amenity gaps do you feel exist in the region?

CHAPTER 5

Cc:

6.

How is your organization expecting to provide recreation over the next 5 years and how can the Parks and Recreation Department be involved? o How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your organization and long-term user needs?

7.

What service, facility, or amenity gaps do you feel exist in the region?

8.

What programs do you currently participate in or have in the past that you feel are beneficial to the community? How could those be improved or expanded on? o What additional programs, perhaps some that you don’t actively participate in, do you still support and feel benefit the community as a whole?

9.

Based on today’s discussion, what do you think are the top 1 to 3 priorities for the next five years?

Karen Hawk, VOL; Doug Fair, HDG; Steve Konters, HDG; Jenna Beck, HDG; Laura Huggler, HDG; File – HDG

J:\Projects\Alpha\Lincolnwood, Village of\Lincolnwood Park and Rec Comprehensive Plan\04 Public Engagement\03 stakeholder interviews\memo 20230116 stakeholder focus questions_lwd comp plan.docx

APPENDIX

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

109

Community Survey Results

110 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

2023 L INCO LN WO OD P AR KS AND R EC RE A TI ON C O MMUNITY SUR VE Y FI NAL REPORT F

Prepared By: Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

June 8, 2023

CHAPTER 5

APPENDIX

2 INCOVER PAGE

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

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112 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and Methods .................................................................................................................. 1 Findings ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Strengths and Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 4 Introduction and Methods ................................................................................................................. 5 Description of the Sample ................................................................................................................. 7 Age, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity ...................................................................................................... 7 Household ......................................................................................................................................... 9 Survey Findings ............................................................................................................................. 11 Resident Use of Parks, Facilities, and Programs............................................................................. 11 Reasons Residents Don’t Utilize Lincolnwood Park and Recreation Department ........................... 12 Condition, Upkeep, and Cleanliness of Facilities............................................................................. 13 Insights About Park and Facility Conditions .................................................................................... 14 Opinions About Parks and Recreation Issues and Topics ............................................................... 15 Importance of Lincolnwood Capital Projects.................................................................................... 16 Ranked Priority for Capital Projects ................................................................................................. 17 Special Events................................................................................................................................. 18 Interest in Childcare/After School Programs.................................................................................... 20 Participation in Athletic Programs.................................................................................................... 20 Participation and Evaluation of Tot and Youth Athletic Programs.................................................... 21 Sport for Development Programs .................................................................................................... 22 Fitness and Aquatic Programs ........................................................................................................ 23 Lincolnwood Social Club Participation and Evaluati0n .................................................................... 24 Interest in New Active Adult/Senior Programs ................................................................................. 25 Other Programs to be Offered ......................................................................................................... 26 Other Recreation Agencies Utilized ................................................................................................. 27 Preferred Methods of Staying Informed ........................................................................................... 28 Additional Feedback about LPD Programs, Services, Facilities, Parks, and Staff ........................... 29 Strengths of the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department ................................................... 30 Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 31 Built Facilities: Recreation and Fitness Center ................................................................................ 31 programs and services .................................................................................................................... 31

CHAPTER 5

Maintenance and Upkeep of Parks and Courts ............................................................................... 31

APPENDIX

2 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 32 Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 33 Appendix A: Open-Ended Feedback ............................................................................................... 33 Appendix B: Resident Survey .......................................................................................................... 68

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INTRODUCTION AND METHODS The purpose of this community study was to obtain input from Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) residents on: 1) use of LPD parks, facilities, and programs; 2) opinions regarding LPD operations (e.g., staffing, facilities/parks condition/upkeep, programs); 3) understanding reasons for not using LPD parks, facilities, and programs/events; 4) assess resident opinions of priorities for capital improvement projects; and 5) evaluate programs (e.g., dance, fitness, sport, adult/active adult/senior, special events); 6) obtain a demographic profile of users and non-users. Insights from community input will contribute to the comprehensive LPD master plan.

The University of Illinois’ Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) and the LPD Board and Staff developed the survey collaboratively. Valid and reliable survey questions that used in other community surveys were tailored to the LPD resident survey and questions were created to achieve the aims of the study. A stratified sample of 3,000 households within the LPD was generated using a survey sampling company (Dynata). People who are members of racially/ethnically diverse groups were over sampled since they are less likely to complete surveys. A postcard explaining the survey initiative was mailed first class to each sample household. Moreover, the survey was promoted via signage at LPD facilities on various social media pages, and the LPD website.

A total of 341 surveys were completed for a 13% response rate. Seventy percent of respondents accessed the survey from the direct mailing or a direct email. The remaining 30% of respondents accessed the survey through LPD social media or onsite QR codes. Analysis of the two groups based on age, gender and length of residency indicated the groups were not significantly different, which justified combining the two samples into one sample for further analysis. Thus, we can be 95% confident that we only have 5% error in the results, which is consistent with industry standards for research methods.

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FINDINGS Sample Description: The mean age of the sample was 43 years with an age range from 18 to 95 years old. The majority of respondents were female (57%) and the race/ethnicity of the sample closely resembled that of the Village of Lincolnwood residents in which 65% of respondents were White, 17% were Asian, 9% were Hispanic/Latino, and 5% were Black. The average household size was 2.9 people and respondents have lived in Lincolnwood for an average of 19.5 years. Sixty percent have one or more child living in the household, and 78% are married/living with a partner.

Use and Opinions of Parks, Facilities and Programs: Overall, the facilities utilized most frequently are parks (93%), trails (86%), and playgrounds (75%).

Facilities used slightly less, but still used by two-thirds of the sample included the pool (67%), outdoor fields and courts (69%), and outdoor shelters/pavilions (71%). Reasons for not using parks and recreation programs, facilities and parks included lack of interest, being too busy, poor quality outdoor facilities, kids aging out of programs, and limited mobility. Many LPD facilities were highly rated based on their condition, upkeep and cleanliness. Specifically, Proesel Park (77%), Kildare Park (60%), and the Union Pacific Trail (70%), were rated as “good or excellent” by respondents. However, Drake Park (18%) and Centennial Park (15%) were rated lower.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Respondents overwhelmingly agreed or strongly agreed (92%) that recreation services, parks and facilities are important to their quality of life and 91% agreed that Lincolnwood Park and Recreation Department (LPD) enhances the sense of community. Most respondents agreed that LPD programs are a good value for the money and the majority agree they are satisfied with the recreation opportunities provided by LPD. They also agreed that the front desk staff is knowledgeable and courteous, and 76% agree that the park and recreation department’s marketing is effective. However, 60% of residents agree there are not enough recreation facilities available to residents.

Importance of Proposed Capital Projects: Respondents rated “build a recreation center” as the most important potential park and recreation department project to fund and implement followed by “adding amenities along existing trail corridors”, “add bike lanes”, and “land acquisition and park development”. When asked to rank their top projects that the agency should prioritize, “build a multi-purpose recreation center” was the number one choice for 60% of respondents followed by “add amenities along the existing trail corridors” (50% ranked as second choice), and “add bike lanes” (47% ranked as third). Twenty-seven percent of respondents ranked “bike sharing program” last.

Participation and Evaluation of Special Events and Programs: Forty-seven percent of respondents attended a special event in the last 12 months. Lincolnwood Fest and the Summer Concert Series were the most well attended events, whereas the VIP Dinner Dance had the lowest attendance. Lack of awareness and interest in the event were primary reasons why respondents did not attend special events.

Over half of respondents were interested in childcare and after school programs being offered by Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) with 65% of respondents having moderate or high interest. Thirty-seven percent of respondents had participated in Tot and Youth programs hosted 2

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by LPD. For those who participated in Tot and Youth programming, soccer, martial arts, flag football and cheerleading were the most popular with soccer (27%), floor hockey (23%) and martial arts (18%) having the most “excellent or good” ratings. The most heavily attended Sport for Development programs include Dodgeball, Total Sports, and Mini Dribblers with Total Sports (89%), Mini Dribblers (83%), and Mini Ninja Warriors (74%) having “excellent or good” ratings from participants. Softball, Tennis, and Pickleball were the most heavily attended Adult Athletic programs with 82% of respondents rating softball at “good or excellent.” Relatively few respondents engaged in aquatic and fitness programs with Learn to Swim (86%) and Swim Team (90%) being the most highly rated.

Senior Program Participation, Evaluation, and Interests: Among the 65+ age group, about 13% reported they participated in the Lincolnwood Social Club and 82% rated the club as “excellent or good”. All of the suggested programs had a majority of respondents indicating they would be interested. Program ideas that stood out as most strongly desired included chair yoga (39 % very interested), trips (37%), and outdoor experiences (35%).

Other Agencies Used for Recreation and Preferred Modes of Receiving Information: The most utilized recreation agencies outside of the LPD were: 1) Public Library system, 2) Private facilities, and 3) Other Park and Recreation Agencies. The most preferred ways of staying informed about parks and recreation news and information were: 1) email, 2) direct mail, 3) LPD program brochure, and 4) social media. The least preferred modes included: 1) park and recreation staff and friends or neighbors.

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STRENGTHS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Strengths of the Park and Recreation Department: The Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) has many strengths and areas in which they excel. Most respondents agree that LPD programs and services are a good value for the money and 75% believe that LPD is responsive to their needs. Ninety-two percent believe the think LPD is important to their quality of life and 91% think LPD enhances a sense of community.

Recommendations: The findings point to several recommendations for fine-tuning operations and prioritizing future capital projects.

Capital Projects: Respondents rated adding a recreation center as the most important capital project to implement. It was also ranked as the top project to prioritize in a follow-up question. This is consistent with results that indicated more recreation facilities are needed in Lincolnwood. In addition to the recreation center, residents wanted to see additional amenities added to existing trails and bike lanes.

Programming: Consider adding after-school and child-care programs. Respondents had a high level of interest. There is also support for pickleball programs and late night sports programming. Additional program ideas for the Lincolnwood Social Club include outdoor yoga, trips for seniors and organized groups for card games, particularly in the winter.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Other Recreation Options: Developing a community fitness center with options such as CrossFit and personal training was suggested by some residents. Programming for children and adolescents should be increased with girls softball, Little Kickers Soccer & Swim School listed as suggestions.

Additionally, increased programming at Niles Park was requested (i.e., Tennis).

Other Potential Information Sources: People were interested in having text messages and emails with links to future events. Others were interested in the development of a Lincolnwood app. Outreach could also be improved via signs placed on walking/biking paths and newspaper ads.

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INTRODUCTION AND METHODS The Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) is engaged in a comprehensive parks and recreation master planning process and sought input from residents to inform their planning. Thus, the LPD worked with Hitchcock Design Group and the Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to develop and implement a community needs and evaluation study. The specific aims of this project were to assess: • • • • • • • •

Frequency of use of Lincolnwood parks, facilities, programs, and services; Opinions regarding the condition of park and recreation department facilities and parks; Satisfaction with parks, facilities, programs, and services; Constraints that prevent residents from using parks, programs, facilities, and services; Areas that need improvement within the park and recreation department (i.e., facilities, parks, programs, services); Feedback on special events; Input on new programs and services needed in the future; and Resident demographics.

The survey was developed in collaboration with the LPD staff and questions were asked on the topics listed above (see Appendix B for the survey). The survey was pre-tested by ORPR and LPD staff to evaluate how well questions aligned with the study’s aims and to assess the length, readability and understandability of the survey questions and answer categories. The survey was comprised of mostly closed-ended questions, with some open-ended questions that were asked to gain more insight into areas of improvement needed for programs, facilities, and park areas. A general openended question was asked at the end of the survey inviting respondents to give input on any aspects of the park and recreation department including programs, services, facilities, parks, and staff (see Appendix A for the open-ended responses). The survey was created in MS Word and was then created using Qualtrics, online survey software.

Several strategies were used for data collection. Using an address list provided by Dynata (a research company), ORPR staff generated a stratified random sample. Based on the demographic profile of LPD residents, households from diverse ethnic and racial groups were oversampled because they are less likely to respond to surveys. A total of 3,000 households were randomly selected to receive a postcard invitation via mail to complete the survey. The postcard included an explanation of the survey purpose, a URL link and Q/R code to access the survey, and instructions on how to use a Q/R code (for those new to this technology). A reminder postcard was mailed to non-respondents 8 days after the initial postcard was mailed. Finally, the survey was promoted through a press release to the local paper, social media, and flyers were placed around parks and facilities.

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6 A total of 341 surveys were completed, which yielded a 13% response rate. Twenty-nine percent of responses were from individuals who accessed the survey from the direct email or the LPD website, 38% of responses came from individuals who responded to the postcard, and the rest were from signs and flyers. We compared the random sample (i.e., those invited to participate via the postcard) with the convenience sample (i.e., those who received an email, saw the announcement on social media or the brochure) on key demographics to determine if the samples were similar or different based on age, race, and gender. The samples were not significantly different on those demographics. Thus, the two samples were combined into one group for the purpose of the analysis and reporting the findings.

Moreover, based on the sampling strategy and number of responses, we are at least 95% confident that there is only a maximum of 5% error in the results, which is consistent with industry expectations for confidence levels and error rates. The data was checked for outliers and data entry errors and was then analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Frequencies and distributions were calculated for all of survey questions and the results are presented in the next section of this report.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SAMPLE AG E, G ENDER , AND RACE/ETHNICITY Age and Gender The Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department serves the Village of Lincolnwood. According to the 2020 Census, there are 13,191 residents in the Village of Lincolnwood. The mean age of the sample was 43 years old, which is slightly younger than the median age of Lincolnwood residents, which is 46 years old (Census Quick Facts, 2022). Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 95 years old. Eighteen percent of respondents were 65 years of age or older, compared 28% of Lincolnwood residents who are 65 and over. Females comprised 57% of the sample and were slightly overrepresented in the sample compared to 50.8% of Lincolnwood residents.

Race/Ethnicity The sample was 65% White, 17% Asian/Pacific Islander, 9% Hispanic/Latino, 5% Black/African American, and 4% American Indian (figure 1). The sample was diverse in terms of ethnicity with 62% indicating they are North American, 12% East/Southern European, 10% North/Western European, 7% South American/Caribbean, 8% Asian, and 1% African (figure 2).

Figure 1-Race

Ethnicity Asian/Pacific Islander

9% 17% 4% 5% 65%

American Indian Black White Hispanic

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8 Figure 2-Ethnicity

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Ethnicity

Percent

North American

62%

East/South European

12%

North/West European

10%

South America/Caribbean

7%

Asian

8%

African

1%

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HOUSEHOLD When asked how long respondents have resided within Lincolnwood, the average length of residency was 19.5 years with a range from one to 68 years. The average household size of the sample was 2.9 people, which was higher than the 2.7 person household size indicated by the census (Figure 3).

Lastly, 60% of respondents have children in their household (figure 4) and 77% of respondents are married/living with partner.

Figure 3- Household Type

Household Type Married (w/ Children)

7% 25% 15%

2

53%

Single (no children) Married (no children) Single (w/ children)

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10 The age composition of children in the household varied with 12% who are between kindergarten and 2nd grade and 12% who are in third to fifth grade. Eleven percent are in preschool and 11% are in middle school, whereas 10% are in high school, 9% are over 18, and only 2% are under the age of two. This is consistent with the dropping birth rate reported by the 2020 Census.

Figure 4 - Children in Household

Children in Household UNDER 2

6%

PRESCHOOL

11%

K TO 2ND GRADE

12%

3RD-5TH GRADE

12%

MIDDLE SCHOOL

11%

HIGH SCHOOL

10%

OVER 18

9% 0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

Children in Household

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SURVEY FIND INGS RESID ENT USE OF PARKS, F ACIL IT IES, AND PROGRAMS Respondents were asked how often they used Lincolnwood facilities/programs in the past 12 months (Figure 5). Lincolnwood parks were utilized by 93% of respondents and both trails were also used by a high percentage of respondents (86%). Playgrounds were also used by three quarters of respondents. These high use numbers indicate the residents of Lincolnwood frequently utilize parks, trails, and playgrounds in the community. Moreover, two-thirds (67%) of respondents noted they use the pool and 69% indicated they use the fields and courts. More than two-thirds of respondents indicated they use outdoor shelters and pavilions. These are high usage rates and signals that these facilities, parks and trails are valued by Lincolnwood residents.

Figure 5- Percent of respondents who use parks, facilities, and programs

160 137

133

140 120

105

109

91

91

100 80 60 40

61

60 58 45

40 31

24

104103 82 66

54 3133

97 68

62

65

49 39

52 43 39

48 40

Pools

Playgrounds

Outdoor Athletic Fields/Courts

56 454146

20 0 Programs

2

Parks

Outdoor Shelters & Pavilions

26+ Times

11-25 Times

6-10 Times

1-5 Times

Trails

Never

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REASONS RESID ENTS DON’T UTILIZE L INCOLNWOOD PARK AND RECREAT ION DEPARTMENT Respondents were asked the reasons why they do not utilize Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) amenities (Figure 6). Among those who did not utilize LPD facilities and programs, top reasons included: lack of interest, too busy, not aware of program offerings, and time conflict.

Over 30 respondents indicated “other” and explained that poor quality of outdoor facilities (e.g., courts, fields), kids aging out, and limited mobility kept them from utilizing LPD programs, parks, and facilities. This is consistent with 18% of the sample being over the age of 65. External competition (i.e., other park and recreation departments & private clubs), limited capacity/waitlist, lack of convenient parking, and lack of transportation were less common reasons for lack of participation/usage of LPD facilities and programs. It should be noted that the response rate for this question was low for some of the categories. Thus, findings should be interpreted with caution since they represented the views of a small segment of the sample.

Figure 6- Reasons residents don’t utilize the Lincolnwood Park and Recreation Department

Reasons Resident Do Not Use Lincolnwood Parks VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Not interested in what is offered

54

Too busy

32

Time conflict

26

Not aware of programs

27

Other

33

Program fees to expensive

17

Use another park district

12

Quality of programs

16

Limited capacity/waitlist

3

Lack of transportation

4

Cancellation

7

Use a private club

11

Inconvenient location

2

Lack of convenient parking

5 0

10

20

30

40

50

# of Respondents

2

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CONDITION, UPKEEP, AND CLEANL INESS O F FACILITIES Residents were asked to rate the condition, upkeep, and cleanliness of 17 facilities, parks, trails, and amenities the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) provides from excellent to poor (Figures 7A & 7B). The top four facilities perceived favorably were: Proesel Park (76.6%), Kildare Park, (59.8%), Union Pacific Trail Corridor (69.7%), walking paths (80.2%), and Springfield Park (45.5%). It is important to note that 45% to 80% of respondents indicated they did not utilize several parks and courts. Thus, the results should be interpreted with caution and open-ended comments help explain these results. The three lowest rated facilities and amenities were: Drake Park (18% rated it as “fair” or “poor”) and Centennial Park (15% rated it as fair or poor). Interestingly, Kildare Park and Proesel Parks were also rated fair or poor by 15% of respondents although a large proportion (59.8% for Kildare and 76% for Proesel) also rated these parks as “excellent” or “good.”

Figure 7A- Condition of Lincolnwood Park and recreation department facilities

Quality of Lincolnwood Parks Kenneth Park

67.4%

10.8%

21.8%

Henry A. Proesel Park 31.6%

Drake Park

32.7%

Columbia Park

2

66.2%

Central Park

37.9%

Arthur M. Goebelt Park

35.2% 10%

62.6%

8.7%

20%

49.3%

15.5%

35.1%

0%

49.5%

17.7%

28.8%

Centennial Park

59.0%

9.4% 12.5%

21.2%

Charles L. O'Brien Park

49.5%

12.7%

51.2%

13.6% 30%

8.3%

15.2%

76.6%

G.G. Rowell Park

40%

50%

Arthur M. Goebelt Park Excellent or Good 35.2%

Charles L. Columbia Central Centennia O'Brien Park Park l Park Park 37.9% 35.1% 28.8% 21.2%

Fair or Poor

13.6%

12.7%

15.5%

8.7%

12.5%

Not Used

51.2%

49.5%

49.3%

62.6%

66.2%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

32.7%

G.G. Rowell Park 31.6%

Henry A. Proesel Park 76.6%

17.7%

9.4%

15.2%

10.8%

49.5%

59.0%

8.3%

67.4%

Drake Park

Kenneth Park 21.8%

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14 Figure 7B- Condition of Lincolnwood Park and recreation department facilities

Quality of Lincolnwood Parks Union Pacific Trail Corridor

69.7%

7.3%

Tennis Courts

18.1%

5.9%

Basketball Courts

20.8%

3.5%

75.3%

Valley Line Trail

23.0%

2.4%

74.1%

Springfield Park

79.6%

45.5%

Richard R. Rossi Park

22.6%

M. Lester Flowers Park

8.9%

45.7%

3.2%

73.4%

34.1%

Kildare Park

4.5%

60.7%

59.8% 0%

10%

20%

23.0%

30%

15.5% 40%

50%

60%

70%

24.8% 80%

90%

100%

Excellent or Good

59.8%

34.1%

22.6%

45.5%

23.0%

20.8%

18.1%

Union Pacific Trail Corridor 69.7%

Fair or Poor

15.5%

4.5%

3.2%

8.9%

2.4%

3.5%

5.9%

7.3%

Not Used

24.8%

60.7%

73.4%

45.7%

74.1%

75.3%

79.6%

23.0%

Kildare Park

M. Lester Richard R. Flowers Park Rossi Park

Springfield Park

Valley Line Trail

Basketball Courts

Tennis Courts

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

IN SIGHTS ABOUT PARK AND FACILITY CONDITIONS Nearly 110 residents offered open-ended feedback about the parks and facility conditions. Their comments comprised three themes: poor conditions and outdated equipment, cleanliness, and miscellaneous items. Many residents commented on the condition of the basketball and tennis court surfaces, stating there are cracks, courts are not level, and they are peeling. Others shared generally how conditions at the parks, specifically the playground equipment is “outdated”, “old”, and “needs attention”. Several residents provided comments on the cleanliness of parks and grounds, specifically one resident shared how there is a need for more garbage cans. Another stated, “It is not clean [the parks] and there is usually garbage from the day before on the grass areas.”

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OPINION S ABOUT PARKS AND RECREATION ISSUES AND TOPICS Overall, the opinions and perceptions of Lincolnwood residents are that they are satisfied and view the park and recreation department favorably. As shown in Figure 8, over 90% of respondents agreed that recreation services, parks and facilities are important to their quality of life and they agree that parks and recreation enhances the sense of community. Seventy-five percent agreed that LPD is responsive to the park and recreation needs of the community. More than three-quarters (80%) of respondents agreed that LPD programs & services are a good value for the money. Over 2 in 3 respondents (70%) are satisfied with the recreation opportunities provided by LPD. Over 90% agreed the front desk staff is courteous and helpful. However, the majority (60%) of respondents agreed that there are not enough recreation facilities available to residents. Lastly, 75% believe LPD has effective marketing strategies.

Figure 8- Opinions about parks and recreation topics

Resident opinions about LPD Issues & Topics Important to Quality of Life (N= 297)

48.0%

LPR enhances sense of community (N=298)

44.6%

Programs/services good value for the money (N=290)

19.0%

LPR has effective marketing strategies (N=295)

22.0%

Satsified w/ rec opportunities (N=299)

Enough facilities available to residents (N=292)

11.0%

0%

54.6%

3.4%

19.0%

3.4%

23.0%

58.2%

62.0%

29.0%

20.0%

42.0%

5.4%

10.0% 1.7%

18.0%

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Strongly Agree

2

56.0%

27.0%

3.0%

18.0%

55.0%

13.7%

LPR staff are couteous & helpful (N = 288)

7.4% 1.7%

46.3%

24.0%

Responsive to park & rec need of community (N=296)

6.4%

44.0%

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

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IMPORTANCE OF LINCOLNWOOD CAPITAL PROJECTS Respondents were asked how important the development/expansion of potential park and recreation department capital projects is to them and their family (Figure 9). Responses ranged from “Not Important (1)” to “Very Important (3)”. Building a recreation center was rated as most important. In fact, the mean importance score was 2.52 out of 3.0 where 3.0 = most important. Next, respondents indicated that adding amenities among existing trail corridors is also important (2.4/3.0), and respondents noted it is important to add bicycle lanes to streets to make it safer to travel by bicycle to parks and recreation facilities (2.36/3.0). Also, respondents indicated that land acquisition and park development is important (2.19/3.0) and replacing the pool with a more modern pool was also rated slightly higher at 2.18/3.0. Replacing tennis and basketball courts, adding a dog park, and adding more pickleball courts was deemed moderately important with ratings of 2 out of 3. Bike sharing programs and building turf fields were rated as less important.

Figure 9- Importance of Lincolnwood capital projects

Importance of Lincolnwood Capital Projects Build Rec Center

2.52

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Add Amenities

2.4

Add Bike Lanes

2.36

Land Acquisition & Park Devel

2.19

Replace Pool

2.18

Basketball Courts

2.11

Tennis Courts

2.09

Dog Park

2.07

Pickleball Courts

2.05

Build Turf Fields

1.9

Bike Sharing

1.78 0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

Resident Responses: 1 = Not Important 2 = Somewhat Important 3 = Very Important

2

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RANKED PRIOR ITY FOR C APITAL PROJECTS Respondents were then asked to rank in order from highest priority to lowest priority, their top five projects that should be prioritized by the park and recreation department (Figure 10). Most respondents ranked three proposed projects. By far, “build a multi-purpose recreation center” was the highest priority project with 60.2% of respondents ranking it in their top three potential projects. Next, almost 50% of respondents ranked “add amenities along the trail corridors” as the second highest in priority. Then, about 46% prioritized “add bicycle lanes”, followed by “replace the pool” (41.5%) and “acquire land to develop parks” (38.9%). These results closely mirror the importance ratings for potential capital projects.

Figure 10- Ranked Priority of Capital Projects

Capital Projects Ranked in the Top Three Build Rec Center

60.2

Add Amenities

49.8

Add Bike Lanes

46.6

Replace Pool

41.5

Land Acquisition & Park Devel

38.9

Dog Park

37.8

Basketball Courts

35.2

Pickleball Courts

32.2

Add Pickleball Courts

44.8

Tennis Courts

32

Bike Sharing

21.7 0

2

20

40

60

80

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SPECIAL EVENTS Figures 11a & 11b- Special event participation and evaluation

As shown in Figure 11a, about a third of survey respondents (N=144; 47%) indicated they had attended a special event held by the Lincolnwood Park and Recreation Department in the past year. Lincolnwood Fest, Summer Concert Series, and Turkey Trot were the most well attended by respondents. About a third of respondents attended Lincolnwood Fest, followed by 111 respondents who attended the Summer Concert Series, and 83 who participated in the Turkey Trot. Halloween Trunk or Treat was engaged in by 77 respondents, followed by Lincolnwood Lights (N=70) and the VIP Dinner Dance was the least engaged in special event (N=21).

# of Participants for Special Events Lincolnwood Fest

136

Summer Concert Series

111

Turkey Trot

83

Halloween Trunk or Treat

77

Lincolnwood Lights

70

VIP Dinner Dance

21 0

50

100

150

200

# of Participants

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Evaluation of Special Events Overall special events were rated as “excellent” or “good” by over 70% of respondents who stated they attended the events (figure 11b). Twenty-seven percent of respondents rated Lincolnwood Fest as “fair” or “poor” and 22% rated the VIP Dinner Dance as “fair” or “poor”. Open-ended feedback indicated that a few respondents would like the festival to represent the diverse culture of Lincolnwood. One respondent stated “Lincolnwood fest has nothing to do with Lincolnwood. It lacks culture and relevance. I wish there were local restaurants selling food or local artists to support instead of it just being a carnival.”

2

10.60%

Turkey Trot

89.40%

15.30%

Linconwood Lights

83.70%

22.70%

VIP Dinner Dance Summer Concert Series

15.40%

Halloween Trunk or Treat

16.00%

78.30% 84.70% 84.00%

27.70%

Lincolnwood Fest 0.00%

20.00%

Fair/Poor

40.00%

72.30% 60.00%

80.00%

Excellent/Good

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

100.00%

131

132 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

19 As shown in Figure 12, among those who did not attend special events, lack of awareness of the event, not interested in the event, schedule conflicts, poor quality of events, and event fee too expensive were the most common reasons. Inconvenient location was less of an issue among respondents.

Open-ended responses from the survey provide some additional perspectives for why residents did not attend special events: two residents stated that transportation is an issue, two stated most of the events seem geared toward children, and lastly three residents shared they did not attend due to health reasons.

2

Figure 12- Reasons they do not attend special events

Why did you not attend special events?

Not Aware of Event Not Interested in Event Schedule Conflicts Poor Quality Events Event Fee to Expensive Inconvenient Location

62 54 43 28 25 17 0

50

100 150 # of Respondents

200

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

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20

INTEREST IN CHILDCARE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS Figure 13- Likelihood of utilizing after school childcare programs

Two-thirds (64.6%) of respondents are interested in utilizing a childcare/afterschool program if offered

by Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department. For those interested, 64.9% have a moderate to high interest in these programs and only one-fifth (n=40) are “a little interested” in after school/childcare programs.

Moreover, 64% reported they would likely utilize childcare and after school programs if offered by LPD. Only 14% of respondents indicated they were not at all likely to utilize these programs (Figure 13).

Likelihood of utilizing an after school childcare program Not at all Likely

Slightly Likely

Moderately Likely

Very Likely

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Count

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Figure 14- Participation in athletic programs

PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETIC PROGRAMS A little more than one-third (36.7%) of respondents reported that someone in their household participated in athletic programs (Figure 14). This might be the case because the sample was slightly older, indicating school-age youth may be out of the house now.

Participated in LPD Athletic Programs

200 173

150 100 50 0 Yes

2

113

108

No

Unsure

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

90

133

134 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

21

PART ICIPAT ION AND EVALUAT ION OF TO T AND YOUTH ATHLETIC PROGRAMS Figure 15- Participants in tot and youth athletic programs

As shown in Figure 15, further analysis of athletic program participation revealed that the relatively few respondents had a member of their household participate in tot and/or youth athletic programs. Of the respondents who reported engaging in athletic programs, soccer was engaged in most frequently (n=42), followed by martial arts (n=30), Total Sports and flag football (n=29), cheerleading and Nerf (n=28), and tennis (n=27). The other programs were reported less frequently.

Tot/youth athletic programs were rated favorably by respondents. Specifically, soccer, martial arts, Nerf, and cheerleading were rated favorably.

Programs rated less favorably were tennis (46%), Gymnastics (54%), Bitty Ballet (50%), and Flag Football (38%).

These programs had a larger number of fair and poor ratings.

Open-ended responses from the survey offer some insight to lower program ratings. For example, several respondents mentioned programs were canceled and that instruction for swimming and tennis needed improvement.

Attendance: Tot/Youth Athletic Programs BITTY BALLET GYMNASTICS/TUMBLING FLOOR HOCKEY ARCHERY TENNIS TOTAL SPORTS NERF SOCCER FLAG FOOTBALL CHEERLEADING MARTIAL ARTS

62 61 59

13 16

54

27 29 28

65 66 56

42

65 65 64

29 28 30 0

10

20

30

No

Yes

40

50

60

70

80

Figure 16- Evaluation of tot/youth athletic programs EVALUATION: TOT/YOUTH ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

BITTY BALLET

9

GYMNASTICS/…

10

10

TENNIS

2

6

TOTAL SPORTS

6

5

8

3 3

9

7

6 17

4

SOCCER

0

8

FLAG… CHEERLEADING

5

MARTIAL ARTS

2 1 Fair

5

10

8

NERF

9

4

2

4

ARCHERY

5

6

2

7

FLOOR HOCKEY

Poor

2

71

23 18

2

7

6

8

7

10 Good

8

Excellent

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22

S PORT FOR D EV ELOPM ENT PROGRAM S As shown in Figure 17, less than 5 percent of respondents had someone in their household participate in sport for development programs (n= 10-19).

Of those who did participate, the most were engaged in dodgeball (n=19) and Total Sports (n=18), followed by mini dribblers (n=17). Fewer participated in Mini Ninja Warriors and Agility.

Figure 17- Participation in SFD programs

Participation: Sport for Development MINI NINJA WARRIOR

64

12

TOTAL SPORTS

57

18

DODGEBALL

59

19

AGILITY

63

10

MINI DRIBBLERS

57

17 0

20 No

40

60

Yes

Figure 18- Evaluation of SFD programs VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

As shown in Figure 18, sport for development programs facilitated by the Lincolnwood Park and Recreation Department were rated most favorably “excellent” or “good” by survey respondents. The majority of respondents positively rated the following sports: Mini Dribblers, Total Sports, Mini Ninja Warriors, and Dodgeball.

2

EVALUATION: SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Poor

Fair 5

MINI NINJA WARRIOR

TOTAL SPORTS

DODGEBALL

Good 5

2

Excellent 9

13 6 1

3 10

AGILITY

5

7

MINI DRIBBLERS

5

9

6 4 15

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80

135

136 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

23

FITNESS AND AQUATIC PROGRAMS Figure 19- Participation in fitness/aquatics programs

As shown in Figure 19, about a third of survey respondents (N=96; 33%) had someone in their household participate in fitness and/or aquatic programs offered by Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department. Swim lessons were the most participated in activity by survey respondents, followed by Senior Exercise, Swim Team, Zumba, Yoga, and Parent/Tot Water Exploration. Self-Defense, Walking Club, Aqua Fit, and Learn to Dive was less frequently participated in among survey respondents.

As shown in Figure 20, learn to swim was rated favorably among participants with 86% rating this program as “excellent” or “good”. Moreover, Aqua Fit and Learn to Dive were highly rated and senior fitness was rated as “excellent” or “good” by over 80% of participants. Parent/tot was rated lower with 23% of respondents who rated it as “fair” or “poor” and 27% of participants rated Zumba as “fair” or “poor”. Also, 23% rated Self-defense as “fair” or “poor” indicating there is room for improvement in these programs. Responses were quite low for Self-Defense so we caution against drawing conclusions about this program.

2

Fitness and Aquatics Participation Learn to Swim Parent/Tot Water…

Learn To Dive Swim Team Aqua Fit Zumba Yoga Walking Club Self-Defense Senior Exercise

51 18 14 25 17 19 18 17 10 25

0

20

40

60

Figure 20- Evaluation of fitness/aquatics programs

Evaluation of Fitness & Aquatic Programs Senior Exercise (N=23)

13.0% 4.3%

Self Defense (N=13)

23.1%

Zumba (N=22)

18.8%

4.5%

Learn to Swim (N=51)

31.3%

43.8%

18.8%

43.8% 50.0%

Swim Team (N=25) 4.3% Parent/Tot (N=18)

6.3%

62.5% 62.5%

12.5%

Learn to Dive (N=16)

31.8%

36.1%

12.5%

Walking Club (N=16) 6.3% Aqua Fit (N=16)

30.8%

46.2%

27.3%

Yoga (N=16)

52.2%

30.4%

31.3%

43.5%

52.2%

13.6% 9.1%

36.4%

40.9%

13.6%

50.0%

36.4%

0%

20% Poor

Fair

40%

60%

Good

Excellent

80%

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24

L INCOLNWOOD SOCIAL CLUB PARTIC IPAT ION AND EVALUATI0N Of 286 responses, 13% (N=20) had noted participation in Lincolnwood Social Club (for active adults/seniors).

More than half (52%; N=12) of respondents rated Lincolnwood Social Club as “good,” while 13% (N=3) rated it as “excellent” (figure 23). About one-third (N=7) of participants rated it as “fair,” while only 1 individual rated it poorly.

Figure 23- Evaluation of senior programs

Social Club Evaluation 13.0%

4.3%

Poor

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

30.4%

Fair Good

52.2%

2

Excellent

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

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138 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

25

INTEREST IN N EW ACTIVE ADULT/SENIOR PROGRAMS The Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department is interested in further developing their senior program offerings. Therefore, respondents were given a list of potential senior program ideas and asked to rate their interest in these programs on a scale ranging from “very interested” to “not at all interested” (Figure 24).

For those who answered this question (which was a smaller number of respondents), most indicated interest in Fit and Strong, with 84% of individuals indicating that they were “moderately or very interested.” Almost 83% were “moderately or very interested” in Take Charge of Your Health, and 79% of respondents were “moderately or very interested” in Fall Prevention. Many programs had a high percentage of respondents noting that they were “very interested,” such as Chair Yoga (69.1%), Tai Chi (73%), Active Adult Trips (67.5%), and Outdoor experiences (44.8%) with over one third of respondents noting that they were “very interested” in these potential programs.

Figure 24- Interest in new senior programming

Active Adult Program Ideas Outdoor (n=23)

13.0%

Enrichment (n=24)

8.3%

Events (n=24)

8.3% 12.5%

20.8%

Chair Yoga (n=23)

13.0%

17.4%

16.0%

Take Charge of Your Health (n=22)

13.6%

Matter of Balance Fall Prevention (n=24) 4.2%

29.2% 30.4%

0% Not at all interested

25.0% 37.5% 39.1%

52.2%

4.5%

16.7%

13.0%

25.0%

41.7%

21.7%

Fit and Strong (n=25)

34.8%

45.8%

25.0%

Trips (n=24)

“Walk with Ease” Program (n=23)

30.4%

20.8%

Tai Chi (n=23) 4.3%

2

21.7%

21.7%

52.0%

32.0%

50.0%

31.8% 58.3%

17.4%

10% 20% 30% A little interested

43.5% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Moderately interested Very interested

20.8% 26.1% 90%

100%

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26

OTHER PROGRAMS TO BE OFFERED Over 100 residents offered open-ended feedback about other programs they would like offered by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department. Their comments comprised three themes: sports, a fitness center, and programming. Several residents commented on offering more year-round sports, especially during the winter months. Many residents expressed adding more pickleball courts, both indoor and outdoor. Quite a few residents voiced wanting/needing an indoor recreation center/fitness center. One resident stated, “Lincolnwood needs to offer its residents a quality fitness center at a reasonable cost…Not having a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and an indoor walking track is a drawback.”

Lincolnwood residents expressed they wanted more programming overall, specifically for children, adults, seniors, and more social programming. Specifically for children, programming suggestions included more summer programming (i.e., sports leagues and summer camps) and more classes for toddlers. Several residents suggested adding more Yoga and Tai Chi classes. Senior programming suggestions included more outings and socials. Lastly, social programming recommendations from residents revolved around arts and crafts, ceramics, and farmers markets.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

2

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

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140 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

27

OTHER RECREATION AGENCIES UTILIZED Respondents were asked what organizations outside of the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department their household uses for recreation (Figure 25). Fifty-three percent of respondents (N=181) had been involved in programs through the Public Library. Thirty-eight (N=131) of respondents attend other private or commercial fitness facilities, while 29.9% (N=102) utilize other park and recreation agencies. Travel teams and nonprofit sports leagues, private dance studios/gymnastics, and public-school based activities were utilized by approximately 20% of respondents.

Figure 25- Other organizations used for recreation

Other Rec Agencies Used Special Recreation Association (N=17)

5.0%

North Shore Senior Center (N=20)

5.9%

Levy Senior Center (N=23)

6.7%

Other (N=27)

7.9%

Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts (N=32)

9.4%

Private/Faith-based school sports/activities (N=40)

11.4%

YMCA/YWAC (N=45)

13.2%

Travel Sports teams/nonprofit sports leagues (N=65)

19.1%

Private Dance Studios/Gymnastics Gyms (N=67)

19.6%

Public school based activities (N=71)

20.8%

Other Park and Recreation Agencies (N=102)

29.9%

Private/Commercial Fitness Facilities (N=131)

38.4%

Public Library (N=181)

53.1% 0%

2

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

CHAPTER 5

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28

PR EFERRED METHODS OF STAYING INFORMED Respondents were asked to rank their top three preferred methods of staying informed of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) information (Figure 26). The most preferred method of staying informed among respondents was email. Direct mail, the newsletter, brochures, social media and the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation website were all highly preferred by respondents. Fewer individuals ranked friends and neighbors, departmental staff, or other reasons as ways to best stay informed about LPD information.

Figure 26- Residents’ preferred method of staying informed

Ranked Methods of Staying Informed of LPD Information Other (N=14)

8 33

Parks & Rec Dept Staff (N=17)

4 6

7

Friend/Neighbor (N=26) 2 9 Website (N=96)

15

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Social Media (N=102)

36

33

33

Brochure (N=103)

35

32

36

Newsletter (N=104)

35

35

34

Direct Mail (N=106)

38

34

34

E-mail (N=140)

First Preference

20

29

51

60 0

2

45

33

18

40

60

Second Preference

80

100

120

140

Third Preference

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

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29

ADD ITION AL FEEDBACK ABOUT LPD PROGRAMS, SERVICES, FACILITIES, PARKS, AND STAFF Many respondents commented on how important the park and recreation department is to their family and how much they value the agency for the parks, facilities, programs, and events they offer that contribute to individual and community health and well-being. They expressed a desire for continued access to parks and affordable recreation programs. Several respondents mentioned they appreciate how the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) contributes to the sense of community in Lincolnwood. These open-ended responses were content analyzed and grouped into four major themes: park and facility suggestions, programs, recreation center, and cleanliness.

Park and Facility Suggestions Residents in Lincolnwood continued to suggest resurfacing cracked and worn basketball and tennis courts. A couple of residents advocated upgrading the baseball/softball diamonds. Also, a few respondents recommended updating the parks, specifically the playground equipment (i.e., a fence around parks and a slide guard on larger slides for safety).

Programs A couple of residents raised concerns over programs being cancelled. A few respondents expressed a desire for more programming for younger children. Additionally, a couple respondents suggested adding more family centered activities.

Recreation Center and Staff Several respondents expressed a strong desire for an indoor recreation center/fitness center, especially with the cold winter months. One resident stated, “I think a recreation center would be huge for the community and should be a top priority.” A few LPD residents shared how much they enjoyed the staff and how friendly the service is, and they appreciate the staff’s hard work and dedication.

Cleanliness Several residents expressed a need for cleaner facilities and parks, especially a concentration on bathrooms. One resident shared, “We must add cleaner bathrooms to Proesel Park and make sure the water fountains are working and clean.”

2

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

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30

S TRENGTHS OF THE LINCOLNWOOD PAR KS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT The survey findings revealed that the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) has many strengths. These strengths include well utilized parks and facilities, highly rated programs, and very good evaluations of several aspects of the parks and recreation department’s operations. Survey findings also revealed areas where the department can concentrate its efforts for continuous improvement and future planning.

Continue Investing in Parks and Facilities Overall, most parks and facilities were favorably rated by respondents. The parks, trails and playgrounds managed by LPD are the most utilized by the residents in Lincolnwood. Additionally, the pool was used by 2/3rds of survey respondents. Proesel Park, Kildare Park, and the Union Pacific Trail were all highly rated. These are areas of excellence for the department. Some parks such as Rossi and Flowers Parks were rated highly despite lower levels of visitation.

Residents Value the Parks and Recreation Department

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

The survey results indicated that respondents believed that parks and facilities are important to their quality of life, with over 90% agreeing. The vast majority of residents (91%) also felt that the department enhances their sense of community in Lincolnwood. Overall, the park and recreation staff and facilities are well regarded, as evidenced by comments left at the end of the survey where people remarked things like “Park is the hub of the community. Maintenance outstanding, staff congenial.”

These comments are supported by over 88% of respondents rating “good” or “excellent” when asked if the LPD staff was courteous and helpful.

Events and Programs Events and programming are a strength of the department. Residents love the summer concert series, as evidenced by its high attendance and favorable rating. Youth soccer and field hockey, as well as the Sport for Development and adult sport programs were all highly rated by participants. Total Sports (89% excellent or good rating), Mini Dribblers (83%), and softball (82%) stood out as particularly highly rated. Despite lower participation rates for aquatic and fitness programs, they maintained a high rating with 80%-90% or respondents rating them as “excellent” or “good.”

2

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

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144 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

31

RECOMMENDATIONS BU ILT FAC ILITIES: RECREATION AND FITNESS CENTER Based on the survey findings, several next steps are recommended to continue to improve the park and recreation department’s performance. In terms of capital projects, the highest priority project should be adding a multi-purpose recreation center. There is a dearth of indoor built facilities to hold a variety of programs year-round. Residents also rated adding amenities along the trail corridor as a high priority project. Similarly, respondents indicated there is a need to improve safety and connectivity between homes, schools, and parks and recreation facilities.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES There is strong interest in adding after school and child care programs and most respondents who indicated interest also stated they are highly likely to utilize after school programs and child care programs.

There is also support for pickleball programs and late night sports programming. For respondents who provided input on active adult/senior programs, more than two-thirds are interested in participating in health and wellness programs such as Fit and Strong, Fall Prevention, Take Charge of Your Health (i.e., chronic disease management), Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Trip, and Outdoor Experiences. Additional program ideas for the Lincolnwood Social Club include outdoor yoga, trips for seniors and organized groups for card games, particularly in the winter.

MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP OF PARKS AND COURTS The survey results reflect a need for Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) to consider upgrading the facilities at Drake and Centennial Park. Both parks were rated lower than other parks in Lincolnwood. In addition to upgrading the facilities at Drake and Centennial Park, LPD should consider adding amenities across the existing trail corridors.

While the closed-ended questions did not point to severe problems with the condition of the basketball and tennis courts, many residents mentioned the poor condition of the tennis and basketball court surfaces in the open-ended feedback. Specifically they stated that there are cracks, courts are not level, and courts are peeling.

2

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

CHAPTER 5

APPENDIX

32

CONCLUSION The findings from the input of 341 residents provides key insights into residents’ perceptions of the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD), usage and evaluation of programmatic areas, and opinions about what capital projects and programming residents would like to see developed.

The majority of respondents believe that parks and recreation are important to their overall quality of life. Key themes identified in this study included residents’ interest in having a multi-purpose recreation and fitness center developed, adding amenities along the trail corridors, and adding bicycle lanes to connect people and places. There is also a strong interest in after school and child care programs, and interest in active adult health and wellness, enrichment, and outdoor experiences as well as trips.

The findings from this study will inform the LPD comprehensive plan being developed. The findings and recommendations of this study help to ensure that strategic decisions enacted by the LPD are guided by the public input process and meet residents’ recreation and park needs and preferences.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

2

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

145

146 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

68

PEN XNBT: R ES APPENDIX A BP :R S IDDIE SU RIVDEEYN T S U R V E Y

Greetings!

The Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation needs your input to understand Greetings! The Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department needs yourDepartment input to understand your use and of Village Park andfacilities, Recreation andthis parks.

By completing this survey use and opinions of Village Parkopinions and Recreation programs, andprograms, parks. By facilities, completing survey, you will provide key input to help shape the Park and Recreation Department’s Comprehensive Parks and will provide key input to help shape the Park and Recreation Department’s Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan.Recreation Master Plan.

survey should to take about 10Please minutes to complete.

Please consider views of in your whole househo The survey should take The about 10 minutes complete. consider the views of your wholethe household th th answering these questions.

We appreciate your response April Your feedback is 26 . Your feedback is answering these questions.

We appreciate your response

by Wednesday, April 26by .Wednesday, confidential. de-identified data groupedinform will be included in the who final report. Everyone who confidential. Only de-identified dataOnly in grouped form will beinincluded the final report.

Everyone completes survey will have theemail optionaddress to submit address for and/or one of 20 $25 Amazon and/o completes the survey will have thethe option to submit their for their one ofemail 20 $25 Amazon Lincolnwood restaurant gift cards.

Lincolnwood restaurant gift cards.

A summary of the results will be available on Lincolnwood’s website when the project is completed.

A summary of the results will be available on Lincolnwood’s website when the project is completed.

If you have questions about the survey, please free to contact Dr. Laura Payne, If you have any questions about theany survey, please feel free to contact Dr. feel Laura Payne, University of Illinois at University of Illin Urbana-Champaign at (217) 244-7038 or lpayne@illinois.edu.

Urbana-Champaign at (217) 244-7038 or lpayne@illinois.edu.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Karen Hawk Karen Hawk Director of Parks and Recreation Director of Parks and Recreation

2

2

sa creenattiC on Dm epuanritm enutrvCeoymmunity Surve 2023 Lincolnwoo2d02P3aL rkinscaonlndwRoeocdrePaatriokn DnedpaRretm om yS

CHAPTER 5

APPENDIX

69 1a. During the past 12 months, how many times have members of your household visited or attended the following Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) parks, facilities, and programs? Please check the box that matches your use.

Household Participation Programs Parks Outdoor Shelters & Pavilions Pools Playgrounds Outdoor Athletic Fields and/or Courts Trails

More than 25 times 

11-25 times 

6-10 times 

1-5 times 





























































None 

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

1b. If you answered “none” – that you have not visited Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD), facilities or programs, please let us know what keeps you from using the Parks and Recreation Department. Please check all that apply.  Not aware of programs  Program fees too expensive  Too busy  Use another Parks & Rec agency  Lack of transportation  Lack of convenient parking  Not interested in what is offered  Time conflict  Inconvenient location  Use a private club  Quality of programs  Program/event was cancelled  Limited capacity/waitlist  Other (please explain):_______________________________ 2a. Please rate the overall quality (e.g., condition, upkeep, cleanliness) of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) facilities and parks. Check the box that corresponds with your overall quality rating.

Parks and Paths

Excellent 

Good 

Fair 

Poor 

Have Not Used 

Central Park











Centennial Park











Charles L. O’Brien Park











Columbia Park











Drake Park











G.G. Rowell Park











Henry A. Proesel Park











Kenneth Park











Kildare Park











Arthur M. Goebelt Park

2

2023 Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Community Survey

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148 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

70 Parks and Paths

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Have Not Used

M. Lester Flowers Park











Richard R. Rossi Park











Springfield Park











Valley Line Trail (Devon Ave. & Jarvis Ave.)











Union Pacific Trail Corridor (between Devon Ave. & Touhy Ave.)











Basketball Courts











Tennis Courts











2b. If you rated a park area or facility as fair or poor in question 2 above please explain why you rated it as you did.

3. We would like your opinion regarding the following Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD), recreation and parks issues and topics. Please check the box that indicates how much you agree or disagree with each statement.

Statement I am satisfied with the recreational opportunities in Lincolnwood.

Parks and recreation is important to my quality of life.

Lincolnwood P & R is responsive to the recreation & parks needs of the community.

The department has effective marketing strategies to “get the word out” about programs, activities, and events.

Department programs and services are a good value for the money.

There are enough parks available to residents of Lincolnwood.

Parks and recreation opportunities enhance the sense of community in Lincolnwood.

Staff are courteous and helpful.

There are enough indoor recreational facilities in Lincolnwood.

2

Strongly Agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

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71 4a. The Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) would like your input on projects that would improve the parks and recreation facilities. How important are the following potential Parks and Recreation Department initiatives to you and members of your household? Please check the box that corresponds with how important you perceive each initiative.

Very Important

Somewhat Important

Not Important

Build a multi-purpose recreation center

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Replace the aging pool with a more modern outdoor family aquatic center

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Land acquisition and park development

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Build a dog park

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Add amenities along the existing trail corridors (e.g., benches, water fountains)

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Add bicycle lanes to provide safe active transportation to parks

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Improve the quality of the tennis courts

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Build artificial turf sports fields

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Develop a bike sharing program

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Initiative

Improve the quality of the basketball courts Install pickleball courts VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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72 4b. How important are the following potential Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) initiatives to you and members of your household? Please rank at least 3 of your top preferences, with 1 being the most important initiative.

Rank 1-4

Initiative

_____

Build a multi-purpose recreation center

_____

_____

Replace the aging pool with a more modern outdoor family aquatic center

_____

_____

Add amenities along the existing trail corridors (Valley Line & Union Pacific)

_____

Connect trails to provide safe active transportation to parks

_____

Improve the quality of the tennis courts

_____

Improve the quality of the basketball courts

Install pickleball courts

_____ Build artificial turf sports fields

Other (please explain): _________________________

_____ Develop a bike sharing program

_____ _____

Land acquisition and park development Build a dog park

5a. The Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) offers a variety of special events throughout the year. Have you attended a Parks and Recreation Department special event in the last 12 months? __ Yes

__ No (skip to Q6)

__ Unsure

5b. Which of the following Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) special events have you attended in the past and what is your overall evaluation of the event? Please check all that apply.

Special Events Turkey Trot Lincolnwood Lights VIP Dinner Dance (formerly Daddy/Daughter Dance) Summer Concert Series Halloween Trunk or Treat Lincolnwood Fest

Have you Attended?

Yes No Yes No Yes

No

Yes Yes Yes

No No No

Overall Evaluation of Events Excellent Good Fair Poor

5c. If you did not attend special events, what are the reasons why? Please check all that apply. __ Not aware of event

__ Schedule conflicts

__ Quality of event(s)

__ Not interested in event

__ Inconvenient location

__ Other (please explain):____________________

__ Event fee too expensive

__ New Event Suggestions (please explain): _______________________________

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73 6a. Have you and/or members of your household participated in youth hobby and family programs provided by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD)? ___ Yes ___ No (skip to Q7) ___ Unsure 6b. What types of Youth hobby and family programs provided by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) have you and members of your household attended? Please check all that apply.

Chess STEM (includes Kids STEM studio day) Minecraft Filmmaking Build a Play 1 & 2 Crafts Art: Da Vinci’s Workshop Magic Music Together Harmonious Horizons

Have you Attended?

Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No

Excellent

Overall Evaluation Good Fair

Poor

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

7a. How interested are you and members of your household in Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) adding the following after school childcare programs. Please check the answer that corresponds with your household’s interest level.

Program

Very Interested

Moderately Interested

A Little Interested

Not At All Interested

After school program (L.E.A.P. – Learning, Enrichment, Art & Play) 7b. If you answered a little interested to moderately interested, how likely would you be to utilize after school care programs for members of your household? Please check the answer that corresponds with the likelihood that members of your household would utilize after school programs.

How Likely to Utilize an After School Program After school program (L.E.A.P. – Learning, Enrichment, Art & Play)

2

Very Likely

Moderately Likely

Slightly Likely

Not At All Likely

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74 8a. Have you and/or members of your household participated in athletic programs provided by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD)? ___ Yes

__ No (skip to Q9)

___ Unsure

8b. What types of athletics programs provided by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) have you and members of your household attended? Please check all that apply.

Overall Evaluation of Programs Excellent Good Fair Poor

Have you Attended?

Tot and Youth Martial Arts Cheerleading Flag Football Soccer Nerf Tennis Archery Floor Hockey Gymnastics/Tumbling Bitty Ballet Sport for Development/Intro Mini-Dribblers Agility Dodgeball Total Sports Mini-Ninja Warrior Adult Pickleball Softball Tennis

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No No No No No No No

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No No

Yes Yes Yes

No No No

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

9a. Have you and/or members of your household participated in fitness and aquatics programs provided by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD)? ___ Yes ___ No (skip to Q10) ___ Unsure

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75 9b. What types of fitness and aquatic programs provided by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) have you and members of your household attended? Please check all that apply.

Overall Evaluation of Programs Excellent Good Fair Poor

Have you Attended?

Fitness and Aquatics Programs Learn to Swim Parent/Tot Water Exploration Learn to Dive Swim Team

Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No

Aqua Fit Yoga Zumba Walking Club Self Defense Group Fitness Senior Exercise (Forever Fitness)

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No No No

10. If you rated any Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) programs described in questions 5 through 9 above as “fair” or “poor”, would you please let us know why you rated it as you did?

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

11a. Have you and/or members of your household participated in the Lincolnwood Social Club (for active adults/seniors) provided by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD)? __ Yes

__ No (skip to Q12)

__ Unsure

11b. Overall, what is your opinion of the Lincolnwood Social Club’s programs and events. Please check one answer. __ Excellent

2

__ Good

__ Fair

__ Poor

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76 11c. We would like your input on program ideas for active adults. Please let us know what you would like to see offered.

Active Adult Program Ideas

Very Interested

Moderately Interested

A Little Interested

Not At All Interested

Very Interested

Moderately Interested

A Little Interested

Not At All Interested

Arthritis Foundation’s “Walk with Ease” Program Matter of Balance Fall Prevention Program Take Charge of Your Health – Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Fit and Strong (strength, flexibility & walking program) Tai Chi Chair Yoga / Adapted Yoga Active Adult Program Ideas Trips (e.g., day trips around the Chicagoland area) Events (e.g., themed special event and/or social gathering) Enrichment (e.g., life-long learning programs) Outdoor (e.g., outdoor recreation) Suggestions (explain):

12. Let us know what other programs you would like offered by the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD):

13. In addition to the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD), what other organizations do you and members of your household use for recreation? Please check all that apply.  Private/Non-profit (YMCA/YWCA)

 Private Dance Studios/Gymnastics Gyms

 North Shore Senior Center

 Travel Sports Teams/Non-profit Sports Leagues

 Levy Senior Center

 Public Library

 Other Park and Recreation Agencies

 Special Recreation Association



Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts

 Private/Commercial Fitness Facilities

 Public School-Based Activities  Other: (please explain): ___________________________________

 Private/Faith-Based School Sports/Activities

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77 14. What is your preferred method of keeping informed of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) programs, services and facilities? Please rank from 1 to 3 your preferences, with 1 being the most desired method of receiving information.

Rank 1-3 _____

LPD Program Brochure

_____

Website

_____

Newsletter

_____

E-Mail

_____

Parks and Recreation Department Staff

_____

Social Media

_____

Direct Mail

_____

Other (explain):_____________________

_____

Friend/Neighbor

15. How did you access this survey? Please check one ___ Email

___ Postcard

___ Signage ___ Website ___ Social Media

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Background questions – Having some information about your background helps to ensure the results of this survey reflects all the residents of the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD). This information is anonymous and only reported in grouped form.

16. What is your age in years? ______ 17. How many years have you lived in Lincolnwood? ____ 18. Including you, how many people live in your household? ____

19. What is your gender identity? __ Male

__ Female

__ Non-binary

__ Prefer to describe: __________________

__ Prefer not to answer

20a. Which of the following do you identify with? __ Asian/Pacific Islander

__ Black/African American

__ Hispanic/Latino

__ American Indian or Native Alaskan

__ Caucasian/White

__ Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

__ Prefer not to answer

__ Other (please explain):______________________________

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78 20b. Which of the following best describes you? Please check all that apply White ___ Eastern European (Ukraine, Hungary, etc.)

___ Northern European (Sweden, Finland, etc.)

___ Southern European (Italy, Greece, etc.)

___ North American (United States & Canada)

___ Western European (Germany, France, etc.)

Hispanic/Latino ___South American

___ Central American

___ Caribbean

___ Spain/Portugal

___ African-American

___ Caribbean

___ Western Asian

___ Northern Asian

Black ___ African Asian ___ Southeast Asian

Other (please describe): _______________________

___Prefer not to answer

21. Which best describes your household? Please check one. __ Single, no children living in household (Skip to Q23) __ Married/living with partner, no children living in household (Skip to Q23) __ Single, with children living in household __ Married/living with partner, with children living in household 22. If you have children living in your home, please indicate the number of children you have in each category.

Under 2 years old ____

Preschool age

3rd – 5th Grade

Middle School ____

____

____

K – 2nd Grade ____ High School

____

Over 18 years old ____

23. Please use the space below to share any additional feedback you have on Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) programs, services, facilities, parks, and staff. Thank you! __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Please provide your email address if you would like to be entered into the door prize drawing. _____________________________ Thank you for completing this survey! Your input is very helpful for the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department (LPD) Comprehensive Master Plan process.

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Village of Lincolnwood, IL Parks and Recreation Recreation Assessment Draft 4

BerryDunn 2211 Congress Street Portland, ME 04102-1955 207.541.2200 Chad Snow, Principal csnow@berrydunn.com Elsa Fischer, Manager Name efischer@berrydunn.com Submitted On: September 1, 2023

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Recreation Assessment

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Submitted by:

158 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Table of Contents Demographics ............................................................................................................................ 2 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 2 Population .............................................................................................................................. 2 Household information ............................................................................................................ 3 Age ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Race & Diversity ..................................................................................................................... 4 Hispanic Origin.................................................................................................................... 5 Recreation Programs Assessment ............................................................................................. 6 Staff meeting .......................................................................................................................... 6 Core program areas ............................................................................................................... 7 Aquatics .............................................................................................................................. 7 Camps ................................................................................................................................ 7 Special Events .................................................................................................................... 7 Sports ................................................................................................................................. 8 After School Care ................................................................................................................ 8 Other Programs .................................................................................................................. 8 Programming for those with special needs ............................................................................. 9 Program inventory .................................................................................................................. 9 Program distribution ............................................................................................................... 2 Age segmentation................................................................................................................... 2 Enrollment Distribution .......................................................................................................11 Drop in Programming .........................................................................................................13 Recommendations ....................................................................................................................13 Program space ......................................................................................................................11 Staffing ..................................................................................................................................11 Programming .........................................................................................................................11 Operations .............................................................................................................................11

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Demographics Introduction The Village of Lincolnwood, IL Parks & Recreation Department demographic profile was developed to provide an analysis of household and economic data in the area, helping to understand the historical and projected changes that may impact the community. The demographic analysis provides insight into the potential market for the Village’s recreation services and programs by highlighting where and how the area may change.

Sources Data points throughout this report including population, age distribution, income, race/ethnicity, and other household characteristics were sourced from Esri Business Analyst in March 2023. At the time of this report, Esri’s primary source for demographic information was the 2020 Census with estimates generated in July 2022. According to their website, Esri Business Analyst is “a solution that applies Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to extensive demographic, consumer spending, and business data to deliver on-demand analysis.”

Population VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Lincolnwood had a 2022 estimated population of 13,369 which is an increase from 2010 (12,590 residents). In 2027, it is estimated there will be a slight decrease in population to 12,973. The compound annual growth rate increased minimally (0.67%) between 2010 and 2022. The estimated compound annual growth rate is estimated to decrease by 0.60% between 2022 and 2027. Not included in these totals is a local housing development called District 1860 that has recently opened in Lincolnwood. This development includes retail, restaurants, and 299 luxury apartments.

Figure 1: Historical and Projected Population Growth, Village of Lincolnwood, 2000 Through 2027 13,600

13,369

13,400 13,200

12,973

13,000 12,800 12,600 12,400

12,590 12,359

12,200 12,000 11,800 2000 Total Population

2010 Total Population

2022 Estimated Population

2027 Projected Population

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Source: Esri Business Analyst, 2023

Household information Analyzing the household characteristics within the Village indicates that the area had a higher median income and less residents living below the poverty level than both IL and the U.S. The following facts demonstrate the key highlights regarding household information compared to IL and the U.S. •

The Village’s median household income was $111,925, higher than IL ($76,812) and the U.S. ($72,414).

•

The Village’s average home value was $505,882, higher than the average home value in IL ($306,187) and the U.S. ($347,078).

•

7.7% of the Village’s population lived below the poverty level in 2020, compared to 11.9% in IL and 12.5% in the U.S.

•

The average household size in the Village (2.98) is slightly higher compared to IL (2.50) and the U.S. (2.55).

Age In 2022, the median age in the Village was 48 years. The median age is estimated to decrease to 47 years by 2027. Age cohorts have fairly even distribution (between 24% - 26%) among youth (0 to 19 years), adults (35 to 54 years), and active adults (55 to 74 years). Seniors (75 years or more) make up the smallest segmentation of the Village with 10%. The youth age distributions are between 24% - 26% among each age group.

Figure 2: Age Distribution by Age, Village of Lincolnwood, 2022 Senior (75+ years) 10%

Youth (0-19 years) 26%

Active Adult (55-74 years) 24%

Adult (35-54 years) 26%

Young Adult (20-34 years) 14%

Source: Esri Business Analyst, 2023

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Figure 3: Youth Age Distribution, Village of Lincolnwood, 2022 15-19 years 24%

0-4 years 25%

10-14 years 25%

5-9 years 26%

Source: Esri Business Analyst, 2023

Between 2010 and 2022, there was a 3.8% decrease of residents 45 to 54 years and a 4% increase in residents 65 to 74 years. The age distribution change from 2010 to 2027 will be minimal, with the highest increases of 75 to 84 years (+2.6%) and 35 to 44 years (+2.9%). By 2027, those residents over 55 years of age will make up nearly 45% of the total population.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Figure 4: Age Distribution Change, Village of Lincolnwood, 2022 – 2027 16.00% 14.00% 12.00% 10.00% 8.00% 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 0.00%

0-4

5-9

1014

1519

2024

2534

3544

2010

2022

2027

4554

5564

6574

7584

85+

Source: Esri Business Analyst, 2023

Race & Diversity Between 2010 and 2022, the Village experienced a 9.3% decrease in white residents, a 4.8% increase in Asian residents, and a 3% increase in residents who are two or more races. The racial and ethnic makeup as of 2022 is 55.5% white residents, 1.8% Black or African American residents, 32.8% Asian residents, 0.37% American Indian/Alaska Native residents, 0.01% Pacific Islander residents, 5.9% are two or more races, and 2.6% of residents are another race population (not listed in the figure below). This racial distribution is expected to be stable in 2027 4

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with the notable changes being a 2.1% decrease in white residents and a 1.4% increase in Asian residents.

Figure 5: Change in Population Race/Ethnicity, Village of Lincolnwood, 2010 – 2027 75.00% 50.00% 25.00% 0.00%

2010

2022

2027

Source: Esri Business Analyst, 2023

Hispanic Origin According to the U.S. Census, Hispanic origin differs from race/ethnicity because it “…can be viewed as the heritage, nationality, lineage, or country of birth of the person or the person’s parents or ancestors before arriving in the United States. People who identify as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish may be any race.” As of 2022, 7.5% of Lincolnwood residents identify as Hispanic, compared to 18.4% of IL residents and 18.9% of U.S. residents.

Figure 6: Hispanic Population Growth, City of Village of Lincolnwood, 2010 – 2027 8.20%

7.92%

8.00% 7.80%

7.55%

7.60% 7.40% 7.20% 7.00% 6.80%

6.82%

6.60% 6.40% 6.20%

2010

2022

2027

Source: Esri Business Analyst, 2023

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Recreation Programs Assessment The recreation programs assessment reviews the Department’s recreation program and service offerings through a series of individual analyses. This recreation assessment report offers detailed insight into the Department’s recreation program offerings and helps identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for future program direction. This report also assists with identifying program categories, programming gaps, and future program considerations.

The reports and data that informed the recreation assessment included the Department’s seasonal program guides, participation data, and revenue and expenses. Internal meetings with staff also provided insight.

Staff meeting The recreation assessment included a meeting with the program staff to discuss the Department strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). A list of questions was provided to staff in advance, and three programming staff attended the meeting. The following strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities were identified:

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Strengths

• Special Events • Banquet Events • Aquatics (the outdoor pool and programs) •Camps

Weaknesses

• Communications/Marketing • Program Evaluation • Adult & Teen Programs • Registration •Active Adult Programming

Threats

• Inadequate Staffing Levels • Inadequate Facilities

Opportunities

• Partnerships • Increase Teen Participation and Programs • Increase Adult Participation and Programs

Staff identified special events and the outdoor pool as Department strengths. Staff also indicated there is potential to create a policy to improve contractor accountability.

As noted above, communications and marketing were identified as a weakness. Although a part-time position has recently been filled, a full-time marketing position is needed to meet all the marketing demands of the Department. Staff indicated that adult and teen programs have low registration, low attendance, and frequent class cancelations.

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Inadequate staffing is an overall threat to the Department.

•

There is currently one full-time staff member who manages aquatics, athletics, special events, and other duties as needed.

•

Another full-time programmer oversees summer camps (26), school break camps, special events, year-round youth, adult and senior programs, facility rentals, the Lincolnwood Fest Family Tent, and assists with the coordination of the Turkey Trot.

•

The superintendent of recreation is responsible for the Turkey Trot and the Memorial Day parade – these events should be the responsibility of a programmer. Handling these large events prevents the superintendent from focusing on the primary responsibilities of this leadership position.

With every staff person over capacity, the Department is unable to focus on building community partnerships, assessing and pivoting current programs, and general strategic management of the Department.

Adequate facilities for programming are also a threat to the Department. Staff suggested multiple facility additions including a fitness center, gym, green space, and multipurpose rooms.

A new agreement with School District #74 has recently been approved for the use of school space – both indoors and outdoors. These new spaces will provide the Department opportunities for new programming. The staff would like to see additional partnerships established with other organizations within the community. The Department should also seek opportunities to increase teen and adult participation and programs.

Core program areas Department staff consider their core program areas aquatics, camps, special events, sports, and other.

Aquatics Lincolnwood offers a robust swim lesson program during the summer months at their outdoor pool. Several levels of lessons are available for those 3 to 4 years, entering kindergarten, grades 1-2, and grades 3-9. The Department provides a swim team, Lincolnwood Lightning, and diving instruction. Private and semi-private lessons are available for all ages.

Camps There are several summer camps to choose from in Lincolnwood for youth ages 3 to 15 years.

In addition to the traditional day camp, there are specialty camps offered as well including volleyball skills, basketball, coding, ultimate frisbee, soccer, mobile app development, and sports and more. School break camps (spring and winter) are also provided. Before and after care is also available for all camp offerings.

Special Events

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The Department offers several special events throughout the year that focus on holiday and out of school programming. The special events have a family focus and include:

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

•

Lincolnwood VIP Dinner Dance

•

Buddy Bingo

•

Egg Hunt

•

Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

•

Lincolnwood Fest

•

Turkey Trot (5K and 10K) walk, run and Drumstick Dash (3 and younger)

•

Movies/Concerts in the Park

•

Touch a Truck

•

Parents Night Out

•

Pumpkin Picassos

•

Halloween Trunk or Treat

•

Make a Flake

•

Santa’s Mailbox

•

Lincolnwood Lights

•

Gingerbread House

•

Breakfast/Lunch with Santa

•

Holiday House Decorating

•

Noon Year’s Eve

Sports The Department offers a wide variety of instructional youth sports programming including basketball, cheerleading, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Without indoor programming space, many of these programs are offered outdoor during the spring, summer, and fall.

After School Care An after-school care program was not offered by the Department in 2022 but will likely resume in January 2024.

Other Programs Lincolnwood offers several programs that are categorized as “other”. These programs include:

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•

Archery

•

Bitty Ballet

•

Build a Play

•

Filmmaking

•

Music (parent/child)

•

Lunch Bunch (for those 55 years and older)

•

Taekwondo

•

Yoga (parent/child)

As the Department continues to grow, new core program areas should be formed to improve the tracking and growth of areas.

Programming for those with special needs Lincolnwood, along with the park districts of Des Plaines, Golf-Maine, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, and Skokie, is a member of the M-NASR. Since 1972, M-NASR has provided programs, events, and facilities for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. M-NASR offers a wide range of recreation programming including athletics, adaptive sports, camps, cultural arts, social opportunities, and special events. In addition, M-NASR staff will work with Lincolnwood staff to secure inclusion aides for children who need support in Department programming.

Program inventory The following is a list of major program categories that park and recreation agencies throughout the country commonly provide. This list helps to identify whether there are any common program areas not offered by an agency. Most agencies offer a majority of these programs. In matching the Department’s inventory of programs against this list, 47.9% are represented.

Programs highlighted in red indicate they are currently offered by the Department.

Active Adult Aquatics Arts Before/After School Biking Birthday Party Services Childcare Cooking Dance Day/School Break Camps E-Sports Early Childhood Environmental/Nature Extreme Sports Fitness

General Interest Golf Gymnastics/Tumbling Historical programs Homeschool Horseback Riding Ice Skating/Hockey Inclusion Opportunities Language Instruction Lifelong Learning Martial Arts Music Nature Education Open Gym Outdoor Adventure

Pets Pickleball Preschool Running/Walking Seniors Special Events Specialty Camps Sports Instruction Sports Leagues – Adult Sports Leagues – Youth STEM/STEAM Summer Camp (day-long) Sustainability/Green Teen Tennis 9

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Theatre/Acting

Trips

Wellness

For comparison purposes, the consulting team reviewed the current category percentages against its database of past clients from across the country. The comparison agencies’ average percentage of program categories offered was 64.5%, which is above the Department’s 47.9% The program categories depicted in black text represent opportunities for program menu expansion as facility space becomes available and in alignment with community needs.

Program distribution Understanding how the Department’s enrollment-based program menu is distributed across the core program areas helps to identify the extent of programming within each program area in relation to the whole. A total of 275 programs were offered by the Department in 2022. The categories with the most programs offered included camps (39%), aquatics (25%), and sports (18%).

Figure 7: Total Programs Offered, 2022 Special Events 5% Other 13%

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Camp 39% Sports 18%

Aquatics 25%

Age segmentation The age segment analysis reviews the distribution of the program offerings according to the age segments serviced. For the purposes of this assessment, BerryDunn delineated age categories according to the following age structure: •

Early Childhood, 0 – 5 years

•

Youth, 6 – 12 years

•

Teen, 13 – 17 years

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•

Adult, 18 – 54 years

•

Senior, 55+ years

•

All Ages

If a program section spanned clearly across age categories (e.g., ages 4 – 8 years), BerryDunn counted that section once in early childhood and once in youth. Figure 3 depicts the Department’s 2022 program menu’s percentage of programs according to each age segment.

Figure 9: Age Segmentation of Enrollment-Based Programs, 2022 All, 5%

Senior, 1%

Adult, 1%

Teen, 11%

Youth, 57%

Early Childhood, 25%

Youth (6 to 12 years) attend the most programs with 57%, followed by early childhood (0 to 5 years) with 25%. Teen (13 to 17 years) programming makes up 11%. 2% of programming is for adults over 18 years. The remaining 5% of programs are open to all ages.

The age segmentation analysis is one helpful method to review the Department’s programming related to the community demographics. Demographic data can be helpful to consider how programming efforts are aligned with the makeup of the community. The adjacent comparison of the community’s population and enrollment-based program offerings in Figure 4 demonstrates two key age segments’ relationship between the population percentage and the percentage of programs offered.

Figure 10: Population vs. Program Menu

10

CHAPTER 5

APPENDIX

Youth

26% of population 98% of programs

Adult

74% of population 7% of programs

Enrollment Distribution A review of program enrollment demographic information from 2022 revealed that a total of the Department attracted 6,003 program participants. Youth under 18 years had the highest enrollment with 83% total. Adult enrollments made up 12% and seniors made up 5%.

Figure 11: Enrollment Age Distribution, 2022 Teen 7%

Senior 5%

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Adult 12%

Youth 57% Early Childhood 19%

Of the total participants, 55% identified as female and 45% identified as male. Residents and non-residents participate equally (50%) in programs.

Figure 12: Enrollment Gender Distribution, 2022

11

169

170 VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Resident 50%

Male 45%

Nonresident 50%

Female 55%

Figure 13: Enrollment Residency Distribution, 2022

The Figure 14 compares how often residents and non-residents participate once versus multiple times. Non-residents are more likely to enroll in a program once and residents are more likely to maintain enrollment after one visit.

Figure 14: Resident vs. Non-Resident Enrollment Participation Distribution, 2022 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

1 Time

2-5 Times

6-15 Times

Resident

16 to 20 Times Over 20 Times

Non-Resident

Drop in Programming In addition to the enrollment-based programs, the Department offers a fitness class for those 55 years of age and older twice a week throughout the year. In 2022, this program attracted 1,297 participants.

Recommendations The following recommendations were developed with Department staff input and in alignment with the public input received for this project.

13

CHAPTER 5

APPENDIX

Program space The Department needs new indoor space to offer the programs that residents are seeking as noted in the public input sessions and the survey results. Building a new recreation center was the top item of importance in the community survey results.

Staffing Currently, two additional full-time staff positions are needed. The current marketing position is part-time but full-time hours are needed to market the Departments programs, events, facilities, and services effectively to the community. In addition, another full-time programming position is needed to more evenly allocate current workloads.

Once new facility space is available, another staffing assessment should be completed to best determine additional positions needed.

Programming Department staff should increase programming for:

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

•

Active adults (chair yoga, trips, and outdoor experiences)

•

Youth – new offerings in addition to sports such as STEM/STEAM programs

•

Young adults (evenings and weekends) who are still working full-time

In addition, Department staff should: •

Add a birthday party service

•

Reinstate aquatic fitness classes (for adults of all ages)

Operations With implementation of the new registration software, Department staff should create a more effective system for the naming programs – leaving out the day a program is offered or age of participants.

Research and implement an effective program evaluation tool and track results on a seasonal and annual basis.

11

171

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Peer Fee Comparison Analysis Peer comparisons can provide useful insights into how the District’s fees and charges environment compares with similar park and recreation agencies throughout Illinois. While Lincolnwood’s recreation service system is unique in many ways with regards to demographics, funding, and community characteristics, the selection of peers for comparison attempts to reflect as closely as possible the unique elements found throughout the community Lincolnwood serves. This includes a similar offering of diverse and quality recreation programming, and the Department’s dedication to sound planning for the public realm, its natural systems, and its parks and open space to sustain a high quality of life for its residents.

The following peers were reviewed: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Evanston Parks & Recreation Department Glencoe Park District Glendale Heights Parks & Recreation Department McHenry Parks & Recreation Department Morton Grove Park District Niles Park District Park Ridge Park District Prospect Heights Park District River Forest Park District Schiller Park & Recreation District Skokie Park District Villa Park Recreation Department Wilmette Park District Woodstock Parks & Recreation Department

BerryDunn reviewed available fee and charges information across those peer districts related to agencies’ fees for aquatics, summer camps, and programs. All the data collected is available in the appendixes. The data in the appendixes has not been manipulated.

A simple fee-to-fee comparison like this report can provide useful information but really should be used to consider the “municipal market” for these services and associated fees, and to assess the “reasonableness” of Lincolnwood’s fees when compared to the peers selected.

This information can also be used to serve as a benchmark to determine how cost-effective Lincolnwood is delivering its services or assess the other side of the coin and determine where revenue maybe missed because of lower fees for similar services.

Comparative information should never be the only criteria considered when assessing fee levels.

BerryDunn does not make recommendations to adjust fees based on peers due to the following: • • • •

We do not know the intended level of cost recovery for services for each peer.

We do not know what specific costs are covered by fees for each peer.

We do not know when the last time peers adjusted their fees.

We don’t know the intended level of service targets for each peer.

Peer Fee Comparison Analysis

172

Lincolnwood, IL Parks and Recreation

CHAPTER 5

APPENDIX

Aquatic Fees Evanston and River Forest were omitted from this section because they do not have aquatics programming. Glencoe Park District has a reciprocal agreement with Northbrook Park District.

Northbrook’s aquatic fees are reflected for Glencoe. Glencoe offers beach passes for residents.

The average adult annual pool membership fees were $87 and the average senior annual pool membership fees were $71. Lincolnwood current offers adult annual pool memberships for $103 which is 18% higher than the average. Glencoe Park District had the highest fees for adult ($159) and seniors ($119). Skokie Park District fees are the lowest as they charge $40 for adult or senior passes. The average daily pool admission for youth, adult, and seniors ranges from $4 - $12.

The tables below reflect the resident fees for adult and senior memberships, as well as the daily pool admission costs, and the corresponding averages. The red boxes indicate the highest fee and orange indicates the lowest fee.

Table 1: Annual Pool Membership Fees Agency

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Glencoe Park Ridge Wilmette Niles Lincolnwood Morton Grove Glendale Heights Villa Park McHenry Prospect Heights Woodstock Schiller Skokie Average Fee

Fee Adult Senior $159.00 $119.00 $112.00 $96.00 $105.00 $61.00 $105.00 $79.00 $103.00 $77.00 $95.00 $71.00 $95.00 $50.00 $79.00 $70.00  $75.00  $65.00  $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $40.00 $40.00 $87.15 $71.30

Table 2: Daily Pool Admission Fees Agency Wilmette Glencoe Park Ridge Lincolnwood Morton Grove Niles Villa Park Glendale Heights Prospect Heights Skokie Woodstock Schiller McHenry Average Fee

Youth $12.00 $11.00 $10.00 $9.00 $9.00 $8.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $6.00 $6.00 $4.00 $8.08

Fee Adult $12.00 $11.00 $10.00 $9.00 $9.00 $10.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $8.00 $6.00 $4.00 $8.31

Senior $12.00 $9.00 $8.00 $9.00 $7.00 $8.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $6.00 $6.00 $4.00 $7.54

173

174

Camp Fees

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

The average resident sport camp program fees across all peer agencies analyzed is $693 which is 15% higher than the sports camp program fees for Lincolnwood. The average resident full day youth camp costs approximately $829. Lincolnwood’s youth day camp fees are 78% higher than the average.

The tables below reflect resident fees for youth sport, day camps, and the corresponding averages. The red boxes indicate the highest fee and orange indicates the lowest fee. The fees associated with summer camps were adjusted in this section to reflect approximately four weeks of program activity.

Glendale Heights and Woodstock were omitted because they have fewer camp selections than the other agencies.

Table 3: Youth Sport Camps Agency Glencoe Niles Wilmette Park Ridge Skokie Morton Grove Lincolnwood Prospect Heights McHenry Evanston River Forest Villa Park Schiller Park Average Fee

Fee $1,102.00 $1,100.00 $878.00 $856.00 $764.00 $600.00 $600.00 $576.00 $560.00 $501.00 $488.00 $300.00  $693.75

Table 4: Youth Day Camps Agency Lincolnwood Glencoe Niles Wilmette Evanston Skokie Prospect Heights Morton Grove McHenry Park Ridge Villa Park Schiller Park River Forest Average Fee

Fee $1,479.00 $1,286.00 $968.00 $963.00 $800.00 $760.00 $700.00 $658.00 $656.00 $600.00 $580.00 $500.00  $829.17

CHAPTER 5

APPENDIX

Youth Sport & Dance Fees The average resident youth sport program fees across all peer agencies ranges from $50 - $278 with an average fee of $121. Lincolnwood’s fees are 55% percent below the average. Youth dance programs range from $52 - $93 with an average fee of $66 which is similar to Lincolnwood’s current fee. The tables below reflect resident fees for youth sport programs, dance programs, and the corresponding averages.

Table 5: Youth Sport Programs

Agency

Glencoe Wilmette Skokie Park Ridge Evanston River Forest Prospect Heights Niles Morton Grove Glendale Heights McHenry Villa Park Lincolnwood Schiller Park Woodstock Average Fee

Fee $278.00 $180.00 $180.00 $175.00 $138.00 $119.00 $112.00 $105.00 $91.00 $90.00 $90.00 $83.00 $78.00 $60.00 $50.00 $121.93

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Adult Fitness Fees The average resident adult fitness class fees across all peer agencies ranges from $28 to $78 with an average of $57. The fees for these classes vary across agency as some charge per class, number of classes, weeks, or a monthly fee. Lincolnwood’s fees are 14% higher than the average. The table below reflects resident fees for adult fitness classes and the average fee.

Table 6: Youth Dance Programs Agency Woodstock Wilmette Prospect Heights Evanston Niles Glendale Heights Villa Park Skokie Lincolnwood Schiller Park McHenry River Forest Morton Grove Park Ridge Glencoe Average Fee

Fee $93.00 $84.00 $77.00 $70.00 $70.00 $66.00 $66.00 $64.00 $60.00 $60.00 $56.00 $55.00 $54.00 $52.00  $66.21

Table 7: Adult Fitness Programs Agency Skokie River Forest Wilmette Woodstock Evanston Morton Grove Lincolnwood Schiller Park McHenry Glencoe Prospect Heights Park Ridge Niles Glendale Heights Villa Park Average Fee

Fee $78.00 $78.00 $77.00 $70.00 $66.00 $66.00 $65.00 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 $49.00 $48.00 $36.00 $28.00 $20.00 $57.40

175

Appendix: Peer Comparison Data Programs

Agency

Lincolnwood Village Parks & Recreation Department Evanston Parks & Recreation Department Glendale Heights Parks & Recreation Department McHenry Parks & Recreation Department Morton Grove Park District Niles Park District

176

Youth Sports Program (tball, basketball, tennis, dodgeball, soccer, volleyball)

Adult Softball Leagues (Per team)

Youth Dance Classes

Youth Flag Football League

Fee Type

Adult Fitness Classes

Senior Fitness Classes

Youth and Adult Fitness (yoga, tumbling, gymnastics, cheerleading, Zumba)

Resident

$130.00

$2.00

$120.00

$78.00

$800.00

$120.00

$96.00

Non-Resident

$165.00

$2.00

$150.00

$120.00

$800.00

$150.00

$120.00

Resident

$132.00



$56.00

$138.00

$770.00

$70.00



$123.00

Non-Resident

$172.00



$73.00

$179.00

$1,001.00

$91.00



$160.00

Resident

$7.00

$5.00

$110.00

$90.00

$820.00

$286.00

$50.00



Non-Resident

$12.00

$10.00

$135.00

$199.00

$820.00

$306.00

$60.00



Resident

$30.00

$30.00

$70.00

$90.00

$375.00

$56.00

$65.00

$65.00

Non-Resident

$50.00

$50.00

$80.00

$100.00



$66.00

$75.00

$75.00

Resident

$33.00

$25.00

$25.00

$91.00

$850

$104 - $113.00

$91.00

$72.00

Non-Resident







$114.00



$130 - $141.00

$114.00

$90.00

Resident

$36.00

$26.00

$36.00

$105.00

$840

$210.00

$94.00

$168 - $371.00

Non-Resident

$45.00

$26.00

$45.00

$145.00

$840

$252.00

$118.00

$184 - $408.00

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Tennis and Pickleball Lessons

$65.00 $70.00 $81.00 $88.00

CHAPTER 5

Schiller Park & Recreation District

Skokie Park District

Villa Park Recreation Department Prospect Heights Park District

Resident

$90.00

$75.00

$75.00

$60.00

$550

$60.00



No Lessons, free play $3R/$5NR

Non-Resident

$125.00

$100.00

$90.00

$65.00

$550

$65.00





Resident

$39.00

$44.00



$180.00

$800

$128.00

$135.00

$102.00

Non-Resident

$47.00

$55.00



$225.00

$800

$160.00

$169.00

$128.00

Resident

$5.00



$73.00

$83.00

$559

$50.00



Non-Resident

$6.00



$73.00



$559





Free Play Drop In $3R/$4NR

Resident

$30 - $69





$105 - $120

NA

$77.00





Non-Resident

$30 - $69





$105 - $120



$77.00





$50.00

$500.00

$93.00





$70.00

$500.00

$113.00







Free with Parent Membership Free with Parent Membership $133.00

$180.00

$966.00

$365.00

$154.00

$232.00



$166.00

$220.00

$966.00

$445.00

$170.00

$304.00

$180.00

$165.00



$278.00





$136.00

$125.00

$198.00

$180.00



$305.00





$153.00

Resident

$156.00

Free

$156.00

$79 - $160



$111.00

Team $280.00 Free Agent $56.00

Non-Resident

$195.00

Free

$195.00

$99 - $200



$139.00

Team $350.00 Free Agent $70.00

Resident

$12.00

$12.00



$175.00



$104.00



$138.00 $96 - $240.00 (Adult) $80 - $100.00 (Youth) $120 - $300.00 (Adult) $100 - $125.00 (Youth) $150.00

Non-Resident

$12.00

$12.00



$266.00



$156.00



$150.00

Woodstock Parks & Recreation Department

Resident

$35.00

$25.00

Non-Resident

$35.00

$25.00

Wilmette Park District

Resident

$154.00

Non-Resident

$154.00

Glencoe Park District

Resident Non-Resident

River Forest Park District

Park Ridge Park District

APPENDIX

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

177

Summer Camps Community Lincolnwood Village Parks & Recreation Department Evanston Parks & Recreation Department Glendale Heights Parks & Recreation Department McHenry Parks & Recreation Department Morton Grove Park District Niles Park District Schiller Park & Recreation District Skokie Park District Villa Park Recreation Department

178

Fee Type

Sports Camp

Basketball Camp

Youth Day Camp Full Day

Youth Day Camp Partial Day

Resident

$150.00

$150.00

$765.00

$107.00

Non-Resident

$188.00

$188.00

$956.00

$125.00

Resident

$501.00

$299.00

$325.00

$195.00

Non-Resident

$573.00

$319.00

$405.00

$243.00

Resident





$170.00



Non-Resident

NA



$190.00



Resident

$70.00

$70.00

$182.00

$52.00

Non-Resident

$80.00

$80.00

$192.00

$62.00

Resident

$150.00

$150.00

$329.00

$225.00

Non-Resident

$188.00

$188.00

$405.00

$285.00

Resident

$262.00

$135.00

$262.00

$153.00

Non-Resident

$315.00

$150.00

$315.00

$184.00

Resident



$60.00

$300.00

$200.00

Non-Resident



$65.00

$350.00

$250.00

Resident

$764.00

$145.00

$760.00

$437.00

Non-Resident

$955.00

$181.00

$950.00

$546.00

Resident

$73.00



$145.00



Non-Resident





$145.00



Resident

$96.00



$175.00



VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 5

Prospect Heights Park District Woodstock Parks & Recreation Department Wilmette Park District Glencoe Park District River Forest Park District Park Ridge Park District

APPENDIX

Non-Resident

$106.00



$195.00



Resident



$184.00





Non-Resident



$204.00





Resident

$1,756.00

$115.00

$997.00

$609.00

Non-Resident

$2,195.00

$144.00

$1,246.00

$761.00

Resident

$2,204.00



$1,992.00

$832.00

Non-Resident

$2,204.00



$2,192.00

$914.00

Resident

$122.00

$266.00



$112 - $140.00

Non-Resident

$153.00

$333.00



$153 - $175.00

Resident

$66.00

$131.00

$86 - $214

$43 - $70.00

Non-Resident

$104.00

$200.00

$133 - $324.00

$68 - $108.00

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

179

Aquatics Memberships Community

Daily Admission

Group Swim Lessons

Fee Type Adult

Seniors

Youth

Adult

Senior

Age 3–5

Age 5 – 14

Adult

Parent/ Child

Private Swim Lessons

Swim Team

Aquatic Classes

Diving Lessons

Lincolnwood Village Parks & Recreation Department

Resident

$103.00

$77.00

$9.00

$9.00

$9.00

$205.00

$205.00



$205.00

$100.00

$347.00

$216.00

$330.00

NonResident

$283.00

$212.00

$18.00

$18.00

$18.00

$246.00

$246.00



$246.00

$125.00

$434.00

$270.00

$414.00

Evanston Parks & Recreation Department

Resident





















$161.00





NonResident





















$210.00





Glendale Heights Parks & Recreation Department

Resident

$95.00

$50.00

$7.00

$7.00

$7.00







$60.00

$85.00







NonResident

$115.00

$70.00

$12.00

$12.00

$12.00







$80.00

$105.00







Resident

$75.00

NA

$4.00

$4.00

$4.00

$70.00

$70.00

$70.00

$55.00

$130.00

$425.00

$8.00



NonResident

$105.00

NA

$8.00

$8.00

$8.00

$80.00

$80.00

$80.00

$65.00

$130.00

$435.00

$8.00



Resident

$95.00

$71.00

$9.00

$9.00

$7.00

$90.00

$100.00

$80.00

$45.00

$105.00

$169.00

$51.00

$128.00

NonResident

$119.00

$81.00

$11.00

$11.00

$9.00

$112.00

$110.00

$100.00

$56.00

$131.00

$211.00

$64.00

$160.00

Resident

$105.00

$79.00

$8.00

$10.00

$8.00

$58.00

$58.00













McHenry Parks & Recreation Department

Morton Grove Park District

Niles Park District

180

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 5

Schiller Park & Recreation District

Skokie Park District

Villa Park Recreation Department

Prospect Heights Park District

Woodstock Parks & Recreation Department

Wilmette Park District

Glencoe Park District

APPENDIX

NonResident

$142.00

$110.00

$12.00

$15.00

$14.00

$73.00

$73.00









$53.00



Resident

$50.00

$50.00

$6.00

$6.00

$6.00



$45.00



$45.00









NonResident

$95.00

$95.00

$10.00

$10.00

$10.00



$55.00



$55.00









Resident

$40.00

$40.00

$7.00

$7.00

$7.00

$80.00

$80.00

$80.00







$65.00



NonResident

$0.00

$0.00

$14.00

$14.00

$14.00

$96.00

$96.00

$96.00







$81.00



Resident

$79.00

$70.00

$8.00

$8.00

$8.00

$48.00

$56.00



$48.00

$35.00

$119.00





NonResident

$109.00

$101.00

$10.00

$10.00

$10.00

$0.00

$0.00



$0.00

$0.00

$122.00





Resident

$65.00



$7.00

$7.00

$7.00

$75.00

$75.00



$75.00

$30.00

$200.00





NonResident

$75.00



$7.00

$7.00

$7.00

$75.00

$75.00



$75.00

$30.00

$250.00





Resident

$50.00



$6.00

$8.00

$6.00

$85.00

$85.00



$25.00

$155.00



$135.00



NonResident

$75.00



$8.00

$10.00

$8.00

$105.00

$105.00



$35.00

$175.00



$155.00



Resident

$105.00

$61.00

$12.00

$12.00

$12.00

$176.00

$176.00



$88.00

$105.00



$144.00

$164.00

NonResident

$265.00



$19.00

$19.00

$19.00

$240.00

$240.00



$124.00

$105.00



$171.00

$221.00

Resident

$159.00

$119.00

$11.00

$11.00

$9.00

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VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

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Needs & Strategies Memo

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Memorandum Revised: To: From:

July 31, 2023 Village of Lincolnwood – Parks Department (VOL) Hitchcock Design Group (HDG)

RE:

Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Master Plan; Needs & Strategies – Final

Description: Based on the Staff and Board Workshops, Stakeholder interviews, (2) Community Meetings, and the Statistically Valid Survey, the following needs were observed and are categorized in the list below: Parks: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dog park needed within Village limits Accessibility improvements within parks Various court/field and supporting amenities renovation/expansion Update/renovate older playgrounds Drainage improvements & additional maintenance needed for sports fields Address skatepark safety concerns Evaluate property acquisitions for expanded outdoor space Ballfield and supporting amenities improvements Add pickleball courts to address increased demand Improve connectivity within Village – bike route(s) expansion Add amenities & supporting features along or within existing trails There is a desire for more splash pads Revamp field/court rental/reservation strategies

Facilities: • Additional indoor space needed for recreation-focused activities and programming • Aquatic facility improvements – repair, renovation, or relocation • Additional space needed for Parks Department staffing • Utilize SD74 facilities more for public use Programs / Events / Other: • Technology improvements for Staff • Engage older population/demographics • Better information sharing & communication for scheduled events and updates • Weekday after school program needed (bring back/expand LEAP/Kid Club) • Summer Camp improvements (more engagement/field trips) • Expand/change village/sponsored event offerings (seasonal festivals/events) • Sustainability improvements/integration, various initiatives (native plant gardens, recycling)

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• • • • •

Additional staffing needed to support higher demand programs, camps, & events Better advertising and public notification of special events Better advertising and public notification of programs with lower participation rates Increased support or expansion for more utilized/higher demand programs More special events at aquatic center (Float Night, Adults Only BYOB)

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Objective #1: Improve Existing Village Assets to Preserve Current Community Use Justification: o Accessibility improvements within parks. Noted during Board Workshop and Community Meeting #2. o During the Community Meetings, Staff Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and Community Survey, the need for upgrades/repairs to ballfields, courts and accompanying amenities were mentioned several times. This ranked as the 2nd highest priority capital project in the Community Survey, and as the 4th highest priority at both Community Meetings. o Address skatepark safety concerns. Mentioned during Board Workshop as an underutilized space. o Aquatic facility improvements – repair, renovation, or relocation. Was top priority in the Staff Workshop and Community Meeting #1. High priority topic during Board Workshop and Stakeholder Interviews, and 5th highest capital priority in the Community Survey.

Strategies: 1. Develop (or Update) an ADA Transition Plan to evaluate, track, and prioritize accessibility updates at parks and facilities: a. Develop a list of existing issues at existing parks and indoor facilities: i. Accessible routes from parking to high-use amenities ii. Playground ramps and points-of-entry iii. Path connection points to courts iv. Seating areas (site furnishings, spatial requirements) v. Points-of-entry and egress at buildings b. Prioritize and group parks and facilities for implementation of improvements c. Coordinate timing to align with ongoing improvements / initiatives 2.

Develop and implement Master Plan Update for Proesel Park (including park improvements from FY 2024 OSLAD submission): a. Consider FY 2024 OSLAD submission as Phase One: i. Design and Engineer – Phase One ii. Bid and Construct – Phase One b. Complete master plan update for remaining park areas i. Develop phased implementation strategy ii. Design, Fund, and Engineer – Remaining/Future Phases iii. Bid and Construct – Remaining/Future Phases

3.

Develop and implement Master Plan Update for Centennial Park: a. Develop implementation strategy – all master plan items or phased b. Design, Fund, and Engineer – all or phased c. Bid and Construct – all or phased d. Determine later phase(s) implementation schedule, if needed

4.

Develop (or update) a Playground Renovation Schedule so updates can be planned and budgeted for each year: a. Establish a list of park groupings for playground renovations to be made each year, prioritized based on age and need for improvements:

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i. Priority Group A (high need – Years 1-2) 1. M. Lester Flowers Park (as part of current OSLAD improvements) 2. Arthur M. Goebelt Park 3. Columbia Park 4. Henry A. Proesel Park addition (as part of FY2024 OSLAD submission) ii. Priority Group B (medium need – Years 3-4) 1. Kildare Park 2. Richard R. Rossi Park 3. Kenneth Park iii. Priority Group C (low need – Year 5+, replace as playgrounds reach the end of their useful life) 1. Springfield Park 2. Drake Park 3. Charles L. O’Brien Park 4. G.G. Rowell Park 5. Central Park 5.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Develop and implement Aquatics Facility Strategy for Proesel Park Aquatic Center: a. Short Term Strategies i. Resolve maintenance challenges (Priority A) 1. Resolve pool leaks with additional testing to identify location 2. Separate pool chemicals in the outdoor storage container ii. Implement urgent, required Priority A and B Items and Code violations identified in the FGMA report iii. Implement and Admission Reconfiguration per FDMA report iv. Incorporate ADA accessibility to pools in compliance with current code requirements v. Replace diving boards (Village identified as being replaced) vi. Provide Panic Hardware on exterior gates to facilitate emergency egress vii. Interview staff to understand maintenance of the facility viii. Investigate programming to keep facility offerings up to date b. Long Term Strategies i. Establish a maintenance capital replacement plan for the pool mechanical systems near end of life. ii. Renovate the Admission Building with New Admission, Family Changing, and Enlarged Training Room iii. Expand Filtration Building for Additional Chemical Storage. iv. Expand Admission Entrance v. Renovate Facility with New Splash Pad- Potentially Repurpose Kiddie Pool vi. Based on age of the facility, a potential long-term strategy includes a full replacement of the pool

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Develop a Field and Court Renovation Schedule so updates can be planned and budgeted for each year: a. Establish a list of park groupings for field and court renovations and supporting amenities to be made each year, prioritized based on need for improvements: i. Priority Group A 1. M. Lester Flowers Park (as part of current OSLAD improvements) 2. Charles L. O’Brien Park ii. Priority Group B 1. Henry A. Proesel Park (as part of FY 2024 OSLAD submission) 2. Columbia Park 3. Springfield Park iii. Priority Group C 1. Central Park 2. G.G. Rowell Park iv. Priority Group D 1. Arthur M. Goebelt Park 2. Kenneth Park 3. Richard R. Rossi Park v. Priority Group E 1. Drake Park 2. Kildare Park

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Develop Drainage Improvement and Maintenance Plan for sports fields and align implementation with field improvement schedule

8.

Develop Skatepark Improvement Plan focusing on safety improvements: a. Design, Fund, and Engineer b. Bid and Construct

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Objective #2: Expand Offerings with Higher Demand Items to Address Emerging Trends and Better Serve the Community Justification: o Dog park needed within Village limits. Noted as needed during the Board Workshop, Staff Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and both Community Meetings. Ranked 7th highest priority capital project in the Community Survey. o Evaluate property acquisitions for expanded outdoor space. Noted at both the Staff Workshop and Stakeholder Interviews. Ranked as 4th most important capital project in the Community Survey. o Add pickleball courts to address increased demand. Noted during Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and Community Meeting #2. Ranked as 4th highest priority capital project in the Community Survey. o Add amenities & supporting features along or within existing trails. Noted during Stakeholder Interviews and ranked as 3rd highest priority capital project in Community Survey. o There is a desire for splash pads. Community Meetings, Stakeholder Interviews o Additional space needed for Parks Department staffing. Noted in Staff Workshop, Board Workshop, and Stakeholder interviews.

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o

o o

o o o

Weekday after school program. Noted in Staff Workshop and Community Meeting #2. Twothirds (64.6%) of respondents to the Community Survey are interested in utilizing a childcare/afterschool program if offered by Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department.

Summer Camp improvements. Noted in Stakeholder Interviews and Community Meetings.

Expand/change village/sponsored event offerings (seasonal festivals/events). Noted in Stakeholder Interviews and both Community Meetings. Only about a third of the Community Survey respondents indicated they had attended a special event held by the Lincolnwood Park and Recreation Department in the past year.

Sustainability improvements/integration, various initiatives (native plant gardens, recycling).

Sustainability ranked as the 3rd highest priority in Community Meeting #1.

Additional staffing needed. Noted in Staff Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and Community Meeting #2.

More special events at aquatic center (Float Night, Adults Only BYOB). Noted at both Community Meetings.

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Strategies: 1. Develop and Implement Dog Park plan: a. Evaluate possible locations: i. Henry A. Proesel Park ii. Centennial Park iii. New park location b. Develop Proposed Improvement Plans at preferred location c. Design, Fund, and Engineer d. Bid and Construct 2.

Evaluate locations for New Pickleball Courts: a. Consider adding pickleball lines to existing tennis courts at: i. Central Park ii. M. Lester Flowers Park b. Consider adding new dedicated pickleball courts at: (verify there is space for a court): i. Arthur M. Goebelt Park ii. Charles L. O’Brien Park iii. Drake Park iv. Centennial Park (aligned with park master plan update noted in Objective 1) v. New park location

3.

Determine feasibility and Explore Options for New Splash Pad: a. Consider locations at: i. Arthur M. Goebelt Park ii. Charles L. O’Brien Park iii. Drake Park iv. New park location b. Develop Proposed Improvement Plans at preferred location c. Design, Fund, and Engineer d. Bid and Construct

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4.

Improve Recreation Department Programming: a. Increase current staffing - two additional full-time staff positions are needed i. Marketing position needs to be full-time ii. Another full-time position is needed to evenly allocate workload b. Reassess staffing needs once new community recreation center is available c. Increase Programming offerings i. Active adult programming (chair yoga, trips, outdoor experiences) ii. Youth program offerings outside of sports (STEM/STEAM) iii. Adult programming (evenings and weekends) iv. Add birthday party service v. Reinstate aquatic fitness classes (all age groups) d. Update and Improve Department Operations i. Standardize/simplify program naming using the new registration software 1. Leave out the day a program is offered or age of participants ii. Research and implement an effective program evaluation tool and track results on a seasonal and annual basis

5.

Re-evaluate program fees to preserve participation and remain attractive to residents: a. Consider lowering fees for all-day youth camps to remain competitive with surrounding agency offerings b. Consider increasing sports camp and program fees to generate more revenue

Objective #3: Address and Underserved Demographics and User Groups Justification: o Improve connectivity within Village – bike route(s) expansion. Noted during Stakeholder Interviews and Community Meeting #2. Ranked 3rd most important and 3rd highest priority capital project by respondents in the Community Survey. o Engage older population/demographics. Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, Community Meeting #2. In the Community Survey, Lincolnwood residents expressed they wanted more programming overall, specifically for children, adults, seniors, and more social programming. o Address gaps in service. The Overall Level of Service Map from the Analyze Phase shows multiple gaps in service areas within the Village.

Strategies: 1. Evaluate Property Acquisitions: a. Target acquisition in underserved planning areas b. Target parcels adjacent to existing parks 2.

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Update and Implement Village-wide Bike Trail Expansion Plan a. Explore trail and bike path-specific grant opportunities b. Add amenities and supporting features at key points along trails: i. Seating ii. Informational kiosks iii. Wayfinding signage iv. Mile markers v. Drinking fountains

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Objective #4: Evaluate Indoor Space Improvements and Expansion Justification: o Additional indoor space needed for recreation-focused activities and programming. Noted multiple times in Staff Workshop, Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and both Community Meetings. Ranked as top priority in Community Meeting #2. By far, “build a multi-purpose recreation center” was the highest priority project with 60.2% of respondents ranking it in their top three potential projects in the Community Survey. o Utilize SD74 facilities more for public use. Use of school facilities was noted several times during Stakeholder Interviews and Community Meeting #2.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Strategies: 1. Improve Existing Community Center Space usage: a. Repurpose existing spaces to better fit current Staff and program needs b. Immediate/Preliminary Items: i. Maintenance: 1. Maintenance (masonry tuckpointing, lintel repair, water infiltration issues) 2. Sound proofing in office area 3. Interior updates (interior remodeling, mechanical repairs and replacements, general plumbing maintenance and repairs, lighting upgrades, emergency exit lighting upgrades, fire alarm inspection) c. Consider potential relocation options and feasibility d. Utilize partner facilities where feasible e. Begin strategizing new building options 2.

Conduct Feasibility Study for New Community Recreation Center (building on Village Facility Assessment): a. Evaluate potential locations: i. Potential property acquisitions ii. Consider Lincolnwood Town Center (if becomes available)

3.

Develop and implement New Community Recreation Center Strategy: a. Top facilities priority. b. Identify program offerings for a new community recreation center c. Validate suggestions identified during the Connect Phase i. Senior/Adult programming, sport recreation, fitness, youth programming, after school program/childcare d. Initial spaces may include the following: i. Multi-use rooms (2-3 program rooms) ii. Gymnasium (2 court gymnasium) iii. Health and fitness iv. Fitness group exercise (1-2 rooms) v. Walking/running track vi. Supporting administration functions vii. Multi-function space(s) for programming e. Identify/confirm spatial programmatic requirements for new community recreation center

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4.

Strengthen Partnership with School District 74 for indoor facility use: a. Explore opportunities for: i. Public open gym use ii. Camp use iii. Athletic programs iv. After-school programs v. Evaluate additional opportunities

Objective #5: Continue and Strengthen Existing Relationships with Key User Groups through Administrative Improvements Justification: o Revamp field/court rental/reservation strategies. Noted multiple times during Stakeholder Interviews and both Community Meetings. o Technology improvements for Staff. Noted in Staff Workshop and Board Workshop. o Better information sharing & communication for scheduled events and updates. Noted in Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and both Community Meetings. o Better advertising and public notification of special events. Noted in Board Workshop, Stakeholder Interviews, and both Community Meetings. In the Community Survey, the most preferred method of staying informed among respondents was email. With direct mail, the newsletter, brochures, social media and the Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation website listed as highly preferred as well.

Strategies: 1. Improve Communications between Village and Residents relating to: a. Program information and timely updates b. Special events c. Low participation programs (to avoid cancellation due to low registration numbers) 2.

Evaluate Current Field and Court Policies: a. Improve system for resident rentals

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APPENDIX

Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan

Facilities Assessment and Recommendations for

Lincolnwood Community Center and

Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center

19 September 2023

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Facilities Assessment

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

prepared by

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Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan Facilities Assessment and Recommendations

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Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan Facilities Assessment and Recommendations

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND Williams Architects (WA) was engaged as a subconsultant to Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) to assess the Village of Lincolnwood’s Community Center and Proesel Park Aquatic Center and make short and longterm recommendations for improvements to these facilities. It should be noted that the Village has contracted with FGM Architects to complete a village-wide Facility Condition Assessment which focuses on physical condition of buildings and systems. This Assessment and Recommendations shall additionally evaluate these facilities from the context of the Parks and Recreation Department’s operational and programmatic needs and recommendations.

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COMMUNITY CENTER – 4170 MORSE AVENUE

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The facility is thought to have been constructed in the early 1970’s per the Facilities and Space Needs Analysis prepared by FGM Architects, however there are materials and systems in the facility such as abandoned mechanical infrastructure and existing electrical infrastructure that suggest the facility may be older. The architecture and materials are characteristic of the 1950’s. The facility is a one-story building with a small upper level and a full basement.

Figure 1 – Community Center Exterior The building is accessed from the west via a sidewalk connecting the building entrance to a parking lot shared with the Village Hall property. There is no vehicular drop-off area within proximity to the building entrance, operationally limiting the usability of the facility for programming or events that would benefit from convenient or fast vehicular drop-off or pick-up. There is also no weather protection or canopy at the entrance to protect patrons who may be waiting to be picked up or for the facility to open, another desirable element of community center design and planning. A long ramp and steps that are not compliant with current codes also make accessibility to the facility difficult.

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MAIN LEVEL SPACES The facility consists of a small lobby, office space, restrooms, and a large multi-use space on the main level.

Though the entrance is well controlled from a visibility standpoint, staff are organized in office spaces such that their backs are to patrons entering the building. Finishes in the lobby and corridors are in fair condition.

Figure 2 – Lobby

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Though the main level originally had additional smaller meeting and program spaces, staff space requirements and the inaccessibility of the lower and upper levels of the building have forced Parks and Recreation Department staff into whatever main level space is available other than the restrooms and the main multi-use space. This space has been adapted as office space and despite being in fair physical condition, lacks dedicated zones for individual work, collaboration, breaks, and storage and is insufficient in size, function, layout, and security for staff needs.

Figure 3 – Department Office Space

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The majority of the main level is a multi-use space of approximately 3,000 square feet. Though the space has high ceilings and an open layout free of columns or obstructions and has capacity for up to 200 people in a table-and-chair layout, there are several limitations to the space that make it extremely problematic from a recreation programming standpoint.

Figure 4 – Multi-Use Space

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Limitations and challenges of the existing multi-use space with respect to recreation programming include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

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•

Because the rest of the building is not accessible and staff requires other spaces in the building for office and collaborative work space, this space is the only indoor recreation space available for Parks and Recreation Department programming. This severely limits programming opportunities and revenue potential for the Village.

•

There are height transitions between the floor level of the space and other adjoining spaces in excess of ½”, in violation of accessibility standards.

•

The finish materials (acoustic ceiling tile, drywall, curtains separating storage areas from functional areas, and oak flooring) and chandelier-style light fixtures make the space inappropriate and severely limited for indoor recreation purposes.

•

The ceiling height of the space is inadequate for indoor athletic uses such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.

•

There is no means of dividing the space into smaller spaces for flexibility of use.

•

The HVAC system has outlived its expected service life and is inadequate for the desired use and occupancy of the space. The bowed ceiling tiles observed in the photos are indicative of inadequate ventilation and humidity control for the activities taking place in the room. We additionally observed air filtration devices, fans, and space heaters indicating inadequate ventilation provided by the HVAC system. As noted within the FGM facility assessment, the location of the return air grille behind the storage area may be a contributing factor to this condition, but the systems observed are not normally recommended for a multi-occupant recreation facility regardless of this factor.

•

Acoustics are an issue both within the room and outside the space; users cannot hear each other well inside the space and sounds inside the space are heard in the office and lobby areas outside the space.

•

There appears to be insufficient storage within the space for the number of activities and programs occurring in the space, and the storage is not secure due to its location behind a curtain.

•

There are code and life safety issues with respect to the maximum occupancy of the space.

Although there are three exits from the space, only one has an exit sign as required by code, the exit from the space onto the patio is not technically code compliant in its current configuration, and the “signed” exit is too close to the main entrance to the room to be considered a separate exit for code and occupancy purposes (See Figure 5). Therefore, in its current form, the space technically only has one code-compliant exit, which limits its occupancy to 49 persons.

Alterations need to occur to the patio exit to achieve code compliance for a larger capacity, creating a code-compliant exit from the point of egress from the room all the way to a public way or sidewalk.

•

Lighting controls are a series of dimmer switches immediately inside the entrance to the space.

Though functional, many facility operators wish to limit access to lighting control so users of the space cannot access and tamper with them.

•

A/V infrastructure within the space appears limited to a single projector and screen.

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Adjacent to the multi-use space is a kitchen space supporting the multi-use space. Though the finishes and appliances are in fair condition, the space is completely inaccessible to persons with disabilities due to the lack of a turning space within the room and sink height at 36 inches. Staff also reports operational issues with the rolling shutter dividing the space from the multi-use room; it appears that the shutter is usually left open. Kitchen spaces supporting a space of this size are usually larger in size and set up as warming or catering kitchens for an outside vendor to be able to serve from in a code compliant manner; the configuration, materials, and size of this space do not permit this to happen. Furthermore, an emerging trend in program offerings for recreation departments is culinary arts programming; the configuration, materials, and size of this space also do not make this use of the space feasible.

Figure 6 – Kitchen Service Window

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The balance of the main level of the facility consists of restrooms and support space. The facility restrooms are in fair condition and largely in compliance with current accessibility and plumbing codes for the targeted occupancy of the facility, though fixtures and finishes are becoming dated in appearance. The doors to the accessible stalls do not appear to be self-closing as required by accessibility codes; however, this condition can typically be rectified by adjusting the existing hardware.

Figure 8 – Women’s Restroom VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Figure 9 -Men’s Restroom It should be noted that the facility lacks a family or all-gender restroom, which would be required by current building codes for a facility of this size and targeted occupancy. Although not required by code, the facility also lacks separate restroom facilities for staff.

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UPPER-LEVEL SPACES

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There are a series of spaces on the upper level including what appears to be a decommissioned restroom that are accessed by a single stairway that is not compliant with current codes for riser height and tread depth, and there is no means of accessibility to this level. The spaces are currently used for archive storage.

The space does provide access to the building’s roof. Unless modifications are made to the space to achieve accessibility and code compliance, no other use of this space can be achieved.

Figure 10 – Upper Level Space BASEMENT SPACES The basement space of the building is partially occupied by American Legion Post 1226 with the balance of the basement used as storage and building service functions. As with the upper level, there is no means of accessibility to the basement level and the stairs are not compliant with current codes for riser height and tread depth. Though there are newer fire protection and fire alarm systems serving the basement, there is electrical infrastructure likely original to the building and serious life safety issues from lack of illumination of these spaces as the spaces become completely dark and switches are not in expected locations inside rooms. The spaces are unusable in their current form and condition.

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Figure 11 – Basement Electrical Room (Former Boiler Room) Village of Lincolnwood Parks and Recreation Department Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan Facilities Assessment and Recommendations

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BUILDING EXTERIOR The building’s exterior displays extensive evidence of tuckpointing work, indicating likely water infiltration at some point in the past. Though no visible structural damage was observed at the time of our visit, tuckpointing work at building corners is often done to repair movement caused by differential movement caused by settlement and other freeze-thaw action in addition to water infiltration.

Figure 12 – Southeast Exterior VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Figure 13 – Southwest Exterior

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An elevated patio is located off the staff office area and multi-use room. The area is in fair physical condition and does not appear to experience frequent use. The egress gates leading from the patio to the sidewalk do not swing in the direction of egress travel and therefore do not qualify as an egress path for the exits from the interior spaces of the building. The stairs leading from the patio to grade also lack code-compliant handrails.

Figure 14 – Exterior Patio The building’s roof systems are in good condition and are a combination of single-ply membrane systems and roll-surface granular roofing with metal downspouts. Aerial photographs of the municipal campus suggest similar roofing systems on adjacent buildings leading our evaluation team to surmise whether a multi-facility roof improvement project was completed within the last ten to fifteen years.

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BUILDING SYSTEMS Building electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems are more comprehensively covered in the FGM Architects Facilities and Space Needs Analysis. We generally concur with their findings with regard to these elements of the facilities but would emphasize that the systems in this facility are completely outdated and inadequate for the needs of a community recreation facility. HVAC systems for a community recreation facility need to have significantly greater ventilation and dehumidification capabilities than HVAC systems for other commercial buildings of comparable areas. The electrical infrastructure of the facility has long exceeded its expected service life and is likely causing much higher than required operating costs due to the nature and style of the facility’s infrastructure and light fixtures.

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Figure 15 – Exterior Mechanical Equipment Plumbing and fire protection systems appear to be adequate for the facility as currently designed.

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RECREATION CENTER SPACE AND FACILITY NEEDS – PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

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Based on discussions with Parks and Recreation Staff and community input received, need and support is indicated for the following facilities and spaces: • • • • • • • •

A two-court gymnasium with spectator seating and striping for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball An indoor walking and running track Two to three multi-use rooms (could be one large space with tall ceilings subdividable into two or three smaller spaces) Kitchen space capable of supporting mulit-use rooms and culinary arts programming Health and fitness space Group Exercise (1-2 Rooms) Parks and Recreation Department Offices Support Spaces, consisting of the following: o Circulation (lobby and corridor space) o Restrooms (Multi-User, Family/All-Gender, Staff) o Changing rooms o Storage and Building Service (Mechanical, Electrical, Fire Protection, Janitorial)

It is the opinion of the planning team that it is not feasible to expand or renovate the existing community center to incorporate the Space and Facility Needs indicated above while addressing the limitations and issues identified within this Assessment intelligently and economically. The Preliminary Program indicated above will not fit within an area that the current Community Center site can support; the required gym space alone is larger than the footprint of the entire Community Center site. It is therefore the planning team’s recommendation that the Village of Lincolnwood’s long-term indoor recreation facility needs be met by constructing a new Recreation Center at a different site than the current location.

RECREATION CENTER SHORT-TERM RECOMMENDATIONS/STRATEGIES: •

• •

•

Conduct a Feasibility Study to further evaluate program needs, square footage requirements, potential sites, preliminary concept design, probable budget, and Pro Forma including operational budget and cost recovery model for a new Recreation Center facility for the Village of Lincolnwood. (The Feasibility Study would also confirm the limitations of the existing site and the size of the facility that could be built/expanded there, as well as requirements for land and/or building acquisition for a new site) Continue to maintain the existing facility to provide safe, secured, and tempered space for Department programs and staff until a long-term solution can be identified and constructed.

Make life safety changes that allow for the patio to be considered a second means of egress from the multi-use room, including exit signage, egress path lighting, new patio gates, and patio stair handrails and to the basement to allow for a base level of illumination in the basement so as to not require flashlight use to find exits and electrical infrastructure.

Identify potential alternative uses for the existing Community Center site should a new Community Center be constructed.

RECREATION CENTER LONG-TERM RECOMMENDATIONS/STRATEGIES: •

•

Based on the outcome of a Feasibility Study and obtaining project funding, construct a new Recreation Center incorporating the Space and Facility Needs determined within the Feasibility Study, with room for future expansion and flexibility for future change. We concur with the longterm recommendation of the FGM Architects report suggesting that the Community Center building should be demolished due to its deteriorating condition.

Finalize an alternative use for the existing Community Center site and execute a project to implement said use.

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PROESEL PARK FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER – 7055 NORTH KOSTNER AVENUE The Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center in its current form is the result of a 2003 renovation project completed by Williams Architects and Innovative Aquatic Design. The project was itself a combination renovation and replacement project of the then-existing aquatic center, which prior to 2003 consisted of a 50-meter lap pool with diving well, separate tot pool, and separate bathhouse and filter/pump buildings. The 2003 project replaced all of the bodies of water and heavily renovated and expanded the existing bathhouse to incorporate a new program room and a separate concession stand. New cedar pergolas were introduced during the renovation to provide partial shade and to help enhance the renovated look of the bathhouse.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Figure 16 – Pre-2003 Aerial View

Figure 17 – Pre-2003 Bathhouse / Concessions Building

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The facility is entered from the west, with substantial parking available in a lot off Kostner Avenue.

Concessions offerings are provided in a separate building with a dual-window layout that makes concessions available to both users of the park outside of the pool enclosure and pool users. Users enter the pool through a divided control area, passing through gendered locker rooms to the pool deck and pools.

Figure 18 – Concessions Building and Cedar Pergolas

Figure 19 – Bathhouse Entrance

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Once through the locker rooms, users enter the pool deck and have a choice of three main aquatic experiences, as follows: • • •

A tot pool, consisting of shallow water and play features for younger children.

A zero-depth entry pool transitioning to shallow water and entry for two flume slides.

A six-lane, fifty-meter lap pool with a diving well with (two) one-meter boards and (one) threemeter board.

These aquatic experiences are supplemented by a variety of lawn and deck seating experiences and supplemented by shade structures and attractive landscaping. The complex is maintained in excellent condition.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Figure 20 – Current Aerial View

Figure 21 – Existing Tot Pool

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Figure 22 – Existing Zero Depth Entry Pool

Figure 23 – Existing Zero Depth Entry Pool – Flume Slides

Figure 24 – Existing Dive Well and 50-Meter Lap Pool CHAPTER 5

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CONCESSIONS The concessions stand was built new in 2003 and is generally in good condition. Finishes are appropriate for the uses, though vinyl composition tile is no longer allowed by most health department model codes as a flooring material. (It was permissible at the time of construction) The food service operation is run by an outside vendor and a full menu is served including fried and grilled items. Staff reports the operation is profitable for the vendor. We note menu prices are higher than at most outdoor aquatic facilities.

Perhaps because of the extensive menu offerings and larger operation than typically seen for an average public pool, the food preparation and storage areas are all severely space constrained. The exhaust hood is too small for the amount of equipment it serves, and though the concession stand has its own 200 amp sub-panel, there are sometimes incidences of breakers tripping. Exhaust and cooling are also likely insufficient for the equipment load inside the space.

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Figure 25 – Existing Cook Line and Exhaust Hood

Figure 26 – Existing Prep and Serving Areas

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BATHHOUSE

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The bathhouse is actually a heavily remodeled building that is original to the Proesel Park Pool built in the 1960’s. It was heavily remodeled and expanded in 2003, with the roof being completely removed and the exterior being remodeled to provide the appearance of a new building. The building was also expanded to the east to provide additional space for guard offices, first aid, and a meeting/party room. An older wing of the building housing a smaller guard office and a smaller concession stand was removed to allow for this addition.

The layout of the locker rooms and sequence of entry to the pools was not changed significantly during the 2003 remodeling project; therefore, many issues present in locker rooms and bathhouses of older vintages persist here. There are sightline issues at the entrance to the locker rooms between each of the changing areas, and the roll-up metal door at the bathhouse entrance is original to the 1960’s facility according to the construction documents. As is typical of 1960’s and 1970’s era facilities when IPDH codes required bathers to pass through shower areas to access a pool deck and separate “dry” and “wet” toilets were required, the plan configuration of the locker rooms results in far more space than needed dedicated to toilets, lockers, and changing functions. Unlike most newer facilities, there are no family changing areas or means for users to bypass the locker rooms and directly access the pool deck.

Likely intended for parties or as additional program space, the meeting room has carpet flooring and laminate countertops in poor condition and requires complete remodeling for continued use.

The FGM Architects assessment cites accessibility deficiencies with the bathhouse facilities. However, the bathhouse was remodeled in full compliance with the requirements of ADA and IAC at the time of its construction in 2003 and we respectfully disagree with the sections of the FGM Architects assessment that state otherwise.

Figure 27 – Original manually operated overhead coiling door

Figure 28 – Oversized changing and locker areas CHAPTER 5

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Figure 29 – Plumbing fixtures (flush valves removed for winter)

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Figure 30 – Plumbing fixtures (shower valves removed for winter)

Figure 31 – Meeting Room

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AQUATICS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

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The three bodies of water are served through a single mechanical building containing the filtration system, pumps, chemical controllers, and boilers regulating water temperature. A surge tank is situated outside of the mechanical building.

The following observations were noted by the planning team during our assessment visits: •

A leak is currently occurring in the surge tank resulting in significant water loss. Testing is ongoing to identify the cause of the leaks and provide proper repair.

•

Pumps, acid feeders, and chlorinators are at the end of their expected service life and require replacement within the next year.

•

No shutoff valves are provided at the flume slides as required by current codes. (The facility was permitted as constructed in 2003 in its current arrangement)

•

The arrangement of the facility requires a large number of lifeguards to operate the facility, which is challenging after college students return to school in August. A system to isolate each body of water so that fewer guards can be used would be very useful.

•

As is typical in almost every facility, there is very little space to work on and replace equipment within the mechanical building.

•

The play features in both the zero-depth entry pool and in the tot pool are original to the facility and no longer generating any excitement or interactivity.

•

The three-meter diving board cannot be replaced under current IDPH codes with a water depth of twelve feet.

•

The lap pool requires an additional accessible entrance to meet current ADA requirements for a pool of its size.

•

The main drain covers in the diving well will soon require replacement as per VGB Act requirements.

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APPENDIX

PROESEL PARK FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER SPACE AND FACILITY NEEDS – PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Based on discussions with Parks and Recreation Staff and community input received, need and support is indicated for the following facilities and spaces: • •

• • • •

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

• •

• • •

Improved or replaced shade structures at the entry, replacing existing deteriorating cedar pergola structures.

A remodeled bathhouse with the following components: o A single point of entry with an improved, electrically operated overhead coiling door. o Direct entry to the pool deck without passing through gendered locker rooms. o Multiple family changing rooms. o Main locker rooms with improved sightlines, new plumbing fixtures, and more efficient layout o Remodeling at guard office, first aid areas, and support areas to address condition deficiencies. o Remodeling/reconfiguration of the meeting room with proper finishes to support birthday party and guard training use. o Storage and support spaces as required.

A remodeled concessions stand with improved infrastructure and equipment to serve the vendor’s menu offerings.

Replace the underutilized tot pool with a splash pad or sand play area (or removing altogether) Introduce fencing and gates to allow for the ability for the zero-depth entry pool and lap pools to be independently closed as needed, allowing for flexibility in operations and number of guards needed.

A reworked zero-depth entry pool with the following components: o A shorter zero-depth entry length to reduce chemical burn off. o New interactive shallow-water play features.

Introduce new shutoff valves at flume slides.

A reworked lap pool and diving well with the following components: o New 1-meter and 3-meter boards o Deeper (14’ or 15’ per code) diving well o Potential for expanding pool from 6 to 8 lanes for competition/meet usage. o Potential for enhanced coaches’ areas and spectator seating areas Ability for all egress gates that are currently locked to become emergency egress gates.

Updates to aquatic systems to include new pumps, filtration system, heaters, chemical controllers, and other components as needed – will vary depending on final amenities and layout selected.

Repairs to mechanical building as needed to address damage from chemicals and chloramine exposure.

Unlike the Community Center, it is the opinion of the planning team that it is feasible to renovate the existing Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center to incorporate the Space and Facility Needs indicated above while addressing the limitations and issues identified within this Assessment intelligently and economically. The presence of an existing 50-meter pool shell in good condition is a compelling reason to maintain the existing infrastructure to the greatest extent possible, as many new facilities find this asset to be beyond their financial means.

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PROESEL PARK FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER SHORT-TERM RECOMMENDATIONS/STRATEGIES:

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•

Conduct a Feasibility Study to further evaluate program needs and requirements, preliminary alternative concept designs, probable budgets, and Pro Forma including operational budget and cost recovery model for a remodeled Proesel Family Aquatic Center facility for the Village of Lincolnwood.

•

Continue to maintain the existing facility, prioritizing the following over the next year to maintain operations: o remediating existing leaks at the surge tank; o replacing pumps; o replacing chemical delivery systems (acid feeders and chlorinators) o making incremental improvements to improve sightlines at entrances; o replacing the overhead coiling door at the entrance. o isolating the existing zero depth entry pool to allow for independent operation from the diving well and lap pool.

PROESEL PARK FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER LONG-TERM RECOMMENDATIONS/STRATEGIES: •

Based on the outcome of a Feasibility Study and obtaining project funding, remodel the Proesel Family Aquatic Center incorporating the Space and Facility Needs determined within the Feasibility Study, with room for future expansion and flexibility for future change.

•

If a new Recreation Center is not constructed and the existing Community Center is demolished, consider expanding or remodeling the existing bathhouse to include office space for park and recreation department administrative staff. An addition/remodel project could potentially occur in which excess locker room space on the west side of the building is reclaimed for administrative office use.

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APPENDIX

Memorandum

Date: April 11, 2023 To: Karen Hawk, Village of Lincolnwood – Parks & Recreation Department (VOL) olnwood – Parks & Recreation Department From: (VOL)Doug Fair, Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) n Group (HDG)

ept Design; delines

RE:

Dog Park Study and Concept Design; Community Meeting Guidelines

Purpose • The purpose of the meeting is to inform the community about the process of evaluating o inform the community about the process of evaluating potential sites and to obtain input on the preferred site and design elements to be featured put on the preferred site and design elements featured atto thebenew dog park. The community meeting’s duration will be no longer than (1) hour. munity meeting’s duration will be no longer than (1) hour.

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Meeting Format • The community meeting will be facilitated by HDG with focus questions, documenting e facilitated by HDG with focus questions, documenting resident participation, and feedback received. Depending on the quantity of attendees, they back received. Depending on the quantity ofmay attendees, they into small groups for the workshop. be organized oups for the workshop.

• The meeting will begin by HDG handing out notecards and pencils along with a brief handing out notecards and pencils along with a brief on the overall project and overview of the start-to-finish process of the night’s introduction ect and overview of the start-to-finish process of the night’s session.

• Attendees will be asked a series of focus questions to brainstorm and write down concerns, of focus questions to brainstorm and write ideas, down and concerns, preferences related to their current use of other dog park facilities and ideas, o their current use of other dog park facilities and ideas, wants, and/or needs for a new dog park in Lincolnwood. dog park in Lincolnwood.

• They will then be asked to select and write down on post-it notes their top ideas (quantity to t and write down on post-it notes their top ideas (quantity to be determined during the meeting). The post-it notes will be collected and organized on a ting). The post-it notes will be collected andwall organized onfurther a chart for discussion and voting. and voting.

• Comment cards will be available for attendees to leave additional comments behind. e for attendees to leave additional comments behind.

• HDG will provide a closing statement on next steps for the project. ement on next steps for the project.

• HDG will summarize the results of the meeting for record and reference in development of of the meeting for record and reference in development the concepts of for the new dog park. ark.

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J:\Projects\Alpha\Lincolnwood, Village of\Dog Park Study and Concept Design\02 Project Management\03 Correspondence\memo 20230411 community mtg 01 planning_vol dog park study.docx

agement\03 Correspondence\memo 20230411 community mtg 01 planning_vol dog park study.docx

Dog Park Study and Concept Design - Community Meetings

Village of Lincolnwood Tasks • Publicize the project website and meeting, consider the following methods: nd meeting, consider the following methods: o legal notice and/or article in local paper(s) cle in local paper(s) o website, email, and social media cial media o direct mailings / brochure ure o fliers or posters at key facilities, programs, and events acilities, programs, and events o direct calls or email to key resident outreach contacts key resident outreach contacts o marquee sign messaging ng o coordinate additional advertising through partner agencies or stakeholder groups advertising through partner agencies or stakeholder groups

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•

Reserve and setup the selected room: o The room should be available for 30-minutes before and after the meeting time. o Chairs in standard row configuration for the anticipated amount of attendees o Small tables near the entrance for sign-in sheet and workshop supplies. o Available wall space for an approximate 3’ x 5’ pin up chart o (Optional) refreshments o (Optional) sound system for background music during sign-in

•

Staff and/or Committee/Board attendance: o Have a Village representative present that can address questions specific to the Village, if needed, and to be present to hear the community input firsthand o (Optional) provide opening remarks o (Optional) other Staff and/or Committee/Board members can be present to listen, but are not expected to participate

•

OPTIONAL: Collect and track RSVP responses. RSVP is not required but can be encouraged to obtain a general understanding of the potential attendance.

Hitchcock Design Group Tasks: • Prepare and display applicable maps from the Comprehensive Master Plan project (from Analyze Phase deliverables package) • Prepare and display base map / aerial photography of potential sites to be discussed during meeting.

• Provide workshop materials including: o Wall chart, sign-in sheet, post-it notes, pens, pencils, comment cards, & voting dots.

• Facilitate the meeting and summarize the results Cc:

Steve Konters, HDG; Jenna Beck, HDG; Laura Huggler, HDG; File – HDG

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APPENDIX Maintenance Access Gate, typ.

Large Dog Area (1.20 acres) Existing Tree Massing (typ.)

Agility Obstacles

C H A N N E L

6’ ht. Black Chainlink Fence (typ.)

Double Gate Entrance Climbing Mound with Tunnel

S H O R E

Agility Obstacles Small Dog Area (0.50 acres) Bench Pad

N O R T H

Agility Obstacles

New Concrete Walkway Connection

N McCormick Blvd

Existing Trail

Existing Walkway Vehicular Drop-Off Existing Parking Lot

Schematic Design Centennial Park Dog Park

217

Lincolnwood, Illinois

PREPARED FOR:

NORTH SCALE: 1”=30’

0’

15’

30’

60’

ISSUE DATE: JULY 12, 2023 All drawings are preliminary and subject to change. © 2023 Hitchcock Design Group

Village of Lincolnwood - Parks and Recreation Department

Dog Park Schematic Design

VILLAGE OF LINCOLNWOOD PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

Dog Run