DIRECTOR’S LETTER
Your health and wellness is a number one priority. We hope you are well. Our entire team continues to prioritize your health and wellness as a number one priority. We also completely understand your feelings if not yet comfortable participating, and we hope to see you when you feel more comfortable participating in our programs. River Trails 2021 programs rebounded better than we anticipated. We want to thank all the individuals and families who returned to our programs and facilities this last year. We are expecting an even better year coming up. Check out all our opportunities to recreate this winter, especially parkour at The Zone and all the great indoor programming. The park district is looking at a great 2022. We are looking forward to the Aspen Trails Park renovation, scheduled for Fall 2022. Currently, Aspen Trails playground, tennis, and basketball courts are available for play. The Village of Mount Prospect has been a fantastic partner in this project. With the $400k grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this recreation amenities part of this project was less than $400k. The baseball/softball and soccer fields will be closed until next Fall to establish the grass properly. The pool is getting a brand new liner and gutter system. The construction has started, but we are excited to have this completed in the early spring. We also refinished the Weiss gymnasium floors, including adding lines for Pickleball. And changed to LED lighting, this space looks completely new now. Come check it out! Upcoming projects: In 2022, we have an entirely new fleet of golf carts coming in, and we are looking to do some course repairs on the bunkers. We have submitted for an OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant) in hopes we can start to remodel a section of the newly designed Willow Trails Park. RTPD’s Mission Statement: To responsibly enrich the lives of our diverse community. Parks and recreation facilities provide social and equity benefits for community members. According to an analysis of social equity and parks conducted by NPRA, public parks offer equal access to all citizens regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or ability. Parks and recreation facilities can foster community pride, bring people together, create destination-oriented places, and connect people and nature. The River Trails Park District serves both the Prospect Heights and Mount Prospect communities. Don’t miss any of the fun events, be sure to Like Us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and TikTok; it’s just that easy. These are exciting times at River Trails Park District!
Bret Fahnstrom
Bret Fahnstrom, CPRE, Executive Director
2 | WINTER & SPRING
