We’re People Driven Wheeling Park District
Celebrating Memorable Experiences
Our Impact
Reflecting on an Incredible Year
2024 was a year filled with excitement, growth, and unforgettable moments. Reflecting on the past year, we celebrate the experiences that brought our community together, enhanced our programs, and made a lasting impact. Join us as we look back at the highlights that made 2024 a remarkable year!
About Wheeling Park District
The Wheeling Park District serves over 45,000 residents across northern Cook and southern Lake Counties, including the Village of Wheeling and parts of Prospect Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Arlington Heights. Covering more than 8.5 square miles, the Park District provides essential recreational services, open spaces, facilities, and events.
MISSION
To provide memorable experiences in parks and recreation that enrich our communities.
Vision Statement
To uphold our tradition as the provider of choice in parks and recreation for our community.
COMMUNITY:
The Wheeling Park District will engage and serve the diverse needs and preferences of our evolving community, fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and equity in the provision of parks, recreational facilities, and programs, delivered through excellent service.
LEADERSHIP:
The Wheeling Park District understands the value of collaboration and will build relationships, forge partnerships, and facilitate cooperation among community organizations and individuals as the leading provider of parks and recreation services.
INNOVATION:
The Wheeling Park District empowers its staff to research and utilize cutting-edge enhancements to better the workplace and guest experience.The District will develop and implement new ideas, strategies, technologies, and approaches that bring about positive change and enhance the delivery of services.
Investing in our Community
Understanding Your Bill
The dollar bill breakdown illustrates the allocation of funds across various entities, highlighting that the Wheeling Park District accounts for only 7% of your total property tax bill.
GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
For the 19th consecutive year, the Wheeling Park District received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting.
This award highlights the District’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial excellence. The report met rigorous standards, demonstrating full disclosure to effectively communicate the District’s financials to the community.
Renovations & Improvements
Childerley Park
Upgraded Play Areas & Safety Features:
New playground structures for different age groups with a synthetic safety surface.
Expanded Recreational Opportunities:
Added a 1/3-mile walking path, Bocce court, and sand volleyball court.
Improved Park Amenities:
New shelter areas with BBQ grills, updated washroom facilities, and expanded open spaces for community use.
Chevy Chase Exterior Renovations
Exterior Upgrades:
Replaced asphalt shingles and installed new cement board siding for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
Landscaping Enhancements:
Revitalized outdoor spaces with new landscaping improvements.
Facility Improvements:
Removed the outdated golf caddy shack and completed additional structural updates.
North Parking Lot
A new parking lot was completed on the north side of the Community Recreation Center (CRC) to address the increasing demand for parking. This much-needed expansion provides additional convenience for visitors, particularly those using the Health and Fitness Center (HFC) and Gym 2.
Traditions at Chevy Chase Hole #1 Improvements
The reshaping of Hole #1 was successfully completed in-house ahead of the season’s golf course opening. Improvements included the addition of new trees and shrubs to serve as a landscape barrier. This project reduced costs, enhanced safety for neighboring properties, and improved the overall playability of the hole.
For updates on ongoing projects, visit www.wheelingparkdistrict.com/renovations-updates
Preserving Green Spaces
Interpretative Signage
As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and education, the Wheeling Park District installed 11 interpretive signs throughout Heritage Park. These signs provide visitors with valuable insights into the park’s ecological features, including its diverse wildlife, native plantings, and sustainable water management systems. For more information visit: www.wheelingparkdistrict.com/heritage-park
Collaborative Greenhouse Project
In partnership with the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA), the District completed the Accessible Greenhouse adjacent to the NWSRA Programming Space at the CRC. This innovative facility provides hands-on learning in gardening for individuals with disabilities, supported by community volunteers and funding from the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF).
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for 2025 to celebrate this milestone. Stay tuned for more details!
Skill Development and Education
The District earned three “Exceeds” ratings this summer on their audits from Ellis and Associates, the world’s largest international aquatic safety and risk management consulting firm. These outstanding results reflect the dedication and rigorous training of the lifeguards, who work tirelessly to ensure swimmer safety and maintain rescue readiness.
Building Connections
In 2025, the Wheeling Park District focused on creating opportunities for families and friends to connect, with new playgrounds, free events, and investments that brought the community closer together.
$193,000 Invested Towards Free Community Events
The Wheeling Park District allocated $193,000 to fund a variety of free community events, supporting activities such as festivals, outdoor movie nights, and concerts.
$18,188 in Scholarships Awarded
A total of $18,188 dollars were awarded in scholarships to support community members in participating in recreational programs.
21 Free Community Events
Throughout the year, 21 free community events were hosted, providing residents with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate together.
119 Partnerships with Local Businesses and Organizations
These partnerships provided sponsorships, in-kind donations, and volunteer support, strengthening the District’s ability to offer high-quality recreational experiences while fostering local economic growth.
Planning for the Future
Family Aquatic Center Study: Results & Next Steps
The Wheeling Park District retained Counsilman Hunsaker in the spring of 2024 to evaluate the existing Family Aquatic Center (FAC) and study options for it’s future. The Family Aquatic Center opened in 1993 and consists of a zero-entry recreation pool with play features, waterslides, lap lanes, and a deep-water area with drop slides and a diving board, a children’s play feature and an activity pool with a crossing activity. As the facility has reached over 32 years of operation, the goal of this study is to provide a condition assessment of the pools and help the Park District navigate options for the facility’s future.
Report Findings & Summary
Through the study of the current physical and functional condition, coupled with the future vision for the Family Aquatic Center, it is recommended for the Wheeling Park District to begin the planning and design process for a new facility. The conditions assessment found significant deteriorations that will result in necessary repairs for the pools, pool systems, and rock work. It was further recommended to conduct more in-depth investigations into the rock work structural components, along with the pool structure. The report outlines several facility types and aquatic amenities that could be explored for the new Family Aquatic Center. The capital costs varied depending on the number and types of pools and amenities that were ultimately selected. In the current aquatic construction climate, similar-sized facilities cost $17M to $28M.
Project Goals
• Maintain the Family Aquatic Center as the premier aquatic center in the community for the next 20+ years.
• Ensure sustainable operations of the FAC.
• Increase play value and decrease reliance on staffing levels.
• Explore how to extend the shoulder season through October 1st
• Create a visually appealing signature attraction.
Board of Commissioners
BOARD MEETINGS
Park District Board meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 pm.
For information on the location and access to the meeting or to submit comments to be read during Citizens Verbal Communications, email jbuchs@wheelingparkdistrict.com.
DOCUMENTS AND DOWNLOAD S The following documents are available online at www.wheelingparkdistrict.com
• Comprehensive Plan
• Capital Replacement and Improvement Plan 2025-2029
• Strategic Plan
• Annual District Goals
• Budget
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report)
• Local Goverment Efficiency Report
• Board Agendas and minutes
• ADA Transition Plan
• Board Ordinances
• Park and Conduct Ordinances
• Staff Directory • Board of Commissioners
• List of Parks and Facilities
Sue
Brian Lichtenberger
Isaac Brubaker Claudia Fonseca
Cheri Klumpp Paul Zangara