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An Important Update from the Executive Director

Posted on: April 22, 2020

Dear Residents and Patrons, 

Sunset Pool traditionally opens on Memorial Day weekend. Due to COVID-19 and the current Governor’s orders and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines, the Glen Ellyn Park District has delayed the opening of the facility until at least June 13th. This is a tentative date to allow for further review including clarification, direction, and guidance on safety measures the facility would need to implement and operate under in order to protect the wellbeing of patrons and employees. 

The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners will further discuss the status of the pool at the May 5th Board meeting. It is expected confirmation of the pool’s status will be made at that time. While the importance and value Sunset Pool provides to the community is immeasurable, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of visitors and staff will be the highest priority. 

Like the rest of the Glen Ellyn community, the Glen Ellyn Park District has not been spared from the effects, challenges, and difficult decisions that accompany this unprecedented period. The Park District has: 

  • Ceased nearly all operations and closed all facilities including Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, Lake Ellyn Boathouse, and Main Street and Spring Avenue Recreation Centers. 
  • Cancelled spring special events such as Earth Day and Touch-a-Truck. 
  • Suspended or cancelled recreational classes and athletic programs. 
  • Delayed the opening of Holes & Knolls Mini Golf Course. 
  • Closed all outdoor athletic courts (tennis, basketball, Pickleball, platform), athletic fields, and playgrounds. 
  • Parks, trails, and the Spring Avenue Dog Park remain open! 

Operationally, the District has transitioned nearly 90% of its administrative/managerial staff to working remotely. All are still communicating with the public and actively working. While working in modified shifts, parks maintenance staff is performing regular duties including spring/summer preparation and mowing and caring for parks and green space all while being safe and practicing social distancing. Unfortunately, the District did furlough nearly 100 part-time employees. 

Unlike school districts and the library who collect most of their revenue through property taxes, the Glen Ellyn Park District generates nearly 55% of its revenue from user fees. As the District’s programs are not running and there is much unknown about upcoming programs, the Park District is not collecting revenue while also refunding a substantial amount due to the cancellations. In anticipation of the financial effects of COVID-19, the District did defer nearly $800,000 of budgeted expenses for 2020. Staff is currently forecasting the next several months based on a variety of contingencies including no activities until the start of school in the fall. 

Despite the challenges and restrictions, the Glen Ellyn Park District remains productive, motivated, resourceful, and dedicated. The agency continues to provide positive and constructive opportunities for the community ranging from sports training to talent contests to live virtual fitness classes. I would encourage all to peruse the website, social media, and various newsletters and other communications. 

Additionally, the Park District has offered several successful outreach opportunities including food drives, blood drives, and collection of products for DuPagePads. 

The District has also been active in the promotion of social distancing and encouraging compliance to the CDC and Governor’s guidelines. Compliance ambassadors were instituted and have been working seven days a week overseeing Park District properties. 

Decisions about upcoming athletics, summer camps, sports camps, seasonal facilities (Sunset Pool, Splash Pad, Holes & Knolls) and special events are being considered and will certainly be influenced by mandates by the Governor and CDC. Some spring sports have been cancelled at this time including lacrosse and rugby. Decisions on cancelling or offering modified seasons for the spring baseball, field hockey, soccer, and softball programs will be made by May 1st and all participants will be contacted. 

While the District is anxious to fully serve our constituents and have life back to “normal,” it will be done following the recommendations of science and facts and at the direction of the State and CDC guidelines. The safety and wellbeing of patrons and employees and contributing to the overall effort to flatten the curve is the highest priority. 

Sincerely,

Dave Harris
Executive Director
Glen Ellyn Park District