This past year has been a productive period for our Park District. Many large projects have been completed in 2016, including the historic restoration of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, modernization and installation of new athletic lights at Ackerman Park, installation of shade/safety structures at Village Green (thanks to Glenbard West for contributing partial funding), construction of a new picnic shelter at Maryknoll Park and sediment removal from Lake Ellyn. In addition, the website has a new look with added components, such as a park map with amenities and an event calendar. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Village of Glen Ellyn for their efforts to improve storm water management at Lake Ellyn. Collaborating with the Village, the chance of future flooding in the areas around Lake Ellyn Park has been greatly diminished.
With the new changes, staff is also implementing a customer service initiative. Staff will focus on values such as: Leadership, Efficiency, Attitude, and Fun. I believe this initiative will positively impact our customer relations and you can begin to expect an even higher level of service from the Glen Ellyn Park District.
Winter is an invitation to get outdoors. Head outside and enjoy what the parks have to offer including ice skating at Lake Ellyn, Lake Foxcroft, and Newton Park. With the completion of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse restoration, the facility will once again be available as a warming shelter. Click here for details.
I am extremely pleased to report that the Glen Ellyn Park District Board voted to allow the referendum debt that funded the majority of the expenses to construct the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center to retire. As a result of the unanimous vote, residents of the Park District will realize, on average, an estimated 7.5% reduction on their 2016 tax bill (payable in 2017) and an approximate savings of 27.5% on their 2017 tax bills (payable in 2018). Rarely will you see a reduction of this magnitude in your property tax bill while still sustaining the services the residents have come to expect. This was achieved by efficiencies and good stewardship of taxpayer money resulting in an annual million dollar surplus in the operating budget which is used to fund capital projects without the need for additional taxpayer funded referendums.
As we move into the “season of giving”, the Board of Commissioners would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parent and community volunteers who give their time and talents to the Park District. These dedicated volunteers are integral to the success of many of the District’s athletic programs, events, parks/natural areas and activities. If you would like to get more actively involved, please click here for volunteer information.
Finally, it has been a privilege and honor to serve you as one of your Glen Ellyn Park District Park Board Commissioners for the last eight years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time representing you and am very proud of the accomplishments that the District achieved. Thank you to the community, my fellow Board members and staff.
Jay Kinzler
President
Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners
