Kids Can Trick-or-Treat and Enjoy Fun Activities at Boo Bash
From Ironman and Elsa to Minions and Ninja Turtles, Glen Ellyn-area kids and families are invited to register for Boo Bash on Saturday, October 17 from 10-11:30am. Open to ages 2-8, a limited number of spots are still available for this popular Halloween event, which has moved to Maryknoll Park for 2015. Read More »
September 24, 2015 — The Glen Ellyn Park District is proud to announce the completion of an ADA accessible trail connection from the Great Western Trail to Ackerman Park. The connection was made possible with financial assistance thanks to an Openlands – ComEd Green Region Program Grant awarded to the Park District for $10,000. The trail will provide residents with an alternative access to Ackerman Park from the north side, as well as to the County’s bike trail system.
In 2008, DuPage County identified an Ackerman Park access trail as part of their updated Country Regional Bikeway Plan. The Ackerman Park-Great Western Trail Connection was created by constructing a permeable crushed limestone pathway from the bike trail, down the embankment, and along the turf area to connect with the existing asphalt roadway within the park.
Ackerman Park offers several passive recreation opportunities including a ¼ mile wood-chipped trail that winds through a wooded natural area that is used for walking and environmental education programs. Great Western Trail users will benefit as Ackerman Park provides a nice rest stop with many amenities such as: bathrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables, fitness center, athletic fields, and a playground.
Glen Ellyn Park District to Begin Lake Ellyn Boathouse Restoration Phase III
September 27, 2015 — The Glen Ellyn Park District is excited to announce that after several years of discussion, public meetings and refinement, significant improvements to Lake Ellyn Park will begin at the end of September. The $2.9 million capital improvement project will concentrate on restoration of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse to its historic beauty, including replacement of the roof and the addition of a flood protection wall. The project also includes landscape enhancements and a stand-alone restroom near the playground. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late June, 2016.
The master plan is an exciting vision that reflects the consensus to retain and enhance what makes it a great community park – to “polish the gem.” It provides for a historically authentic restoration of the Boathouse, with an eye towards listing the building on the National Register of Historic Places as well as achieving LEED certification Gold Level. Construction management and oversight will be conducted by Wight Construction with Conservation Design Forum and Farr and Associates serving as the design team.
During construction, the Boathouse restrooms will not be available. Additionally, part of the interior path near the Boathouse will not be accessible. A temporary path has been created to allow park patrons to continue their walk around the perimeter of the lake. During the winter, the lake will be available for ice skating should the conditions allow. The Boathouse will not be available as a warming house but access to the ice will be provided.
Upgrading Lake Ellyn Park and the Boathouse was identified as a top priority for the Park District in the 2012 Community and Attitude Interest Survey and prioritized by the Park Board of Commissioners. After a collaborative and inclusive process involving residents, neighbors, stakeholders and community organizations in order to establish priorities and direction for the Lake Ellyn Park improvements, the Park District has identified funding and pursued implementing the restoration of the Boathouse and its surrounding elements.
The Park District will minimize disruption to the park and apologizes for any inconvenience while the improvements are taking place. Additional information regarding the project will be displayed on the District website, www.gepark.org, within the next few weeks. Any questions or comments please contact Dave Harris, Executive Director, at (630) 942-7255.
GLEN ELLYN, IL – Join the Glen Ellyn Park District on Saturday, September 26th for National Public Lands Day and have fun while harvesting native plant seeds. The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at Churchill Park, 271 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn.
Volunteers will help collect ripe native seeds from the woodlands, prairie and wetlands of the park. The collected seeds will be used to help re-vegetate several areas within Glen Ellyn park natural areas that have been recently cleared of invasive species. An adult must accompany children under the age of ten.
National Public Lands Day is a great way to give back to your community while also helping to protect and promote our public lands and connect with other community-members.
If you go
What: National Public Lands Day
When: 9-11am on Saturday, September 26th
Where: Churchill Park, 271 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn
Cost: Free
What to Wear/Bring: Long pants, close-toed shoes, and gardening/leather gloves
Nationwide, an estimated 175,000 volunteers are expected at sites across the U.S. for this largest, single-day volunteer effort on behalf of parks and other public lands.
GLEN ELLYN, IL – Poochapalooza is returning for its 5th year at the Glen Ellyn Park District’s Spring Avenue Dog Park on Saturday, September 19. Members, non-members and their pups are invited to attend this free, dog-friendly event from 1-4pm.
Participants of the event will enjoy live performances by SkyDogz, the ultimate “high energy” Frisbee dog entertainment in the Midwest. SkyDogz are scheduled for performances at 1:15pm, 2:15pm and 3:15pm.
Pups are sure to enjoy the Fido to go™ food truck, which will be serving hand-crafted, gluten and allergen-free canine cookies & doggy ice creams/frozen yogurts! Fido to go™ is the first doggy treat truck of its kind in the nation.
Dress your pet in their best costume for a chance to win the costume contest. In addition, there will be a most unique bark and talent contest. A tennis ball raffle with prizes and a pet photo booth will also be available for canine participants.
Pet-friendly vendors will be on-hand sharing information about pet care and services. Vendors include: Countryside Animal Clinic, 3 Goldens & A Mutt, Floofins + Company, Happy Dog Barkery, Kriser’s Natural Pet, Dog N Scrubs, K9 Swim & Trim, and more.
New this year, pet adoptions will be available through Illinois Animal Clinic and the off-leash area has been expanded.
The Glen Ellyn Park District would like to thank it’s title sponsor, Countryside Animal Clinic, for helping make this event possible.
The Spring Avenue Dog Park is located at 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn. For more information about Poochapalooza, please visit www.gepark.org.
July 10, 2015 — Renovations to the outdoor basketball court at the Main Street Recreation Center are scheduled to be completed by mid-July. The Glen Ellyn Park District is able to refurbish this recreational area thanks to a collaborative effort with the Glen Ellyn Titans Youth Basketball organization who with assistance from the community, contributed $30,000 towards the improvement project. Additional in-kind contributions were made by Pope Lawn and Landscaping, a long time family owned Glen Ellyn business.
At a cost of approximately $40,000, the project involves the complete overhaul of the existing basketball court. The basketball court and surrounding area will benefit from the improvements which include court resurfacing, basketball poles, glass backboards, park benches, expansion of a fence and landscape elements.
In March of this year, representatives of the Titans approached the Glen Ellyn Park District about contributing towards improvements for the outdoor basketball court located on the Main Street Recreation Center site. The Titans, established in 1999 as a feeder system for the Glenbard West High School basketball program, offers boys and girls the opportunity to participate in a respected and competitive youth basketball program.
After the idea to restore the outdoor basketball court was initiated, Park District staff met with Titans representatives including president, Joe Cardona and Scott Daniels, a Glen Ellyn resident, previous Titans coach and executive with Sport Court, a manufacturer of products related to outdoor athletic surfaces, to discuss their ideas further. It was mutually agreed the concepts presented by the Titans were consistent with the needs identified by the Park District. The work to improve the site began in May.
Cardona stated, “The Titans would like to thank the Glen Ellyn Park District, Sport Court Midwest, Pope Landscaping, the community and all our Titans families for their support. Together a special outdoor facility for many summers to come is being created. The court will be special place for the Titans as it not only is dedicated to the kids in our community but also honors the memory of J.R. McBride, a longtime Glen Ellyn resident, former Titan president and board member, basketball enthusiast and who influenced many lives through his passion, selflessness and dedication.”
Through the years, the Titans have successfully fundraised largely through their annual holiday basketball tournament with the proceeds going towards lowering of participation fees, financial aid and also contributing back to the community such as the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry.
“The Glen Ellyn Park District is very appreciative of the efforts made by the Glen Ellyn Titans Youth Basketball organization towards the renovation of the outdoor basketball court at Main Street Recreation Center as it will serve to benefit the entire community,” said Executive Director Dave Harris.
A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 11th beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by games and activities (weather permitting).
NEW DATE: A dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 18th beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by games and activities (weather permitting).
June 16, 2016 — On Monday, June 15, 2015, Judge Wheaton ruled in favor of the Glen Ellyn Park District and denied the plaintiffs’ petition for a preliminary injunction to halt construction of a FieldTurf synthetic turf field at Newton Park. The lawsuit was brought by Nancy Perlman, a Glen Ellyn resident and neighbor of Newton Park. Judge Wheaton’s ruling allows the Glen Ellyn Park District to continue construction and installation of the new synthetic turf field at Newton Park.
Judge Wheaton ruled that the Plaintiffs failed to prove that the synthetic turf field would cause any irreparable harm and that the allegations that plaintiffs made were based upon speculation and conjecture rather than evidence. Further, the Judge ruled that the plaintiffs did not show they had a likelihood of success on the merits of their nuisance claims.
“We are very pleased with the court’s decision,” said Executive Director Dave Harris, “while the District had to expend significant resources to defend our efforts to provide an improved athletic field, we are excited to move forward. The project has been discussed and strategized over the past four years, is the subject of an intergovernmental agreement with Glenbard High School District #87, and the outcome will be an enhanced athletic field which will directly or indirectly benefit the majority of participants in Park District sports programs and student athletes at Glenbard West High School.”
The Park District collaborated with the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles football organization, the Glen Ellyn Bulldogs lacrosse club, the Glen Ellyn Lakers soccer association and Glenbard High School District #87 regarding this project. Each organization will benefit directly or indirectly by the installation of the synthetic turf field as will other local organizations including Glen Ellyn Youth Baseball and Glen Ellyn field hockey. Additionally, several of those groups are contributing financially to the expense of the installation and to the replacement costs that the District will incur in approximately ten years. As a result of these organizations commitments, the project will not adversely impact the Park District financially.
The safety and well being of participants and the community is a priority and the Glen Ellyn Park District is committed to best practices. With this in mind, the District performed its due diligence, researching the potential health and environmental impacts. Every single regulatory body that has performed and reviewed the substantial research on synthetic fields (including the Departments of Health for the States of California, Connecticut, and New York, as well as New York City and Norway) has concluded that the data on synthetic turf fields raises NO health concerns. As a result, FieldTurf was selected to supply and install the synthetic turf field. FieldTurf is an industry leader and has installed over 70% of the synthetic fields in the Chicago metro area. Their product is in the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center and was selected by Glenbard High School District #87 for installation at each of their four high schools. Other nearby sites that have chosen and installed FieldTurf includes Wheaton North High School, Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Wheaton College, Wheaton Park District, Wheaton Academy, St. Francis High School, Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School. Additionally the Park District chose to upgrade the infill by selecting a cryogenic product that further minimizes any risk that the sand or rubber infill will migrate from the field either by water or wind.
“I am disappointed that a resident would resort to legal action at the tail end of a major decision, rather than engage earlier in the process,” stated Board President Julia Nephew. “The Board encourages residents to participate with us during the decision making process. We can be reached by email and voice mail. All major decisions of the Board are made only after robust public discussion.”
June 4, 2015 — Newton Park neighbor and attorney, Glen Biggus, filed a complaint on behalf of Nancy Perlman, also a Newton Park neighbor, seeking a permanent injunction that would prohibit the Glen Ellyn Park District from installing the synthetic turf field at Newton Park for which site preparation work is presently under way. The lawsuit claims that the artificial turf will be both a nuisance and a health hazard to neighbors.
The Glen Ellyn Park District has already filed its Answer and a Memorandum of Law in opposition to the suit. Those pleadings include citation to numerous studies substantiating the absence of any health concern from synthetic turf fields. Those pleadings also describe the hardship and lost revenues that will result from any delay in the delivery of the field to the community. Executive Director Dave Harris stated, “Tremendous effort, time, consideration and financial resources of the Park District as well as Glenbard High School District #87 and several community groups, have gone into researching and developing an excellent and resourceful plan to provide an improved athletic field which will be hugely beneficial for the Glen Ellyn community. The improvements to the 50+ year old existing athletic field at Newton Park have been discussed, researched and strategized for the past four (4) years. It is an outcome of the increasing demands of youth athletics within Glen Ellyn, the limited inventory of quality, rectangular athletic fields and the challenging weather conditions that are present in this area.”
The Park District collaborated with the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles football organization, the Glen Ellyn Bulldogs lacrosse club, the Glen Ellyn Lakers soccer association and Glenbard High School District #87 regarding this project. Each organization will benefit directly or indirectly by the installation of the synthetic turf field as will other local organizations including Glen Ellyn Youth Baseball and Glen Ellyn field hockey. Additionally, several of those groups are contributing financially to the expense of the installation and to the replacement costs that the District will incur in approximately ten years. As a result of these organizations commitments, the project will not adversely impact the Park District financially.
Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioner Gary Mayo added, “It’s unfortunate that the Park District will need to spend taxpayer dollars to fight this lawsuit. What’s more, any delays that result will create serious scheduling issues for the users and a loss of revenue for the Park District.”
The synthetic turf project will directly benefit over 6,000 residents per year, all of whom contribute taxes and pay significant user fees while also fundraising in an effort to enhance community programs and facilities. The safety and well being of participants and the community is a priority and the Glen Ellyn Park District is committed to best practices. With this in mind, the District performed its due diligence, researching the potential health and environmental impacts. Every single regulatory body that has performed and reviewed the substantial research on synthetic fields (including the Departments of Health for the States of California, Connecticut, and New York, as well as New York City and Norway) has concluded that the data on synthetic turf fields raises NO health concerns. As a result, FieldTurf was selected to supply and install the synthetic turf field. FieldTurf is an industry leader and has installed over 70% of the synthetic fields in the Chicago metro area. Their product is in the Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center and was selected by Glenbard High School District #87 for installation at each of their four high schools. Other nearby sites that have chosen and installed FieldTurf include Wheaton College, Wheaton Park District, Wheaton Academy, St. Francis High School, Hinsdale Central High School, Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School. Additionally the Park District chose to upgrade the infill by selecting a cryogenic product that further minimizes any risk that the sand or rubber infill will migrate from the field either by water or wind.
The Glen Ellyn Park District Board is seeking new members for the Park District’s Citizens’ Finance Committee to review all aspects of the District’s finances, and develop a long-range financial plan to help guide the Board’s future decision making. The Board is looking for volunteers who would be willing to serve on this committee.
Applicants must be residents of the Glen Ellyn Park District and willing to devote several hours per month for a minimum of two years.
Interested community members should submit a resume to Nick Cinquegrani, Glen Ellyn Park District, 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
Preference will be given to applicants with a background in finance and accounting. Expertise/ experience in municipal accounting is a plus. Deadline for applications is June 19, 2015.
GLEN ELLYN, IL – The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners installed its new and incumbent members at the May 5 workshop meeting. Newly elected member Chris Wilson was sworn in, alongside incumbents Gary Mayo and Kathy Cornell, to a four-year term through April 2019.
The board elected officers to one-year terms: Julia Nephew, President; Melissa Creech, Vice President; and Gayo Mayo, Treasurer. Commissioners also appointed Dave Harris as Executive Director and Western DuPage Special Recreation Representative; Kimberly Dikker as Board Secretary; and Ancel Glink as its law firm.
At the April 14 meeting, the board recognized and thanked outgoing commissioner Richard Dunn for his “years of service, commitment and accomplishments with the Glen Ellyn Park District” during his four years of service on the park board. According to President Mayo, “Richard’s passion, dedication and his desire to do what was in the best interest of the District was his most lasting achievement. Every decision, every public statement, every vote was made with much thought, sensitivity, thorough research and extensive consideration.”
The Glen Ellyn Park District would like to extend our appreciation to candidates Al D’Ambrosio and Walt Zlotow for their time and effort in running for the Board of Commissioners.
The Glen Ellyn Park District is moving forward with the construction of the new synthetic turf athletic field for Newton Park. The starting date for the first phase of this project is Friday, April 17th. The Park District has hired Hoppy’s Landscaping to provide labor and materials for the demolition, earthwork, under-drainage, grading, curbs, and water lines in preparation for the synthetic turf installation. This first phase is anticipated to be completed by June, 26th.
The second phase will begin immediately after the first phase has passed inspection. The second phase involves the actual installation of the synthetic turf product (FieldTurf). This will be done by highly trained staff that specializes in the installation turf fields.
Once the turf product has been installed the final cleanup work will commence. All surrounding areas will be brought to a finished grade, seeded, and erosion control blankets will be laid out to protect the grass seed while it is establishing. Additionally, all construction debris will be taken care of and any needed repairs will be addressed. Final completion for the project is scheduled for July 10th; however, please remember that this project is heavily influenced by the weather, so in the event of an unusually wet spring there may be some delays. All efforts will be made to complete this project on time and with as little disruption to the neighborhood as possible.
During construction the contractors have been instructed to use the intersection of Nicoll Way and Dupage Blvd. as a way to access the construction area. Park District and Village staff agree that using this entrance would have the least impact on the surrounding neighborhood. There will be times when equipment will need to access the area from the west parking lot, but this will be on a limited basis.
While we anticipate little disruption to the neighborhood there still may be an occasional disturbance, to which we ask that you to please pardon our dust. We appreciate your patience while the work is underway and if you have any questions, please contact Dan Hopkins, Superintendent of Parks and Planning at [email protected] or at (630) 942-7265.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency grant awarded to the Glen Ellyn Park District in October 2014 to provide partial funding to convert and repair the Ackerman Sports & Fitness parking lot has been withheld by the State of Illinois. As a result, the Park District has put the parking lot repairs on-hold until a resolution is determined.
The Glen Ellyn Park District recognizes that the parking lot is in disrepair and not ideal, however it is still usable. The District believes strongly in converting the lot from asphalt to permeable pavers because of the long-term environmental benefits but the project is dependent on the grant to pay the difference.
As a reminder, the Glen Ellyn Park District was successful in receiving an Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (I.G.I.G.) through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in the amount of $439,290. With this support, the Park District was to retrofit the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center’s 44,000 square foot, 145-car asphalt lot with interlocking permeable pavers and small areas of bioinfiltration to reduce runoff volumes and improve stormwater quality.
The Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program for Stormwater Management administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is a highly competitive process and the Glen Ellyn Park District is very thankful and appreciative of the award having applied for the grant two years in a row. Since 2011, thirty-six I.G.I.G. grants, totaling almost $15 million, have been made available to local units of government and other organizations to demonstrate green infrastructure best management practices to control stormwater runoff for water quality protection in Illinois. Acres of permeable pavement parking lots, alleys, riparian zones and rain gardens are techniques now in place to help restore, mimic or enhance natural hydrology to protect and improve local water quality.
The parking lot is heavily used by patrons of the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center and the surrounding soccer fields and has been in disrepair for several years. The lot serves over 250,000 annual users of the center along with many additional patrons that utilize the surrounding 65 acres of open space, natural areas, and athletic fields. While benefitting the water quality for the East Branch DuPage River, the implementation of these measures will also provide and model responsible and innovative environmental practices in a highly visible and heavily utilized area.
The Glen Ellyn Park District believes strongly in having a positive impact on the environment and being a responsible steward of open space and natural areas. As a District, several green initiatives have been put in place within our programs, parks, and facilities. Consistent with those practices, removing the current asphalt and replacing it with permeable pavers will not only provide a better surface for the users of the facility and the patrons of the park and surrounding soccer fields, but will be consistent with the environmental initiatives of the District. Surrounded by open space on the north and wooded and wetland areas on the south, this application will benefit the immediate area and the surrounding communities.
The Park District serves 35,000 residents in Glen Ellyn and unincorporated Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Glendale Heights, Lombard and Wheaton. The Park District owns and maintains 30 parks and facilities and offers cultural, athletic and general interest programs and special events for its residents, from infants through seniors.
March 12, 2015 — Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioner Richard Dunn was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for 2014 at the recent Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Breakfast. Recognized for his devotion to significantly improving the quality of life in Glen Ellyn, Richard Dunn has been an active volunteer in the community for over 25 years.
Dunn is just completing a four year term as a Glen Ellyn Park District Commissioner. In addition to his volunteer elected role as Park District Commissioner, Richard has been an active member of the local Kiwanis Club of Central DuPage County, and a longtime member of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce. Richard also initiated and organized the Welcome Center over 10 years ago serving the homeless community on Sundays at First United Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn.
“Commissioner Dunn has been a true, selfless and tireless volunteer in the Glen Ellyn Community over the last 25 years,” remarked David Harris, Glen Ellyn Park District Executive Director. “His commitment shines through every time he enters our doors.”
GLEN ELLYN, IL – Kevin Cooke was named the Glen Ellyn Park District Volunteer of the Year at the annual Community Awards Breakfast on Saturday, March 7. The award acknowledges Kevin’s 10 years of dedication and extraordinary service as a volunteer with the Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles Football program.
Through the years, Kevin has coached, mentored and befriended hundreds of youth football players in the Golden Eagles program. He helps coordinate over 300 volunteers annually to serve as coaches, team parents, announcers, scorekeepers and concessions. Kevin is instrumental in the coordination of the Annual Youth Football Jamboree overseeing 125 Chicagoland teams and thousands of spectators.
Additionally, Kevin led the implementation of improved safety standards into the program including: impact concussion testing, USA Football’s Heads Up programs and certification of sideline trainers at all home games.
“Humble to a fault, Kevin Cooke is committed to the excellence of the Golden Eagles program and gives freely of his time and talents without hesitation,” said Gary Mayo, President of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners. “His selflessness, hard work and ability to serve for the benefit of the whole are sincerely appreciated and the Glen Ellyn Park District and the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce are proud to honor Kevin as the Park District Volunteer of the Year.”
In 2014, Kevin also assisted in the coordination of the Caitrin’s Rock memorial project which recognized a Glen Ellyn child that passed away recently and led the dedication which was attended by over 100 of Katrin’s family and friends.
The Glen Ellyn Park District is pleased to present our first Annual Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014. The Annual Report has been prepared as an easy-to-read summary of the 2014 financial results and achievements of the Glen Ellyn Park District. As you will read in the report, much has been accomplished as we work hard to maintain all that we offer, and continuously improve what we do to help make Glen Ellyn such a great community.
Each year, the Glen Ellyn Park District seeks to fulfill our mission to “foster diverse, community-based leisure opportunities, through a harmonious blend of quality recreation programs, facilities and open space which will enhance the quality of life into the future.” This document is designed to report to you on our performance on the goals and priorities set forth.
The Park District serves as conscientious stewards in preserving, protecting, and enhancing its assets for the long-term betterment of the community; and developing and evolving those assets to continue to maximize benefits for its patrons. The Glen Ellyn Park District is focused on maintaining a strong financial foundation in order to offer outstanding programming, parks, and special events. Most importantly, we are committed to doing so in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner.
On behalf of everyone at the Glen Ellyn Park District, I thank you for your continued support and assure you that we will continue to challenge ourselves to set the standard for excellence in parks and recreation, to make a positive impact on the Glen Ellyn community, and to earn your trust and respect for both what we achieve and in how we do it.
Sincerely,
Gary Mayo, President
Board of Commissioners
Glen Ellyn Park District
January 5, 2015 — The Glen Ellyn Park District was awarded a $400,000 Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant by Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The OSLAD grant will fund a significant portion of the planned phase 2 improvements at Lake Ellyn Park which includes park enhancements and restoration of the Boathouse.
The remaining costs of the project will be funded through the Park District’s capital improvement fund. The overall master plan includes historic restoration of the boathouse, playground replacement, landscape and park enhancements, and shore stabilization. Phase 2 construction is anticipated to begin in July 2015 and is expected to be completed in 2016.
Often called the “jewel” of Glen Ellyn, Lake Ellyn Park is one of the most utilized parks in the District’s system. Gary Mayo, Park District Board President, stated “This grant enables the District to implement improvements to Lake Ellyn Park and the Boathouse while reducing the financial burden for the District and residents. We are thrilled that the IDNR saw the merit in this project, and awarded us the grant.”
The OSLAD grant received by the Glen Ellyn Park District has brought the amount awarded to the Park District within the past six months to nearly $1 million.
This year, after a highly competitive and extensive process, over 70 park districts, forest preserves, and recreation agencies throughout the state will receive a total of $26 million in OSLAD Grants. The improvement projects planned with these funds will benefit residents of Illinois by providing open space and new/improved recreational facilities and public parks. Additionally, these projects will also generate additional revenue through job creation and the promotion of recreation.
A formal announcement by Governor Quinn was presented in Oak Park on Saturday, January 3, 2015.
December 14, 2014 — The Glen Ellyn Park District and its taxpayers have received positive news recently. The rating agency of Standard & Poors announced that the Park District’s bond rating has been elevated from AA to AA+, which is among the highest of any park district in Illinois. The news came in conjunction with plans to refinance some existing bonds at a lower interest rate, which will save taxpayers about $180,000 over the next 3 years.
This news comes on the heels of the Park District receiving three recent grants totaling over $500,000. The largest, a $439,000 Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant (IGIG) from the Illinois EPA, will enable the District to replace the deteriorating asphalt parking lot in front of the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center with long-lasting permeable pavers in 2015.
Executive Director Dave Harris commented, “We went through a very competitive process to win these grants and the IGI grant in particular is huge for us. We can finally replace the parking lot at Ackerman, which we had delayed doing in hopes that we could get this grant and install the pavers rather than the traditional asphalt.” The Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center’s 44,000-square-foot, 145-car asphalt parking lot will be retrofit with interlocking permeable pavers and small areas of bioinfiltration to reduce runoff volumes and rates and improve stormwater quality. The grant will fund 70% of the cost, and provide a longer lasting, better looking, and lower maintenance surface that is very environmentally friendly. This is similar to the parking lots at the Morton Arboretum and Cosley Zoo.
Good news came about this time last year when the Glen Ellyn Park District was awarded a Sunshine Award from the Illinois Policy Institute for excellence in government transparency. The Park District was one of the first in Illinois to receive such recognition. Board President Gary Mayo said, “From day one, the current Board of Commissioners has made fiscal responsibility and transparency our top priorities. These recent events demonstrate that our efforts are paying off, in very real terms, for the residents of our Park District.” He went on the say, “It’s been a bit frustrating recently to hear spurious comments made in our local newspaper that cast the Park District in a negative light. Some of those comments have been very misleading and we believe they are coming from a vocal few, if not one person, who apparently is upset the Park District went to referendum to allow the community to determine if an indoor aquatics center should be built in Glen Ellyn.”
That referendum was soundly defeated in the November election and the Park District currently has no plans to pursue construction of an indoor pool. The Board had cautiously, and after thorough research, placed the issue on the ballot largely based on the advocacy of a Glen Ellyn citizens group (the Glen Ellyn Aquatics Initiative) who presented the concept to the Board several years back and results from the 2012 Community Attitude and Interest Survey. After considerable investigation including a feasibility study, public discussions, and financial review, it was determined that the project could truly be a recreational benefit consistent with the Park District mission while being financially compatible. Furthermore, the District also believed there was a high degree of interest within the community for an indoor pool but was unsure if a majority would support it. Believing that the community should decide on a project of this magnitude, the Board placed the issue on the November ballot. It was defeated with 60.6% voting against and 39.4% voting for the pool.
Mayo added, “The Board was elected to represent the entire community and we take that responsibility very seriously. Putting this question to the voters was absolutely the right thing to do. With the help of our Citizens Finance Committee, we preformed our due diligence, selected a mid-sized option from our consultant’s report, and felt confident that, if the voters approved it, we could operate the pool profitably. The community has clearly spoken on the issue of building a $13.5 million aquatics center, and we respect that decision. The issue is now dead.”
The District will be conducting a statistically valid, abbreviated exit survey to try to better understand the reasons for that outcome. This survey will cost $3,500, about 10 cents a resident, and is not intended to resurrect the indoor pool but to further inform and educate the Park District on the community’s wishes moving forward.
“The really good news,” Mayo went on to say, “is that our focus on fiscal responsibility has provided a 2015 budget that shows an operating surplus of over $900,000, our largest ever. This allows us to be even more responsive to the community’s wants and needs, as expressed in the 2012 Community Attitude and Interest Survey. We will be able to internally reinvest and fund the needed replacement, renovation, and improvement of our existing parks and facilities while continuing to maintain our low Park District tax levy. The recent grants will supplement those funds, and allow the District, in addition to the Ackerman parking lot, to finally connect the Great Western Trail to Ackerman Park and beyond and make modest improvements to our existing Safety Village at Spring Avenue Recreation Center.” Mayo concluded by saying, “We are looking forward to a very busy, exciting and productive year.”
GLEN ELLYN, IL – Families are invited to Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center for a free showing of the greatest turkey movie of all time, FREE BIRDS. This fun, family-friendly event will take place on the indoor turf on November 21 at 8pm. Complimentary popcorn will be available for all moviegoers.
“This past summer, the Park District offered six free outdoor movies in our parks,” said Jeannie Robinson, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Services, “We’re excited to offer our first indoor movie at Ackerman. The turf is about as close as you can get to the feel of park in winter, without the snow and ice. We look forward to seeing everyone there and offering yet another free event to the community.”
FREE BIRDS tells the story of two rival turkeys who travel back in time to prevent their own kind from becoming a savory Thanksgiving tradition. Participants are encouraged to bring their blankets or lawn chairs. FREE BIRDS is rated PG. Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center is located at 800 St. Charles Road in Glen Ellyn.
For more information on this event, email Jeannie Robinson at [email protected] or call (630) 858-2462.
For more information on the Glen Ellyn Park District visit www.gepark.org.
Grab Your Running Shoes!
The Park District’s Annual Turkey Trot Begins at 8am on Thanksgiving.
Every year, the Glen Ellyn Park District is pleased to host a free, family-friendly run on Thanksgiving morning. We are thrilled to continue the tradition in 2014 and look forward to seeing the hundreds of familiar faces that come every year. All ages are invited to come and participate in this five-mile run, jog, and walk event. Strollers are welcome!
This year, the Park District is once again offering a special reward challenge for all those that attend. The two runners that most accurately guess the time it will take them to complete the course will win a special Thanksgiving treat!
No Preregistration Required
Runners can sign up for the event at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse on Thanksgiving morning. The only thing required is to sign the standard waiver before joining the race. We have found that this helps improve turn out, and makes it a great deal easier for families to participate. Be sure to allow enough time to park (or jog/run to the Boathouse) and complete the waiver, as the Turkey Trot will start promptly at 8am.
Enter To Win a Thanksgiving Treat
While at the Boathouse, enter your predicted time to complete the five miles. When finished, stop by the Boathouse and enter the actual time it took you to complete the course. Times will be announced at the finish line by our Turkey Trot coordinator, as timing devices are not allowed on the course to be eligible for prizes. Participants have up to an hour to complete the five miles to be entered for prizes. Winners will be announced in the Boathouse beginning at 9:15am.
Donate to the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry
New in 2014, the Park District is teaming up with the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry to help fill its shelves in time for the holiday season. Park District staff will be on hand at the Turkey Trot to collect non-perishable donations and will be glad to assist you in processing anything you wish to donate. Items requested by the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry include:
Peanut Butter/Jelly
White/Brown Rice
Pasta and Spaghetti Sauce
Canned Fruit, Vegetables, Beans and Soup
Sugar (1lb or 2lb bags or boxes)
The Glen Ellyn Food Pantry is a charitable, not for profit organization that does not receive any state or federal funding. The Pantry is run by four part-time staff members and hundreds of volunteers. Each year donations helps feed the less fortunate and we are certain that, with your help, this year will be the best ever!
Location
This race will start and finish at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse, 645 Lenox Road. Registrations will occur on site on the day of the race, along with community outreach by the GEPD and the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry. The Turkey Trot will begin at 8am “sharp” on Thursday, November 27.
The Glen Ellyn Park District’s Winter 2015 Activity Guide was delivered to resident households on Saturday, November 1. Resident registration for winter programs will begin online at 12:01am on Monday, November 17.
This season, the Glen Ellyn Park District is offering a wonderful mix of new programs including TRX, Les Mills GRIT™, Pickleball lessons, an Arbor Day tree planting, teen movie nights and a free movie in the park (Rio 2). Classic events such as the Daddy Daughter Dance (now with two days and times), Touch-A-Truck, Arctic Blast (moved to Lake Ellyn) and the District’s two egg hunts will also return this season.
Kids are encouraged to stay active over spring break by attending one of the Park District’s camp offerings. Camps are available for ages 4-10 and include Pee Wee Sportsters Camp, Basketball Skills Camp, Dodgeball Camp, Tumbling Camp, and more. Registration for youth baseball, Glen Ellyn Golden Eagles football and cheerleading, youth spring soccer, and girls softball also take place this season.
Among the can’t miss programs for adults are the Park District’s line-up of trips including: Illuminations at the Morton Arboretum, Majestic Star Casino, Los Lonely Boys, Rivers Casino and Fashion Outlets, and a visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Antique and Garden Fair. In addition, a new Nature Lecture Series is being introduced this season covering topics ranging from frogs to landscaping for wildlife.
For seniors ages 60 and older, the Park District will continue to offers its monthly luncheon, complete with an entertaining program, for just $7. Luncheons will take place in January, February, March and April. In addition, free counseling for the elderly completing income tax returns will be available on Mondays from February 2 to April 8 from AARP Tax-Aide volunteers. Please call (630) 858-2463 to schedule an appointment and be sure to have your tax envelope handy.
The Glen Ellyn Park District recommends a resident signing up for programs for the first time setup their household account with the Park District by November 12. Households can be setup online at www.gepark.org or in-person at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (185 Spring Avenue) or the Main Street Recreation Center (501 Hill Avenue).
Residents can also register in-person at the Glen Ellyn Park District’s Main Street Recreation Center or Spring Avenue Recreation Center during normal business hours beginning November 17. Non-resident registration begins December 8 at 8:30am.
The Park District’sVirtual Activity Guide is available online at www.gepark.org or by clicking here.
For more information on Glen Ellyn Park District programs and events, visit www.gepark.org, sign-up for our e-newsletter, like us on Facebook, and/or follow us on Twitter.
