Issue link: https://pdop.uberflip.com/i/1211643
CONNECTEDSAFEHEALTHYCONNECTED HEALTHYCONNECTED HEALTHYCONNECTED HEALTHYCONNECTED CONNECTEDSAFEH SAFEHEALTHYCONNECTEDSA SAFEHEALTHYC A VISION FOR INCLUSION AND EQUITY Oak Park is a place for all to feel welcome: to be safe, to be healthy, and to feel a sense of belonging. Many decades ago, the Village took ac on to embrace equity for all and establish our community values of strength in diversity. Ever since then, Oak Park has been commi ed to its inclusive mission. Today, the challenge of achieving inclusivity and equity con nues. Our diverse collec on of families presents different recrea on and fitness needs, and although Oak Park enjoys many park district services and ameni es—including two outdoor pools, parks, an ice rink, a gymnas c center, tennis courts and nearly 3,000 programs—local residents lack access to a gymnasium, fitness facility, an indoor walking track, or a mul -genera onal community center that serves families and individuals including our growing senior popula on. The best way to serve children is by serving families. In Oak Park, studies show that the demand for affordable a er-school enrichment programming far exceeds the supply. Further, many seniors seek places to socialize and stay ac ve. We believe this void is intensifying and it impairs our community's ability to achieve inclusivity and equity. In accordance with Oak Park's tradi on of trailblazing social progress, a leadership collec ve of caring people is engaged in an ac on agenda to make a posi ve impact in the long-term health and vibrancy of our community. The Parks Founda on of Oak Park, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organiza on working closely with the Park District of Oak Park, is striving to meet the diverse needs of residents of all ages, abili es, backgrounds, and economic status by construc ng a Community Recrea on Center (CRC) that appeals to all demographics. The Parks Founda on believes that a CRC will be an engine for social equality and make a significant contribu on to the health and wellness of our community.