Issue link: https://pdop.uberflip.com/i/549645
3 OUR MISSION: In partnership with the community, we enrich lives by providing meaningful experiences through programs, parks and facilities. Dear Residents, BOARD OF PARK DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS Regular Park Board meetings are generally held at 7:30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the John L. Hedges Administrative Building, 218 Madison Street, Oak Park. Committee of the Whole meetings are generally held at 7:30pm the first Thursday of the month also held at the John L. Hedges Administrative Building, 218 Madison Street, Oak Park. Public comment is welcome at these meetings. There is no COW meeting in August. 3 Kathleen Porreca Commissioner Kathleen.Porreca@pdop.org Paul Aeschleman President Paul.Aeschleman@pdop.org Victor Guarino Vice-President Victor.Guarino@pdop.org Sandy Lentz Secretary Sandy.Lentz@pdop.org David Wick Treasurer David.Wick@pdop.org Sustainability is about respecting our environment, our resources and our community for future generations and long-term ecological balance. The Park District of Oak Park is committed to sustainable practices that contribute to a healthy tomorrow. With sound planning by the Park Board and staff along with support from our volunteer Greening Advisory Committee, we have independently, and in partnership with other organiza- tions, instituted several environmental initiatives. Oak Park Conservatory Bioswale: With grant support from Com Ed and Openlands, the Park District installed its first bioswale on the east side of the Conservatory which is working hard to collect and filter run off water from the street. The water's flow path, along with its wide and shallow slope, maximizes the time water spends in the swale, which aids the trapping of pollutants and silt. Native Illinois plant species are thriving in this new environment which will serve as an example for future Park District bioswale projects. This is the first of what we hope to be many bioswales that will be installed to help improve the community's ability to manage water. Tree Inoculations: Inoculating trees is the most effective tool for combating Dutch Elm disease, which is decimating our Elm tree population. The Park District is investing in our Heritage Elms by inoculating 24 mature, healthy, American Elms per the recommended treatment cycle. The decision was made to treat these trees to try and preserve these living treasures throughout the park system. Native Planting Areas: The Park District is increasing biodiversity throughout our parks system by introducing more native plantings and developing specific native plant areas. We now have plantings that include natives in most of our park sites. Specific Park District native plant areas include the restored Lindberg Park Trial Gardens, the Taylor Park wetland and the Field Park native plant area. The District is reducing the number of annuals in our park beds and increasing native plants; this approach not only helps the District save money but helps to save our natural heritage for future generations. Heritage Oak Propagation Program: The Park District partnered with the West Suburban Openlands Treekeepers and the Morton Arboretum to save hundreds of 200- to 300- year old oak trees as part of the Heritage Oak Propagation Program. Grown from acorns back in 2008, a total of 51 of these living treasures were planted this spring in Scoville, Mills, Taylor and Field Parks. The nurturing and planting of these trees enhances biodiversity and is part of the District's broader strategy to use natives whenever possible to best sup- port our environment. LEED Certification: The Park District is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification for the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex, which will make it the first LEED certified ice and aquatics complex in Illinois. This facility was completely renovated in 2014 with Silver LEED specifica- tions by incorporating multiple sustainable concepts into the design and construction. Water Conservation: In response to ever rising water costs, a desire to conserve water and the recognition of the energy consumed pumping and treating water from Lake Michigan, the Park District has evaluated and selected a number of sites for the installation of "Cisterns." These underground reservoirs will allow the District to capture water from splash pads and water features to use for irrigation. A 400-gallon cistern is being installed at the soon-to-open Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden and are also planned at Longfellow and Field Parks. Greening Advisory Committee: Formed in 2008, this volunteer citizen committee continues to initiate and contribute to Park District sustainability efforts. For more information about the GAC, please visit www.pdop.org. See you at the 39th Annual Frank Lloyd Wright Races, Paul Aeschleman, President Board of Park Commissioners Turn to page 16 for details on the Races!