Issue link: https://pdop.uberflip.com/i/645981
3 www.pdop.org Dear Residents, In 2014, the Park District of Oak Park developed and approved its ten-year Comprehensive Master Plan. Based on residents' comments in the community surveys and through an analysis of Park District facilities, one of the goals identified in the plan was to conduct a feasibility study in 2016 for an indoor recreation center. In planning for the feasibility study, the Park District Board of Commissioners suggested that the Park District invite a representative from each of the other government bodies to be a part of the team that would support the efforts to define and conduct the Community Recreation Center feasibility. We believe that initiating the process with the involvement of all taxing bodies will provide a collaborative forum to identify and assess the functions and programming (e.g. exercise, wellness, education, youth and senior programming) that might be supported in the "Center". In November, the Park District reached out to each Oak Park government entity to gauge their desire to participate in this process including the Village of Oak Park; the Township of Oak Park; School District 97; School District 200; and the Oak Park Public Library. All groups agreed to have their voices be at the table to discuss their entities as well as the community's facility needs and to assist in the execution of a feasibility study for a Community Recreation Center. An RFP was issued by the Park District in November and a consultant was being selected as this guide went to print. e deliverable from the Feasibility Study is an assessment of whether or not the development of a "Community Recreation Center" is feasible in Oak Park. e feasibility decision will include the assessment of amenities, potential site locations, preliminary cost estimates, and potential funding sources. e feasibility study began in January 2016 and is expected to conclude in mid-2016. During this time the consultants will conduct a series of focus group meetings, community input sessions, as well as meetings with individual agencies and key stakeholders. To follow the process, please visit pdop.org. New Summer Camp Procedures As a result of feedback we received from our residents, the Park District has improved summer camp registration. Last year, for the first time, we posted all camp information online in January with a special registration start date in early February. We are once again following these procedures. However, due to the exceptional response to the early camp registration dates and also in order to reduce costs for the seasonal guide, the Park District has decided to exclude summer camps from the spring brochure. A special camp guide is available at all of our facilities and online for those interested in registering for summer camps. Registration began February 6 and camps are filling up quickly. ank You to Our Partners Each February the Board of Park Commissioners presents community service awards to individuals and community organizations in recognition and appreciation of their outstanding contribution and unselfish devotion for the advancement of parks, recreation and leisure in the community and the state of Illinois. is year community service awards were presented to School District 97, the Good Heart Work Smart Foundation, Oak Park AYSO, Chicago Edge Soccer and Oak Park Youth Baseball/Soball Association for their support of the construction of all-weather athletic fields at Julian and Brooks Middle Schools. e Park District also recognized Boy Scout Troop 4020 for their years of support. is troop has built birdhouses for our parks, delivered flyers door to door for community meetings and is currently building mini-libraries to be placed in some of our park locations. Many thanks to all of our partners who contribute to the success of our organization and the quality of life in our community. See you in the parks, Paul Aeschleman, President Park District of Oak Park Board of Commissioners 3 2015-2016 Board of Park District Commissioners Regular Park Board Meetings are generally held on the third ursday of each month and the Committee of the Whole (COW) Meetings are generally held on the first ursday of the month. All meetings are held at 7:30 pm at the John L. Hedges Administrative Center, 218 Madison Street, Oak Park. Public comment is welcome at these meeting. ere is no COW meeting in August. 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 OUR MISSION: In partnership with the community, we enrich lives by providing meaningful experiences through programs, parks and facilities. 3