Celebrating Our Achievements: Glencoe Park District's Community Impact Report

Monday, September 9, 2024

The Glencoe Park District is proud to present our Community Impact Report, showcasing the incredible achievements of the past year. Through our staff's dedication, community support, and strategic investments, we have made significant strides in enhancing our facilities, programs, and sustainability efforts.

Infrastructure Enhancements
One of the standout accomplishments was the renovation of the Weinberg Family Recreation Center, which increased our accessible recreation space for the community to enjoy. The installation of seasonal pickleball courts, as well as updates to Lakefront Park and necessary bluff and ramp repairs, have further enhanced the recreational experience for all residents.

Community Access and Engagement
Through our commitment to equity initiatives, we have implemented several impactful programs aimed at ensuring inclusivity within our community. These include the provision of complimentary beach and skating passes for seniors, our collaborative partnership with Explore More Illinois, and the introduction of the Beach S.A.F.E. community education program. These efforts aim to bridge gaps and make opportunities accessible that might otherwise be limited due to cost.

Enhanced Program Offerings
From camps to the early childhood center and a wide range of recreation programs, Glencoe Park District has continued to enrich the lives of residents by offering diverse and engaging activities for all ages. Our dedication to delivering high-quality experiences has resulted in an impressive 88% satisfaction rating from participants, showcasing our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

Environment and Sustainability
At the Glencoe Park District, sustainability is a core focus of our initiatives as we continuously strive to enhance our facilities, parks, and programs in an environmentally responsible manner. Our commitment to sustainability has been recognized with a commendable 75% score on the IPRA Environment Impact Score. The IPRA Environmental Report Card serves as a valuable tool for park agencies across Illinois to assess their environmental impact and stewardship.

Planning for the Future
In 2023, we began developing a new Comprehensive Plan to shape the future of the Park District by honoring Glencoe's unique character and history while meeting evolving community needs. This inclusive planning process, lasting over a year, involved residents and stakeholders through public meetings, focus groups, and surveys. The final plan, completed in August, builds upon previous strategies and incorporates fresh perspectives from the Glencoe community. The new Comprehensive Plan, designed for the next ten years, provides balanced recommendations that align community aspirations with operational and financial considerations to ensure sustainable and financially responsible outcomes for the community.

Fiscal Responsibility
It is important to note that only 7% of your property tax bill goes to support the Glencoe Park District. More than 50% of the Glencoe Park District's operating budget is funded by user fees and charges, while property taxes contribute less than 50% to the district's budget. We are dedicated to utilizing these funds responsibly and transparently to continue providing exceptional services and facilities to the community.

The achievements highlighted in our Community Impact Report encompass the essence of our organization's commitment to serving the community. We are excited to continue building on these successes as we strive to create an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable community for all.

To learn more about our achievements, we invite you to explore the full Community Impact Report here.