Mid-Winter 2010

     As 2009 quickly draws to a close, I’d like to review this time of growth and challenge for the Wilmette Park District. The introduction of online registration in the spring streamlined a process which had been cumbersome and prone to inefficiency in the past. Our residents have enthusiastically opted for online registration—on the first day of resident registration for the most recent class session 73% of resident registrations were conducted online.
     At the same time the stalled economy continued to impact our community. This year requests for financial assistance from our residents jumped from $40,000 to nearly $65,000. The Park District created a Family Scholarship Fund to help offset the budget impact of providing financial assistance. To date over $3,000 has been raised. Donations to this fund continue to be needed. Click here to make a donation online.  
     At its’ December meeting the Board adopted an ordinance that reflected a 0.0% increase in the total 2009 tax levy. In the coming year fees for our season passes and club memberships, along with nearly all of our recreation programs, will remain the same as in 2009. Yes, you did read that correctly. The Board is committed to being a responsible financial steward and to that end the 2010 budget will reflect virtually no fee increases and a flat property tax levy.
     We may be holding the line with the budget, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t looking to the future. During 2010 the Park District will move into the second phase of developing a Master Plan for the Lakefront operations. That phase will focus on gathering public input and brainstorming ideas on the future of Gillson and Langdon Parks. This phase will be coordinated by JJR, a consultant working with the Park District. JJR completed the preliminary groundwork of mapping out infrastructure and identifying current conditions at the Lakefront in July 2009.
     A Board Committee is also gathering input from residents on the feasibility of constructing paddle tennis courts and a paddle hut at an undetermined location in Wilmette. You can participate in the survey by clicking here. Survey results will help the Committee decide whether to proceed with consideration of this activity. 
     While you are making and breaking those New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget to stay active this winter. The Park District has three outdoor ice rinks, indoor tennis, indoor ice rinks, a fitness center and a multitude of programs at the Community Recreation Center. The golf season has wrapped up, but the Golf Club’s restaurant remains open for business during the winter and indoor lessons can be arranged with our golf pros.
     We’re committed to keeping Wilmette one of the top park districts in Illinois. As always, we welcome your feedback on any and all of our facilities at any time.
     On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners I want to wish you and your families a happy holiday and a peaceful New Year. 
                                      
Dennis G. O’Malley
President, Board of Park Commissioners
domalley@wilpark.org