Mid-Winter 2012   

      On behalf of the Board of Park Commissioners I would like to wish you and your families Happy Holidays and a joyful New Year. 
     This has been an eventful year for the Wilmette Park District. We welcomed three new Board members and tackled numerous issues that impact the preservation and maintenance of our environment and facilities.
     As a Board we had the opportunity to listen to diverse opinions on matters that included an outdoor ice surface at Thornwood Park, development of a Lakefront Master Plan, implementation of a Golf Course Master Plan, a proposed cell antenna installation at Centennial Recreation Complex, exploration of lease options at the Wilmette Harbor and the future of an undeveloped right of way at the end of Elmwood Avenue. 
     A number of facility improvements debuted and new programs launched this year—all generating enthusiastic response. Especially noteworthy were the Tiny Aces golf lesson program at the Wilmette Golf Club, a Daddy/Daughter Dance at the Lakeview Center, new water features at Centennial Family Aquatic Center, an expanded swimming beach at Gillson Park, a record setting crowd at Halloween Happening and renovations to the Center Fitness Club. 
     Still to come is the installation of an outdoor ice surface at Thornwood Park that restores a neighborhood tradition which for years provided residents with a place to enjoy outdoor skating. Recreational skating and pond hockey will be available as weather permits. Projects on the books for the new year include the remodeling of locker rooms at the Wilmette Tennis Club and tot lot renovations at Wheeler Park.
     In the year to come the Board will continue its goal to make sound and fiscally responsible decisions on behalf of current and future users of the Park District. I encourage you to provide the Board with feedback on any Park District concerns you might have. Please do not hesitate to contact me at jbrault@wilpark.org.
See you in the parks!                     

James L. Brault
President
Board of Park Commissioners