Annual Accomplishments
| Fiscal Year 2009-2010 |
| Fiscal Year 2008-2009 |
| Fiscal Year 2007-2008 |
| Fiscal Year 2006-2007 |
| Fiscal Year 2005-2006 |
| Fiscal Year 2004-2005 |
Achievements
Pottawatomie Golf Course ranked 15th Best 9-hole golf course in America by Golf World Magazine.
The Park District received A Level recognition from the Park District Risk Management Agency in 2009 for our Loss Control Program due to the efforts of the Safety Committee.
Construction was completed on the Randall Road Bike Bridge, which is directly north of Silver Glen Road and ties together the Randall Road Bike Trail with the Great Western Bike Trail and Fox River Bike Trail. Funding was a cooperative effort of the Park District, Kane County Forest Preserve District, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Commissioner Gloria Klimek was recognized with a 20 year Service Anniversary Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
Commissioner Bob Thomson was recognized with a 10 year Service Anniversary Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
St. Charles Park Foundation
The St. Charles Park Foundation’s third Primrose Farm Frolic was held to showcase the farm and was attended by approximately 2,000 area residents.
The Foundation launched the Animal Sponsorship Fundraising Program to help offset the cost of feeding and caring for Primrose Farm’s livestock.
$4,550 was collected for Memorial Tree donations.
Funding from Grants and Program Sponsorships
Staff raised a little over $64,000 in cash and in-kind contributions for special event sponsorships.
Monies donated by the Norris Foundation were used to re-landscape Baker Memorial Park.
STC Underground was a recipient of a $4,500 donation from the St. Charles Youth Commission. Additionally, STC Underground received $950 from the St. Charles Kiwanis Club to fund the hot meal program in conjunction with the STC Underground’s Study Night program.
A $400,000 grant was received from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the re-development of Swanson Pool.
A $100,000 grant was received from the State of Illinois for development of River Bend Community Park.
Pottawatomie Golf Course
Pottawatomie Golf Course ranked 15th Best 9-hole golf course in America by Golf World Magazine.
Golf staff has the following certifications – Professional Golfers Association of American (PGA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Certified Pesticide Applicator.
During the past year at Pottawatomie Golf Course, over 38,000 rounds of golf were played.
Pottawatomie Golf Course maintained its certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status granted by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), a division of Audubon International.
Golf Course Improvements this past year included:
- Completed landscaping between #7 green and #2 tee
- Completed landscaping #8 tee
- Built a raised flagstone flowerbed at #5 white and yellow tees
- Completed landscaping behind #8 green
- Planted 4 memorial trees
- Added new sand to 10 bunkers
- Finished planting native plants between #6 green and #8 tee
- 241 individuals participated in the 5 golf tournaments (Ladies, Little Guys and Gals, Junior, Mens and Seniors)
- 132 ladies played in the Tuesday morning Ladies League
- $2,354 was raised on Pink Ribbon Day by the Ladies League
- 60 juniors, ages 8-14 played in the Junior League
- 56 juniors, ages 8-14 participated in the Junior Golf Clinic
- Purchased one ADA handicap single rider golf cart for the disabled
Recreation Department
Broke ground on the newly planned Otter Cove Aquatic Park at West Side Community Park.
15,108 participants registered in 1,513 classes offered by the Park District last year.
339 individuals participated in our Dance program.
1,180 participated in our preschool/youth summer day camp program.
243 children participated in the 14 No School Day trips offered.
188 students attended the Baker Station After School program.
173 students participate in the Pottawatomie Preschool program.
The St. Charles Park District successfully held 75 Birthday Parties at Pottawatomie Community Center.
16,385 visitors enjoyed Campton Hills Splash Park. Additionally, the Splash Park was rented 86 times in the summer of 2009, resulting in an additional 6,450 patrons enjoying the facility.
43,790 visitors swam at Swanson Pool; an additional 1,635 participated in swim lesson programs and 147 were on the Park District Swim Team.
Over 20,000 visitors played mini-golf at River View Miniature Golf Course. In 2009, River View Miniature Golf Course had a record revenue year.
There were 8,343 older adult visits to the Adult Activity Center.
5,788 visits were recorded at STC Underground.
The St. Charles Park District Men’s and Co-ed softball program had 110 teams in the summer leagues and 63 teams involved in the fall leagues. Additionally in the fall, a new 12” Co-ed league was added, which had 5 teams participate.
The St. Charles Park District Recreation Department successfully took over the responsibility of the Women’s Softball League, which has 10 teams, serving over 150 women.
The following special events served 8,500+ participants and patrons:
Easter Bunny Visits
Easter Egg Hunt
Santa Calling
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Daddy Daughter Dance
Mom-Son Night
Tiny Tots Track Meet
Big Truck Show
Turkey Shoot
Hook, Line & Sinker
Anything on Wheels Sale
Annual Community Garage Sale
Senior Gala
Halloween Party
Annual Spring Dance Recital
Flying 4 Kids
Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour
DJ Night at the Pool
Teen Job Fair
Holiday Lights Decorating
Skate Bash
Little Lady Tea Party
Polar Express
The 4th of July celebration filled Pottawatomie Park and downtown with tens of thousands of participants.
The summer Concerts in the Park series included 12 concerts at Lincoln Park, with an average attendance of 900 at each concert, totaling over 10,000 spectators over the summer months.
The Recreation Department is continually bringing new programs that appeal to people of all ages. In the past year, the Recreation Department offered 231 new programs. Some of the new successful programs/trips include: 3’s Plus, Junior Lifeguarding, Pickleball Open Gym, Latin Dance, Pet First Aid, Polar Express, Easter Bunny Visits, drum lessons, Architecture River Cruise, Anderson Japanese Garden and Klehm Arboretum, Canal Boat Tour, Cubs and White Sox Baseball games.
Recreation Staff members have the following certifications: 6 Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor Certified employees; 3 Jeff Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Instructor Certified employees; 2 Red Cross WSI (Water Safety Instructor) employees; 3 AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator) Certified employees; 1 CPO (Certified Pool Operator) Certified employee; 4 Illinois State Food Service Certified employees; 1 Certified Youth Sport Administrator employee; 5 CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional) employees.
In July 2009, an “All Camp Special Event”, hosted by the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, the Park District and area businesses, was held in Pottawatomie Park to celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week. This program served nearly 1,000 participants.
Parks Department
The Parks Department maintained, in first class condition, approximately 1,400 acres of park sites and athletic fields including 22 soccer fields, 4 football fields, 2 rugby fields, 2 lacrosse fields, 12 baseball fields, 7 softball fields and countless numbers of practice sites.
15 memorial trees were planted totaling $4,550.
3 memorial benches were installed.
New playgrounds were installed at Ferson Creek School and Fox Ridge School.
Parks staff assisted with the placement of sculptures in Mt. St. Mary Park.
Parks Staff members have the following certifications: 2 certified arborists; 2 CPO (Certified Pool Operators); 3 certified playground inspectors; and 15 Illinois Pesticide Operators.
Boy Scout Island and Mt. St. Mary Park shoreline stabilization was completed with funding assistance from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Park improvements were done at Baker Field Park, including installation of a new sidewalk.
A walkway was installed above Gaffney Field.
Pottawatomie Park entrance landscaping began.
The Artesian Springs Park playground and park site were completed, adding a new mini-park to this neighborhood.
A basketball court was installed at Renaux Manor Park.
Asphalt pathways were resurfaced at Davis Park.
Seal coating of pathways took place at West Side Community Park, Peck Road and Timber Trails.
Open field turf improvements were made at River’s Edge/Reserve Park.
Vaulted washroom was opened in Mt. St. Mary Park.
Drainage and tile improvements were completed at Cambridge Park and Steeple Chase detention.
Weekly painting of 42 spring athletic fields and 51 fall athletic fields
Shelving was constructed at Baker Annex; the basement was cleaned out.
East Side Sports Complex
Athletic field improvements to field #2 were finished. Lights were installed and electric upgrades were made to both shelter quads
Asphalt pathway lift, repairs, and seal coating
10 successful tournament events were held throughout the year
693 recorded game field preps were made on softball/baseball fields for the year
Langum Park
Old dugouts were removed and upgraded
Tennis court surface and fence replacement
Pottawatomie Park
Large pavilion and picnic tables were re-stained.
The roof at River View Miniature Golf Course was re-shingled.
West Side Community Park
Successful site preparation for the Midwest Cup soccer Tournament
Field improvements were completed on fields #12 and #16.
Ongoing field maintenance to the 20 game field and practice areas
Construction of shelter at Splash Park
On going support and repairs to site while under construction
Primrose Farm
The grand opening was held on May 31, 2009 with approximately 800 area residents in attendance.
The Farm Frolic was held on September 27, 2009 and was attended by approximately 2,000 area residents.
The agricultural exhibits and artificial cow hands-on milking exhibits were completed.
A windmill and restored historic water system was installed.
The farm acquired “new-to-us” antique farm machinery including a Case 28-42 Threshing Machine, manure spreader, side delivery rake, sulky plows, culti-packer, field roller, grain drill, and Cub tractor.
A feedlot drain system was installed.
The community garden plot program was expanded.
A small farm incubator program was initiated.
The living history crop program expanded to include 24 acres in hay, clover, oats and corn.
Silage was made for the first time using a horse drawn corn binder and a 90 year old ensilage chopper/blower.
Staff bound oats, threshed, husked and shredded corn.
Accessibility improvements were made to garden plot parking, picnic shelter and vault toilet.
Due to the efforts of the construction department, an entrance kiosk was installed.
Daily parking was expanded and parking spaces were added to the picnic shelter area.
Interpretive signage and trail maps were installed.
A tromp shed and hog run-out yard were built.
Over flow parking was converted to a gravel parking lot after completion of the pipe line project.
Parks Department – Management of Natural Areas
Staff managed over 537 acres of natural areas to eliminate invasive non-native plant species.
Phase I of the Norris Woods Creek Restoration was completed, which consisted of clearing and removing the under story and mid-canopy layers of vegetation along Norris Woods Creek for a distance of 1,518 feet. This will allow access for equipment that will be used to carry out the actual stream restoration in spring of 2010. Much of what was cleared was non-native invasive species. These will be replaced with native species as the restoration continues.
The restoration of the oak savanna adjacent to Hickory Knolls Discovery Center has been on-going. This year’s work followed up on initial clearing and seeding with the installation of 140 flats of native plugs which amounted to over 5,000 plants. Over half of these plants were propagated through the cooperative efforts of one of our volunteers. All installation was carried out with the help of many of our volunteers.
Over $5000 was raised through the sale of firewood, which will be used to finance exhibits in the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.
A staff member achieved certification as a Burn Manager which is a new requirement for organizations using fire as a restoration tool in the State of Illinois. Without this certification, the Park District would not be able to continue to use prescribed burns as a tool in habitat restoration.
The District has initiated an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) action plan. A survey of Park District natural areas revealed that those areas contain over 2,500 various ash trees. Selective harvesting of infected and hazard trees will continue to ensure the safety of our patrons as well as aid in managing an enormous workload for the restoration staff. To date, three percent of the ash trees in our natural areas have been cut down and removed.
Parks Department – Environmental Education
Construction began in Fall 2009 at Hickory Knoll’s Discovery Center, located at the south end of the community garden plots at West Side Community Park. Earthwork, site utilities and a portion of building’s concrete were completed before cold weather set in and work halted for the season.
Working with Williams Architects, staff completed a design review of the building and its components in preparation for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
The District’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the naming of the environmental education center. The new building will be called the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center.
Exhibit design and construction is underway. Murals and displays highlight local history, ecosystems and rare and endangered species, as well as the everyday beauty found in District natural areas.
Staff launched “Nature On the Go,” a series of in-classroom programs for schools that would like further instruction in certain subject areas and/or have no funding for field trips. Thus far the program has reached 781 students. Topics include Recycling; Seeds; Simple Machines; Adaptations; Owls; and Watersheds.
5,643 1st through 7th grade students took part in field trips in the natural areas at Otter Creek Bend Wetland Park, Delnor Woods and West Side Community Park.
436 individuals enrolled in 38 Summer Nature Camp sessions. New camp offerings in 2009 included Early Settlers Camp and After Camp, a program created in response to resident requests. Another new camp, Nature Games, will be offered in 2010.
Staff collaborated with Recreation Department supervisors to add a little “nature flair” to participants in Preschool, Baker Station, Summer Camp and Red Hat Foxes programs. These intra-district outreach programs reached a combined total of 597 individuals.
Combined outreach through School Programs, Public Programs, Summer Camps, Special Events and Speaking Engagements, reaching approximately 9,498 individuals.
Make A Difference Day – Teen girls from the Strikers Fox Valley Soccer Club as well as families from local Cub Scout dens helped make this day a great success. Much buckthorn was cut at West Side Community Park.
Earth Day – Nearly 300 people attended the District’s Earth Day Celebration at West Side Community Park.
Business Department and Administrative Services
The new accounting system (MUNIS) began in April of last year. This included general ledger and accounts payable. The new system allows much easier access to information than the previous system. The requisition and purchase order system is now being used and staff is beginning to feel comfortable using it. The time for a requisition to be approved and move to a purchase order is approximately 1 ½ days. This is much, much faster than the old purchase order system and the requisition and purchase order information is easily accessible to everyone. The next items to be implemented are Employee Self-Serve, record management and work orders.
The Business Department processed 4,267 payroll checks and 2,418 advices in calendar year 2009. They totaled $5,529,063.29. 442 W’2s were processed at year end.
So far in FY2009-10, 3,680 accounts payable checks have been processed totaling $16,827,992.15.
The FY2008-09 audit was completed on schedule. Application for the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Compliance was submitted for the first time.
Prepared and assembled the FY2010-11 annual Operating and Capital Improvement Budget.
The District sold the final portion ($15,500,000) of the $25,000,000 in general obligation bonds as approved in the 2008 referendum. These funds are to be used for capital improvements as related to the approved referendum projects.
Completed the sale of refunding bonds in the amount of $3,625,000, thereby saving the District over $195,000 in future interest costs.
In January issued general obligation bonds in the amount of $1,156,395 to be used for capital improvements.
Staff put together a comprehensive booklet with information regarding the Baker Community Center. Information includes colored photographs of various events held at the center, room rental information, room set up options and rules and regulations.
Over 400 sculptors were contacted and invited to participate in the 2010 Sculpture in the Park Exhibit. The Sculpture in the Park Committee, consisting of a Park Board Commissioner, citizens and staff members, chose a variety of sculpture pieces from across the country to be on display in Mt. St. Mary Park from mid-April through mid-October.
Achievements
The District was again recognized as one of four finalists for the prestigious National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
Jim Wheeler was named a Hometown Hero by the local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Commissioner James F. Cooke celebrated 25 years of service with the Park District.
Pottawatomie Golf Course was recognized with the Outstanding Facility and Renovation – Division IV Parks Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.
Through a cooperative effort with the Park Foundation and Aquascape, Inc., Pottawatomie Park is home to a new 75-foot long water feature designed to replicate a natural spring flowing into the Fox River. It is located on the north side of the historic tower. This partnership was recognized by the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce with a Community Image Award.
The Park District received A Level recognition from the Park District Risk Management Agency in 2008 for our Loss Control Program due to the efforts of the Safety Committee.
The Naturalist Department’s Kane County Certified Naturalist Program received an outstanding Conservation Program Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.
St. Charles Park Foundation
The St. Charles Park Foundation’s second successful Primrose Farm Frolic event raised $2,700, which help fund the purchase of livestock for the farm.
$5,700 was collected for Memorial Tree donations.
Funding from Grants and Program Sponsorships
The Marketing Department raised a little over $75,000 in cash and in-kind contributions for special event sponsorships.
The Park District received a grant from CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning) for $116,879, which will be used towards restoring Norris Woods Creek. The District is currently in the design and permitting stage of the project.
Monies from the Norris Foundation were used to re-landscape Baker Memorial Park.
STC Underground was awarded two donations from the St. Charles Kiwanis Club: $950 to fund the meal program in conjunction with the study night program and $650 for teen center equipment.
Pottawatomie Golf Course
During the past year at Pottawatomie Golf Course, over 36,000 rounds of golf were played.
Pottawatomie Golf Course maintained its certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status granted by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), a division of Audubon International.
Golf Course Improvements this past year included:
- South drainage running from putting green across #1 fairway to storm sewer
- Landscape screens in progress between #7 green and #2 tee, behind #8 tee, and in front of #7 tee
- Landscape setting behind #8 green
- Rebuilding of tees on holes #3 and #8
- Redesigning of tee on hole #5
- Renovating of additional cart paths
- Completion of small bridge to #3 green
- New benches placed in front of pro shop as a memorial project
- New carpet in pro shop
- Golf Staff have the following certifications - Jim Wheeler - Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) and Denise Gillett-Parchert - Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Certified Pesticide Applicator.
Recreation Department
16,744 participants registered in 1,781 classes offered by the Park District last year.
363 individuals participated in our Dance program.
1,124 participated in our preschool/youth summer day camp program.
243 children participated in the 14 No School Day trips offered.
176 students attended the Baker Station After School program.
24,012 visitors enjoyed Campton Hills Splash Park.
50,204 visitors swam at Pottawatomie Pool (since renamed Swanson Pool); an additional 1,650 participated in swim lesson programs and 136 were on the Park District Swim Team.
20,000 visitors played mini-golf at River View Miniature Golf Course.
Park District sponsored athletic programs at East Side Sports Complex generated 46,078 user visits.
There were 8,138 older adult visits to the Adult Activity Center.
6,122 visits were recorded at STC Underground.
The St. Charles Park District Men’s and Co-ed softball had 105 teams in the summer leagues and 65 teams involved in the fall leagues.
The following special events served 8,500+ participants and patrons:
Easter Egg Hunt
Santa Calling
Breakfast with the Bunny
Daddy Daughter Dance
Mom-Son Night
Tiny Tots Track Meet
Big Truck Show
Turkey Shoot
Hook, Line & Sinker
Anything On Wheels Sale
Annual Community Garage Sale
Senior Gala
Halloween Party
Annual Spring Dance Recital
Flying 4 Kids
Gallery of Ghoulish Homes
DJ Night at the Pool
Teen Job Fair
Holiday Lights Decorating
Skate Challenge
Little Lady Tea Party
629 individuals attended the Theater in the Park program.
The 4th of July celebration filled Pottawatomie Park and downtown with tens of thousands of participants.
The summer Concerts in the Park series included 10 concerts at Lincoln Park, with an average attendance of 900 at each concert, totaling 9,000 spectators over the summer months.
The Recreation Department is continually expanding programs by adding new activities that appeal to people of all ages. In the past year the Recreation Department offered 211 new programs. Some of these included: Family Bike Ride, On-line Animal photography, Zumba, All Day Kindergarten Camp, Prep for Preschool, Wolf Photography, Kayak Chicago, and STC Underground Lock-in.
Recreation Staff members have the following certifications: 6 Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor Certified employees; 4 Jeff Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Instructor Certified employees; 2 Red Cross WSI (Water Safety Instructor) employees; 3 AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator) Certified employees; 1 CPO (Certified Pool Operator) Certified employee; 4 Illinois State Food Service Certified employees; 1 Certified Youth Sport Administrator employee; 4 CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional) employees
In July 2008, an “All Camp Special Event”, hosted by the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, the Park District and area businesses, was held in Pottawatomie Park to celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week. This program served nearly 1,000 participants.
Park Department
Staff beautifully maintained 60 park sites totaling approximately 1,400 acres.
The Park Department maintained, in first class condition, approximately 200 acres of “high maintenance” park sites and athletic fields including 22 soccer fields, 3 football fields, 2 rugby fields, 2 lacrosse fields, 12 baseball fields, 7 softball fields and countless numbers of practice sites.
At East Side Sports Complex, lighting was installed on one multi-purpose play field, and shelters were constructed in the center of each ball diamond complex.
24 memorial trees were planted.
Pottawatomie Tower and landscaping was completed.
New playgrounds were installed at Ferson Creek School, Anderson School, Taly Park and Cambridge Park.
Primrose Farm expanded livestock to include more lambs, two Belgian geldings – Bob & Tom, Jersey dairy cows, horses, chickens and Yorkshire pigs.
The parking lot at Ferson Creek Park was resurfaced.
New landscaping was completed in Baker Memorial Park.
A new roof was installed at Baker Community Center.
Pottawatomie Swimming Pool was renamed Swanson Pool in honor of the late Algert S. Swanson who served on the St. Charles Township Park Board when the pool was constructed and his daughter, Carol Swanson Glemza, a long-time Park District employee.
Historic Pottawatomie Tower was named in honor of the late James H. and Joann N. Collins, both of whom played a significant role in the development of St. Charles as we know it today.
Campton Hills Park’s new swimming pool complex will be named the Otter Cove Aquatic Park.
Mt. St. Mary Park’s tennis court was renovated and upgraded into a combination tennis and basketball court. Permanent rest rooms with vault toilets were installed. Park staff assisted with the placement of sculptures
Work on the Randall Road/Silver Glen bike bridge has begun.
Drainage and irrigation improvements were installed on the multi-purpose field at East Side Sports Center.
Primrose Park development is continuing. More garden plots will open this spring. The shelters and washroom were completed. The drives, parking and pathways will be completed this spring for public use.
Planning and grant submittal has been completed for the new River Bend Community Park at the former Illinois Youth Center site in Valley View.
Park Staff members have the following certifications: 2 certified arborists; 2 CPO (Certified Pool Operators); 3 certified playground inspectors; and 15 Illinois Pesticide Operators.
Park Department – Environmental Education and Management of Natural Areas
Progress continues on plans for the new environmental education center at Campton Hills Park. The building’s theme, exhibits and new school programs will stress the importance of natural resource conservation in innovative and fun new ways.
Restoration work has begun in preparation of the site for the new environmental education center: invasive species have been removed from the oak savanna; a prescribed burn has been done; two acres have been seeded with a short grass prairie/savanna seed mix.
Staff managed over 537 acres of natural areas to eliminate invasive non-native plant species.
Over 5,700 local students in grades K thru 7 were served through the District’s Environmental Education Programs. Thanks to a partnership with School District 303, students have environmental education components in their curricula for eight consecutive years of school.
The Naturalist staff collaborated with the Primrose Farm staff to create “Down on the Farm,” a popular 2 ½ hour school program that fulfills School District 303 curriculum requirements for science and social studies.
Public programs, including summer camps, reached 1,500 individuals of all ages.
The Naturalist Department continues its involvement in the Kane County Certified Naturalist Program, which this year won an Outstanding Conservation Program Award from Illinois Park and Recreation Association. 24 individuals are enrolled for the 2009 learning year; this is our largest class yet.
Frog monitors turned out in near-record numbers at the 2009 training session held “for the love of frogs” on Valentine’s Day. Of the 70+ people who attended, over half were new to the program.
Make A Difference Day – Teen girls from the Strikers Fox Valley Soccer Club as well as families from local Cub Scout dens helped make this day a great success. Much buckthorn was cut and seeds were collected at Campton Hills Park.
Earth Day – Nearly 300 people attended the District’s Earth Day Celebration at Campton Hills Park.
Business Department and Administrative Services
The implementation of the Computer System Plan is approaching its final phase of completion. The new payroll time-keeping process began in May of 2008 with the installation of the Time-Pro hardware and software. In January 2009 the new payroll software began. Now the hours worked are exported from Time-Pro to Munis, and this has saved countless hours for the supervisors and HR staff as well as cut down on the data entry errors.
The new accounting software began in April, 2009. This includes general ledger and accounts payable. Once staff is comfortable with these modules, the requisition, purchase order, Employee Self-Serve, and record management portion of the software will begin.
Lori Rodriguez was hired as the new Human Resource Coordinator.
Prepared and assembled the Fiscal Year 2009-10 annual budget in balance without using current reserves.
Renewed and maintained the group health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield with no increase in premiums and no increase to employees.
Completed the 2008A General Obligation Bond Sale in May in the amount of $9,500,000 to be used for capital improvements related to the referendum. Also completed the sale of the 2008B Refunding General Obligation Bond Sale in May in the amount of $4,850,000, saving the District over $150,000 in future interest costs.
Prepared Request for Proposals for audit firms and selected a new firm to begin with the FY2008/09 accounting period.
All technical hardware systems were inventoried, evaluated, and documented to prepare for future challenges as the District grows.
The Business Department staff processed over 6,500 vendor checks, which included 8,622 transactions totaling $12,850,000. Over 7,000 payroll checks totaling over $4,557,800 and 469 W-2’s were processed. District employees worked 275,843 hours during FY2008/09.
Personnel Policies were updated as needed. The sick time policy was revised to reflect an increase in the amount of sick time an employee can accrue from 120 days to 240 days.
Achievements
The District was recognized as one of four finalists for the prestigious National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.
On February 5, 2008, residents overwhelmingly approved a $25 million Bond Issue Referendum.
Pottawatomie Golf Course was recognized with the Outstanding Facility and Renovation – Division IV Parks Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association.
Jim Wheeler and Gloria Klimek were nominated for Hometown Hero Awards.
Two commissioners were honored with Board Member Service Anniversary Awards from the Illinois Association of Park District’s – John Kerr for 20 years of service and John Forni for 10 years of service.
Because of the efforts of our Safety Committee, the Park District received A Level recognition from the Park District Risk Management Agency in 2007 for our Loss Control Program.
Park Foundation
The Park Foundation celebrated the completion of the Pottawatomie Park pavilion and tower project and recognized all donors at an ice cream social.
Almost $50,000 was raised from local service clubs to construct the Community Service Clubs Playground at Mt. St. Mary Park.
The first Primrose Farm Frolic, held in October 2008, was a great success thanks to the efforts of the St. Charles Park Foundation, many Park District employees and volunteers. The event raised $1,817 which funded the purchase of livestock including chickens, sheep and pigs for this historic site.
Funding from Grants and Program Sponsorships
The District was awarded a $208,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for erosion control along the Fox River at Boy Scout Island and Mt. St. Mary Park.
The District was awarded an Environmental Protection Agency grant for $116,879 for drainage work in Norris Woods.
Our Marketing Department raised a little over $62,000 in cash and in-kind contributions for special event sponsorships.
Pottawatomie Golf Course
During the past year at Pottawatomie Golf Course, over 36,000 rounds of golf were played.
Pottawatomie Golf Course maintained its certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status granted by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), a division of Audubon International.
Golf Course Improvements this past year included:
- Renovation from the flood on holes 3,4,5,6, and 7 by reseeding, sodding, replacing sand in the bunkers, replacement of trees, rebuilding cart paths, and replacing the small bridge
- Replaced tee signs for all the holes
- Replaced old and dangerous trees along river with Swap White Oaks on holes 7 and 8
- Redesigned the tee on hole 5
- Finished reshaping tees on holes 2 and 9
- Finished renovations on bunkers on holes 1 & 9
- Renovated the cart paths
- With the assistance of the Park Department, the small bridge used by golfers to get to #3 green was replaced.
- Installed drinking fountain at hole 6
- Painted the pro shop and replaced carpet
- Started a new junior golf league with 55 participants
Recreation Department
16,969 participants registered for hundreds of classes offered by the Park District.
23,152 visitors enjoyed Campton Hills Splash Park.
50,037 visitors swam at Pottawatomie Pool; an additional 1,675 participated in swim lesson programs and 107 were on the Park District Swim Team.
20,000 visitors played mini-golf at River View Miniature Golf Course.
6,154 teens utilized STC Underground.
There were over 7,000 older adult visits to the Adult Activity Center.
Park District sponsored athletic programs at East Side Sports Complex generated 46,078 user visits.
The following special events served 8,400+ participants and patrons:
Easter Egg Hunt
Santa Calling
Breakfast with the Bunny
Daddy Daughter Dance
Mom-Son Night
Tiny Tots Track Meet
Big Truck Show
Turkey Shoot
Hook, Line & Sinker
Anything On Wheels Sale
Annual Community Garage Sale
Senior Gala
Halloween Party
Annual Spring Dance Recital
Family Cross Country Race
Flying 4 Kids
Gallery of Ghoulish Homes
DJ Night at the Pool
Teen Job Fair
Hay Rides
The 4th of July celebration filled Pottawatomie Park and downtown with tens of thousands of participants.
The summer Concerts in the Park series included 9 concerts at Lincoln Park, with an average attendance of 900 at each concert.
The Recreation Department is continually expanding programs by adding new activities that appeal to people of all ages. In the past year the Recreation Department created 189 new successful programs. Some of these included: Family Cross Country Race, Artventure for Kindergarteners, Fun with ABC and 123, Winterpalooza, Princess Adventures, Friday night double header Softball league at ESSC, All-Star Spring Break Camp and Noble Fool Theater classes.
Recreation, Business Department and Marketing staff implemented the final phase of the new Class software system by launching on-line registration (Leisure Link). February 23, 2008 was the first day of on-line registration when 2,000 participants registered in the first four hours with approximately 62% utilizing the on-line system.
Recreation Staff members have the following certifications: 6 Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor Certified employees; 4 Jeff Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Instructor Certified employees; 2 Red Cross WSI (Water Safety Instructor) employees; 3 AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator) Certified employees; 1 CPO (Certified Pool Operator) Certified employee; 4 Illinois State Food Service Certified employees; 1 Certified Youth Sport Administrator; 2 CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional) employee and 1 PPRP (Provisional Parks & Recreation Professional).
In July 2007, an “All Camp Special Event”, hosted by the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, the Park District and area businesses, was held in Pottawatomie Park to celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week. This program served nearly 1,000 participants.
Park Department
Staff beautifully maintained 60 park sites totaling approximately 1,400 acres.
East Side Sports Complex Phase 3 was completed, including the stocking of the fishing pond, a dog park, biking trail, 7-station fitness trail, permanent rest rooms, and permanent shelter.
Pottawatomie Tower, pathway and landscaping was completed.
New playgrounds were installed at Ferson Creek School and Anderson School.
Park staff assisted with the placement of sculptures in Mt. St. Mary Park.
Primrose Park development is continuing. The garden plots will open this spring. The shelters and washroom were completed. The drives, parking and pathways will be completed this spring for public use.
The parking lots at Norris Woods and Ferson Creek Fen were resurfaced.
A new park was constructed at Rivers Edge/Reserve Park site. The park includes a playground, shelter, basketball court and pathway.
The tennis court at Pottawatomie Park was resurfaced.
A new gazebo was constructed at Kehoe Park.
Staff assisted with the permanent placement of a sculpture in Baker Memorial Park.
Tile and drainage improvements took place on the lighted soccer field at ESSC.
The Park Department maintained, in first class condition, approximately 200 acres of “high maintenance” park sites and athletic fields including 22 soccer fields, 3 football fields, 2 rugby fields, 2 lacrosse fields, 12 baseball fields, 7 softball fields and countless numbers of practice sites.
Park Staff members have the following certifications: 2 Certified arborists; 2 CPO (Certified Pool Operators); 3 Certified playground inspectors; and 15 Illinois Pesticide Operators.
Park Department – Environmental Education and Management of Natural Areas
Staff managed over 537 acres of natural areas to eliminate invasive non-native plant species.
Over 5,300 local students were served through the District’s Environmental Education Program reaching students in preschool and elementary grades K through 1st, 3rd through 5th and 7th.
New school programs this spring include Bug Biographies for 2nd grade, and Illinois Geology and Orienteering for 6th grade. These additions mean that students in District 303 will have environmental education components in their curricula for eight consecutive years of school.
The non-school associated environmental education programs reached 1,000+ individuals of all ages.
The Naturalist Department continues its involvement in the Kane County Certified Naturalist Program. The 23 graduates of last year’s program are now moving into their second year of certification, each providing a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work to KCCN agencies.
Make A Difference Day - The day’s activities consisted of group or family restoration efforts which were in the form of brush cutting, seed collecting and seed planting at Campton Hills Park. It was a great opportunity for participants to learn about the value of our natural areas, contributed to their well being and gave them a sense of community that came from working side by side with their neighbors.
Earth Day - More than 150 people attended the District’s Earth Day Celebration, which was held for the first time at Campton Hills Park. The celebration featured an early morning bird walk followed by a restoration project. Demonstrations, educational walks, and activities including a professional story teller, Clydesdale drawn wagon rides, face painting, bird house building and more rounded out the day.
Business Department and Administrative Services
The Business Department has completed the implementation of Phase I and II of the computer system plan. Phase I included a complete overhaul of hardware and networking. Phase II, which included registration, facility scheduling, point of sale and league scheduling, began with the Spring registration on February 21, 2007. On-line registration was moved from Phase IV to Phase III and went live on February 23, 2008. During the first two days of on-line registration, over $175,000 in programs were registered on-line.
Phase III of the computer system plan includes the accounting software. Staff has chosen Munis accounting software and the Board has approved the purchase. The Board also approved a time-keeping system by Time-Pro. The District has been using the current accounting software for the past 22 years so these changes will make FY2008/09 the “Year of Change” for the Business Department.
The new telephone system, a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) based phone system, went live in April of 2007 and has met all expectations.
A full-time accountant position was created and filled to address the growing needs of the Park District.
Staff coordinated the development of the District’s operational and capital budgets for FY2008/09.
The Business Department staff processed over 6,000 vendor checks, which included 8,150 transactions totaling $10,231,137.27. Over 6,600 payroll checks totaling over $4,218,109.69 and 452 W-2’s were processed. District employees worked 259,444 hours during FY2007/08.
The Group Health Insurance renewal was achieved with no increase in premiums for employees. As a new benefit for employees, vision coverage was offered.
Approximately 60 employees attended the first annual benefit fair, which showcased ten vendors of the District.
Awards and Leadership Recognition
The St. Charles Park District was presented a 2006 Conservation Program Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association in recognition of the exclusive use of native plants, trees and shrubs throughout the unique Native Plant Demonstration Garden located adjacent to the Fox River on the west side of Pottawatomie Community Center.
The St. Charles Park District was presented a 2006 Community Image Award from the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce in recognition of the many capital improvements made to the Pottawatomie Golf Course over the last several years.
The St. Charles Park Foundation raised $48,000 from local service clubs for the construction of the new community playground at Mt. St. Mary Park and $1,761 for the District’s recreation participant scholarship program.
Mary Ochsenschlager was honored with the Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District’s prestigious Dick Young Award and the American Red Cross – Fox River Chapter’s Environmental Impact Hometown Hero Award. Congratulations Mary!
West Suburban Living’s 11th annual “Best of the West” contest named the St. Charles Park District in several categories. River View Miniature Golf Course placed second for best place to play mini-golf. Pottawatomie Golf Course received third place for the best area public golf course. Pottawatomie Park was named a favorite place under the best park or forest preserve category.
Funding from Grants and Program Sponsorships
The Park District was awarded a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for improvements at Mt. St. Mary Park in downtown St. Charles. Funding will augment Park District Foundation funds and will be used to construct a community playground, a new picnic shelter, fishing areas and a canoe launch along the Fox River, to renovate a tennis court, add a basketball court and permanent restroom structure, and enhance the trail system and landscaping.
Park District staff raised almost $45,000 in advertising of the quality recreation brochures and in sponsorship of numerous special events including, Concerts in the Park, the Easter Egg Hunt, July 4th Fireworks, Mom & Son Night, Daddy Daughter Dances, Christmas Gala, Gallery of Ghoulish Homes Tour and DJ Nights at the Pool.
Pottawatomie Golf Course
During the past year at Pottawatomie Golf Course, over 36,000 rounds of golf were played.
Pottawatomie Golf Course maintained its certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status granted by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), a division of Audubon International.
Golf Course Improvements this past year included:
- Shoreline Stabilization Project improvements at hole 4 to the tee box on hole 5
- Upgrading and redesigning of the underground sprinkler system
- Installation of new sprinkler lines to upgrade to a double-row system
- Extensive native vegetation planting restoration efforts at holes 3 through 7
- Reshaping tees 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9 in an attempt to bring back the design influences of the original architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr
- Renovating bunkers on all holes by reshaping the sand traps and adding drainage
- Installing additional drainage at the north end of the course
- Renovating the cart paths
- Building an inclement weather shelter at hole 9
- Replacing the bridge used by golfers along holes 3 and 7
- Installing an ADA compliant drinking fountain at hole 7
- Providing a beverage machine at hole 3
Recreation Department
Over 14,000 participants registered for hundreds of classes offered by the Park District.
22,271 visitors enjoyed Campton Hills Splash Park.
53,867 visitors swam at Pottawatomie Pool.
20,000 visitors played mini-golf at River View Miniature Golf Course.
4,305 teens utilized St. Charles Underground.
7,138 older adults visited the Adult Activity Center.
46,078 individuals utilized the East Side Sports Complex.
The following special events served over 8,775 participants and patrons:
Easter Egg Hunt
Breakfast with the Bunny
Daddy Daughter Dance
Mom-Son Night
Tiny Tots Track Meet
Big Truck Show
Turkey Shoot
Hook, Line & Sinker
Anything On Wheels Sale
Annual Community Garage Sale
Senior Gala
Halloween Party
Annual Spring Dance Recital
Pumpkin Hunt
Hay Rides
Flying 4 Kids
Gallery of Ghoulish Homes
DJ Night at the Pool
The 4th of July celebration filled Pottawatomie Park and downtown with tens of thousands of participants.
The summer Concerts in the Park series included 9 Concerts in the Park at Lincoln Park, with an average attendance of 900 at each concert.
New stand out programs that were added in the past year: Guitar Lessons, Flag Football Program, Lacrosse program, All-Star Early Child and Youth Sport classes, Mini Doodlers art classes, and Youth No School Day trips.
The Recreation Department is continually expanding programs by adding new activities that appeal to people of all ages. In the past year the recreation department created 205 new programs.
Recreation Staff logged over 120 hours of training to implement a new Class software system for facility management, pass membership and program registration.
Recreation Staff members have the following certification: 6 Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED Instructor Certified employees; 4 Jeff Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Instructor Certified employees; 2 Red Cross WSI (Water Safety Instructor) employees; 2 AFO (Aquatic Facility Operators) Certified employees; 1 CPO (Certified Pool Operators) Certified employee; 4 Illinois State Food Service Certified employees; 1 Certified Youth Sport Administrator; and 1 CPRP (Certified Parks & Recreation Professional) employee.
In July 2006, an “All Camp Special Event”, hosted by the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, the District and area businesses, was held in Pottawatomie Park to celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week. This program served nearly 1,000 participants.
Park Department
Staff beautifully maintained 60 park sites totaling approximately 1,300 acres.
Staff managed over 537 acres of natural areas to eliminate invasive non-native plant species.
East Side Sports Complex Phase 3 is progressing with the assistance of a $391,300 IDNR grant. Staff has graded the pond and blacktopped the pathways and parking lot. The fitness stations, dog park equipment, playground, washroom and shelters are scheduled for completion this spring.
The construction at Fox Chase Park, including a new parking lot, was completed.
Park staff assisted with the placement of sculptures in Mt. St. Mary Park. A water feature was also added in the south end of the park. The development of the arboretum in Mt. St. Mary Park continued. A beautiful turtle sculpture was donated for placement at the park site.
New playgrounds were installed at Rotary Park and Munhall School.
Staff installed new automated irrigation on fields 11 and 15 at Campton Hills Park.
Over 4,500 local students were served through the District’s Environmental Education Program reaching students in grades K through 5.
The Naturalist Department offered over 200 environmental education programs in 2006 reaching over 1,000 individuals of all ages. An additional 400 children attended nature camps.
The Naturalist Department started a new Kane County Certified Naturalist Program in conjunction with Kane County Forest Preserve District, Geneva Park District and Fox Valley Park District. Twenty people have been accepted into the Spring program and will take courses on Natural Science topics; also, candidates will volunteer for twenty hours annually with the above agencies.
The new bridge was installed over the lagoon in Pottawatomie Park completing the riverfront trail system.
Staff landscaped along the river walk adjacent to River View Miniature Golf Course.
Staff and volunteers installed additional plantings in the Native Plant Garden.
Staff installed a new irrigation system in Lincoln Park.
The development of Primrose Farm is continuing. Building restoration took place in 2006; site work is planned for 2007.
The Park Department maintained, in first class condition, approximately 200 acres of “high maintenance” park sites and athletic fields including, 21 soccer fields, 3 football fields, 2 rugby fields, 2 lacrosse fields, 12 baseball fields, 7 softball fields and a countless number of practice sites.
Park Staff members have the following certifications: 2 Certified arborists, 2 CPO (Certified Pool Operators), 3 Certified playground inspectors, and 12 Illinois Pesticide Operators.
Business Department and Administrative Services
The Business Department has implemented Phase I and Phase II of the computer system plan. Phase I included a complete overhaul of the hardware and networking. Phase II which included registration, facility scheduling, point of sale and league scheduling officially began with the Spring Registration on February 21, 2007. Within the first six weeks of use, over $425,000 was recorded with the new software. On-line registration is scheduled to begin with the Winter 2007 registration. The next phase will be a complete update of all of the accounting software.
The new telephone system, a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) based phone system, is scheduled to “go-live” on April 30, 2007. Staff will complete training prior to the “go-live” date.
The Business Department staff processed over 5,800 vendor checks, 6,800 payroll checks and 471 W-2s.
Staff coordinated the development of the District’s operational and capital budgets for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
Awards and Leadership Recognition
Melissa Caine was honored with the Jodie Harrison Lifetime Achievement Award and inducted into the St. Charles East High School Hall of Fame.
Jim Wheeler joined an elite group of golf professionals being recognized by the PGA President’s Council on Growing the Game of Golf.
Park District Commissioner John Forni was nominated for the American Red Cross Fox River Chapter’s Hometown Heroes Award.
Park District Commissioner Gloria Klimek was nominated for the American Red Cross Fox River Chapter’s Hometown Heroes Award. Gloria also achieved “Distinctive Board Member Status” through IAPD’s Board Member Development Program.
The Park District received the IPRA’s Outstanding Facility and Parks Award for the Pottawatomie Adult Activity Center.
The Park District received a St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Community Image Award for the Campton Hills Splash Park.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness presented the Park District with its Conservation Native Landscaping Award for the Fox River Native Plant Demonstration Garden.
NRPA’s Great Lakes Region Partnership Award was presented to the Park District for development of Campton Hills Park.
The Park District was named 2nd place photo contest award winner by the IAPD Joint Publication Committee for two Park District brochure cover photographs.
A St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Community Development Award was presented to the Park District for development of Campton Hills Splash Park.
The Chicago Wilderness Native Landscaping Award was presented to the Park District for development of the Fox River Native Plant Demonstration Garden.
Funding from Grants and Program Sponsorships
$391,300 was granted from OSLAD for East Side Sports Complex.
$385,100 was granted from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for Primrose Farm Park development.
A $17,995 Community Development Block Grant was received from Kane County for renovation of farm buildings at Primrose Farm Park.
A grant was received from the Northeastern Illinois Wetlands Conservation Account to restore 1.5 acres of wetland at Ferson Creek Fen. This project was accomplished in the fall.
Park District staff raised almost $42,000 for Concerts in the Park, the Easter Egg Hunt, July 4th Fireworks, Back Page Advertising, and other special events.
The Airline Pilot’s Historical Society generously donated playground equipment for Fox Chase Park.
The St. Charles Kiwanis Club and the St. Charles Rotary Foundation have each pledged up to $15,000 for the development of the Mt. St. Mary Park Playground.
Pottawatomie Golf Course
During the past year at Pottawatomie Golf Course, over 39,000 rounds of golf were played.
Pottawatomie Golf Course improvements include
- installing new bunkers (holes #1 & #9)
- extensive native and vegetation planting restoration (holes #3-#7)
- new drinking fountain (hole #7)
- a new beverage machine (hole #3)
- new golf cart pathways
Recreation Department
Over 14,000 participants registered for hundreds of classes offered by the Park District.
26,364 visitors enjoyed the new Campton Hills Splash Park.
57,149 visitors swam at Pottawatomie Pool.
20,000 visitors played mini-golf at River View Miniature Golf Course.
6,210 teens utilized the St. Charles Underground.
8,094 older adults visited the Adult Activity Center.
46,078 individuals utilized the East Side Sports Complex.
The following special events served over 7,835 participants and patrons:
Easter Egg Hunt Senior Gala
Breakfast with the Bunny Halloween Party
Daddy Daughter Dance Annual Spring Dance Recital
Mom-Son Night DJ Night at the Pool
Tiny Tots Track Meet Big Truck Show
Turkey Shoot Hay Rides
Big Truck Show Kite Fly
The 4th of July celebration filled Pottawatomie Park and downtown with thousands of participants.
The summer Concerts in the Park series included 9 Concerts in the Park at Lincoln Park, with an average attendance of 850 at each concert.
New stand out programs that were added in the past year: Adult Camera Club, Youth Recreational Swim League, Additional Softball Leagues at ESSC, Red Hat Society and Youth No School Day trips.
The Recreation Department is continually expanding programs by adding new activities that appeal to people of all ages.
A local softball team, the Chicago Classics, which has participated in the Park District’s softball leagues for over 15 years, became the National and World Champions winning the Triple Crown of Softball.
Park Department
Staff beautifully maintained 60 park sites totaling approximately 1,300 acres.
Staff managed over 537 acres of natural areas to eliminate invasive non-native plant species.
Commissioner Gloria Klimek worked with the Downtown Fine Arts Committee to bring Sculptures in the Park to Mt. St. Mary Park.
Primrose Farm Manager Kirk Bunke worked with renowned photographer Stan Jorstad to display original photographs of Primrose Farm Park.
Over 4,100 local students were served through the District’s Environmental Education Program reaching students in grades K through 5.
The Naturalist Department offered over 200 environmental education programs in 2005, reaching over 800 individuals of all ages. An additional 300 children attended nature camps.
The Otter Creek Restoration Project was implemented with the stabilization of approximately 2,400 feet of streambank.
The southeast corner of the native plant garden at Pottawatomie Community Center was refurbished using local stone and large boulders with a path to the parking lot. The native plant garden has a new water garden.
New playgrounds were installed at Munhall and Davis Schools and Rotary Park. A new playground was donated and installed at Fox Chase Park.
Park Staff spent much time working at Campton Hills Park last year. Landscaping work was completed at the new Splash Park and a native landscaping buffer was planted. A new dog park, disc golf course and new playing fields were opened.
East Side Sports Complex Phase 3 is now under construction. Nine multi-purpose playfields, a dog park, fishing pond with pier, 8-station fitness trail and lacrosse fields are planned.
An arboretum was established at Mt. St. Mary Park.
The development of Primrose Farm is underway. Staff has rebuilt the relocated historical machine shed on the property and woody vegetation has been cleared from the site.
The Park Department maintained, in first class condition, approximately 200 acres of “high maintenance” park sites and athletic fields including 21 soccer fields, 3 football fields, 1 rugby field, 2 lacrosse fields, 12 baseball fields, 7 softball fields and a countless number of practice sites.
Business Department and Administrative Services
The Business Department has implemented Phase I of the computer system plan. This included a complete overhaul of the hardware and the networking. Phase II, which includes registration, on-line registration, facility scheduling, point of sale, and league scheduling, is in progress. In several months, staff will begin work on Phase III, which includes all of the accounting software.
Staff is preparing to receive proposals on new telephone systems for the entire District. The new system will be Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).
Staff coordinated the development of the District’s operational and capital budgets, totaling almost $19 million for Fiscal year 2006-2007.
The Business staff processed over 5,200 vendor checks, 6,300 payroll checks and processed 459 W-2’s.
The Park District web site has recorded over 1 million hits this past year.
The St. Charles Park District received a St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Civic Image Award for the Adult Activity Center at Pottawatomie Community Center.
The District was presented an Illinois State Senate Resolution sponsored by State Senator Kathleen Wojcik in recognition of the District receiving the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Civic Image Award and for the District’s Environmental Education Program.
Renae Frigo received the Environmental Educator of the Year Award from the Environmental Education Association of Illinois. Renae also received the Conservation Education Award from the Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District.
Doug Ranney became a certified arborist. He is the District’s second certified arborist.
Erika Young was named “Woman of the Year” by the local chapter of Zonta International.
Jonelle Von Hatten was elected President of the St. Charles Breakfast Rotary.
Park District Commissioner Gloria Klimek received a 15 year Service Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts.
Former Commissioner Clint Hull was elected Chairman of the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ Board of Trustees.
The Park District was re-accredited by PDRMA and received a monetary reward for its efforts.
The Park District received the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ Conservation Program Award for the environmental education program held in conjunction with School District 303 in which over 4100 youth attended education programs presented by District staff and volunteers.
Funding From Grants and Program Sponsorship
The Park District raised almost $32,000 from sponsorships of such programs as Concerts in the Park, Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July Fireworks and other special events.
St. Charles Underground received $6,000 in local contributions from the St. Charles Youth Commission and local service clubs and a $3,200 grant from the IAPD Powerplay Program.
The District’s Tennis Program received a $4,000 grant from the U.S. Tennis Association and the National Recreation and Park Association.
The Nature Camp Program received a $1,000 donation from Noon Rotary.
In 2004, the Park District received a development grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for $400,000 for Campton Hills Park. Last week notice was received that $391,300 was awarded for development of the northern portion of East Side Sports Complex.
Also, in 2004, the following grants were given to enhance District natural areas:
US and Illinois EPA - $134,363
US Army Corps of Engineers Ferson Creek Fen Restoration Grant, managed through the Fox Valley Land Foundation, in the amount of $5,000
$2,000 from the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission for work at Ferson Creek Fen.
$11,840 for Ferson Creek Fen wetland restoration.
Pottawatomie Golf Course
During the past year at Pottawatomie Golf Course, over 38,230 rounds of golf were played.
In addition to keeping the course absolutely beautiful with finely manicured trees and greens, the golf department did an excellent job beautifying the golf course with many flowers grown by the horticultural crew.
A major undertaking at the golf course this past year was installation of a new bridge to the island tee.
Recreation Department
The Recreation Department has accomplished much over the past year. The Department has expanded programs offered to residents and, over the course of 2004, over 14,000 participants registered for hundreds of classes offered by the Park District.
Over the last year:
45,563 swam at Pottawatomie Swimming Pool
20,000 people played mini-golf in Pottawatomie Park
4,810 visited St. Charles Underground
2004 marked the first full year of usage at East Side Sports Complex. In the summer months, roughly 700 people use the complex every evening for softball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, Lacrosse and the skate park. On weekends, this number exceeds 2,000, accounting for numerous tournaments. During the fall, staff estimates that 500 individuals per night use these facilities.
Special events, such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, Daddy Daughter Dances, Mother-Son Night, Youth Track Meet and Senior Christmas Gala, drew over 4,300 participants.
The 4th of July celebration filled Pottawatomie Park and downtown with thousands of participants; tens of thousands attended the Scarecrow Festival and Pride of the Fox Events held on Park District sites.
The Recreation Department is now expanding programs by adding new activities that appeal to people of all ages, such as a new camera club and a walking club.
The Adult Activity Center is open 80 hours per week and has added several new programs, including billiards, computers for older adults and the Red Hat Society. In 2004, over 6,000 older adults visited the Center.
Business Department and Administrative Services
The Business Department is in the process of implementing the recently adopted computer system plan. Phase I is in progress and includes complete overhaul of the computer network, accounting software, registration, and implementation of a new on-line registration.
Staff coordinated the development of the Park District’s operation and capital budgets, totaling $19,430,067 for fiscal year 2004-2005.
The Business and Administrative Staff processed over 5,471 vendor checks, 5,512 payroll checks, and 448 W-2’s and payroll checks totaling $4,729,437 in fiscal year 2004-2005.
Board and staff completed the Park District’s 2005 Comprehensive Master Plan, which will help guide the District over the next 5-year period.
Staff has added virtual tours to selected parks on the District website and improved the overall website.
Parks Department
The Parks Department beautifully maintained almost 60 park sites totaling almost 1300 acres.
The Department managed over 537 acres of natural areas to eliminate invasive non-native plant species.
Over 4100 local students were served through the District’s Environmental Education Program reaching students in grades K through 5.
Efforts were continued to stabilize the shoreline at Otter Creek Bend Wetland Park and to remove invasive vegetation at Park District owned natural areas.
The Naturalist Department offered over ten different types of environmental education classes serving hundreds of residents.
In conjunction with the Recreation Department, the Parks Department is overseeing development of Campton Hills Park – including the Splash Park, Frisbee disc golf course, interpretive shelter, soccer fields south of Route 38, basketball courts and parking lots. Also, last week staff completed a new restroom at the park site.
The western portion of Campton Hills Park was dedicated as a State of Illinois Land and Water Reserve. This dedication affords protection of the natural areas located on the westerly portion of the property.
Staff replaced the playground at Wildrose School.
At Pottawatomie Park, erosion control work was completed and a pedestrian walking path along the river was constructed. Also, the Park District reconfigured and lighted the parking lots and provided additional landscaping and irrigation repairs.
A new neighborhood park was acquired at Majestic Oaks Park and now a second park site at Majestic Oaks is being developed. Also, a walking path along the former Mosely Lane was developed to serve local residents.
Parks Department staff worked with the Kiwanis Club and community volunteers to help stabilize the shoreline of the cove on the west side of Boy Scout Island.
Staff completed and installed a new gazebo at Hunt Club Park.
The Park Department maintained, in first class condition, approximately 200 acres of “high maintenance” park sites and athletic fields including 21 soccer fields, 2 football fields, 1 rugby field, 2 Lacrosse fields, 12 baseball fields, 7 softball fields and a countless number of practice sites.
