A look back
at a challenging yet productive 50th Anniversary Year for
Bolingbrook Park District
District Wide
Operations
BPD Finance
Despite
COVID-19 and its horrible effects on the overall operation of BPD, the District
remains in good financial standing.
This is due to a comprehensive expense management program, when
traditional revenue streams were suspended.
- Facility
closures, event cancellations, and program revamping.
- Full time staff
hiring freeze and merit raise suspension.
- Admin and the
Board made the difficult decision to place the part time staff on furlough
(since April 8, 2020) with only necessary staff returning.
- In addition
several full time staff were placed on Furlough late in 2020.
- BGNR, Marketing, Technology,
Recreation, and Golf Course purchase reductions and eliminations.
- Projected overall
expense savings nearly $5 million
| 2020 Budget | 200 Est. Actual | Est. Net |
BPD Operational Revenue | $16,586,574 | $11,890,483 | $-4,696,034 |
BPD Operational Expense | $17,639,286 | $12,671,446 | $-4,967,840 |
Bottom Line | $-1,052,769 | $-780,963 | $-271,806 |
Community
Wide Survey
Bolingbrook
Park District conducted a Community Wide Survey in 2020 and was presented to
the Board at the August 20 Board Meeting by the facilitator – Customer Life
Cycle.
- The survey consists of both a qualitative study (focus groups) and a
quantitative study (survey).
- More than 480 completed surveys were received via e-mail or phone from a random
sampling of residents
- Primary
objectives of the research include measuring perceptions of
customer friendliness and service. Awareness
of/knowledge about current programs and facilities. Needs
and wants of the diverse Bolingbrook community.
Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected constituent views
of BPD. Understanding what constituents
want from BPD after the crisis of COVID-19 has passed.
- Organizational Strengths Include: Customer
service and Instructor knowledge. Strong
satisfaction with BPD. Strong
likelihood to use a BPD Park or Facility.
Strong recommendation for parks and programs. Strong feedback on value for their tax
dollars.
LCSRA transition / merge with NWCSRA
Approved
in 2019, LCSRA was initially scheduled to merge operations with Northern Will
County Special Recreation Association on September 1, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and shut-down,
NWCSRA requested that the merge happen earlier (July 1, 2020). BPD staff worked with NWCSRA staff to allow
the merge to happen two months ahead of schedule. The entire transition went smoothly and
allowed for some summer programming to happen in all 4 communities.
Recreation
and Facilities Comprehensive Plan
- In 2019 and throughout 2020, Recreation
and Facilities Leadership Team worked on a long range departmental strategic
plan that initially covered the next three years. However, due to COVID-19, the focus of the
entire District is to be adaptable to the ever-changing needs of the community. This plan was scaled back to a two year plan
with a goal to build on the knowledge and information accumulated from the past
three years of operations and incorporate information from a community
engagement process.
- The overall goal is financial
sustainability for the recreation programs, facilities, and services with a
strong focus on community needs. The 2021-2022 R&F Comprehensive Program
Plan is a blueprint that outlines actions to maintain the highest-quality service
delivery desired by the community in fiscally responsible manner.
- Each operational area within
Recreation and Facilities has 2021 initiatives that they will be working
toward. The 2022 initiatives are more of
a mid-range goal that can be adjusted based on operational activity and
environment. The plan will be
implemented immediately and reported on quarterly.
Other
Operational Successes in 2020
- Received the awarded $104,000 from the IDNR
from the frozen Museum Grants of 2014.
Thanks to the efforts of Senator Pat McGuire to re-visit past frozen
grant awards.
- Received notification of a $400,000 OSLAD
Grant Award for the Century Park development plan.
- Received notification of a $504,000 Museum Grant Award for the Hidden
Lakes Bait Shop and Learning Pavilion.
- The Illinois House of Representative and Illinois State Senate as well
as IAPD honored Bolingbrook Park District for our 50th
Anniversary. IAPD also honored Commissioners
Hix and Vastalo for their years of service as Bolingbrook Commissioners.
- The Business Office pursued COVID-19 Relief
through the Will County CARES Act. To
date BPD has received $60,000 with another $25,000 applied for. This funding covers expenses BPD incurred due
to added equipment, staffing, and supply expenses related to the COVID-19
pandemic.
- Implemented new
registration modules through WebTrac to improve access by customers and
encourage program registration. In
addition, staff simplified the Resident ID registration and verification
process.
- BPD partnered with the Foundation for
Bolingbrook Parks to fundraise to install an 80’ flag pole on Frontage and
Recreation Drive (along I-55). A 25’
American Flag proudly waves on this lighted pole. We received donations from 21 different
vendors including the concrete footing, electric, and installation. In total over $20,000 was raised and no tax
dollars were used for this project.
- BPD successfully participated in PDRMA’s pilot
revamp of the Risk Management Review. We
were one of 50 agencies participating in the program, providing feedback
regarding changes. We did retain our
Accreditation.
- The Business and Technology Department
processed nearly $1,300 refunds in 2020 as well as keeping up with a constant
flow of programming and operational changes.
- Staff and the community came together to
donate Money toward Project Thanksgiving (dinners for Seniors) as well as
collected and donated gifts to 127 Senior Citizens in three assisted living
facilities in Bolingbrook.
Projects
- The 9-acre parcel of wetland that the
Park District acquired in late 2019 is officially the 50th property
owned by Bolingbrook Park District and is now appropriately named Prairie Path
Wetland.
- The 2020 ADA transition plan included
work to the trailhead for the ComEd Greenway at Remington Lakes, as well as ADA
path upgrades at Community, Plimmer, and Wipfler Parks.
- The comprehensive tree inventory was completed
by Graf Tree Company. This report will
allow Bolingbrook Park District to directly apply the best arboriculture practices
for optimum forestry management.
- StrikeGuard Lightning Detection system
was installed at the Annerino Community Center, Pelican Harbor, Lily Cache Sportsfields
East Campus, and Indian Boundary Park.
- The 23-year-old BRAC Gymnasium Curtains
were replaced the week of February 24 with a royal blue to match the finished
décor of the BRAC Expansion project.
- Five playgrounds were replaced in
2020. The first being Central Park and
River Bend Park. These were closely
followed by Indian Chase Meadows, Indian Boundary, and Remington Parks. Remington has awesome new outdoor fitness
equipment!
- Pelican Harbor’s Island renovation
project was completed in May. The island
is spectacular, with green grass, beautiful structures, and a great bridge to
access. We look forward to using the
island in 2021!
- The BRAC renovation project kicked off
early in 2020 and continued throughout the year. The project included 5 new family changing
rooms, renovated fitness and aquatic locker rooms, a re-configured pool
entrance and lobby, and a new multi-purpose room. We also included long time replacement
projects including a new flat roof, lobby flooring, a new entrance, a new fire
panel, revamped score boards in the gym, and new lobby furniture.
- Staff completed
$100,000 in improvements to Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm including
plantings, mowing, Poison Ivy control, work on the 2020 Illinois American Water
Grant, general landscaping. We also completed
the Hidden Lakes Master Plan conducted by Engineering Resources Assoc., completed
the installation of 9 additional aerators into the 4 ponds which will help with
weed control and reduce water stagnation, completed the installation of a water
well for pond water fill. The addition
of this well has resulted in the removal of the feed pipe from the quarry that
stretches across the DuPage River.
Special Events
- Lifestyles started the year with the Cheers
to 50 Years event on January 11. The
event featured an exclusive membership offer (first month’s payment is just 50
cents). All attendees received a free t-shirt and drawing tickets for a chance
to win cash prizes! Existing members
that attended were entered into a separate drawing to win Amazon Gift Cards!
- DanceForce hosted their annual DanceForce
concert called “Legendary” at Bolingbrook High School on January 31 and
February 1.
- Daddy
Daughter Social took place on Thursday, February 6 at the Levy Center in
Bolingbrook. Ice Cream Sundaes were
served along with an interactive DJ, Photo Booth and crafts. 114 attended!
- Winterfest was held at the Annerino
Community Center on Saturday, February 8 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The weather
was great and there were many smiling faces in attendance that day.
- The PreSchool team held virtual graduations
and drive through celebrations for their kiddos moving up to Kindergarten!
- The LifeStyles team created Parkie’s
Cares Virtual 5K Race, benefiting the AMITA Health Foundation. This first-time event had 101 participants!
- BPD purchased a portable movie screen
and offered three Drive in Movies at the Brooks Middle School parking lot. 50 cars fit in the parking lot, and were
charged $5 per car to reserve their spot.
Proceeds went to the Foundation for Bolingbrook Parks
- Four out of the six Wednesday Night
Concerts were held at Village Hall on stage with no audience in attendance due
to COVID-19 gathering protocols.
However, the concerts were live streamed on Facebook, the Village
Website, and Bolingbrook Community Television. Audience was permitted for the final two
concerts (with distancing protocols).
- Rec and Facilities staff offered and
participated in multiple virtual program offerings including dance classes,
group fitness classes, trivia nights, dance parties, and a fun Reverse Father’s
Day Parade on June 20 with a home visit drive-by from Parkie the Pelican.
- Two Fishing derbies were held at
Hidden Lakes (one of them a night time derby).
In addition, Bolingbrook Park District held a free family fishing day at
Hidden Lakes in conjunction with IPRA’s Unplug Illinois Day on July 11.
- Also on July 11,
BPD held its inaugural Family Bike Challenge.
Fourteen Families attended this safe and fun outdoor family
activity. Participants met at BRAC to
start the event and were given a map of all challenge locations. Participants
had to complete as many challenges in the given 2-hour timeframe.
- Reptile Rockstars, was held July 29. Thirty
three guests attended and enjoyed a meet-and-greet with five of the facility’s
animal residents. The was the first of
several Meijer sponsored partnership programs.
- Freaky Fun Friday returned to Hidden
Oaks on Friday, October 16. In its fourth year, this festival included a Trick
or Treat Trail supported by members of the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of
Commerce. Hidden Oaks was also the site
for the inaugural Pumpkin Shoot, held on Sunday, November 1. Fifty people brought their no-longer-needed
jack-o-lanterns and shot them with arrows. The event raised funds to support
the animal population at Hidden Oaks Nature Center.
- Parkie’s Pumpkin Patch was held on October
23 at Pelican Harbor Indoor. Participants
swam, picked a pumpkin, and decorated it!
Recreation Programing, Facilities, and
Services
After the 70-day
Shelter in Place (SIP) / Stay At Home Order that began on March 20, Bolingbrook
Park District began to re-open facilities (with restrictions) and bring back
programming (again, with restrictions).
The following is a comprehensive list of facilities, programs, and
services offered following the SIP.
LifeStyles Fitness Center (BRAC Location Only):
|
LifeStyles was made available for use of equipment through a
reservation only system. Some equipment has been moved to the gymnasium to
meet the social distancing requirements. General fitness center use is for
45-minute time slots, which are available online. Group Fit Classes are
available for registration only both indoor and outdoor (weather permitting).
|
Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park:
|
Pelican Harbor Outdoor Aquatic Park opened on July 16. Three 3-hour Open Swim sessions per day
were held, with a maximum bather load of 200 per swim session. Thanks to the BGNR team for getting the
park operational in 2 weeks!!
|
Pelican Harbor Indoor: Lap Swim:
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Lap swim was made available by reservation
for 45-minute time slots.
|
Camp Connections:
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Day Camp was re-designed and was called Camp Connections! Ratio was 8:2 camper/counselor allowing
for proper social distancing, handwashing, health checklists, masks worn
inside, and appropriate group management and games/activities.
|
Summer Programming
|
On July 13, Gymnastics/Ninja, Dance, Theatre, Adult Rec classes
and Athletics leagues (softball, volleyball) resumed in-person
programming (with restrictions).
|
Annerino Community Center:
|
Daily hours for ACC were reduced from regular open hours to
program ending times, due to LifeStyles at ACC permanent closure.
|
Bolingbrook Recreation & Aquatic Complex:
|
Regular daily hours for BRAC were also reduced for BRAC with a
slightly later opening and earlier closing.
|
Hidden Lakes Historic Trout Farm:
|
Tackle Box Bait Shop opened May 1 and was a busy facility all
throughout 2020.
|
Boughton Ridge Golf Course:
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Open to the public. Walk
up and on-line tee times are available.
Foursomes were allowed with 10-minute tee time intervals.
|
Ashbury's at Boughton Ridge:
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Ashbury’s is open daily for patio seating and limited indoor
dining from 11:00 am-8:00 pm, Please note there was a limited menu and
seating capacity.
|
Sports Fields:
|
Sports fields were available for use but were limited to 50
individuals (25 per team, including coaches and officials). There were new
use guidelines instituted by the DCEO which affected many of the youth and
adult sports
|
Tennis/Pickleball Courts:
|
Are open for singles play only (one person on each side of the
court). Doubles play is not permitted during this current phase
|
Basketball, Volleyball, Sand Volleyball
|
Open for play since the beginning of June
|
Fall Recreation Programs
|
All program areas ran fall programs with COVID-19 protocols,
including Pre School.
|
All Day REACH
|
Working with Valley View,
the district implemented an All-Day REACH program to support community
members needing care during remote learning time.
|
Additional Recreation and Facilities
Information and Statistics
- Bolingbrook
Park District initially awarded more than $5,000 in Financial Assistance,
however cancelled classes resulted in a total of just over $1,100 awarded.
- Athletics
held both a mens and a co-ed overnight Softball events. Fifteen and nine teams respectively
participated.
- Tier
3 Mitigations were put in place beginning November 20. This affected programs (Gymnastics/Ninja,
Indoor Group Fitness, Dance, PreSchool, Theatre, Adult, Athletics, Youth
Sports) and services (Ashbury’s indoor dining and banquets).
- DanceForce competed virtually in the
REVEL Convention and Competition held December 4-6 where many received honors
for their performances.
- Theatre performed The Year Santa Got
Mixed Up in a Zoom performance on December 16.
- The
Marketing team created Parkie’s Holiday Recreation Pack (letters to Santa,
Hot Chocolate Bomb recipe, Parkie’s Paper Ornament Craft, Christmas Light
scavenger hunt, and a YouTube link to Recreation Staff reading children’s
books) was launched on December 1 with over 500 downloads.
- Despite the COVID-19 shutdowns,
Bolingbrook Park District ran over 600 Recreation Programs with more than
20,000 participants. These numbers are
significantly lower than our average (3,000 and 100,000), however they
demonstrate our commitment to providing as many opportunities for programed rec
as possible for our community.
- Pelican Harbor’s Management and
Lifeguard Team earned the 5-Star
Aquatic Safety Award for the 2020 season from StarGuard Elite. This award is in
recognition of exceptional operational safety standards, lifeguard
professionalism, and excellence in risk management practices.
- Boughton Ridge Golf Course saw the
highest golf round total in the last 24 years (25,891) in 2020!
Marketing
Apex Award
Our Marketing team was recognized as a 2020 APEX Award of Excellence
Winner in the Social Media-Facebook Sites category! The Apex
Awards are based on graphic design, editorial content, and the ability to
achieve overall communications excellence.
50th
Anniversary Celebration
The official
50th Anniversary of Bolingbrook Park District was celebrated on August 11. Even
though we weren’t able to celebrate with a community party as we wanted to,
staff found ways to mark the occasion in a positive way including:
- Created a video
of Parkie the Pelican decorating the Rec Room at BRAC and celebrating with a dance
party on his own and posted to social media.
- Created a video
documenting the opening of the time capsule in front of BRAC and posted to
social media.
- Released the new
playground that opened at Remington Lakes Sports Complex
Family Parks
Challenge
A total of 41
families took part in our Summer Parks Challenge: 50th Anniversary Edition.
Four winners were selected and received a $50 BPD Gift Card. The challenge took
them through 20 of our parks, including those with updated playgrounds as a
result of the 2018 referendum. This was a great way to engage with the
community and offer a fun way to visit our parks.
The Bolingbrook Park District News was created as
a communication resource and tool to send readers to our website.
- Starting in December 2020, this
newsletter/newspaper-style mailing piece took the place of the traditional program
guide.
- The program guide
has transitioned to digital. Using feedback from the community-wide survey,
this new publication accomplishes the following:
- Provides a
considerable cost saving from mailing the traditional program guide while
reaching Bolingbrook residents more often (six times).
- Offers
step-by-step instructions to find the digital program guide.
- Showcases
programs and events that have occurred through the use of more photos.
- Highlights
upcoming program and events information.
- Explains how our
team keeps Bolingbrook beautiful.
- Features fun
articles about what we’re up to behind the scenes.
- Introduces our
team through staff profiles.