Public Statement & Achievements

Mar 15th, 2023

November 2021

  • Expanded our partnership with the Village of Progress to provide inclusive recreation opportunities to their adult consumers. Programming now includes swimming once per week and a specialized sport once per week.

January 2022

  • District concluded the fiscal year with $2,112,382 in fund balance reserves. End of year fund balance was $232,857 higher than budgeted.
  • Reduction in recreation fund expenses combined with increased recreation fund revenues resulted in an increase in recreation fund balance of $141,027.
  • All funds met their annual fund balance goals with the exception of the paving and lighting fund in which the funds were used to complete paving improvements at Park West.
  • Membership revenue was $46,216 greater than budgeted.
  • The district completed $986,891 in capital improvement projects during fiscal year 2021.
  • The district improved the monthly board reporting to include a visual dashboard that displays the district financial and usage status.
  • Implemented a new website calendar to visually display all district program offerings.

March 2022

  • Wipfli presented the districts 2021 audit. All financial statements presented fairly and in accordance with the modified cash basis of accounting.  The district’s net position increased by $192,012 from the prior year.

March 2022

  • Completed the Extended Time classroom transition from Blackhawk Center to the elementary school. The transition provides improved program access for participants, expanded play space and increased safety measures.

May 2022

  • Completed ADA improvements identified in the capital improvement plan and ADA audit at Park West and Lions Park.
  • Revamped and approved Park Use Ordinances.

June 2022

  • Installed a mini-pitch at Park West. This is only the 2nd location in the state of Illinois.

July 2022

  • Swim lesson participation hit an all time high at 172 registered participants for the month.

August 2022

  • Installed two new pickleball courts at Mix Park.

September 2022

  • Completed a Board Self Evaluation led by Peter Murphy, IAPD.

September 2022

  • Two full-time employees attended the NRPA conference.

October 2022

  • District received the Robert Stouffer Special Recognition Award at the Village of Progress Annual Dinner.

November 2022

  • District full-time staff completed two training courses. The Totally Responsible Person/Organization and the 5 Behaviors of a Cohesive Team.  Both with HR Source.

November 2022

  • District secured $4,750 in athletic sponsorship funds to assist in controlling program expenses and maintaining program fees to provide reasonably priced athletic programs.

November 2022

  • The District received a playground grant in the amount of $43,726.

December 2022

  • District concluded the fiscal year with $2,079,975 in fund balance reserves. The end of year fund balance was $124,067 higher than budgeted.

December 2022

  • District’s partnership with Oregon High School athletics to provide athletic camps for youth participants continued to be successful and the district utilized the net proceeds and donated $10,908 to OHS athletics.

January 2023

  • The District continued to achieve its annual fund balance goals. The primary operation funds, the corporate fund and recreation fund, both exceeded their fund balance goals as well as their budgeted year ending fund balances.
  • The district conservatively budgeted for a rebound in facility usage and program participation for the 2022 fiscal year. Both facility usage and program participation exceeded expectations.  Primary pass revenue and general recreations exceeded their budgets by $105,265.
  • Overall activity fees revenue increased 23% in 2022.
  • Program participation hit an all time high in 2022 with 13,555 program participants. This was 9% higher than 2021.
  • The district completed $1,064,758 in capital improvement projects during fiscal year 2022.
  • The district continues to contribute to the Long-Term Capital Replacement Fund created in 2019. The district contributes approximately 5% of annual capital expense/year.  The estimated FY 23-year end balance is $357,570.

January 2023

  • Athletic Coordinator passed the CPRP exam. Three employees are now classified as CPRP, one employee is a CPRE, and one employee is a CPSI.  38% of the staff is now certified by the National Recreation and Park Association.

January 2023

  • Nine full-time employees attended the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference. Staff attended 61 hours of continuing education over the course of 3 days.

January 2023

  • IPRA Exceptional Workplace Award Winner

January 2023

  • Aquatic facility users exceeded 10,000 participants for the month of January. The single highest monthly total in District history.

February 2023

  • Approved contract for an updated Values Based Strategic Plan

February 2023

  • Received a $1500 grant from Ogle Natural Alliance for outdoor education programs.

March 2023

  • Two full-time employees attended the Great Lakes Training Institute