Rockford Park District
Priority Result #2
By Douglas J. Brooks, President, Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners and the Board of Commissioners
"One of my favorite things to do is to play golf at Sinnissippi." "My best childhood memories are of playing baseball at our neighborhood park." Many people have told me sentiments like these, about how the Rockford Park District was and is an important part of their lives. I'm sure you have your own special memories that happened at one of our 175 park sites that cover 125 square miles of our community.
These memories exist because of previous generations. Their leadership laid a sound foundation for the Rockford Park District, so that successive generations could enjoy one of the finest park districts in the country.
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Rockford Park District in 2009, your Park District Board of Commissioners wants to assure continued excellence in our park facilities and programs. As stewards of one of the most highly regarded park districts in the nation, we take very seriously the responsibility of preserving and building upon the taxpayers investments.
Your Feedback is Important
We urge you to become a more frequent visitor, or a volunteer, and let us know what you think! As a user of the parks, you know best what should be improved, changed or modified.
This summer we will once again conduct a community survey and strongly urge your participation. Your input is very important as we plan for the future.
Last week the 2007 Annual Report of the Board of Commissioners was made available at Park District registration sites and mailed copies to each household who registered for at least one program in 2007. We want you to know how your park and recreation system is doing and what has been achieved. As we move forward, keeping you informed of key issues and challenges is a high priority. I invite you to visit our new website at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org as one of the many ways to stay connected.
How Can You Help?
Many people often ask us, "what can I do to help the Park District?" Your time and talents are welcome.
"One of my favorite things to do is to play golf at Sinnissippi." "My best childhood memories are of playing baseball at our neighborhood park." Many people have told me sentiments like these, about how the Rockford Park District was and is an important part of their lives. I'm sure you have your own special memories that happened at one of our 175 park sites that cover 125 square miles of our community.
These memories exist because of previous generations. Their leadership laid a sound foundation for the Rockford Park District, so that successive generations could enjoy one of the finest park districts in the country.
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the Rockford Park District in 2009, your Park District Board of Commissioners wants to assure continued excellence in our park facilities and programs. As stewards of one of the most highly regarded park districts in the nation, we take very seriously the responsibility of preserving and building upon the taxpayers investments.
Your Feedback is Important
We urge you to become a more frequent visitor, or a volunteer, and let us know what you think! As a user of the parks, you know best what should be improved, changed or modified.
This summer we will once again conduct a community survey and strongly urge your participation. Your input is very important as we plan for the future.
Last week the 2007 Annual Report of the Board of Commissioners was made available at Park District registration sites and mailed copies to each household who registered for at least one program in 2007. We want you to know how your park and recreation system is doing and what has been achieved. As we move forward, keeping you informed of key issues and challenges is a high priority. I invite you to visit our new website at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org as one of the many ways to stay connected.
How Can You Help?
Many people often ask us, "what can I do to help the Park District?" Your time and talents are welcome.
- Adopt-A- Park - Groups, companies or neighborhood associations can adopt a park and help keep it clean and attractive by planting flowers and picking up litter.
- Beautify Our Community - Purchase a hanging basket to improve the aesthetics of the community.
- Join a Friends Group - Groups like Friends of Atwood and Friends of Lockwood provide valuable assistance that reduces dependence on tax dollars for important and necessary programs.
- Give to the Rockford Park District Foundation - The Foundation allows us to accept donations of cash, securities or properties. Over the years, many generous citizens have contributed or bequeathed gifts that have allowed generations of families to enjoy quality programs at outstanding facilities and park sites. Today you can buy a brick to help support the Nicholas Conservatory.
Priority to Youth
We study very carefully the demographics of our community to assist us in developing programs and District goals. We expect the number of people using our facilities and services will increase each year, particularly among the young. Our highest priority is serving youth 5 to 15 years old; our second priority is the 15 to 19 group.
That means that the Park District gives the highest priority to programs that serve youth ages 5 to 19 during non-school hours that include instruction and activities to develop lifelong recreational skills. Leisure time spent utilizing recreational facilities and programs leads to healthy bodies and minds.
In addition to programs at park sites, your Park District partners with many community groups at non-park sites to provide essential services. We are very good at "helping people enjoy life" and with your feedback and support, we will continue to maximize your investment and help create special memories for you and your family.
We study very carefully the demographics of our community to assist us in developing programs and District goals. We expect the number of people using our facilities and services will increase each year, particularly among the young. Our highest priority is serving youth 5 to 15 years old; our second priority is the 15 to 19 group.
That means that the Park District gives the highest priority to programs that serve youth ages 5 to 19 during non-school hours that include instruction and activities to develop lifelong recreational skills. Leisure time spent utilizing recreational facilities and programs leads to healthy bodies and minds.
In addition to programs at park sites, your Park District partners with many community groups at non-park sites to provide essential services. We are very good at "helping people enjoy life" and with your feedback and support, we will continue to maximize your investment and help create special memories for you and your family.