Rockford Park District
Priority Result #4
Exceptional Parks and Recreation Services at a Reasonable Cost
By Nate Martin, Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners
One of our top priorities is to provide exceptional parks and recreation facilities, services, and programs, and make them available at a reasonable cost.
The citizens of the Rockford Park District tell us they do receive a high return for their investment of taxes, participation fees, and donations through our efforts to enhance those monies by preserving assets, seeking alternative revenues, leveraging partnerships with volunteers and other organizations, and implementing operational efficiencies.
Reporting on achievements during the past year, we were able to use alternative funding mechanisms, including grants and donations, to acquire 17.96 acres of land to expand the District's ability to provide recreation services, particularly for youth.
New partnerships were developed for providing services on a neighborhood level with Liberty Baptist Church, Rockford Health Council, MELD, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and various community centers.
New programs to improve health, wellness, and leisure skills were introduced, including the F.I.R.E. Track and Field Program with 200 participants, and neighborhood outreach reaching 1,300 children and teaching them how to play tennis, a lifetime sport. A summer program collaborative providing life-building skills and summer activities was held at the Patriots Gateway Community Center and Blackhawk Boys and Girls Club, with the program serving 200 at-risk youth and teens six hours a day.
People who volunteer their time and lend their talents are an excellent indication of the value they have for the Park District. More than 1,358 volunteers contributed approximately 26,674 hours of their time and talents to the Park District during the past year, amounting to a savings of $268,675 in labor costs for the District. We simply could not exist and provide services without the commitment and fulfillment of these volunteers.
People donating financial resources are another indication of personal value. During the last twelve months, $3,417,895 in gifts, pledges, grants, and sponsorships was received by the Rockford Park District Foundation. The campaign for the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens reached the $5 million mark, with well over 700 donors participating at various levels.
Recognition and awards is yet another way to measure value by local organizations and industry peers. Last year, the Rockford Park District was thoroughly evaluated by park and recreation professionals, and was awarded the Illinois Distinguished Agency Award. This professional accreditation process ensures high standards and superior park and recreation services for our citizens.
The community receives a high return on investment from the tourism use of Park District assets in the form of visitor spending that supports District facilities, area business, and economic development. Inviting tourism ensures quality amenities are available and used by residents, while contributing significant resources to the entire community and keeping fees more affordable for our local residents.
However, there are some serious challenges to address. There have been budget alignments for the remainder of 2008 to reduce planned expenses in light of shortfalls in revenue attributed to weather, economic slowdown, high gas and food prices, and a rise in unemployment reducing citizens' ability to pay for some fee based parks and recreation services. The Park District is committed to demonstrating fiscal responsibility under all circumstances, regardless if conditions are under - or out of - its direct control. The Park District remains financially strong, with all long-term financial obligations being met, and Commissioners and staff remain committed to providing the highest level and quality of services within allocated resources.
It is our hope that we have demonstrated that residents have exceptional parks and recreation facilities, services, and programs at a reasonable cost. Call 815-987-8800 to receive a copy of the entire 22-page report.
One of our top priorities is to provide exceptional parks and recreation facilities, services, and programs, and make them available at a reasonable cost.
The citizens of the Rockford Park District tell us they do receive a high return for their investment of taxes, participation fees, and donations through our efforts to enhance those monies by preserving assets, seeking alternative revenues, leveraging partnerships with volunteers and other organizations, and implementing operational efficiencies.
Reporting on achievements during the past year, we were able to use alternative funding mechanisms, including grants and donations, to acquire 17.96 acres of land to expand the District's ability to provide recreation services, particularly for youth.
New partnerships were developed for providing services on a neighborhood level with Liberty Baptist Church, Rockford Health Council, MELD, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and various community centers.
New programs to improve health, wellness, and leisure skills were introduced, including the F.I.R.E. Track and Field Program with 200 participants, and neighborhood outreach reaching 1,300 children and teaching them how to play tennis, a lifetime sport. A summer program collaborative providing life-building skills and summer activities was held at the Patriots Gateway Community Center and Blackhawk Boys and Girls Club, with the program serving 200 at-risk youth and teens six hours a day.
People who volunteer their time and lend their talents are an excellent indication of the value they have for the Park District. More than 1,358 volunteers contributed approximately 26,674 hours of their time and talents to the Park District during the past year, amounting to a savings of $268,675 in labor costs for the District. We simply could not exist and provide services without the commitment and fulfillment of these volunteers.
People donating financial resources are another indication of personal value. During the last twelve months, $3,417,895 in gifts, pledges, grants, and sponsorships was received by the Rockford Park District Foundation. The campaign for the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens reached the $5 million mark, with well over 700 donors participating at various levels.
Recognition and awards is yet another way to measure value by local organizations and industry peers. Last year, the Rockford Park District was thoroughly evaluated by park and recreation professionals, and was awarded the Illinois Distinguished Agency Award. This professional accreditation process ensures high standards and superior park and recreation services for our citizens.
The community receives a high return on investment from the tourism use of Park District assets in the form of visitor spending that supports District facilities, area business, and economic development. Inviting tourism ensures quality amenities are available and used by residents, while contributing significant resources to the entire community and keeping fees more affordable for our local residents.
However, there are some serious challenges to address. There have been budget alignments for the remainder of 2008 to reduce planned expenses in light of shortfalls in revenue attributed to weather, economic slowdown, high gas and food prices, and a rise in unemployment reducing citizens' ability to pay for some fee based parks and recreation services. The Park District is committed to demonstrating fiscal responsibility under all circumstances, regardless if conditions are under - or out of - its direct control. The Park District remains financially strong, with all long-term financial obligations being met, and Commissioners and staff remain committed to providing the highest level and quality of services within allocated resources.
It is our hope that we have demonstrated that residents have exceptional parks and recreation facilities, services, and programs at a reasonable cost. Call 815-987-8800 to receive a copy of the entire 22-page report.