Thea publication of the Bloomingdale Park District

NEWS

Mission StatementThe Mission of the Bloomingdale Park District is to efficiently and economically provide recreation programs, facilities and open spaces

designed to provide enjoyable leisure time experiences that benefit the community.

Once again, it is my pleasure to write this letter as the voters of the Park District recently returned Commissioner Karen Johns and me to office for another 6-year term. Having completed 15 years of service to the district, it is my belief that the lack of competition we faced reinforces our mission.

As we strive to make our agency an enjoyable and economical benefit to all residents, it is with great pleasure and satisfaction, that we dedicated a brand new, fully-accessible playground at Sunnyside Park, located in east Bloomingdale at the intersection of Glen Ellyn Road and Byron Drive.

As you may read elsewhere in this publication, this was made possible, in part, by a grant from the playground equipment manufacturer. This grant saved taxpayers $43,000, freeing up that amount in our budget to be used elsewhere for maintenance and improvements.

In our efforts to make our facilities more accessible in the past few years, we added an elevator and automatic entrance doors to the Johnston Center, and have repaired and re-paved walking paths in the parks. And as I write this, we are in the process of installing an accessible fishing pier at Westlake Park.

In the coming years we hope to acquire more grants from wherever available in order to stretch our budget without having an effect, other than positive, on our residents. We also seek to work in tandem with other government agencies like the Village of Bloomingdale, Bloomingdale Township, Bloomingdale Public Library and all of the school districts so that service duplications are avoided.

Keep in mind that the volunteer commissioners serving on the Park Board are also residents, and our decisions impact us the same as you. Our meetings are always public, and there is ample opportunity at them to address us with your concerns.

In addition, you can find our email addresses on our website (www.bloomingdaleparks.org). I welcome your comments.

In closing, thank you for your continued confidence and it is my pledge to reward that trust with the best facilities and programs in the area.

Sincerely,

Sebastian “Buzz” PuccioPresident Bloomingdale Park District Board of Commissioners

Autumn 2013

The Board of Commissioners meets at 7 p.m. in the community room of the Johnston Recreation Center. The public is invited to attend. Minutes and agendas are available online at www.bloomingdaleparks.org.

Board of CommissionersBuzz Puccio ..........................................................PresidentKaren Johns..................................................Vice PresidentMike Vogl .............................................................TreasurerAndre Burke ................................................ CommissionerMichael Childress........................................ Commissioner

Buzz Puccio

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Sunnyside Park in construction stage.

“Where Recreation Revolves Around You!” is the official slogan of the Bloomingdale Park District. And central to that slogan is the customer, which includes customers of all abilities.

In accordance with the Park District’s American with Disabilities (ADA) Transition Plan, several recent projects highlight the removal of accessibility barriers to our patrons of special needs.

Sunnyside Park, 291 Glen Ellyn Road, began a complete renovation of its playground structures in May, becoming fully-accessible for children of all abilities, ages 2-12 years. A grand opening celebration is set for 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 24 (see page 4).

The Park District received a $43,404 grant from Little Tikes to assist in building the playground structures, the first of their kind within Bloomingdale’s park system.

“The Board of Commissioners and staff of the Bloomingdale Park District are ecstatic about the opportunity to bring an accessible playground to our community to serve children of ALL abilities,” said Bloomingdale Park District Executive Director Carrie Fullerton. “Resident children with physical and sensory special needs will be able to have fun right here in their own community!”

Additional Accessibility Projects • In November of 2011, the Park District completed its improved

access project at the Johnston Recreation Center. The project featured the addition of an elevator, widened staircase, automatic entry doors and a new ramp. The resources for the project came from special recreation funds, and it was approved by the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Board of Directors.

• This past summer, the Park District restored a historic park element at Westlake Park, 307 Edgewater Drive. A modern, fully-accessible fishing pier was constructed to duplicate the accessible pier at Lakeview Park (pictured above). The beauty of the modern version is its accessibility from the existing paved path and parking lot off of Edgewater Drive. This access brings park patrons of all abilities closer to the water, closer to the waterfowl and wildlife of the lake’s ecosystem, and closer to the great, natural sanctuary that is Westlake Park.

• The renovation of The Oasis Water Park in 2005 included the purchase of a remote-controlled lift for patrons needing assistance into and out of the water. The lift is mobile, allowing it to move between the eight-lane competitive lap pool (‘Cuda Cove) and the zero-depth entry pool (Mango Bay).

The Park District continually seeks ways to improve the customer experience for its patrons of all abilities. Have an idea? Drop us a note at staff1@bloomingdaleparks.org, call us at (630) 529-3650 or simply stop by and see us at the Johnston Recreation Center.

The Park Bench News continued

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Where recreation is for all abilities

A modern, fully-accessible fishing pier was recently installed in Westlake Park. The pier is accessible from the existing paved path and parking lot off of Edgewater Drive.

The Oasis Water Park features remote-controlled lift for patrons needing assistance into and out of the water.

A renovation of the Johnston Recreation Center entrance in 2011 included an elevator (pictured above), widened stairs, a new ramp and automatic entry doors.

The Park Bench News continued

Old Town Festival of LightsThe Bloomingdale Park District announced in May it is partnering with the Village of Bloomingdale on a new holiday tradition to not only spark a sense of pride and service in Bloomingdale, but also attract visitors from surrounding towns, thus benefiting local business.

Beginning Nov. 29, 2013, the Festival of Lights will adorn Old Town Bloomingdale through New Year’s Eve. Pedestrians and motorists alike will be treated to a sparking display of holiday lights and sights.

In addition to visually-stunning displays, the Park District also will conduct on-site programming and entertainment activities sure to delight the masses. See the back cover of this brochure for highlights.

The Park District seeks partners/sponsors for this new tradition. It is committed to exceeding its partners’ expectations and providing meaningful marketing benefits and impressions. The Park District’s partnership program is focused on a loyal and targeted market of residents in Bloomingdale as well as neighboring communities.

For questions about the event or partnership opportunities, please contact Park District Director of Marketing & Communications Josh Hendricks at (630) 529-3650.

Corporate Partners/Sponsors

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The Park Bench News continued

Oct. 6, 2013 @ 9AMSupport local parks and recreation at the Second Annual Bloomingdale Parks Foundation Sunrise Shuffle 5K, sponsored by Sunrise Chevrolet!

The fan-friendly course is United States Track & Field certified and wraps around scenic Stratford Square Mall.

The race also features:

• Racing bib with chip timer (NO tying chips into shoes or tearing off bibs at finish line).

• Digital clocks at Miles 1 & 2.

• Wide course to accommodate a large race (no shoulder-to-shoulder bumping or getting tripped up!)

• Goodie bag for all participants.

• Moisture-wicking T-shirt.

• Awards for top three finishers in each age category for men and women.

• Special prizes for top three overall finishers for men and women.

• Plenty of parking!

• Restrooms located inside Stratford Square Mall.

• Post-race party at Anyway’s American Grill & Pub

• Proceeds from the run benefit the Bloomingdale Parks Foundation.

• Sign up online at www.signmeup.com.

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