Above / Virtually all respondents (95 percent) reported visiting a park in the past year, with 92 percent using the Riverwalk. The Jaycees Marina with paddle boats, paddle boards and kayak rentals is along the Riverwalk. (PN Photo)
The results of the Naperville Park District’s 2017 Community Interest and Opinion Survey are now available online at www.napervilleparks.org/community-surveys.
Jeff Andreasen, President of aQuity Research & Insights, Inc. conducted the survey on behalf of the Park District in April and May 2017. A sample of 512 residents from all geographic areas of Naperville responded either online, by telephone or by mailed questionnaire.
Consistent with findings of the 2012 Community Interest and Opinion Survey, respondents gave the Park District high esteem ratings (79 percent favorable) and rated the Park District high in value relative to its share of property taxes (79 percent positive). Virtually all respondents (95 percent) reported visiting a park in the past year, with 92 percent using the Riverwalk. Those who visited Naperville Park District parks or facilities expressed high satisfaction with their experience (8.3 on a scale of 1-10) and with the upkeep of the parks and facilities (8.4 on a scale of 1-10).
Once again, residents ranked trails as the most used and desired outdoor recreational amenity, and rated fitness and walk/jog tracks as the top indoor facilities.
“The survey results affirm that the Park District provides parks and services that are highly valued by the majority of our residents,” said Executive Director Ray McGury. “Staff and commissioners will look at the results in detail as the District updates its strategic plan for the next three years. We thank everyone who took the time to respond to the survey.”
Naperville Park District 2018 Capital Projects Open House set for Aug. 10 before regular meeting of Board of Commissioners
Community Invited to Comment on Proposed Construction Projects
As part of its annual budget process, the Naperville Park District invites the public to comment on capital improvements proposed throughout the District for 2018. A community open house will be held on Thursday, August 10 from 5:30-7PM in the lobby of the Naperville Municipal Center, located at 400 S. Eagle Street in downtown Naperville. The open house will take place immediately before the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Information about the following construction projects that are proposed for 2018 will be available at the open house:
- Brook Crossings, 1015 95th St. – Parking lot and sidewalk renovations
- Century Farms Park, 715 Sigmund Rd. – Playground renovation
- Clow Creek Greenway, 4588 Pradel Dr. – Shoreline restoration
- DuPage River Sports Complex, 2807 S. Washington St. – Ball field sports lighting renovation
- Farmington Park, 2331 Remington Dr. – Playground renovation
- Frontier Sports Complex (east side), 3415 S. Book Rd. – Irrigation and parking lot improvements
- Kingsley Elementary School, 2403 Kingsley Dr. – Cooperative playground renovation
- Pembroke Park, 28 Pembroke Rd. – Playground renovation
- University Heights Park,1315 River Oak Dr. – Playground renovation
- Yorkshire Manor Park, 1031 Buckingham Dr. – Playground renovation
Park District staff will be on hand to answer questions about any of the above projects. In addition, staff will give an overview of the current Trails Master Plan and the trails existing throughout the District.
The community is welcome to attend the August 10 open house at any time during the 5:30-7PM timeframe; there will not be a formal presentation. Those who are interested but unable to attend are invited to view the plans online and submit comments by August 21 to Director of Planning Eric Shutes at eshutes@napervilleparks.org. Project information will be posted atwww.napervilleparks.org beginning August 11.
Naperville Park District Financial Reports available online
Audited comprehensive report receives highest marks
Naperville Park District’s 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report is now available online at http://www.napervilleparks.org/cafrbudgettreasurersreport. The report was audited in spring 2017 by Lauterbach and Amen, LLP, receiving an unqualified opinion, which is the highest opinion that can be received.
Each year the Park District also issues an annual report intended for anyone who wants to learn more about the Park District. This report is a brief overview of the District’s finances and recent accomplishments in a reader-friendly format. The 2016 Annual Report is available online at www.napervilleparks.org/annual-reports.
The 2016 Annual Report highlights the District’s 50th anniversary year, including a recap of major projects such as the opening of Fort Hill Activity Center. The report also documents the District’s ongoing stewardship of resources and the value of its parks and services to the community.
Paper copies of the 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the 2016 Annual Report also are available at the Park District Administration Building located at 320 W. Jackson Ave.
The Naperville Park District’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has received the Certificate for Achievement in Financial Reporting from the Government Financial Officers Association each year since 1982. The District’s Annual Report also has received an Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting each year since 2012.
Stories submitted by Sue Omanson, Community Development Manager, Naperville Park District.
