Waukegan, Illinois (September 3, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District will be developing a new strategic plan to guide the future planning for and management of parks, open space, trails, facilities, and recreation programming. Throughout the process, the community will have opportunities online and in-person to submit input that will help shape the future of the Waukegan Park District. The goal is to develop a strategic plan that reflects the priorities and aspirations of the community while addressing current and future needs.
The Waukegan Park District is committed to fostering an inclusive and participatory approach to develop the strategic plan. Input from users, non-users, residents, and stakeholders will be collected through targeted mailed surveys, an interactive online portal, focus groups, and meetings with other local government entities. The planning process will be led by BerryDunn, a consulting firm with decades of experience in strategic planning.
An innovative online portal will allow the community to submit input through an interactive idea wall and prioritization list. A survey for non-users of the Waukegan Park District is intended to include the input of individuals who do not typically use parks, open space, trail, and facilities or participate in recreation programming. The online portal can be accessed at waukeganparks.org/projects.
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, The community is encouraged to engage in the planning process that will shape the future of the Waukegan Park District. The strategic plan will be a direct reflection of the input received, ensuring that the long-range vision aligns with the desires of the community.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “Through the collection of community feedback, the strategic plan will represent the needs of the residents. The planning process will be driven by community input and each opinion will be valuable as we plan the future of the Waukegan Park District.”
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org