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Welcome to News Snippets! Get the most current announcements, events, and press releases for the Geneva Park District right here.
Geneva Park District Receives High Honor Financial Achievement
The Geneva Park District has once again received The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). This is the second consecutive year that the District has received this prestigious award.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by the Geneva Park District.
“The District is extremely proud of this prestigious award and will continue to work to provide financial reports that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and transparency, said Christy Powell, Superintendent of Finance & Personnel.
The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
For more information, please visit www.genevaparks.org or call (630) 232-4542.
Kids Around the World, Inc. benefits from Geneva playgrounds
Approximately every 15 years, the Geneva Park District replaces playground equipment to ensure the safety of park patrons and compliance with playground regulations.
“Safety is our first priority and every location is evaluated on an annual basis. This affords us the opportunity to assess and move the replacement dates in accordance with the condition and wear of the equipment,” said Larry Gabriel, Superintendent of Parks and Properties.
According to Gabriel, partnering with Kids Around the World Inc., an organization that recycles and reuses playground equipment in other parts of the world, was a perfect partnership. Typically, these playgrounds are removed and scrapped for very little value. Recycling our equipment with Kids Around the World Inc., is an environmentally responsible way to provide recreation and add value to underprivileged communities.
The playground from Deerpath Park has been relocated to a school in Maun Bostswana, Africa. The playground was refurbished to suit the needs and requirements of the area. “We are excited to provide children who are without a playground or even a park in their community the opportunity to play,” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Executive Director of the Geneva Park District.
Other playground equipment that is slated for replacement includes Lions Park and Fargo Park. “The replacement of these playgrounds has already begun this spring and will be complete by mid-May”, said Gabriel. To learn more about Kids Around the World Inc., visit www.kidsaroundtheworld.com
Peck Farm Park Birds of Illinois Exhibit Opens Saturday
Peck Farm Park Orientation Barn – January 12 –February 23, M-Sa 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Did you know there are over 10,000 species of birds in the world? Beginning January 12, Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center will host a special exhibit featuring Birds of Illinois. Visitors will discover fascinating facts about the many birds in their own backyard.
This free, hands-on exhibit is open to the general public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until February 23. Opportunities for field trips are also available at an affordable field trip fee.
For more information, please call 630.232.4542 or visit genevaparks.org.
Register Now for Super Bowl Shuffle 5k
Geneva Middle School South – Sunday, February 3, 10 a.m.
Collectively, Americans eat 11 million pounds of chips and 1.25 billion chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday! Burn some calories before you indulge in game day munchies at the Geneva Park District’s 3rd annual Super Bowl Shuffle 5k, February 3 at Geneva Middle School South. Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. The race starts at 10 a.m.
Immediately following the race, gear up for the game with a Game Day Party at the Kane County Fairgrounds. This post-race celebration at Robinson Hall is sponsored by The Dam Bar & Grill, and includes food, drinks, raffles, games and more! All runners receive a medal and free beverage voucher. Top male and female finishers will receive awards.
Pre-registration ends February 1. Pre-registration cost is $34. Day of registration cost is $39. Register by January 22 to guarantee a hooded sweatshirt. Pre-race packet pick-up will be held February 1 from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and February 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center.
To register or for more information, call 630.232.4542 or visit genevaparks.org.
Construction of New Island Bridge is Complete; Geneva Park District
re-opens Island Park and Fox River Trail
The Geneva Park District received an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Grant to replace the north bridge at Island Park. The construction began this spring and is now complete. Island Park and the Fox River Trail is re-opened as scheduled.
Other park improvements included a new tree house themed playground with a zip line, trail resurfacing, structural improvements to the pavilion and stage, major ash tree removal and tree replacements.
“The Geneva Park District Board and Staff are extremely pleased to have the Fox River Trail re-opened in time for trail users this fall.” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Executive Director for the Geneva Park District.
The Geneva Park District is proud to be a leader in our commitment to preserving and maintaining open space in our community and increasing the quality of life of the residents of Geneva. The anticipated improvements to the Fox River Trail at Island Park are one more example of our commitment to this mission.
For more information, please visit www.genevaparks.org or call (630) 232-4542.
Geneva Park District Receives OSLAD Grant to construct New Innovative Nature Playground at Peck Farm Park
On Saturday, June 23, 2012 Governor Quinn announced that 42 different park and recreation agencies throughout the State will receive a total of $12,354,600 in Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant funding. This funding includes a grant awarded to the Geneva Park District in the amount of $325,400 to construct a new and innovative Nature Playground at the Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center.
“This grant brings the Nature Playground at Peck Farm Park from the conception stage into the planning and construction stage of this exciting new park amenity. The addition of a Nature Playground at Peck Farm Park will enhance the outdoor experience at the Peck Farm Interpretive Center, while providing countless environmental education components disguised as play.” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Executive Director for the Geneva Park District. “A Nature Playground is unlike a traditional playground as it is designed to engage children in environmental education encouraging them to manipulate, touch, climb and explore while learning and playing. There is an overwhelming body of research showing a direct link between exposure to nature and the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children.”
The Illinois Association of Park District’s and the Geneva Park District would like to thank Governor Quinn for his ongoing commitment and dedication to parks, recreation, and open space and the Illinois General Assembly for their continuing efforts to make the OSLAD grant program possible. The Geneva Park District would also like to thank the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller for his continued support of the OSLAD program.
Geneva Park District is committed to providing recreational opportunities and open space to the community. The District owns and maintains approximately 700 acres of open space. The Geneva Park District is proud to be a leader in our commitment to preserving and maintaining open space in our community.
For more information, please visit www.genevaparks.org or call (630) 232-4542.
Island Park Bridge Construction Requires Park Closure in June
The Geneva Park District received an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Grant to replace the north bridge at Island Park. Island Park and the Fox River Trail will remain open through June 11, 2012, with construction beginning and complete park closure on June 15, 2012, concluding in late fall 2012.
In the interest of safety, the construction will necessitate the re-routing of the Fox River Bike Trail as well as complete park closure, including the pavilion, playground and restrooms. Detour of the Fox River Trail will be clearly marked, click here for a map of the detour
In addition to the bridge replacement, the Geneva Park District will be conducting a variety of upgrades to Island Park including: replacing the playground equipment which will include the addition of a zip line, removing unhealthy ash trees, and completing structural and safety improvements to the pavilion and overlook area, which is used primarily for the Park District’s summer concert in the park series. The 2012 Summer Concerts in the Park will be moved to Sunset Park and will resume at Island Park in 2013. On Sunday, September 2, 2012 and Monday, September 3, 2012, Island Park will open for a limited time to host the Fox Valley Folk Festival.
The north bridge at Island Park was constructed in 1931 and has been exhibiting structural deficiencies and compromise at several locations due to its age and deterioration of concrete. This project is being partially funded with over $700,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation. The new bridge will be structurally updated while maintaining the historic integrity of the park. The new design includes lookouts on each side that will allow trail and park users the opportunity to stop and admire wildlife and nature without disrupting the flow of traffic along the Fox River Trail.
"This project is extremely important to the community and to the Geneva Park District.” This bridge is a vital link to the 100+ mile long Fox River Trail network and a critical point near the confluence of the Fox River Trail and the Illinois Prairie Path. To keep everyone’s safety a priority, we feel re-routing the Fox River Trail is essential,” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Executive Director for the Geneva Park District.
The Geneva Park District is proud to be a leader in our commitment to preserving and maintaining open space in our community and increasing the quality of life of the residents of Geneva. The anticipated improvements to the Fox River Trail at Island Park are one more example of our commitment to this mission.
For more information, please visit www.genevaparks.org or call (630) 232-4542.
Geneva Park District to Open Community Gardens
Beginning this spring, garden plots will be available at the new Community Gardens at Prairie Green, located on the west side of Geneva at Peck and Bricher Road. The Community Gardens at Prairie Green is a cooperative partnership between the Geneva Park District, the City of Geneva and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. This new project provides gardeners with the opportunity to participate in community gardening.
The mission of the Geneva Park District is to provide recreational programs, facilities, and open space that will enhance the quality of life for residents of all age groups and abilities.
“The addition of the Community Gardens at Prairie Green is a true reflection of our mission and commitment to improving the quality of life and demonstrating the benefits of recreation on all levels,” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Executive Director of the Geneva Park District. “We are excited to bring this opportunity to Geneva residents through the cooperative partnership with the Geneva Park District, City of Geneva and Forest Preserve of Kane County. We believe, the opportunity to participate in community gardening will only enrich the community and its quality of life.”
To be eligible for a garden plot all agreements and fees are required by March 1. Due to demand of plots a lottery will be held on March 15 to randomly assign garden plots. Residents of the Geneva Park District will be given priority. A second random lottery will be held on March 16 for non-residents if any plots are still available. Gardeners are limited to one plot. All gardeners will be contacted with plot assignments by March 23. Each garden plot measures 20 ft. by 30 ft.
The planting season will run from the third week of April through October 31. Plots will be staked and ready for planting at the earliest possible date with consideration of weather and soil conditions. The garden plots will be open from Dusk to Dawn. The Geneva Park District will oversee the seasonal operation of the garden. The guidelines to maintaining a plot will be given to residents that receive a garden plot. Plots must be planted no later than June 15. All plants must be removed by October 31.
Twelve plots have been designated organic. The use of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides are not permitted in this area. A second random lottery will be held to assign these plots. The same registration dates apply.
Parking for vehicles with a vehicles pass is located in the North parking lot. Passes are issued upon registration. The pass must be placed on the dashboard. Vehicles are allowed on the garden plot roadways to drop off materials and supplies for no longer than 15 minutes. Persons without a vehicle on site must have their User Permit/Vehicle Pass in their possession while on site. Violators will be ticketed for trespassing.
For complete rules on the community gardens and more information or call (630) 232-4542 or visit www.genevaparks.org
Geneva Park District Earns Elite Status Among Illinois Park Districts
The Geneva Park District has been recognized with accreditation in a Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency Accreditation Program sponsored by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). According to IAPD, the goal of the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program is to improve the delivery of recreation services to community residents through an extensive voluntary comprehensive evaluation process. In turn, the desired result is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents and to recognize those agencies that provide this quality service.
The District had been preparing for this evaluation process since last fall involving all staff, both part-time and full-time, as well as the Board of Commissioners. Throughout the evaluation, the District showcased its commitment to best practices in general management, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services and legal standards. Although every facet of the District is deserving of recognition, the Accreditation Committee noted the following areas as exemplary: organized and measurable district goals, exceptional marketing publications, and outstanding environmental stewardship initiatives, as well as a detailed operating budget, impressive trail system, and comprehensive Master Plan and Needs Assessment.
The Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Program began in 1993. Through 2010, only 44 of Illinois’ 400+ park districts have been deserving of this accreditation status. This is the third time the Geneva Park District has gone through this process; presenting materials to meet over 160 standards during the review and being approved for a six-year term. Prior to 2010, only a dozen other Park Districts had maintained their accreditation status for three terms.
“I am very proud to have the Geneva Park District recognized as a leader in the Parks and Recreation field meeting the highest standards of our profession” stated Director
Sheavoun Lambillotte. “This program provided us with a process to perform an internal review to ensure that we are providing our residents the best services possible.”
The mission of the Geneva Park District is to provide recreational programs, facilities, and open space that will enhance the quality of life for residents of all age groups and abilities. Established in 1953, the Geneva Park District began with four parks and has grown to 50 parks, occupying almost 700 acres and offering more than 3,400 recreation programs annually.
