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Welcome to News Snippets! Get the most current announcements, events, and press releases for the Geneva Park District right here. Check back weekly for news and updates delivered directly your desktop!
GPD Holiday Giving Tree - "Road to a Healthy Lifestyle"
All ornaments were hand-crafted by the creative imagination's of our Kids’ Zone and Kinderzone Participants who range in age from Kindergarten to 5th grade.
The ornaments represent the theme through the steps one may take in order to lead a healthy lifestyle. Including good hygiene, healthy eating, mental health, physical fitness, sleep and more.
Visit our Tree November 25-December 27*
Geneva History Center, located at 113 S. Third Street - Geneva
Monday - Saturday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm ~ Sunday: 12:00 - 4:00 pm
*Closed December 23-26.
Vote Online!
Click here to vote and give your donation. Minimum online donation is $5.
All proceeds benefit the Geneva Park District’s Scholarship Fund.
Thank you and Happy Holidays!
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.
Geneva Park District Receives National Ranking
Geneva – IL, The Geneva Park District is proud to announce it is ranked in the top 5% of Parks and Recreation Agencies in the nation according to the results of their 2010 community survey.
The Geneva Park District’s mission is to provide recreational programs, facilities, and open space that will enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities. “Our Board of Commissioners and staff are committed to serving the community and offering a wide array of recreational options at affordable prices, backed by strong customer service, which is reflected in these results, placing us in this prestigious category among park and recreation agencies nationwide,” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Executive Director of the Geneva Park District.
This survey is a proven tool that will help guide the future direction of the District. “It has provided us with valuable feedback regarding the community’s satisfaction with the quality of our parks, programs and facilities,” said Lambillotte.
According to Leisure Vision, Inc., who has surveyed over 400 Park and Recreation agencies across 47 states, 72% of the national population utilize neighborhood and local parks. In Geneva, over 90% of our total population enjoy the 50+ parks that the Geneva Park District manages. Additionally, public park and playground usage has increased 30% by families and children during the current economic state of our country. Recreational facilities and activities have become more popular than ever, as people continue to turn to their local Park Districts for affordable options. According to Jay Kelly, Superintendent of Recreation, “the Geneva Park District offers over 3,300 programs annually and has increased annual program participation to over 200,000 since 1991.”
“Being ranked in the top 5% nationally is a tremendous honor and we are proud to provide innovative recreational programming and quality parks and facilities that make us a leader in the park and recreation field,” said Lambillotte.
For more information, please visit www.genevaparks.org or call (630) 232-4542.
Geneva Park District’s Finances earn high marks
The Geneva Park District’s bond rating was recently upgraded from a AA to a AA+ by Standard & Poor’s while affirming the stable outlook. The rating agency has raised the rating after a routine surveillance process whereby they periodically review the District’s audits and other disclosure documents, as well as interview management.
The upgrade from Standard & Poor’s notes the district’s strong economic outlook despite statewide financial or economic difficulties. They cited management’s response to these difficulties as particularly important in the analysis. Standard & Poor’s upgrade was based on the Geneva Park District’s ability to maintain structural balance and clearly communicate what they have done, or will do, to maintain structural balance. Superintendent of Finance & Personnel Christy Powell, stated, “an increase in the District’s credit rating will mean lower borrowing costs in the future, and a brighter financial outlook for the future.” She went on to state that “the Geneva Park District’s financial condition is strong despite the economic downturn and is largely due to the district’s conservative fiscal policies.”
