Greenbelt center looks for direction
The Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago has had considerable success since it opened eight years ago, with the building and parking lot often full for various events or corporate meetings.
What it can or should be in the future is open to discussion, however, as the Lake County Forest Preserve District begins considering how the facility should be expanded.
Should the emphasis be on attracting more weddings or other social events that account for 65 percent of attendance? Should providing suitable space for environmental education be the goal, or should accommodations be made to increase corporate business?
"We didn't build a conference center, we built a cultural center," said Angelo Kyle, chairman of the forest preserve board's Greenbelt Cultural Center expansion committee, which had its first meeting Monday.
"We need a mission , a direction to make sure we're staying on course."
The district has $2.6 million in the 2008-09 budget, which starts July 1, for Greenbelt expansion.
"It's really critical in the design of spaces to know what you're trying to do," said Mike Fenelon, the district's director of planning, conservation and development.
Greenbelt is used for multicultural programs, such as the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration; educational programs and camps; and rentals, including weddings and corporate meetings.
Total attendance has increased to 45,000 this year compared with 25,000 in 2001-02.
But there have been a variety of issues with the facilities, depending on the use. Basically, the building is too small for big events and is not able to be divided for smaller or separate uses. A lack of wireless access is another problem.
Research showed users like the location and reasonable rates and consider it a community asset.
"You do have a beautiful facility. There is a lot of potential here for growth," said Greg Hanis, a marketing specialist hired to study the demand.
Hanis' recommendations included expanding the banquet space and providing meeting rooms for smaller groups.
"Do we want to have a corporate conference center or do we want to concentrate on forest preserve programs?" asked committee member Steve Carlson.
The next committee meeting is July 21.