2013: One heck of a good year at Park District

It was one “heck of a year” at Mundelein Park & Recreation District (MPRD) (www.mundeleinparks.org). Like so many, we're asking, “Where did the time go?” 2013 was a big success—thanks to the community—and we'd like to share those experiences.

From parks and facility improvements, to outstanding awards and programs, MPRD continues to offer more, while keeping cost savings and sustainability in mind.

• We partnered with Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies (www.healthymindshealthybodies.org), assisting injured, ill or wounded veterans with the transition to civilian life through health and fitness. Benefits include free memberships and personal training. The program is offered at the District's Park View Health & Fitness Center on Midlothian Road. Get details by calling 847-388-5430.

• The Community Garden Program “sprouted” all sorts of great things—outdoor enjoyment, nutrition resources, meeting neighbors and donations to the food bank. For those with a “green thumb,” registration for plots begins in February.

• We were awarded the prestigious Illinois Park & Recreation Association (www.ilipra.org) Outstanding Program Award. The District's Rec Connection was recognized for its unique and quality before and after school programming serving kids grades K thru 5 in Mundelein's School District 75. Those interested in learning more or enrolling can call 847-388-5452. The District was also awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (www.gfoa.org). This is the second year in a row the District has received this award, the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

• MPRD has grown, too, with far-reaching benefits for the public and the environment. Newly-acquired 17 acres located on the south side of Mundelein include dense woodlands, valuable wetlands and wildlife habitats. It also provides for future recreation opportunities such as playing fields, parking and improved access/connection to Clearbrook Park.

Your enjoyment at MPRD should always be a “walk in the park.” Things that you may not notice at your parks, but play a key role in functionality, longevity and safety, are part of our ongoing plan. Here's what we've done:

Playground fall zones improvements included shock-absorbing surfaces for better climbing,

jumping and swinging.

• Greater access and use came along with improvements to park and building compliance in association with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Accessibility paths were constructed at Asbury, Clearbrook, Indian Trails, Keith Mione Community and Wortham Parks. Playground-accessibility improvements were also made at Clearbrook, Keith Mione Community and Maurice Noll Parks.

• Parking lots, roadways and paths were repaired and repaved at several sites, and new park signage was installed with durable, long-wearing recycled, plastic materials as part of a “phased-in” cost-conscious replacement program.

• A new, 2- to 5-year-age play module was installed at Hanrahan Park. Backhoe “digger” toys were installed at Clearbrook and Longmeadow Parks, and an interactive sand table added to Keith Mione Community Park. For an interactive parks map, visit online at www.mundeleinparks.org.

• Programs and facilities ranked high by guests, with “new and unique” adding to the mix and accolades rolling in. Here's a sampling:

• MPRD was voted Best Park District (third year) and Best Golf Course (Steeple Chase, second year) by Daily Herald (www.dailyherald.com) Readers' Choice Awards.

• Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center received the prestigious Five Star Award by Starfish

Aquatics Institute (SAI) for its six-acre facility. SAI (www.starfishaquatics.org) is one of the largest lifeguard, swim instructor and pool operator certifying agencies in the nation and provides training, services and audits to improve safety and reduce drowning.

• MPRD dance instructors were recognized for outstanding performance and participation at the DuPree Convention, Dance Idol Competition and Brookfield Zoo Lights.

• Popular, new events included “Egg Quest,” for springtime egg finding and super sleuthing, the sold out, first-ever Polar Train ride, Science Day and “maddening” fun and experiments, as well as record participation at the Freedom Classic 5K Run and Halloween Boo Bash.

• It was a “green” scene all year, with the role of Natural Resource Coordinator coming to the District, assisting with outreach and upkeep of natural areas. Parks Department Grounds crew planted over 50 new trees, including 40 native oaks. The removal of Emerald ash borer-killed trees, buckthorn and other invasive species was conducted for healthy open spaces, and crews participated in prescribed burns, training with other agencies and experts, to maintain its natural areas.

MPRD is a long-standing community partner, celebrating 60 years in 2014. It invites all ages to take advantage and enjoy its many outdoor and recreational opportunities, now including more than 800 acres, 33 parks and host of facilities and varied programs. For more information call 847-566-0650, visit Facebook, Twitter or www.mundeleinparks.org.