Mundelein Park District marks achievements in 2013 and looks ahead to new year
It was one “heck of a year” at Mundelein Park & Recreation District in 2013, which was a big success thanks to the community.
From parks and facility improvements, to outstanding awards and programs, MPRD continues to offer more, while keeping cost savings and sustainability in mind.
Ÿ The district partnered with Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies (www.healthymindshealthy bodies.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. Call (847) 388-5430.
Ÿ The Community Garden Program “sprouted” outdoor enjoyment, nutrition resources, meeting neighbors and donations to the food bank. Registration for plots begins in February.
Ÿ The district was 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 in kindergarten through fifth grade in Mundelein’s Elementary District 75. For information or to enroll, call (847) 388-5452. Also, for the second year, the district was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States.
Ÿ MPRD has grown with 17 newly-acquired acres on the south side of Mundelein that features 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.
There also are improvements residents may not have noticed:
Ÿ Playground fall zones improvements included shock-absorbing surfaces for better climbing, jumping and swinging.
Ÿ Greater access and use came 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.
Ÿ 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.
Ÿ A new play module for ages 2-5 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 www.mundelein parks.org.
Programs and facilities also were ranked high by guests. For example:
Ÿ MPRD was voted Best Park District (third year) and Best Golf Course (Steeple Chase Golf Club, second year) by Daily Herald Readers’ Choice Awards.
Ÿ Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center received the prestigious Five Star Award by Starfish Aquatics Institute for its six-acre facility. SAI 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. Visit www.starfishaquatics.org.
Ÿ MPRD dance instructors were recognized for outstanding performance and participation at the DuPree Convention, Dance Idol Competition and Brookfield Zoo Lights.
Ÿ Popular, new events included “Egg Quest,” for springtime egg finding and super sleuthing, the sold out first 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.
MPRD is celebrating 60 years in 2014 and invites all ages to enjoy its many outdoor and recreational opportunities, now including more than 800 acres, 33 parks and host of facilities and varied programs. Call (847) 566-0650, visit Facebook, Twitter or www.mundelein parks.org.