Sears Holdings Volunteers Plan Earth Day Projects with Park District and Village
A team of more than 40 volunteers is planning projects for the Village of Hoffman Estates Public Works Dept (HEPWD) and the Hoffman Estates Park District (HE Parks) at two parks on Friday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Associates from Sears Holdings Corporation have volunteered to plant trees and perform tree maintenance in Hoffman Estates as part of the company's annual Earth Day activities.
Volunteers will help HE Parks plant 100 sapling trees at Essex Park (1334 Essex Dr.) in Hoffman Estates. The 24" saplings, provided by the park district, include varieties of red oak trees.
The HEPWD will lead other volunteers to provide spring care for trees at Arbor Day Park, (1110 Downing Dr.) that will include mulching and cleaning the park.
Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod said, "Utilizing volunteers from local companies to creatively address issues at the local level is exciting. This is collaboration at its best."
The Village of Hoffman Estates' Sustainability Commission is committed to environmental stewardship and provides "green" insights on policy and practices used by the Village in its everyday operations. This includes assistance with the Hoffman Estates Sustainability Plan approved and published in 2013. The Commission also sponsors the spring Build-a-Birdhouse event, a large-scale summer recycling event, and the Green Business Recognition Program.
Arbor Day Park, the subject of our Earth Day 2017 efforts, was founded in 1993 and is home to over 55 species of trees. This park is host to the Village's annual Arbor Day celebration including elementary school students from Whitely School in Hoffman Estates. Arbor Day Park serves as a local reminder of the importance of diverse natural settings in urban and suburban areas. The Village has obtained Tree City, USA status for 26 consecutive years thanks to initiatives like the preservation and upkeep of Arbor Day Park.
"This kind of cooperation between the park district, the village and Sears Holdings allows us to enhance our natural areas, and is a great example of how we can pool our resources to work together to make improvements in our community and the quality of our parks," said HE Parks' Executive Director Dean Bostrom. "This project helps us meet one of the park district's primary goals to be stewards of conservation and environmentalism."
"Sears Holdings volunteers are excited to partner with the Village and park district in recognition of Earth Day. As a member of the Hoffman Estates community, we're proud to play a role in making the Village even more beautiful," said Paul Campbell, Sears Holdings Sustainability Director.
About the Village of Hoffman Estates
The Village of Hoffman Estates is a diverse community; home to young families, busy professionals, active seniors and thriving businesses. The Village's unique landscape, covering over 19 square miles, provides more than 52,000 residents with access to natural forest preserves, parks and quality suburban experiences as well as top-notch schools and housing options. Discover amenities that compelled Money Magazine to name Hoffman Estates as one of the Top 50 Places to Live in 2016.
About HE Parks
Providing first-class parks, facilities, programs and services for a dynamic in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, HE Parks operates two community centers, twin ice arenas, a premier 18-hole golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center, family aquatic center and more than 70 parks. Facilities include Triphahn Community Center & Ice Arena, Willow Recreation Center, Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, Prairie StoneTM Sports & Wellness Center, Seascape Family Aquatic Center and Vogelei Park & Barn.
HE Parks is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. It is an Illinois Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and is the recipient of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks & Recreation Management by the National Recreation & Parks Association; the highest national honor in the public recreation category. For more information visit heparks.org or call 847-885-7500.