Mundelein parks to launch first new logo in 40 years

For the past week or so, the Mundelein Park & Recreation District on its Facebook page has been unveiling pieces of its new logo.

The countdown will end Monday, as the updated image will be presented in full and officially replace the four circles of trees introduced 40 years ago.

The new logo comes with the tagline "Connecting with our Community" and symbolizes the fun that can be found in the district's parks and other facilities.

"I'm hoping the logo embodies that spirit," said Christa Lawrence, the marketing manager who designed the image with input from a logo task force with members from each parks department, the park board and the community.

The new image officially will be in place Monday and rolled out on the district website, social media and introduced in summer brochures expected to hit patrons' mailboxes early next week.

Many residents may not know what the old logo even looked like as it has been more or less phased out in recent years and replaced with a generic placeholder.

"The one we had for a long time has so many tiny detailed pieces that didn't work well on social media and other ways," Lawrence said.

"We've minimized it's use over the last few years," she added. "It was a good time for a new logo."

Figures on the new logo have their arms outstretched with sun rays above representing a connection to positive, uplifting experiences, according to Lawrence. Leaf, water and sun ray shapes illustrate a connection to nature, and a water shape alludes to various water-related activities available.

"Over the years we have grown and evolved, as has the community, and now our logo has as well," said Margaret Resnick, executive director.

The district was established in 1954. It has grown to encompass 33 park sites with more than 700 acres of open space, playgrounds, ball fields, lakes and trails, and it offers more than 1,000 programs, such as dance lessons and martial arts, annually.