Where it All Began
The story of how River Trails Park District came to be is a very captivating one. It's what makes this Park District still unique and relevant today. The name of our Park District "River Trails" shows that we didn't begin like many area park districts before us.
The year was 1965 and residents in this area saw the beginning of growth. Open fields began to mushroom with construction. Everything was rapidly growing with homes and subdivisions in the Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights communities. The homeowners began to talk about the need for recreation and preserving land for parks. There were many factors that would define this area's needs.
A committee composed of residents from Brickman Manor, Randwood, Camelot, Brookwood, Coach Light Manor and the River Rand Recreation Council was actively exploring the many alternatives available to provide residents with adequate park and recreation facilities. There were so many different possibilities of what would happen to this area. Some alternatives included being annexed to the Arlington Heights Park District or Wheeling Park District which, of course, did not happen.
Then the idea developed to organize a new park district with a lower tax rate, local representation, no present debt and a compact, functional area to service. The need was vital and the challenge was clear. On July 31, 1965 the River Trails Park District was formed by a 2 to 1 majority vote. The River Trails Park District was established August 1965 and the Illinois Association of Park Districts certified the River Trails Park District with a seal of membership to the Association on September 20, 1965.
The name "River Trails" defined the district not by a city or town but by the communities, committees and the people it fought to serve. The Park Board began to consult with experts and professionals from the University of Illinois and the local Park Districts in the area. The first and foremost recommendation was to establish a master plan. This was secured through Dean and Novak, town planners and landscape architects.
The first years of the River Trails Park District consisted of programs such as ice skating, arts & crafts, square dancing, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, folk guitar and Halloween themed activities. The programs took place at the schools and parks in School Districts 26 & 21 and Grace Lutheran Church. The Park District employees were working out of a trailer that was located at 1400 E. Kensington Road.
In honor of our 50th Anniversary, the Park District team has put together some fun, creative and entertaining opportunities for all to enjoy throughout 2015. There will be five free family events that will highlight the year of festivities, contests and trivia on social media sites and a few surprises along the way.
Visit www.rtpd.org for more information on all the 50th Anniversary Celebrations. River Trails Park District proudly serves the communities of Mount Prospect & Prospect Heights.