Mundelein parks cite successes
Park and program enthusiasts can enjoy more at Mundelein parks thanks to strong partnerships created with the community and a wide offering of programs and facilities that meet the needs and interests of all ages.
Created in 1954, Mundelein Park District has been serving this diverse, north-central Lake County community with year-round programs, recreation and nature and education opportunities.
Call (847) 566-0650 or visit Facebook or www.mundeleinparks.org.
Here’s a recap of 2011:
New directions
Ÿ Created and approved a new mission statement that guides the park district into the future.
Ÿ Achieved “Illinois Distinguished Accreditation” through Illinois Association of Park Districts, www.ilparks.org, and Illinois Park & Recreation Association, www.il-ipra.org.
Ÿ Completed the master plan.
Ÿ Implemented professional/college internship program for students majoring in recreation.
Ÿ Redesigned the website, www.mundeleinparks.org, which includes online tee times, enhanced navigation, clean/colorful graphics and drop-down menus.
Ÿ Implemented user-friendly online program registration as of Jan. 1.
Ÿ Welcomed newly-elected board member Bob Knudson and said farewell to retiring commissioner Ernie Shymanik.
Ÿ Implemented a new phone network with upgrades for efficiencies and enhanced customer interaction.
Ÿ Community involvement brought about success with events such as the Freedom Classic 5K, the Annual Tree Lighting and summer concert series in partnership with the Village of Mundelein, and the new Arts Festival in cooperation with Mundelein Community Connection.
Improvements
Ÿ Completed streambank stabilization of Bull Creek running through Keith Mione Community Park.
Ÿ Completed tennis court resurfacing and fencing repairs at Community, Scott Brown and Wortham parks.
Ÿ Improved the entrance, sidewalks and front landing at Fort Hill Heritage Museum.
Ÿ Installed electricity at Community Park’s shelter.
Ÿ Began construction of championship tee on the 11th hole at Steeple Chase Golf Club, which will be available this summer.
Ÿ Launched Steeple Chase’s Loyalty Gold Program, offering reduced green fees and ability to earn free golf.
Ÿ Improved sidewalks at Steeple Chase clubhouse and the Regent Center.
Ÿ Constructed curbing and drainage at Diamond Lake Recreation Center.
Ÿ Replaced HVAC systems at Fort Hill Heritage Museum and Mundelein Community Center.
Ÿ Installed drainage system at Lewendowski and Longmeadow parks.
Ÿ Expanded and repaved trail/pond path at Leo Leathers Park, including the West Trail.
Ÿ Repaved and repaired Cardinal Terrace, Gordon Ray and Wilderness North Park paths.
Ÿ Sealed roadways, parking areas and paths at Community, Hanrahan, Wortham and Maurice Noll parks.
Ÿ Planted trees for nature to flourish at Community, Memorial and Gordon Ray parks.
Ÿ Playground surfaces were replenished with kid/nature-friendly mulch at Kracklauer, Leo Leathers, Longmeadow, Gordon Ray and Fairhaven parks.
Recognition
Ÿ Awarded the prestigious Outstanding Event Award by the Illinois Park & Recreation Association for its Annual Community Picnic event.
Ÿ Voted Best Park District and Best Golf Course by thousands in a survey of readers from one of Chicagoland’s largest regional news sources.
Ÿ Earned a third consecutive Apex Award for publication excellence in graphic design.
Ÿ Earned outstanding overall rating of more than 96 percent from the Park District Risk Management Agency (www.pdrma.org), a recognized leader in risk management for the park and recreation industry.
Ÿ Aquatics department achieved StarAward recognition (4 stars) through Star Fish Aquatics (www.starfishaquatics.org), which involves an independent evaluation for safety/lifeguard performance.
Ÿ Visitors to Steeple Chase Golf Club enjoyed a championship course and a price freeze, which also will be offered in 2012.