Palatine Park District sets up online forum for community input

The Palatine Park District recently launched Forward Thinking, an online community engagement platform, to seek feedback from park district residents on current parks, programs, and facilities, as well as how these features can be improved.

This feedback will be used to develop the district's five-year comprehensive master plan, known as "Forward: One Voice. One Vision." The planning process combines scientific analysis of the assets and programs of the district with the insight and information gathered from residents.

Forward Thinking is one of several opportunities the public will have to provide input into the planning process. Focus groups will be held, a communitywide attitude and interest survey will be conducted, and residents are always welcome to contact members of the park board of commissioners or the Palatine Park District staff to voice their opinions.

Residents interested in joining the site should visit forwardthinking.palatineparks.org.

Forward Thinking also includes a rewards system. Points are awarded to individuals as they register for the site, start topics, interact with others, and answer surveys. An automatic reward will be given once an individual reaches 200 points: either a daily pool pass for next summer or a free small bucket of balls at the practice range at Palatine Hills Golf Course. Additional prize opportunities will be earned as higher point totals are reached, including raffle entries for a $50 program voucher at 350 points, a free membership to Community Fitness Center at 500 points, and a free foursome at Palatine Hills Golf Course at 650 points, and a free 2015 summer family pool pass at 800 points. One prize in each category will be awarded to a random winner at the end of the Forward Thinking program.