55

Thea publication of the Bloomingdale Park District

NEWS

Mission StatementThe Mission of the Bloomingdale Park District is to efficiently and economically provide recreation programs, facilities and open spaces

designed to provide enjoyable leisure time experiences that benefit the community.

Dear Residents:

Once again, it is my pleasure to let you know what the Park District has done this past year and what is in store for the coming one. This past year has seen a number of improvements and changes to several of the parks and the Johnston Recreation Center.

• The tennis courts at Lakeview Park and Indian Lakes Park will be ready for use come Spring of 2015. The old courts were not constructed in the proper manner necessitating complete reconstruction, including new base material. This will insure many years of enjoyment.

• The new playground structure at Seasons 4 Park also will be ready for play come Spring of 2015. The colors and some of the features were chosen by the surrounding residents and their children this past fall.

• As of this writing, we are awaiting word from the State of Illinois regarding a grant application for the reconstruction of the playground at Circle Park.

• With the cooperation of the Bloomingdale Garden Club, all of the parks enjoyed colorful plantings throughout the growing season.

• The holiday season will see the addition of several new features added to the Holiday Lights display at Old Town Park. Make sure you come out to see this spectacular event.

• Finally, because more and more of our residents are caring for grandchildren, the Board of Commissioners recently enacted a new policy granting resident rates to non-resident grandchildren registered by their resident grandparents. (See page 2 for more information)

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of all of our staff. While every one of them goes above and beyond in their efforts to provide a clean, safe, friendly and responsible atmosphere for our patrons, young and mature, two of them, in particular, should be singled out for their accomplishments. Alisa Boesen and Kathy Jecmen, members of the front office staff, were recently recognized for their superior customer service in an article featured in the magazine published by the National Recreation and Park Association. Please take time to congratulate them when you come in to the JRC. You’ll know who they are by their smiles and cheerful greetings.

Finally, as I reach the mid-point of my six-year term and the completion of almost 18 years on this Board of Commissioners, I reflect on the changes that I have seen in our facilities, personnel and participants and am gratified with our ability to keep pace. Through tax caps, recessions and changes in demographics, our parks professionals labor long hours to insure that you, our stakeholders, are satisfied with the product we present. I am in awe of their dedication and for that I offer my thanks.

Sincerely,

Sebastian “Buzz” PuccioPresident Bloomingdale Park District Board of Commissioners

Winter - Spring 2015

The Board of Commissioners meets at 7 p.m. in the community room of the Johnston Recreation Center. The public is invited to attend. Minutes and agendas are available online at www.bloomingdaleparks.org.

Board of CommissionersBuzz Puccio ..........................................................PresidentAndre Burke .................................................Vice PresidentMichael Childress .................................................TreasurerMike Vogl .................................................... CommissionerKaren Johns ................................................. Commissioner

Buzz Puccio

a publication of the Bloomingdale Park District

Winter - Spring 2015Park Bench

55

F – Fun

A – Affordable

C – Convenient

T – Trendy

S – Safe The Bloomingdale Park District’s mission statement centers around providing programs, facilities and open space for enjoyable leisure time experiences. Tantamount to any enjoyable experience is making it fun. What exactly makes the Park District fun? Read below to find out.

“My husband, my father, and my 2-year-old daughter attended the Fishing Derby this past Saturday, our first time. We had so much fun and my daughter loved it, as she does with any outdoor activity. Thank you very much for organizing this event. We look forward to the next fishing derby event in the future.” - Agnes Garrett

“We just got home from the Holly Jolly Train Ride and WOW we had a blast! I’m 41 years old and went with my mom, and a wonderful holly jolly time was had by all! I loved the singing Santa as much as I loved my cookies and milk! Thank you for the magical morning! Looking forward to next year!” - Caren L. Murkowski

“Thank you BPD for continuing to offer a great place for kids on days off and during the summer. One of the reasons we love Bloomingdale.” - Matt Duxbury

“I haven’t seen a park district that gets so involved with the kids and the city like you guys do. AWESOME!!!!” - Marissa Ortiz

“Gymnastics is so fun here!!!! It couldn’t get any better!!!” - Jenny Petrova

Eighty-six percent of the children who attended the Bunny Bash last year rated it as “Really, really fun!”

“I could not have asked for a better experience for my son this summer!! You guys provided an excellent program with excellent staff. I was not worried about my son at all this summer. Thank you!!” - Summer Camp Parent

Ninety-six percent of dads attending last year’s Dad-Daughter Dance rated it great to outstanding.

“My boys love Mommy/Son dance and cannot wait until next year!” - Anonymous

“The Bloomingdale Park District Museum is a must stop for any families with young kids; they take pride in keeping the area clean and easy to get in and out. I would rate as excellent…” - Arby I.

“I have taken advantage of the kickboxing classes, Zumba classes and indoor walking path. The prices are very reasonable and the class sizes are really small.” - Trina J.

For more testimonials about the Park District, visit http://www.bloomingdaleparks.org/about-bpd/testimonials.htm

The Park Bench News continued

56

www.bloomingdaleparks.org/About-BPD/Facts.htm

The Park Bench News continued

Corporate Partners/Sponsors

57

Stratford Square Mall honored as Best Friend of Illinois Parks by Illinois Association of Park DistrictsBloomingdale Park District valued partner Stratford Square Mall was awarded Best Friend of Illinois Parks – Large Business by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) at its Best of the Best Awards Gala October 24 at Wheeling Park District’s Chevy Chase Country Club.

The Park District nominated Stratford Square Mall because of its support, involvement and the impact the business has had on BPD residents. The two have developed a mutually beneficial, and in some ways very unique, relationship that has far exceeded any initial expectations. Stratford has supported and advanced the Park District in the following ways:

• The Mall completely renovated and updated an empty store to adhere to Park District regulations and standards. The room serves as an additional 3,000-square feet of programming space for the District, while also proving to be convenient for shoppers.

• Allows the Bloomingdale Parks Foundation to wrap gifts at the mall every holiday season as a fundraiser. The mall supplies all of the wrapping paper, boxes, tape, etc. for FREE!

• Stratford Square has served as major sponsor for several Park District events, including a platinum sponsorship of the District’s Festival of Lights holiday event.

• Stratford has left a legacy in Bloomingdale’s park system, contributing the resources necessary to pay for an accessible drinking fountain at the District’s Sunnyside Park.

“Our partnership with Stratford Square Mall allows the Park District to extend its reach into the community and support Bloomingdale’s economic engine,” said BPD Executive Director Carrie Fullerton. “We have been able to support mall management in their mission to attract and retain our residents, and they have supported us in our goal to extend our agency into our community beyond our rec center and parks.”

To learn more about Stratford Square Mall and its partnership with the Bloomingdale Park District, visit www.bloomingdaleparks.org and click on “Be Involved” in the top menu bar and then “Corporate Partnership” on the drop-down menu.

Stratford Square Mall and Bloomingdale Park District were honored at the Illinois Association of Park Districts Best of the Best Awards Gala October 24 at Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling. Stratford received the award for Best Friend of Illinois Parks - Large Business. Pictured are (left to right) Senator Tom Cullerton, Stratford Senior Vice President Anthony Giannini, BPD Executive Director Carrie Fullerton, Stratford General Manager Doug Kiehn, Stratford Operations Manager Kristine Vlasnik, Stratford Marketing Director Stacy Kallas, Stratford Specialty Leasing Manager Dolores Varbero and Stratford Director of Property Manager Maury Fisher.

Sunrise Shuffle 5K RecapThe annual Bloomingdale Parks Foundation Sunrise Shuffle 5K, presented by Sunrise Chevrolet, was held September 6 at Indian Lakes Resort. The United States and Track and Field-certified course (IL-14097-JW) kicked off the 41st Annual Septemberfest activities.

The course started and finished on the east side of the resort, with one mile consisting of a crushed limestone path behind Blackhawk Trace Golf Club. In addition to the 5K, there was also a children’s fun run and BounceHouse in addition to a bevy of run-appropriate sponsors. Following the race, participants were treated to a complimentary buffet and drinks at the BPD Museum in Old Town Bloomingdale.

Proceeds from the run benefitted the Bloomingdale Parks Foundation, which is dedicated to helping the Bloomingdale Park District provide great recreation programs and open space while also assisting individuals gain access to programs, enhancing current programs and making improvements to all of BPD’s parks.

The Foundation thanks the following sponsors and in-kind contributors:

The Park Bench News continued

58

Thank You Sponsors!

About Sunrise ChevroletSunrise Chevrolet has been servicing the Chicagoland area since 1997. They specialize in selling new Chevrolet vehicles like the Volt, Malibu, Equinox, Camaro, Silverado and more. They also sell all makes and models of used vehicles, many backed by their Sunny Certified program. Sunrise Chevrolet also services all types of vehicles, performed by their expert mechanics.

Sunrise is committed to serving Glendale Heights and the surrounding communities. In addition to the Sunrise Shuffle 5K, Sunrise supports many other local programs such as the Glendale Heights youth baseball and softball teams with generous donations of equipment, and they support many national campaigns including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and USO’s BBQ for the troops, to assist the men and women of our armed forces.

Sunrise Chevrolet employs over 100 individuals. For more information about Sunrise Chevrolet, please visit www.SunriseChevrolet.com or visit their store at 414 East North Avenue in Glendale Heights.

Sunrise Chevrolet 414 E. North Ave.Glendale Heights, IL 60139Phone: (800) 493-5148

Sales HoursMonday 9am-9pmTuesday 9am-9pmWednesday 9am-9pmThursday 9am-9pmFriday 9am-9pmSaturday 9am-6pmSunday Closed

Service HoursMonday 7am-8pmTuesday 7am-8pmWednesday 7am-8pmThursday 7am-8pmFriday 7am-8pmSaturday 7am-3pmSunday Closed

The Park Bench News continued

Bloomingdale Parks FoundationThe Bloomingdale Parks Foundation is an organization dedicated to helping the Park District provide great recreation programs and open space while also assisting individuals to gain access to programs, enhancing current programs and making improvements to all of BPD’s parks.

The Foundation was established in 1994 as a not-for-profit organization. Its primary purpose is to develop alternate sources of funding for Bloomingdale Park District facilities and recreation programs, and to provide opportunities for all Park District participants. The Foundation holds a 501-C3 status from the IRS.

Contact the Park District at (630) 529-3650 or visit www.bloomingdaleparks.org for information about volunteering or becoming a foundation member.

Board of DirectorsFrank Saverino, Jr. – Chair

Jerry Marshall – Treasurer

Gerace Olson

Rick Tayfel

Ann Nebel

Michael Hovde, Jr.

Josh Hendricks – Secretary, BPD Director of Marketing &

Communications

Carrie Fullerton – Ex-Officio, BPD Executive Director

Holiday Gift WrapSupport the Bloomingdale Parks Foundation this holiday season by getting all of your gifts wrapped at Stratford Square Mall! Visit www.bloomingdaleparks.org for times and locations or to volunteer!

Tentative Dates: December 19-24

Lou Malnati’s Frozen Pizza Certificate Sale

Certificates for one 9-inch frozen pizza are currently on sale at the Johnston Recreation Center. The certificates can be redeemed at any Lou Malnati’s location. Proceeds benefit the Bloomingdale Parks Foundation.

59

Holiday Gift Wrap