Mission
Mission
Carol Stream Park District Mission Statement
The mission of the Carol Stream Park District is to enrich our community by fulfilling our residents needs for healthy,accessible, quality recreation activities, parks and facilities, and to be responsible stewards of our community resources.
Our Vision Statement
The vision of the Carol Stream Park District is to be known by residents as the best parks and recreation provider.
Equity Statement
Carol Stream Park District provides programs, activities and facilities without discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, handicap or disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Our Core Values
Fun
Carol Stream Park District will look to bring an element of fun to all functions, programs, services and facilities of the District.
Fairness and Equity
We will have policies and procedures fair to all; our services will be easily accessible; we will provide affordable programming; and will assure programs are available to all.
Total Customer Commitment
We will continually learn what our external and internal customers needs and expectations are, and strive to exceed them. Our systems and procedures will be user and customer friendly. We will recognize and support the quality time given by our volunteers.
Positive Attitudes
We will strengthen staff motivation, morale and sense of being valued. We will affirm our can-do spirit, and look for ways to make it work. We will develop innovative solutions and encourage everyone to contribute their part to our mission.
Trust in Carol Stream Park District to do well
We will earn trust with our hard work to deliver more than we promise. We will provide facilities that accommodate the demand for community recreation. We will be effective stewards of the community’s resources.
History
Park District History
In 1959, its founder and original developer, Mr. Jay Stream, who envisioned a community comprised of residential homes and light industrial businesses, incorporated the Village of Carol Stream. The Carol Stream Park District was organized in March 21, 1962 by a new elected park board of five members, who were Fred Mitchell, Gerald Walter, Wilbur Kent, George Kostopoulos and Robert Simkus. The board was later increased to seven members in 1977.
During this time on July 20, 1969, Buzz and Neil Armstrong made their historic Apollo XI Moon Walk, thus becoming the first two humans to set foot on another world. While they were out walking Mike Collins flew a “lonely lifeguard” assignment for more than 24 hours, waiting for them to launch their lunar craft and rejoin him in moon orbit.
In 1968, the first referendum was passed allowing for the sale of bonds to build the Aldrin Community Center, which was completed in September 1970. Aldrin Community Center was named in honor of Buzz Aldrin and Collins Outdoor Recreational Pool for Mike Collins. Armstrong Park was named after Neil Armstrong. It is believed that these facilities were the first named after the famous American heroes.
Also in 1969 the first full time Park Director Wilbur Kent was hired and by 1977 the District has grown to the point where Armstrong Park, Pleasant Hill Park, Memorial Park and also St Luke’s and St. Andrew Playgrounds and Ball fields were developed.
In July 4, 1976 the Historic Gretna Train Museum was dedicated under the festivities of our Nations Bicentennial Celebration.
Since 1977, the Park District has added park acreage almost every year and currently maintains approximately 460 acres of land.
In 1979 the Collins pool sported a new look when it became the first enclosed and heated park district pool in DuPage County. The aging pool closed in 2006.
Simkus Recreation Center and Water Park at Lies and County Farm Road were completed in 1990 and has given the District additional facilities needed to serve all of the residents of the District. And in 2002 a new facelift at Simkus was completed on the newly named Coral Cove Water Park.
Today, the Village of Carol Stream is home to more than 550 business and industries. Approximately 47,000 residents live in the Carol Stream Park District.
In 2002 the Carol Stream Park District won the National Gold Medal Award from the NPRA. The Gold Medal Award honors communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and agency recognition. The Park District won again in 2008.
In 2010 Carol Stream Park District residents approved a $37million referendum to provide funding for a new recreation center, indoor pool, dog park and other projects. The off-leash dog park, the Bark Park, opened in October 2011, and in late 2011 work also began on the new recreation center and improvements to McCaslin Park.
Referenda
Referendum History
The Carol Stream Park District has a tradition of providing great value. Previous referenda resulted in the following improvements:
2010
• $37 million – no tax rate increase
• Construction of a new recreation center and indoor pool
• Construction of a dog park
• Additional trails, lighting and playground improvements
• Long term maintenance program
• Improvements to McCaslin and Armstrong Parks
View the latest 2010 referendum project updates
2000
• $12 million – no tax rate increase
• Renovated Coral Cove Water Park
• Purchased Red Hawk Park
• Added 2 football fields and 3 soccer fields
• Built Skate Park
• Renovated Simkus Recreation Center
1994
• $4 million
• Bought and built McCaslin Park
• Built Evergreen Gym
• Renovated Armstrong Park with 3 new lighted baseball fields
• Built Friendship Park
• Built Hampe Park
1988
• $4.3 million
• Built Simkus Recreation Center and Water Park
Code of Conduct
Participant Code of Conduct
Equal Access
No participant or spectator shall, on the basis of race, sex, creed, national origin or disability, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services or benefits, or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage or opportunity.
Behavior
Participants and spectators are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times. The following guidelines have been developed to make park district programs safe and enjoyable for all participants and spectators. Additional rules may be developed for particular programs and athletic leagues as deemed necessary by staff.
Participants and spectators shall:
• Show respect to all participants, staff and volunteers.
• Shall not harass or intimidate through the use of words, foul language, gestures, body language or menacing behavior.
• Refrain from causing bodily harm to other participants or staff.
• Show respect for equipment, supplies and facilities.
• Shall not demonstrate any sexual activity or sexual suggestiveness.
• Shall not carry or conceal weapons or devices that may be used as a weapon.
• Shall not use or be in possession of illegal chemicals or alcohol on park district property without proper permits.
• Shall not display any other unacceptable behavior including inappropriate dress.
Discipline
A positive approach will be used. The Carol Stream Park District reserves the right to dismiss a participant or spectator if it is in the best interest of the park district. Each situation will be evaluated on its own merit.
Our Community Partners