From left to right: Officer Seth Berlin, Jason Anderson, Office Joe Jennings.
At last night’s Park District Board meeting, President Brenda Gramann recognized two police officers: Hoffman Estates Police Officer Joe Jennings and Hanover Park Police Officer Seth Berlin. The officers were off duty participating in our adult floor hockey league when they came upon Jason Anderson who had lost consciousness at the site. The officers performed CPR and saved Mr. Anderson’s life. What a great story! Thank you all for your service and we’re glad you’re okay Jason!
The community continues to support Veterans Memorial Plaza. Resident and previous youth sports coach for the Carol Stream Park District Damian Bierman, president of TWIN BROS Paving & Concrete, presented a $2,500 check to the Veterans Memorial Task Force. Damian, whose father served as a marine, was happy to contribute to this project and meet the veterans. Thank you Damian for your generous donation.
Pictured from left to right are:
Jackie Jeffery, Carol Stream Park District Commissioner
Jim Benzin, VFW Commander Post 10396
Rich Hildenbrand, Veteran
Rick Gieser, Carol Stream Village Trustee
Lenny Aiello, Veteran
Damian Bierman, Twin Brothers Paving & Concrete
Mike Mero, Veteran
Lou Lingwai, Veteran
https://www.twinbrospaving.com/
#VeteransMemorialPlazaInCarolStream
Veterans Memorial Plaza project
Pictured from left to right above – Foundation Board Members: Craig Cronquist, Frank Parisi, Dave Creighton, Pam Falco, Donna Freeman, Cindy Carlson, Jim Reuter.
The National Association of Parks Foundations held an awards night November 20 to recognize the Park Foundations for their dedicated work in their communities. The Carol Stream Parks Foundation was awarded the Creative Event Production award for our annual Duck Race.
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing additional financial support for public parks and recreation programs of the Carol Stream Park District.
Nov 19, 2018 – Accepting the award are Melissa Adamson, Recreation Superintendent; Jim Reuter, Executive Director; and Debbie Greninger, Executive Assistant. Melissa and Debbie, with input from the entire staff, led the Distinguished Agency Accreditation process. The Park District also won this award in 2007 and 2012.
The Carol Stream Park District has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA).
The two statewide associations administer the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program with the goal of improving the delivery of park and recreation services to Illinois residents. “Illinois has a reputation for the best park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies in the nation,” said Peter Murphy, IAPD President and CEO. “The Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program provides an opportunity for these agencies to undergo a voluntary, comprehensive evaluation process to demonstrate that they have met state guidelines to provide exceptional park and recreation services to their community. The end result is to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents.”
“This program gives recognition to park and recreation agencies that go above and beyond in dedicating themselves to offering quality programs and services designed to fulfill their community’s needs,” said Debbie Trueblood, IPRA Executive Director.
A park district or recreation agency interested in applying for Distinguished Accredited Agency recognition undergoes a detailed, lengthy process of application and evaluation. A Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee (JDPRAC) comprised of members from IAPD and IPRA coordinates the process. “Agencies submit a self-evaluation and a formal letter requesting admission into the process,” said Marie Todd, IAPD Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “If the committee determines the agency is eligible to continue the process, we send them an evaluation date.” The Carol Stream Park District began the self-evaluation process in November of 2017 and after being eligible, formally applied for the Illinois Distinguished Accreditation program in March of 2018.
According to Todd, on the day of the evaluation, the agency presents documented information and gives a tour of pertinent facilities and parks for the evaluation team’s review. The team reviews general management procedures, finance and business operations, facilities and parks, personnel, recreation services, legal documentation and other materials including mission statements, goals and safety manuals.
Upon completion of the evaluation, the agency is notified in writing of the official results within ten days. Agencies that have achieved Distinguished Accredited status are recognized with a plaque at the IAPD/IPRA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon in January.
“There are tremendous benefits for an agency that achieves Distinguished Accredited status,” said Ryan Risinger, IPRA Co-Chair of the JDPRAC. “The agency’s application and review process provide an excellent self-evaluation and agencies that apply realize increased operational efficiency and effectiveness. Communities can have confidence that their park district or recreation agency employs qualified professionals and has met professional standards.”
The JDPRAC approved the Carol Stream Park District for Distinguished Accredited status in September 2018 and highlighted some areas that the evaluation team felt deserving of special commendations:
1.1.1 Nice touch posting vision, mission statement on all facility entrances.
1.3.1 Well organized and consistent mission statement cascading down into objectives.
1.7.1 Nice job on New Board member manual.
3.2.7 Land Cash Policy very well written.
3.5.7 Great job obtaining LEED Certification.
In compliance with the program, the Carol Stream Park District will be reevaluated in six years to verify that they have continued to demonstrate sound management practices in providing quality park and recreation services to the community.
IAPD is a non-profit service, research and education organization that serves park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies. The association advances these agencies, their citizen board members and professional staff in their ability to provide outstanding park and recreation opportunities, preserve natural resources and improve the quality of life for all people in Illinois.
IPRA is a not-for-profit organization and public interest group who is an advocate in providing quality park, recreation and conservation education, resources and services to professionals and citizens throughout the state of Illinois.
The Carol Stream Park District formed the Anti-Vandalism Task force last summer to educate the community about vandalism and how to report it. Over the past year we’ve developed messages for adults and children. For adults, we’ve written the letter below and have been distributing that message on flyers in neighborhoods we visit. For children, we’ve created a presentation that talks about community, what vandalism is, and how to report it. We have taken our message to school districts and other public municipal organizations. Although the task force still has work in progress, we’re making great strides to help the community recognize and report vandalism.
Dear Neighbor,
Your park district is asking for your help. Vandalism in our parks has unfortunately become commonplace in our community. Graffiti and spray paint on playgrounds, damaged park amenities, burned port-o-lets, tire ruts on ball fields – these are just some of the incidents we deal with weekly as we work to maintain our parks and playgrounds. Repairing damage caused by vandalism costs us money in staff time and in replacement or repair of property.
Park District property is community property – parks, playgrounds, ballfields – for your enjoyment. You help us pay for it on your tax bill. Help us protect our shared property.
If you see vandalism happening, call 911. The police need to know when vandalism is happening so they can catch the culprits. If you see vandalism after it has happened – for example, you’re with your kids in the morning at your local park and you see obscenities sprawled on playground equipment – call us at 630-784-6100 so we can photograph and report the damage to police and work to clean up the vandalism.
The faster we catch those who feel the need to vandalize and the faster we can clean it up, the less vandalism we see. Your awareness is very important in the preservation of our parks and community.
Thank you for your help!
On Friday, September 21, we broke ground for the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Town Center! There was a great turn out of support for this exciting occasion. Thank you to all of our wonderful supporters over the last 3 years – we could not have done this without you!
However, we’re still about $60,000 short of our goal. This shortage requires us to phase in aspects of the project while fundraising continues, which is doable but extends the project’s completion date.
Help us reach our goal! There are many ways you can contribute:
To make a charitable contribution to the enhancements and beautification of Veterans Memorial, send your tax deductible donation to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Carol Stream Parks Foundation
c/o 849 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
info@csparksfoundation.org
Make an online donation at GO FUND ME.
Make a donation through the Carol Stream Park District’s ONLINE PORTAL.
Run, jog or walk in the Fall 5K Stars & Stripes Shuffle being held at Armstrong Park at 9am on Sunday, September 30. Fee is $30 resident, $35 nonresident. Sign up here: Women 13762, Men 13761.
Sign up a team to play softball in the Stars & Stripes Softball Adult Tournament on October 6 at Armstrong Park. Team fee is $270 – code 15627.
We are getting so close to completing this project and presenting a beautiful memorial, a gathering place for the Village of Carol Stream residents and visitors and a meaningful and scenic place for our families, Veterans and visitors to honor our fallen heroes.
The Veterans Memorial Plaza Task Force includes members from the Carol Stream VFW, American Legion, Village, Park District, Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers.
Veteran and VFW Post Commander Jim Benzin presented a $2000.00 check to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation for the Veterans Memorial Plaza project this morning, September 13, 2018. Accepting the check is Jackie Jeffery, Park District Commissioner. Also pictured are Park District staff Jim Reuter, Executive Director, and Pam Falco, Community Relations Specialist.
The Carol Stream VFW Post 10396 continue to support this project with generous donations, participating in fundraising events and by volunteering as members of the Veterans Memorial Plaza Task Force. Their continued contributions to this project are greatly appreciated as we strive to reach our financial goal. For additional information on the Veterans Memorial Plaza go to the page VETERANS MEMORIAL PLAZA.
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We are excited to be breaking ground in a few weeks at Town Center for the new Veterans Memorial Plaza! However, we’re still about $60,000 short of our goal. This shortage requires us to phase in aspects of the project while fundraising continues, which is doable but extends the project’s completion date.
Help us reach our goal! There are many ways you can contribute:
To make a charitable contribution to the enhancements and beautification of Veterans Memorial, send your tax deductible donation to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Carol Stream Parks Foundation
c/o 849 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
info@csparksfoundation.org
Make an online donation at GO FUND ME.
Make a donation through the Carol Stream Park District’s ONLINE PORTAL.
Run, jog or walk in the Fall 5K Stars & Stripes Shuffle being held at Armstrong Park at 9am on Sunday, September 30. Fee is $30 resident, $35 nonresident. Sign up here: Women 13762, Men 13761.
Sign up a team to play softball in the Stars & Stripes Softball Adult Tournament on October 6 at Armstrong Park. Team fee is $270 – code 15627.
We are getting so close to completing this project and presenting a beautiful memorial, a gathering place for the Village of Carol Stream residents and visitors and a meaningful and scenic place for our families, Veterans and visitors to honor our fallen heroes.
The Veterans Memorial Plaza Task Force includes members from the Carol Stream VFW, American Legion, Village, Park District, Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers.
We are excited to be breaking ground in a few weeks at Town Center for the new Veterans Memorial Plaza! However, we’re still about $60,000 short of our goal. This shortage requires us to phase in aspects of the project while fundraising continues, which is doable but extends the project’s completion date.
Help us reach our goal! There are many ways you can contribute:
To make a charitable contribution to the enhancements and beautification of Veterans Memorial, send your tax deductible donation to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Carol Stream Parks Foundation
c/o 849 W. Lies Road, Carol Stream, IL 60188
info@csparksfoundation.org
Make an online donation at GO FUND ME.
Make a donation through the Carol Stream Park District’s ONLINE PORTAL.
Run, jog or walk in the Fall 5K Stars & Stripes Shuffle being held at Armstrong Park at 9am on Sunday, September 30. Fee is $30 resident, $35 nonresident. Sign up here: Women 13762, Men 13761.
Sign up a team to play softball in the Stars & Stripes Softball Adult Tournament on October 6 at Armstrong Park. Team fee is $270 – code 15627.
We are getting so close to completing this project and presenting a beautiful memorial, a gathering place for the Village of Carol Stream residents and visitors and a meaningful and scenic place for our families, Veterans and visitors to honor our fallen heroes.
The Veterans Memorial Plaza Task Force includes members from the Carol Stream VFW, American Legion, Village, Park District, Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers.
This 2018 event has passed. Thank you to all who participated and came out to see the Race!
(July 2) Link to the Carol Stream Parks Foundation Facebook album to see pictures from the race!
Families are invited to join the Carol Stream Parks Foundation’s third annual Duck Race fundraiser to be held on June 30, 2018, at 8:00 pm at Coral Cove Water Park, 849 W. Lies Road.
Hundreds of rubber ducks are dropped down the large tube slide in four heats. Each duck entry has three tries to place. The first duck to make it to the wall opposite the tube slide exit in each of three heats races in the fourth heat to determine grand, second and third place winners. The grand prize winner receives a Galena Getaway at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa that includes lodging, golf and breakfast. The second place winner receives $250, and the third place winner receives a large pool inflatable.
Duck entries are $5 each. Purchasers may select the actual rubber duck entry. There are many colors and themes to choose from. Once the duck entry is selected, it is swapped out with a ticket carrying the duck’s number. The actual rubber duck entry goes into the “ready for the race” bin. There is no limit to the number of duck entries that can be purchased. Duck entries may be purchased at the Fountain View or Simkus Recreation Centers up until June 29. On the day of the race, June 30, entries may be purchased at Coral Cove Water Park.
The Carol Stream Parks Foundation has been running an entertaining Facebook campaign for several weeks that features pictures of rubber ducks traveling to various places as far as Australia. Other duck travels include Arizona, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Peoria, Illinois. Posts feature ducks at the Sydney Opera House (Australia), on cactus, on bridges, at a ball game, at a bowling alley, next to an iguana, and at places like Lake Michigan, Peoria’s riverfront, Wall Drug in South Dakota, Mt. Rushmore, and other places too numerous to name.
The Facebook campaign for the Duck Races took off last year when various members of the Foundation, Park District and Village photographed and videotaped themselves on a large duck inflatable at Coral Cove Water Park. Executive Director of the Carol Stream Park District, Jim Reuter, promoted the race while going down a waterslide with a GoPro recorder. Foundation board member Dave Creighton went around town in a duck suit, taking pictures with the Mayor of Carol Stream and other local officials and residents.
Proceeds from the Duck Races this year will be donated by the Carol Stream Parks Foundation to the park district scholarship program, which offers the opportunity for underprivileged children to participate in park district sports or other programs. The Carol Stream Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 or nonprofit organization dedicated to developing additional financial support for public parks and recreation programs of the Carol Stream Park District.
See our “Duck(s) Travel” posts on our Facebook wall and our visitors wall
Mom Duck and Kid waiting to get into Coral Cove Water Park.
G’day mates! Fresh from a sellout performance at the Sydney Opera House we present international supergroup, The Ducks!
Ducks are coming from Australia and they’re training with Iguanas!
This duck got his training supplies for the Duck Race at the infamous Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota!
Quite the climb for this road tripping duck to get to the top of the Cathedral Spires in Custer State Park, South Dakota.
Breathtaking! Should this be a postcard?
Peoria was good training ground for our Ducks this year!
Thirsty duck at the ballgame.
Fueling up at JT’s Corner Tap & Eatery in Carol Stream.
Did you know our Ducks are born in Cactus flowers in the Arizona desert? That’s what makes them so FAST!
Zoom in to see this little duck on the Big U at the University of Utah where he is studying strategies to win the race!
There’s been a bit of talk about coyotes around the Carol Stream area. Here is a great article about their history, acceptance of them, heading off conflicts, and living with them.
