Executive Director Update - Spring 2023

Friday, March 3, 2023

Dear Friends of the Naperville Park District:

As we enter the busy spring season, the Park District will be working on a number of initiatives that are listed in the new 2023-2025 Strategic Plan. This plan was approved by the Board of Commissioners at the February 9, 2023 meeting and is based on community input that included the Community Interest and Opinion Survey that was conducted in spring 2022, along with a series of focus groups later in 2022. We thank everyone who took the survey or shared their ideas in a focus group or through email. The District's mission remains the same: to provide recreation and park experiences that promote healthy lives, healthy minds and a healthy community. Some of the short-term goals of the plan are to adjust staffing according to the services needed and the labor market, and to assess the community's indoor space needs. Staff also is updating the District's Master Plan, which analyzes open space, parks and facilities currently maintained by the Park District and makes recommendations regarding how to meet current and future needs. As part of the process of updating the Master Plan, the Park District will host an open house later this spring to seek input from the community. Details will be available on our website and through other District communications.

As the golfing season begins this year, Naperbrook Golf Course will be open for play, and Springbrook Golf Course will open its driving range and practice area while the new turf installed with last fall's major renovation continues to mature. Watch for details on the reopening of Springbrook Golf Course later in the spring or in early summer.

Once again, Naperville Park District is collaborating with a number of community organizations to celebrate the 53rd annual Earth Day. We invite you to participate in Earth Week Naperville, which includes events and volunteer projects extending through the entire spring season. The Park District hosting a Shred Event in the Centennial Beach parking lot on Saturday, April 15 from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and the Earth Day Fair at Fort Hill Activity Center on Sunday, April 23 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Individuals, families, neighborhoods and other groups can help beautify our parks by picking up litter, mulching, planting, or pulling weeds. To learn more about volunteering at the Park District, visit www.napervilleparks.org/volunteer.

The Park District's 2023 Spring Program Guide is now available online, with information about our new and returning programs and events for spring as well as a listing of summer camps. Naperville Park District's summer camps offer a variety of fun experiences for kids from preschool through high school and fit almost any scheduling need. With camps located throughout the community, kids can choose traditional day camps or special-interest camps, such as athletics or arts. Enthusiastic, skilled camp counselors and instructors help kids get the most from their experience, whether it's advancing their soccer skills or enjoying free time with friends. Registration for summer camps begins March 6 for Naperville residents and March 8 for nonresidents.

For those interested in gardening, now is a great time to consider renting a plot at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots. Registration for new gardeners begins on March 21 at 8:30 a.m. for Naperville residents and on March 23 at 8:30 a.m. for nonresidents.

Finally, it's not too late to apply for a summer job at the Naperville Park District. Centennial Beach is in need of lifeguards and those who apply by March 17 and are hired will be eligible for a $150 signing bonus. Additionally, those who refer an applicant who is subsequently hired will receive a $100 Naperville Park District gift card. Visit napervilleparks.org/employment to see all of the available positions and to apply.

Wishing you a happy and healthy spring!

Brad Wilson

Executive Director

Naperville Park District