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THE PAST two years have been years of immense growth for the Waukegan Park District. Bevier Butts retired after 25 years as Director of the City Recreation Department. At that time, the Recreation Board merged with the Waukegan Park District, thus combining recreation programs and activities with parks and facilities. This consolidation and coordination of effort made it possible for the District to upgrade and professionalize its service and program offerings to its residents. In the fall of 1970, the Board commissioned the Director to develop a master plan for recreation. The plan, "A Basis for Recreation Programming" was conceived; its purpose: to provide a basic outline of planning considerations; building needs, both short and long range; general direction for recreation programming; cooperation with other community agencies; and financing. One of the results of this "Basis" was the building of a 10,000 sq. ft. Recreation Center, which was completed and occupied in April of 1972. New programs and activities were initiated, greatly expanding the physical, natural, mental, social and cultural opportunities for residents. This diversification culminated in maximum use of facilities and time to fullest capacity. Along with the professional Recreation staff, field work students have been an integral force in providing leadership these past two years. The Park District cooperates with all Illinois schools in providing the opportunity for required field work. In the past two years seven students have completed their requirements at Waukegan. The cooperative policy of area and facility sharing between the Park District and the Waukegan school system has been continued and improved, avoiding duplication of effort and added expense. To augment the schools' needs and to bring playground experiences closer to the children in all Waukegan neighborhoods, Progress 72 was compiled by the staff of the Waukegan Park District. Illinois Parks and Recreation 26 January/February, 1973 the District expended $20,000 over a two year period to provide playground equipment at various schools. One of the major steps in 1970 was completion of land acquisition as determined by a previous Master Plan. Under the auspices of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, six land sites were purchased to more adequately provide park and recreation facilities in other areas of the community. 50% of the $500,000 cost was reimbursed. Realizing the need for a park in the minority section of Waukegan, the Board purchased a 1.5 acre park site in southeastern Waukegan, 50% of which was funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Improvement and development were also approved in this highly-populated section of the city. As the site is rapidly approaching development, we have a lighted little league ball diamond, playground area, basketball courts, and soon-to-be completed park shelter with toilet, storage and concession facilities. Throughout these past two years, the Maintenance department promulgated the integrated growth and direction of the District. Innovative programs such as the Junior Park Workers, along with a school-park cooperative program utilizing Biology - Agriculture students and Building Trade students, aided in adapting to the expanded Park District. Another important facet during the last two years was the installation of a completely automatic watering system at Bonnie Brook Golf Course. This course is now considered to be one of the finest in Northern Illinois. The par three Greenshire Golf Course has also evidenced a steady increase in play. These two courses fulfill the needs of the golf enthusiasts in Waukegan. In May of 1970, the Accounting Department was revamped with the addition of an NCR 400 machine, thus progressing from a manual to a mechanized system for greater efficiency. The increasing volume of accounts and statistical information essential to all phases of the Waukegan Park District necessitated an effective fiscal organization. Re-evaluations of the purchasing section as well as numerous other administrative functions effected competent procedures. Through the combined efforts of the employees in all phases, park and recreation service becomes a reality. Over 300 seasonal people are employed over a one year period, plus 35 full-time personnel. In January, 1972, after much discussion, the Board decided to go to the people, via referendum, on June 6, 1972. The 4.7 million dollar proposal included an indoor ice rink, an artificial outdoor ice rink, two swimming pools, two recreation centers, a nature center building, baseball and softball diamond improvements, an indoor tennis court facility, and general improvements to existing park facilities. Although much work, time and energy was expended by staff, news media and a corp of volunteers, the referendum was defeated. To further implement the growth and changes in its new image, a Waukegan Park District emblem was conceived. This symbolic "tree" served to give the many diverse functions and activities of the District an identity with which the community and staff could relate. Coupled with new brochures, presentations and speaking engagements, the image of the Park District experienced an enlightened perspective as a professional organization. A slide presentation was developed to show the community the basic functions of the Park District in relation to the facilities available, and the recreation program offered. Yes, many changes have occurred in Waukegan; there is a new "image" and the Park District programs have grown considerably throughout the past two years. Yet the challenge remains; the district must not become insouciant; there is still much to be done in an effort to provide better services to the residents of the Waukegan Park District.
Illinois Parks and Recreation 27 January/February, 1973 |
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