Park district proposes projects

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:13AM

After approving the new Oak Brook Park District Foundation last year the park district will soon begin a membership drive to gather support from Oak Brook residents.

The foundation, formed last May, received their non-profit status in September and within a couple months Oak Brook residents will receive information about supporting the foundation.

Proposed projects for foundation funding include synthetic athletic fields with lights, a splash pad renovation, tennis center remodel, an additional 9-hole disc golf course, a family locker room/front desk placement at the Family Recreation Center and acquisition of and maintaining open space.

“Nothing is imminent. That’s just our wish list,” said Corporate Relations Manager Mary Tansey. “A foundation has been discussed at the park district for about seven years. There are a lot of projects we want to get done, but need funds for.

“Some potential open space projects have come up and the foundation could conceivably purchase that open space.”

Tansy estimates residents will begin receiving information through the mail by March about joining the foundation and making donations. Donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

The park district will implement a brick paver program and allow residents to sponsor a tree or park bench as part of their fundraising efforts. Group events and gatherings could happen once a membership base has been established.

The foundation’s board is comprised of residents and park district staff, including Park District Executive Director Laure Kosey, Tansey, Alan Hanzlik, Anthony Hui, Sharon Knitter, Judy Lucas and Moin Saiyed.

The foundation will meet again April 18 at the Family Recreation Center and host meetings four times each year.

“For me, part of our overall goal is to get more and more participation and involvement in the park district,” Knitter said. “We’re talking about projects like a synthetic field or expanding the splash pad, things like that. It isn’t about building new buildings. It’s really about better utilization and maximization of what we currently have.”