Long-range Planning

Current & Upcoming Construction Projects

Reston Ponds New Neighborhood Park NOW OPEN!
In July 2022 the Park District was awarded $240,300 in grant funds for the Reston Ponds Park Development Project. This opportunity was made possible through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. The grant will fund development of Phase I Projects: Playground, Small loop trail, Picnic shelter, Soccer field, Pickleball court, Native landscaping buffer and educational sign. Additional amenities including a second pickleball court, large loop trail, tennis court, basketball court, and a parking lot will be phased in over the coming years. Construction began in fall 2023. Reston Ponds Master Plan

North Grove Crossing New Neighborhood Park Coming Soon!
The Park District is thrilled to announce that it has received $348,300 in grant funds from the IDNR’s 2024 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program to support the development of the North Gove Crossing neighborhood park. The Park District and North Grove Crossing HOA have been working closely to develop a site plan (see photo) and we are excited to see it come to fruition! The project will go to bid fall 2024. North Grove Master Plan

ACTION 2020: Great Western Trail Extension – Segment II
Segment two goes from Page and Pleasant Streets in Sycamore to Old Mill Park. The Park District will receive federal grant funding through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to complete this project. Currently, we are working with land owners to secure the land need for the route.

Long-range Planning

Strategic Plan 2025-2030

As we look ahead to the next five years, our focus is on maintaining the high standard of care for our existing facilities, expanding and enhancing our program offerings, and deepening our engagement with the diverse communities we serve. The plan falls into four areas: Funding ⋅ Growth ⋅ Sustainability ⋅ Engagement

Our Commitment to You: As a reflection of community input this plan prioritizes…

• Access & Equity
• Health, Wellness & Safety
• Sustainability & Conservation
• Community Engagement & Safety
• Economic Development & Revenue Generation

Investing in Our Future: The Board and staff are actively working on…

• Scholarship Program
• Community Engagement
• Pool Development: Securing land and exploring funding
  opportunities for future pool development.
• Trail Connections: Prioritizing connections between
  various parks and exploring partnerships to expand our
  trail network.
• ADA Compliance: Ensuring all our facilities are accessible
  and inclusive.

Sustaining the Legacy: 2025

After years of growth, the Board looked inward, using the resources it has to efficiently and responsibly continue to grow the District into a strong and sustainable agency – laying the groundwork for a successful future full of possibilities beyond 2025!

The 2019/2020 community-wide survey helped identify how to allocate resources and funds and guide this long-range plan. However, the Board will still be faced with some tough decisions. Long-term sustainability of the District and responsible use of taxpayers’ dollars will be the guiding principles when faced with these challenges. Some of the first projects the District will focus on include Clubhouse updates, playground replacements, and expanded programming.

Unfortunately, part of the plan’s goal of financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of tax dollars meant closing the outdated Community Pool in 2022. Read a letter from the Board of Commissioners here.

Action 2020: 2015-2020

The Park District is working on wrapping up its 7-project ACTION 2020 plan. While some things have been delayed due to frozen grant funds, all projects are still on track to be completed successfully!

Projects