Wilmette Park District Wants More Answers To Community Survey

WILMETTE, IL — Wilmette Park District officials want feedback from resident to shape the future of the district's parks and facilities through a strategic planning process called "Project Parks and Play: Explore the Possibilities."

Expected to continue through the end of the year, the planning process aims to engage residents to create a vision for the future of parks and recreation in the district to best meet community needs.

Park District Executive Director Steve Wilson said the project will result in a strategic plan to solidify the district's mission, as well as a comprehensive plan that evaluates assets, programs and services and designs initiatives to strengthen them for the future.

The district hired the consulting firm BerryDunn to lead the planning process. Late last year, residents took part in six focus groups, four feedback stations, three community sessions, two open houses and provided online feedback.

“So far the feedback we have received has been tremendous,” Mike Murdock, president of the Wilmette Park District board, said in a statement. “[Commissioners are] so grateful for the time and thoughtful input folks have shared with us.”

In late January, the district began mailing invitations to complete a community survey to the 10,382 households in the district.

As of the start of March, 739 households had responded. District staff have sent reminder postcards to the more than 9,600 households who have yet to complete the survey, according to a spokesperson.

The survey can be completed online or via phone, and responses are due March 13.

“The survey is an in-depth and statistically valid effort to gather community feedback as part of the Project Parks and Play initiative,” Wilson said, announcing the opening of the survey.

"We are committed to serving the needs of our community and want to hear viewpoints from all our residents – regardless of age, gender, ability and whether or not they use Park District parks, facilities or programs," he said. "This is an important opportunity for community members to share their thoughts and help shape how the District serves the community over the next decade.”