Jimmy Gleason

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included a presentation providing an update on the Prairie Farm Master Plan. The Treasurer's Report for January 2026 was presented for acceptance. The Consent Agenda involved approving an ordinance for the disposal of personal property, awarding an agreement to Stark Excavating for the Johnston Park Basketball Court construction ($79,800.00), approving updates to the Investment Policy and Authorized Financial Institutions List, approving updates and amendments to the Scholarship Policy, and approving an application for an FY27 Illinois Arts Council Grant. New Business items included the approval of disbursements for the period between January 15 and February 11, 2026, and the approval of the FY2026/27 Capital Improvement Plan and its associated policy amendment. The Board also planned to convene into Executive Session to discuss the purchase or lease of real property.

The meeting included public comments concerning the Douglass Center and Douglass Park utilization. A presentation was given regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Audit phases and priority scale. A resolution was read to honor a staff member for twenty-five years of service. Key operational discussions included the Treasurer's Report noting lower than expected property tax receipts due to Property Tax Appeal Board appeals, and the Executive Director's report highlighting successful events like a New Year's Party and a Winter Pickleball tournament. The Parks Foundation reported activity at Winter Nights and receipt of a donation for the Dog Park. The Attorney reported on completing a master agreement with the University of Illinois for event rentals. New business involved approving disbursements, approving the current Blue Cross Blue Shield medical plan for the 2026 plan year, and authorizing the destruction of specified audio records of closed sessions dating from 2023 and 2024. Discussion items included the FY2026/27 to FY2024/35 Capital Improvement Plan, quarterly financial reports for the Park District and the Parks Foundation, and a review of several policies including the Investment Policy and Scholarship Policy, with staff planning to seek approval for the Investment Policy at the next meeting.

The meeting agenda included presentations and reports covering key operational and planning matters. A key presentation was an update on Hedge Park from the City of Champaign representatives. The Treasurer's Report for June 2025 was presented for consideration of acceptance. The Executive Director provided general announcements, and committee reports included an update from the Champaign Parks Foundation. New business focused on several approvals, including disbursements for the period ending July 9, 2025, approval of a Resolution Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of National Park and Recreation Month, approval of a License Agreement with the City of Champaign for Clark Park Right of Way, and review/approval of several Board Policies (e.g., Code of Conduct, Public Participation, Hiring of Relatives). Staff also presented the FY 2024/25 Fourth Quarter Update and recommended budget line transfers. A resolution authorizing the destruction of recordings of past meetings from 2023 was also on the agenda. Discussion items included lighting in district parks, Leonhard Recreation Center programming changes, and a fourth-quarter update from the Champaign Parks Foundation. The Board also considered the approval of a two-year extension to the Intergovernmental Agreement with Champaign County for the placement of election ballot boxes.

This document provides an overview of the Champaign Park District's strategic efforts and future initiatives. It highlights achievements in fostering strong community partnerships, expanding inclusive and accessible programming, and implementing significant conservation and historical preservation projects. The district addresses community challenges through proactive solutions and offers a wide array of recreational and cultural arts programs. Future plans include expanding historical representation, enhancing natural area trail systems, and increasing health and wellness programming for underserved communities, all aimed at enhancing the community's overall quality of life.

The meeting commenced with comments from the public, followed by presentations regarding the Prairie Farm transition to the Zand property. The presentation outlined a phased implementation strategy focusing initially on mission components, then revenue generation, and finally supporting amenities. Phase one capital costs were estimated at approximately $840,000, focusing on structural repairs of existing facilities, temporary parking, moving livestock, and renovating structures like the Quanza hut. Operational considerations for phase one included hiring one additional full-time farm hand. Phase two, estimated at $2.25 million, focuses on revenue generation through renovating the historic barn for use as a rental venue and upgrading circulation spaces. Phase three involves bolstering programs with amenities like permeable parking, bio-swales, and converting the Quanza hut into a hoop house for produce sales, with an estimated cost of $1.5 million for the existing Centennial Park site portion. Discussions also addressed operational needs for each phase and coordination with adjacent properties regarding stormwater drainage.