Kraig Owens

The agenda focuses on operational and financial oversight, including review of executive session topics related to personnel matters, approval of bills, payroll, and financial reports. Action items include the approval of a bond ordinance for General Obligation Refunding Park Bonds, and agreements with Gurnee Youth Baseball regarding the use and maintenance of park fields.

The Gurnee Park District's Comprehensive Strategic and Master Plan, themed 'The Future of Fun,' provides a guiding blueprint for delivering innovative and enriching recreational experiences. Adopted in 2024, the plan focuses on maintaining excellence and access in parks, improving user experiences, elevating operational efficiency, ensuring fiscal responsibility, offering inclusive and diverse experiences, and enhancing community connections. It aims to address current needs, identify future trends, ensure equitable access, and secure funding for long-term community benefits, aligning with its mission to enrich the community through fun and nature.

The Gurnee Park District's 2008-2011 Strategic Plan outlines the organization's future direction, aiming to enrich lives by promoting fun and preserving nature, and to be an effective and responsive government. The plan focuses on seven strategic initiatives: maintaining and enhancing parks and facilities, delivering exceptional customer service, improving marketing, enhancing customer-driven programming, ensuring financial stability, fostering strong community and intergovernmental relations, and addressing the need for indoor aquatic space. This roadmap seeks to achieve operational excellence and increase community pride.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding a proposal to sell $800,000 in bonds to fund various capital projects, pay alternate bonds, and cover outstanding obligations. No public comments were received during the hearing. Key action items approved by the Board included the estimated total tax levy of $7,466,678 across corporate, special purpose, and bond/interest funds. Additionally, the Board approved a $68,000 bid for demolition services at the Markus Property and a $70,450 bid for Maintenance Facility Water Service Improvements. Department Directors reviewed their respective reports.

The Board meeting involved several operational and administrative actions. Department Directors presented written reports, including updates on park construction progress at Hunt Club Park, completion of water service construction at the Maintenance Facility, and scheduled demolition work on the Markus property. The recreation report included the 2025 HCPAC Annual Report review. The business report noted that four bank RFPs were under review, and updates were provided regarding efforts to improve the Park District Sponsorship Program and planning for the 250th Year Anniversary of U.S. Independence. Action items included the approval of Levy Ordinance #25/26-2, Gurnee Park District Categories of Services, the myFitApp Privacy Policy, the Ten Hotel and Residences Park Donation Agreement Amendment, an Equipment Purchase for FitNation, the appointment of an Authorized IMRF Agent, and the appointment of Delegates for the IAPD/IPRA Conference.