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COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR THE PALATINE PARK DISTRICT Palatine Park District Board of Commissioners Palatine Park District Administration Sue Gould Michael Clark President Executive Director

Jay Cozza Trish Feid Vice President Executive Assistant

Terry Ruff Elliott Becker Treasurer Superintendent of Finance and Personnel Staff

Jennifer Rogers Tina Becke Commissioner Asst. Superintendent of Finance and Personnel Staff

Nick Sawyer Ed Tynczuk Commissioner Superintendent of Parks and Planning

Jim Holder Asst. Superintendent of Parks and Planning

Steve Nagle Superintendent of Facilities

Joshua Ludolph Project Team Asst. Superintendent of Facilities Hitchcock Design Group Planning and Landscape Architecture Keith Williams Superintendent of Recreation Heller & Heller Programs and Services Donelda Danz Asst. Superintendent of Recreation Williams Architects Architecture and Aquatics Issue Date: September 2015

2 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN Contents 05 Introduction

13 Chapter One: Assess: Inventory & Analysis

77 Chapter Two: Connect: Community Engagement & Needs Assessment

109 Chapter Three: Envision: Alternative Strategies

143 Chapter Four: Prioritize: Preferred Strategies

183 Chapter Five: Plan: Action Plan

201 Chapter Six: Appendix

INTRODUCTION PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 3 4 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN Introduction Introduction From changes in leadership and administrative staff to shifting demographics, today’s Palatine Park District community looks very different than the Palatine Park District of 2005, the last time the District completed a comprehensive master plan.

Planning Process Goals The planning process covers six key stages including Goals for this Comprehensive Plan include: Assess, Connect, Envision, Prioritize, Plan, and Implement. • Assess the existing park, facility, and The results of the initial five stages have been compiled programming conditions. and synthesized into this master plan document, while the • Determine community sentiment about existing sixth stage, Implementation, is to be completed through district services and facilities. the use of this document. • Identify park, facility, operational, and programming needs. The planning process began in the summer of 2014 with • Define strategic, measurable, and obtainable an extensive inventory and analysis of the Palatine Park District’s park and open space assets, indoor facilities, and goals and objectives. social and economic context. An analysis of the recreation • Outline a five-year action plan for programs gave insight into the services provided by implementation that also includes action items to the District. Next, staff, stakeholders, the Board of be completed after the initial five years. Commissioners, and community provided awareness of the issues and needs facing the Park District through How to Use the Plan various platforms. This master plan document should be used by the Palatine Park District staff and Board of Commissioners as a guide Upon completion of the inventory and analysis and to implement the primary action items over the next five community engagement phases, visioning sessions to ten years. The Action Plan should be thought of as a helped the planning team develop the comprehensive “working list” that will need to be updated annually. plan alternative strategies. After extensive input from the Board of Commissioners and staff, the alternative strategies were prioritized and incorporated into an action plan that will be implemented over the next five years with an outlook to the next ten years.

6 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN STRUCTURE OF THE DOCUMENT

Chapter One Chapter Four Assess: Inventory & Analysis Prioritize: Preferred Strategies Chapter One provides a detailed inventory of all parkland, Chapter Four identifies the selected strategies, actions, open space, District facilities, schools, trails and relevant and improvements for the following categories: adjacent land uses. All District park assets are classified • Programs, Administration and Operations and quantified based on standards, size, location, • Parks & Open Space and amenities. Chapter One also documents the level • Facilities of service, equity mapping, facility comparison, and recreation programming analysis. Chapter Five Chapter One contains the individual park and facility Plan: Action Plan inventories. The park inventories catalog observations on Chapter Five outlines the highest priority preferred context, natural features, site characteristics, and users strategies into a five-year action plan. Strategies are and programs. The facility inventories catalog each indoor organized by Planning Initiatives, Organizational facility, documenting observations on site and facility Initiatives, Capital Improvements, and Capital conditions, general code compliance, programming and Replacements. The action plan designates when strategies users. will occur, how to accomplish them, and the leadership in charge of implementation each initiative. Chapter Two Connect: Community Engagement & Needs Assessment Chapter Six Chapter Two documents national, state, and local trends in Appendix parks and recreation. It also summarizes results from the Chapter Six contains raw data from the community needs MindMixer online forum, stakeholder focus groups, staff assessment, meeting summaries, and excerpts from other focus groups, and Board workshop. planning documents.

Chapter Three Envision: Alternative Strategies Chapter Three identifies issues, concerns, and opportunities that arose during the previous two phases, justification or support information from the previous phases, and outlines all strategies discussed for demographics, parks and open space, facilities, and programs. .

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rk r C community. Po pla Salt Crk The Park District is responsible for the maintenance, Integrity: Exhibiting trust and transparency in all Leadership: Encouraging opportunities and operation and administration of parks and facilities our actions, or in other words, what you do when professional growth for employees within a positive under its jurisdiction. you think no one is watching. culture and trustful environment while practicing open-mindedness and fairness to all involved. Being Mission – What We Do Communication: Creating and setting clear leaders in our community by promoting positive Our mission is to provide a variety of safe, expectations through timely and open conversation social influences through role modeling. enjoyable and affordable parks, programs and while effectively respecting the differences of recreational facilities that will enhance the quality others. Geographic Profile of life by promoting good health and well-being Located in western Cook County, the Palatine Park for all residents and visitors while being fiscally Accountability: Taking action and ownership for all District is approximately 35 miles northwest of Salt Crk responsible stewards of community assets and tax work responsibilities, obligations to those we serve downtown Chicago. The District is 21 square miles Salt Crk 1 inch = 6,000 feet and ensuring timely and effective follow through in FEET dollars. and encompasses residents from the Villages of 0 1,500 3,000 6,000 ° all we do. Legend Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Schaumburg, Poplar Crk

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INTRODUCTION PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 9 Dr ain a ge Ditch Major roads in and around the District include Illinois-53 1960s. By 1964 the District offered approximately 40 on the east, Algonquin Road on the south, and Raab Road different recreation programs and classes and had an and Dundee Road on the North. Northwest Highway / annual park attendance of more than 55,000. Not only was IL-14 and the Union Pacific Northwest Railroad travel the golf course developed during the 1960s, but Maple northwest to southeast in the central part of the District, Park, Oak Park, Willow Park, Ashwood Park, and Birchwood cutting the District into distinct north and south areas. A Park were also developed. The second community pool Metra rail stop is located in downtown Palatine. was also constructed at Community Park during this time.

Organizational Structure The 1970s saw an explosion of development that included The Park District is governed by a five-member Board of the Palatine Trail, Birchwood Park Recreation Center Commissioners. Each Commissioner is elected for six-year and swimming pool, Doug Lindberg Park, Sycamore terms and serves without compensation. The terms expire Park, Locust Park, Cherrywood Park, Peregrine Park, on a staggered system and Commissioners serve until Whippoorwill Park, Mallard Park, Partridge Park, and their successors are elected and qualified. The Board of Sparrow Park. After consolidation with the Palatine Rural Commissioners is responsible for setting policy including Park District in 1975, the District developed Eagle Park adopting the annual budget, levying property values, and opened the community’s fifth swimming pool. The and hiring and evaluating the Executive Director. The late 70s saw the acquisition and renovation of Community Executive Director is responsible for approximately 74 full- Center, formerly the Palatine High School, in collaboration tine, 335 permanent part-time, and more than 700 part- with the Village of Palatine. time seasonal and summer staff. The full organizational chart can be found in Chapter 6. In the early 80s, the District began implementing a long range capital development program to renovate existing The Palatine Park District was established in 1945.

facilities and develop new parks and recreation areas. By History this time, the District offered more than 280 recreation The Palatine Park District was established in 1945, and at programs and classes. During the implementation of the that time the District had a population of a mere 3,000 capital development program, the District renovated and residents. In 1947, the District acquired its first park – rededicated the Palatine Hills Golf Course Clubhouse, Community Park, and offered five recreation programs acquired and developed Osage Park, and constructed the and classes. Three years later the first director was hired Community Park Amphitheater, now known as Fred P. Hall as a part-time staff member. By 1955 the community had Amphitheater. The District also began using the Tom T. grown to 4,000 residents and Community Park home to Hamilton Reservoir as a recreational open space. The late the community’s first swimming pool. 80s saw the continued development of the Palatine Trail, Margreth Riemer Reservoir and Plum Grove Reservoir as The first full-time Director of Parks and Recreation, the first well as the acquisition and development of Cottonwood parks master plan and the development of the Palatine Park. In 1989, the District purchased and renovated the Hills Golf Course and Recreation Area all occurred in the Palatine Stables.

10 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN By the 1990s the District had more than 75,000 residents living within its boundaries. Throughout this decade the Palatine Trail system was expanded, the District acquired property to expand Celtic Park, and developed Juniper Park. A new gymnastics facility was constructed as an expansion to Birchwood Recreation Center. As more parks and facilities were constructed, the District also pursued a program to make all facilities accessible.

Following the adoption of another master plan in the late 1990s, the Community Park Family Aquatic Center, Town Square, and Hummingbird Parks were constructed. During this time the District also renovated the Palatine Stables, acquired and renovated the Senior Center, and expanded Eagle Park Recreation Center. At this time the District offered more than 450 recreation programs and classes.

The development of the Palatine Northeast Resource Center, and intergovernmental agreement between the District and School District 15 marked the beginning of a new century. This agreement helped to develop Dove Park and The Grove. Hamilton Sports Fields were also reconfigured to include five baseball / softball fields, ten soccer fields, a playground and a support facility at this time. The District also launched their new online registration program. In 2004, the District acquired Falcon and Bluebird Parks. They developed Robin Park, a Disc Golf Course at Margreth Riemer Reservoir, a Skate Park at Community Park, and a Dog Park at Plum Grove Reservoir.

Between 2005 and 2007 the District renovated Birchwood Pool and began the development of Wally Degner Park (formerly Bluebird Park) and Falcon Park. The Palatine Trail continued to grow, as did Community Park at that time. The District designed and constructed Falcon Park Recreation Center, renovated the Palatine Hills Golf course, and built the Community Center’s fitness center between 2008 and 2011. Synthetic turf was also installed at Celtic Park through a partnership with Celtic Soccer. The District also purchased properties to expand Community and Eagle Parks. During this time the District’s bond rating was upgraded to AA1. 2015 marks the District’s 70th year.

INTRODUCTION PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 11 Grant History Related Plans The Palatine Park District has received the following grants Related documents referenced during the master between 1971 to present: planning process included the: • 1971, Lawcon Bike Grant (82,500) • 1964 Master Plan for Parks & Recreation • 1971, Birchwood Connection Grant ($94,700) • 1997-2005 Comprehensive Master Plan • 1971, Palatine Hills Bike Trail Grant (45,800) • 2009-2014 Comprehensive Master Plan • 1975, Eagle Park Energy Grant ($17,580) • 1996 Community Preference Survey • 1986, Palatine Trail South Energy Grant ($196,824) • 2005 Community Interest Survey • 1986, Riemer Reservoir Energy Grant ($95,896) • Next Century Conservation Plan (Forest Preserve • 1986, Peregrine Park Energy Grant ($94,186) District of Cook County) • 1986, Plum Grove Reservoir Energy Grant • Village of Palatine Comprehensive Plan (2011) ($115,294) • 1992, IDNR Birchwood South Tree Grant ($14,000) • 1993, Palatine Prairie Energy Grant ($71,000) • 1995, Juniper Park Energy Grant ($88,446.61) • 1996, Town Square Park Acquisition Energy Grant ($200,000) • 1996, Hummingbird Park Energy Grant ($100,000) • 1997, Towne Square Development Energy Grant (200,000) • 1997, Block Grant ($400,000) • 1998, Family Aquatic Center Energy Grant ($200,000) • 1999, FEMA Disaster Grant ($106.13) • 2002, Hamilton Reservoir Energy Grant ($282,900) • 2006, Community Center, Parkside Preschool, Stables, Birchwood Recreation Center, and Combined Services Facility Lighting Retrofit Energy Grant ($40,792) • 2013, Birchwood Lighting Retrofit Energy Grant ($12,618.12) • 2013, Parkside Preschool Energy Grant ($1,440) • 2014, Light retrofit Energy Grant ($196.75) • 2014, Community Center Gymnasium Lights Energy Grant ($6,196.50)

12 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN Assess Inventory & Analysis 113 Dee Lane Property

Osage Park Falcon Park Dove Park

Eagle Park Celtic Cherrywood Hummingbird Palatine Park Palatine Stables Park Park Hills Golf M Meadowlark Park c Course D

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n Wilke Marsh a Hamilton l d Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron C Recreation Area rk Overview Gbur Fields Palatine Trail Sycamore Park Willowwood Park Doug Lindberg The Assess: Inventory and Analysis Chapter outlines and illustrates the existing Mulberry Park Ashwood Park Locust Park Park Palatine Prairie Community Center / Ost Field Baldwin Crk Oak Park conditions of the Park District and analyses the physical open space, facility and Cutting Hall Margreth Maple Park Salt Crk Riemer programming needs and condition. Robin Park Reservoir Community Park Palatine Rd Property Clayson House S a Crk Wally Degner lt C oplar Juniper Park Chestnut r An equity mapping analysis of the geographic P Cedar k Purpose Park Park distribution of park assets is also found in this Park This chapter documents the inventory and analysis Salt Crk Towne Square accomplished during the “Assess” phase of the chapter. The core program, age segmentation, Hawthrone Park Heron Park comprehensive master planning process. This and life cycle analyses follow the park and facility Salt Crk Senior Center chapter conveys extensive information, including inventory and analysis. The chapter concludes demographics, detailed maps of the District with detailed inventories of each park and facility, Sparrow Park Michigan Rd Property identifying parks, trails, and other relevant land including tax parcel identification number, Mallard Park Combined Services Facility uses. This chapter includes the level of service acquisition history, site observations, character Cardinal Park Partridge Park Birchwood analysis for both parks and facilities comparing the images, and aerial photography. 1 inch = 4,200 feet No Name Park Park FEET Birchwood Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° District’s total acreage of parks and open space and Finch Park Park South indoor facility square footage to local, state, and Palatine Park District Other national benchmarks. Whippoorwill Park Trail School Peregrine Park The Grove Palatine Park District Park Parks by Others rk C lt Sa Shared Forest Preserve Plum Grove Cottonwood Reservoir Park Golf Cemetery

Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 14 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Poplar Crk Dee Lane Property

Osage Park Falcon Park Dove Park

Eagle Park Celtic Cherrywood Hummingbird Palatine Park Palatine Stables Park Park Hills Golf M Meadowlark Park Aerial Map c Course D

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n Wilke Marsh a Hamilton l d Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron C Recreation Area rk Gbur Fields Palatine Trail Sycamore Park Willowwood Park Doug Lindberg Mulberry Park Ashwood Park Locust Park Park Palatine Prairie Community Center / Ost Field Baldwin Crk Oak Park Cutting Hall Margreth Maple Park Salt Crk Riemer Robin Park Reservoir Community Park Palatine Rd Property Clayson House S a Wally Degner lt C oplar Crk Juniper Park Chestnut r P Park Cedar k Park Park Salt Crk Towne Square Hawthrone Park Heron Park Salt Crk Senior Center Sparrow Park Michigan Rd Property Mallard Park Combined Services Facility Cardinal Park Birchwood Partridge Park 1 inch = 4,200 feet No Name Park Park FEET Birchwood Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° Finch Park Park South Palatine Park District Other Whippoorwill Park Trail School Peregrine Park The Grove Palatine Park District Park Parks by Others rk C lt Sa Shared Forest Preserve Plum Grove Cottonwood Reservoir Park Golf Cemetery

Service Layer Credits: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 15 Poplar Crk Demographics The Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) Business Analyst Online (BAO) software was utilized to review demographic information. The BAO software gathered up-to-date demographic data necessary to gain a strong understand of the District and its context.

Summary Age Distribution The most recent population estimate (2014) for the With a median age of 36.8, the Palatine Park District has a Palatine Park District is 83,228. This is a 1.5% increase since fairly even distribution across all age segments. More than 2010 (81,934). The population is projected to continue a quarter of the population is under 19 years old and this growing by an annual rate of 0.34% into 2019, just slightly is expected to remain consistent into 2019. With nearly higher than the expected annual rate for the State of 25% of the population under 19 and a median household Illinois. Out of the 32,186 households in the District, size of 2.58, we can deduce that approximately half of the 21,211 (65.9%) of the households are families. The average households in the Park District consist of families with household size has remained consistent between 2010 younger children. and 2014 at 2.58 people per household. This is expected to decrease just slightly to 2.57 by 2019. Households At 12.5% of the population, the active adult (55-65) age are expected to increase by an annual rate of 0.4% and segment makes up a significant amount of the Palatine families are expected to increase by an annual rate of Park District’s total population. This is an increase from 0.32% through 2019. These rates are greater than the State 11.3% in 2010 and like many communities around the US of Illinois annual growth rate (0.26% for households, .16% this age segment will continue to increase over the next for families), but slower than the national growth rates five years. The senior age (65+) group currently makes up (0.75% for households, 0.66% for families). 11.2% of the total population, an increase from 9.6% in 2010. By 2019 the senior age group will make up 13% of the total population. This trend mirrors trends for active adults and seniors nationwide.

16 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 40 Race and Ethnicity 2014 The Palatine Park District has been growing increasingly 35 2019 more diverse since 2010. 73.1% of the population according to 2014 estimates indicate White as their race. 30 65 + senior 36.8 This is down from 74.4% in 2010. The largest minority median age 25 group within the Park District is Asian, at 12.8% of the population. This is followed by some other race alone 20 (8.4%), Black alone (3.0%), and two or more races (2.4%). Only 0.3% of the population indicated their race as 15 American Indian alone. Regardless of race, 19.8% of

percent of population Palatine Park District residents are of Hispanic origin. Per 10 the Census website, Hispanic origin can be viewed as the +1.8% heritage, nationality, lineage, or country of birth of the 5 senior population person or person’s parents or ancestors before arriving in the United States. People who identify as Hispanic, Latino, 0 or Spanish may be of any race.

The District’s diversity is expected to increase into 2019. age The fastest growing populations are Asian, increasing from 12.8% to 14.1% and some other race alone. Some other race alone will increase from 8.4% to 8.8% of the population in 2019. The total population with Hispanic origin will also increase from 19.8% of the population to 21.2% by 2019.

Income According to 2014 estimates, the Palatine Park District has a median household income of $75,329. This is greater than both state ($56,853) and national ($53,046) median incomes. Most households (32%) earn between $50,000 and $99,000 each year. The median household income is expected to increase by an annual rate of 2.59%. This is higher than both state (2.86%) and national (2.74%) annual growth rates. The community will become increasingly affluent with 42% of the total households expected to earn over $100,000 per year by 2019.

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 17 TAPESTRY SEGMENTATION

Tapestry Segmentation, developed by ESRI, divides US residential areas into 65 distinctive segments based on demographic and socioeconomic conditions.

These segments help to provide accurate, detailed descriptions of different US neighborhoods. Segmentation helps to identify the best consumer markets for products and services, find the most profitable consumer types, tailor marketing messages to specific audiences, and define product and service preferences. The top five Tapestry Segmentation Profiles in the Palatine Park District are Enterprising Professionals (17.8%), Savvy Suburbanites (14.8%), Bright Young Professionals (10.9%), Pleasantville (10.3%), and American Dreamers (8.6%).

The tapestry segmentation report can be found in the Appendix. Enterprising Professionals Savvy Suburbanites Enterprising Professionals are well educated, with more Savvy suburbanites, like the Enterprising Professionals than half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and segment are well-educated and well-capitalized. Families are typically employed in STEM (science, technology, typically include older married couples who are empty engineering and mathematics) occupations. Changing nesters or empty nester wannabes with older children at jobs is typical for these young professionals, which leads home. They typically own their single-family homes and them to choose condos, town homes, or apartments for located in established suburban neighborhoods (built housing. This market is typical found in lower density between 1970 and 1990) in the suburban periphery of neighborhoods of large metro areas. Almost half of these large metropolitan markets. households are made up of married couples, but 30% are single-person households, too. These residents are well-connected consumers that make liberal use of technology for shopping, banking, This segment of the population enjoys new technology and communicating. They enjoy home remodelling and and gadgets, with more than half owning smart phones. gardening and actively pursue sports and exercise. Sports They typically work long hours in front of a computer, but they enjoy include skiing and golfing and this segment is strive to stay youthful and healthy by eating organic and not shy to invest in sports gear and exercise equipment. natural foods. They enjoy running and yoga. They prefer convenience and shop online at websites like Amazon. com. They enjoy eating out at family chain restaurants and their leisure activities include gambling, trips to museums, and the beach.

18 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Enterprising Professionals Savvy Suburbanites Age by Sex The grey dash indicates US. The median US age is 37.6

Race and Ethnicity Diversity Index summarizes racial and ethnic diversity. The index is the likelihood that two persons, chosen at random, belong to different race or ethnic groups. Diversity Range: 0 (none) to 100 (complete) US Diversity Index: 62.1

Occupation by Earnings The five occupations with the highest number of workers in the market are displayed by median earnings. Data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

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Average Household Budget Index The index compares the average amount spent in this market’s household budgets for housing, food, apparel, etc. to the average amount spent by all US households. An 100 of 100 represents the average. Consumer expenditures are estimated by ESRI .

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 19 Deer Park

Barrington Dee Lane Property

Osage Park Falcon Park Buffalo Dove Grove Existing Conditions Park Eagle Park !! Celtic

! Cherrywood The Palatine Park District covers approximately 21 square miles which consists of single- Hummingbird Palatine Park !!! Park ! Palatine Stables ! ! Hills Golf M ! ! Park ! c ! ! Meadowlark Park Course D ! ! family residential and a mix of commercial, industrial and open space land uses. ! o ! ! n ! ! Wilke Marsh a Hamilton l ! ! d ! ! Dutch Shultz C ! ! ! ! Reservoir / Ron ! ! rk ! Recreation Area Gbur Fields ! Palatine Trail ! Sycamore Park ! ! ! ! Palatine ! ! ! ! ! Inverness Willowwood ! ! Park Doug Lindberg Public Open Space ! Mulberry Park Ashwood Park ! Locust Park Park Land Use ! Palatine Prairie Community Center / The majority of the Palatine Park District is zoned Single- Park District, Forest Preserves, State ! Ost Field Baldwin Crk Oak Park The Palatine Park District manages over 800 acres, and Family Residential and Planned Unit Development. Small Public Open Space Cutting Hall sections of the southeast, north central, and east along within a mile of the District, the Forest Preserve District Margreth Maple Park has 4,000 acres and adjacent Park Districts offer more than Salt Crk Riemer Illinois-53 are zoned Manufacturing. These areas primarily Robin Park Reservoir Community Park house construction and automotive industry facilities as 740 acres. Palatine Rd Property Clayson House S ! a ! ! Wally Degner lt well as the Weber-Stephen Products headquarters. Chestnut C Juniper Park r ! Park Cedar k Institutional Open Space ! ! ! Park ! ! Park Arlington School Districts, Colleges, / Universities ! ! ! Salt Crk Towne Square Major commercial / business areas are along Northwest ! Highway and at the intersection of Raab Road and There are 162 acres of elementary, middle, and high ! Hawthrone Park Heights ! ! Heron Park Dundee Road. Downtown Palatine is primarily zoned school properties that offer recreational amenities. Harper !! Senior Center B-1 Shopping Center and is home to various restaurants, College has a 16- acre campus. !! Sparrow Park Michigan Rd Property bars, salons, and the Palatine Park District Administration Mallard Park Combined Services Facility Private Open Space Building. Cardinal Park Cemeteries, and Golf Courses Institutional Open Space Partridge Park Birchwood There are four golf courses within and around the Park 1 inch = 4,200 feet No Name Park Park FEET Open Space Birchwood Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° District that total 438 acres of open space. Palatine Hills ! Finch Park Park South The Park District is one of many open space and outdoor Golf Course is included in the Public Open Space numbers, recreation providers within the community. Forest Palatine Park District Other not the Private Open Space golf course calculations. rk C Preserve Districts provide regional active and passive Whippoorwill lt a Municipalities School recreation opportunities as well as preserve and conserve ! Hoffman Park Rolling S Peregrine Park The Grove Trail Parks by Others significant open space assets. School districts also provide ! Estates outdoor recreation opportunities at various school Meadows Palatine Park District Park Forest Preserve properties and private agencies provide pay-to-play Plum Grove Cottonwood Park opportunities such as golf courses. ! Reservoir Shared Golf Cemetery Private Open Space

20 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Schaumburg Pop lar Crk Deer Park

Barrington Dee Lane Property

Osage Park Falcon Park Buffalo Dove Park Grove

Eagle Park Celtic Cherrywood Hummingbird Palatine Park Palatine Stables Park Park Hills Golf Inventory Map M Meadowlark Park c Course D

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n Wilke Marsh a Hamilton l d Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron C Recreation Area rk Gbur Fields Palatine Trail Sycamore Park Inverness Palatine Willowwood Park Doug Lindberg Mulberry Park Ashwood Park Locust Park Park Palatine Prairie Community Center / Ost Field Baldwin Crk Oak Park Cutting Hall Margreth Maple Park Salt Crk Riemer Robin Park Reservoir Community Park Palatine Rd Property Clayson House S a Wally Degner lt Chestnut C Juniper Park r Park Cedar k Park Park Arlington Salt Crk Towne Square Hawthrone Park Heron Park Heights Senior Center Sparrow Park Michigan Rd Property Mallard Park Combined Services Facility Cardinal Park Birchwood Partridge Park 1 inch = 4,200 feet No Name Park Park FEET Birchwood Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° Finch Park Park South Palatine Park District Other rk C Whippoorwill lt a Municipalities School Hoffman Park Rolling S Peregrine Park The Grove Trail Parks by Others Estates Meadows Palatine Park District Park Forest Preserve Plum Grove Cottonwood Reservoir Park Shared Golf Cemetery

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 21 Schaumburg Pop lar Crk Flint Crk

F ly n n Crk

k Cr Wheeling nt li F Drainage Ditch Natural Resources Subwatershed

Park District parks are part of a larger natural context. Many of the resources are regulated, which dictates future planning and development considerations. Understanding these Flint Creek resources helps to outline parameters in which the District can implement future strategies. Subwatershed M c D Watersheds & Riparian Corridors k on r C a Five different sub-watersheds cover the Park District. The Wheeling Drainage Ditch and McDonald Creek – DesPlaines lt ld a Crk River Sub watersheds are part of the Willow Creek – DesPlaines River Watershed. The Flint Creek Sub-watershed is part of Baldwin Crk S McDonald Creek- the Flint Creek – Fox River watershed. The Poplar Creek Sub-watershed is part of the Poplar Creek – Fox River Watershed. Finally, the Upper Salt Creek Sub-watershed is part of the Salt Creek Watershed. The major riparian corridors within the Des Plaines River District are branches of the Salt Creek. Seventeen of the District’s parks and open space assets are located along the creek Salt Crk Subwatershed network. Upper Salt Floodplain The Federal Emergency Management Agency through the National Flood Insurance Program produces Flood Creek Salt Crk Weller Creek- Hazard Boundary maps for areas prone to flood hazards. The 100-year flood plain associated with each of the creeks Subwatershed Salt Crk is shown in blue on the Natural Features Map. The 100-year flood plain denotes the area potentially impacted by Des Plaines River the level of flood water expected to be equalled or exceeded every 100 years on average or have a 1% chance of Subwatershed being equalled or exceeded in any single year. Parks and open space within the 100-year floodplain include: • Palatine Hills Golf Course • Cardinal Park • Dutch Shultz Recreation Area • Birchwood Park South 1 inch = 4,200 feet rk FEET ar C Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° • Hamilton Reservoir • Plum Grove Reservoir Popl • Ashwood Park • Partridge Park Poplar Creek Palatine Park District Park • Wilke Marsh • Peregrine Park Subwatershed • Doug Lindberg Park • Margreth Riemer Reservoir Water Other

k r Emergent Wetland Forest Preserve C B lt r a a S

Wetlands n c Forested/Shrub Wetland Private Open Space

Wetlands are lands saturated with water and this saturation impacts the soil character, plant and animal communities h P o p Floodplain and surface conditions of the land. Wetland data from the National Wetlands Inventory conducted by the U.S. Fish l a

r and Wildlife Service is depicted in the Natural Resources Map. There are very few wetlands within the Park District C r 500-year Floodplain k boundaries. However, of those present, the majority are Freshwater Emergent Wetlands.

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22 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN l CHAPTER 1 a r

C Pop r lar C k rk Flint Crk

F ly n n Crk k Cr Wheeling nt li F Drainage Ditch Subwatershed

Natural Resources Flint Creek Subwatershed M c D k on r C a lt ld a Crk Baldwin Crk S McDonald Creek- Des Plaines River Salt Crk Subwatershed

Upper Salt Creek Salt Crk Weller Creek- Subwatershed Salt Crk Des Plaines River Subwatershed

1 inch = 4,200 feet rk FEET ar C Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° Popl Poplar Creek Palatine Park District Park Subwatershed Water Other

k r Emergent Wetland Forest Preserve C B lt r a

a S

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c Forested/Shrub Wetland Private Open Space h

P o p Floodplain l a

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C r 500-year Floodplain k

Po

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l ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 23 a r

C Pop r lar C k rk F l in t C r k Lk Melissa

k Cr n rk n t C ly in F Fl Trail Corridors

The trail inventory map illustrates the existing trail corridors within the District. These corridors provide opportunities for walking and biking to District residents. The Palatine

Park District has more than 24 miles of trail corridors. Palatine Trail The Palatine Trail is a bicycle, hiking, and nature trail that spans more than 24 miles throughout the Park District. The trail M combines both paved, multi-use trails with designated side streets and bicycle lanes, the Trail provides access to Harper c D o nald C College, elementary, middle, and high schools, neighborhood and community parks, and the Palatine Hills Golf Course. Baldwin Crk rk The Trail also connects District residents to downtown Palatine, the Metra train station and other area landmarks. Trails within the District are the responsibility of both the Village of Palatine (VOP) and the Palatine Park District (PPD). Salt Crk At its northern end, the Trail connects to the Deer Grove Forest Preserve and at its southern end it connects to the

S Highland Wood Golf Course and Paul Douglas Forest Preserve. More than 19 Park District properties are located along the a lt C r existing and planned trail network. k Salt Crk

8.5 Salt Crk on-road trails by PPD 2.2 on-road trails by others rk Poplar C

13.9 1 inch = 4,200 feet off-road trails by PPD FEET

Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 °

k

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a On-Road Trails and Bikeways by PPD and VOP Palatine Park District Park l

p

o 5.2 P off-road trails by others Off-Road Trails and Bikeways by PPD and VOP Parks by Others rk C lt On-Road TrailsSa and Bikeways by Others Forest Preserve 14.4 other trails Off-Road Trails and Bikeways by Others Golf units in miles Palatine Park District Cemetery School Po p la

24 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN r CHAPTER 1 C

r k Poplar Crk F l in t C r k Lk Melissa k Cr n rk n t C ly in F Fl

Trails

Palatine Trail

M c D o nald C Baldwin Crk rk

Salt Crk

S a lt C r k

Salt Crk

Salt Crk

rk Poplar C

1 inch = 4,200 feet FEET

Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 °

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r a On-Road Trails and Bikeways by PPD and VOP Palatine Park District Park l p o P Off-Road Trails and Bikeways by PPD and VOP Parks by Others rk C lt On-Road TrailsSa and Bikeways by Others Forest Preserve Off-Road Trails and Bikeways by Others Golf Palatine Park District Cemetery School Po p la

r ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 25 C

r k Poplar Crk Asset Inventory As a part of the planning process, we reference the guidelines outlined within the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) - Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines Manual.

NRPA recommends creating a park classification Parks are typically the largest parks of a system system to serve as a guide for organizing an and their many uses serve a variety of functions agency’s parks. Park, Recreation, and Greenway for the community. Other open space categories Classification Classification Guidelines are expressions of the recognized by the NRPA are Natural Resource Areas, amount of land a community determines should Greenways or Linear Parks, Special Use, and Private Guidelines are constitute the minimum acreage and development Park / Recreation Facility. criteria for different classifications or types of parks, expressions of the open space, and greenways. These classifications help the District develop a comprehensive Level of Service analysis, which amount of land that Mini Park, Neighborhood Park, School-Park, will follow this section of the report. In the park Community Park, Large Urban Park, and Sports and open space inventory on the following pages, should constitute the Complexes are the five classifications for parks all amenities were quantified and noted in order recognized by the NRPA. Commonly, School-Parks to understand the District’s total recreational minimum acreage are included into the Neighborhood Park category offerings. The numbers in red text indicated an and Large Urban Parks and Sports Complexes are amenity is beyond its useful life, per the IDNR Useful and development included in the Community Park category. Life criteria (found in the Appendix). The District’s indoor space was also categorized by the type of criteria for different These categories are based on size, function, and facility and / or programming offered. This matrix use. Mini Parks are the smallest size and most follows the park and open space inventory matrix. park, open space, and limited in function and use while Community greenway types. 26 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 PARK CLASSIFICATIONS

Classification General Description Service Area Size Criteria Palatine Park District Parks and Facilities Mini Park* Mini Parks meet the need for a walkable, drop-in recreation experience. Appropriate elements Less than 0.25 mile Between 2,500 SF and one Cedar Park, Cherrywood Park, Cottonwood Park, Dove Park, in these parks include playgrounds, picnic areas, and seating. These parks usually do not include distance in a residential acre in size. Hawthorne Park, Locust Park, Mallard Park, Mulberry Park, parking. Used to address limited, isolated, or unique recreational needs. setting. Peregrine Park, Robin Park, Sparrow Park Neighborhood Park* Neighborhood Parks remain the basic unit of the park system and are generally designed for 0.25 to 0.5 mile distance 1 to 5 acres in size is Ashwood Park, Wally Degner Park, Eagle Park, Finch informal active and passive recreation and community gathering spaces. Elements in these and uninterrupted by non- typical. Park, Hummingbird Park, Juniper Park, Doug Lindberg parks often include playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and trail systems. Neighborhood residential roads and other Park, Maple Park, Oak Park, Osage Park, Sycamore Park, Parks serve as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. physical barriers. Willowwood Park Community Park* Community Parks focus on meeting community-wide recreation needs. These parks preserve Determined by the quality As needed to accommodate Birchwood Park, Birchwood Park South, Celtic Park, unique landscapes, and often serve the community as gathering places and general athletics. and suitability of the site. desired uses. Usually a Community Center Park / Ost Field, Community Park, Dutch Elements in these parks include playgrounds, pavilions, trails and path systems, multiple Usually serves two or more minimum of 20 acres. Schultz Recreation Area, Falcon Park, Hamilton Reservoir / sport courts and fields. Serves broader purpose than neighborhood park. Focus is on meeting neighborhoods and 0.5 to 3 Ron Gbur Sports Fields community based recreation needs, as well as preserving unique landscapes and open spaces. mile distance. Natural Area* Conservation and wildlife areas, wooded areas and waterways that are maintained for the most Service radius is unlimited. No applicable standard. Cardinal Park, Palatine Prairie, Plum Grove Reservoir, part in their natural state. Margreth Riemer Reservoir, The Grove, Wilke Marsh Special Use* Special use facilities focus on meeting community-wide recreation needs. Often, these spaces, No applicable standard. Variable, depending on Clayson House Site, Combine Service Facility Site, Cutting both indoor and outdoor, are designed as single-use recreation activities. Examples of special desired amenity. Hall Site, Palatine Hills Golf Course, Palatine Stables, Senior use facilities include golf courses, nature centers, recreation centers, and museums. Areas for Center Site, Towne Square specialized or single purpose recreational activities. Generally designed for active recreation and focus on meeting community based recreation needs. Trails, Corridors, and Effectively tie park system components together to form a continuous park environment. Resource availability and No applicable standard. Palatine Trail Linear Parks* opportunity. Undeveloped Park* Lands owned by the agency, but not yet developed with any amenities to provide meaningful No applicable standard. Variable. Chestnut Park, Creek Properties 1, 2, and 3, Dee Lane access to the site such as trails, seating areas, and other passive and active recreation amenities. Property, Heron Park, Meadowlark Park, Michigan Road Property, No Name Park, Palatine Road Property, Partridge Park, Recreational Easement, Whippoorwill Park Recreation & Fitness A facility that provides space for programs, services, athletics, and other indoor recreational Determined by uses and Variable. Based on Community Center, Birchwood Recreation Center, Falcon Programming needs. Many facilities include swimming pools or aquatics facilities for water sports. building space program. community size and Recreation Center Typically serves a 1 to 3 program needs. mile distance. Single-Use A facility built for a single, special use such as theatre or stables. This could also include a facility Typically a 3 mile distance. Variable. Clayson House / Carriage House, Cutting Hall, Fred Hall building specifically for preschool programming. If built for pre-school, these facilities typically Amphitheater, Palatine Stables, Palatine Hill Golf Course include a secured entrace, control desk, classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, and storage space. Clubhouse, Palatine Senior Center, Parkside Preschool, Maple Park Preschool, Eagle Park Preschool Outdoor Aquatics A complex with facilities for water sports, including, but not limited to, swimming pools, Typically a 1 to 3 mile Variable. Eagle Park Pool, Family Aquatic Center, Birchwood Pool diving boards, wading pools, lazy river, or splash pads. Includes support facilities for lifeguards, distance storage, locker rooms, and utilities. Maintenance A facility for maintenance operations. Multiple storage buildings, either heated or cooled, may Typically a 15 to 20 minute Variable. Based on Hamilton Park Support Building, Combined Services be present. Typically, kitchen, break rooms, offices, and shops, such as a wood shops may be drive time. community size and Facility, Michigan Avenue Storage Facility, Palatine Hills present. Outdoor storage is also present at maintenance facility site. maintenance needs. Golf Course Maintenance * from NRPA’s Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines.

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 27 Park & Open Space Matrix

DAY USE ACREAGE TRAILS INDOOR FACILITIES SPORTS FIELDS WATER-BASED ASSETS OTHER NATURAL FEATURES ASSETS Acreage - Own Acreage - Lease / Manage Acreage / nature) (multi-use / Pathways Trails Access Trail Regional Indoor Facility Preschool House Bath Restrooms Concessions Maintenance / Storage Amphitheatre Dog Park Shelter Picnic Picnic Amenities Playground Area Play Sand Basketball / Softball Baseball Disc Golf (holes) Arena Riding Equestrian Football (holes) Course Golf Lacrosse Pickleball Court SkatePark Soccer Tennis Court VolleyballCourt Fishing Swimming Pool Pad Splash Ice Skating Sled Hill Parking On-Street Parking Lot Lighting Sports Irrigation Detection Lightning plaques) (amenities, Memorial Signage Identification Park Stormwater Management Erosion Control Wetland Water / Open / River Creek / Gardens Area Natural Maintenance Level Ranking

PARK AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM Mini Parks Cedar Park 0.89 X X 1 22 2 Cherrywood Park 0.50 X X 1 12 Cottonwood Park 1.79 XX 1 X 1 0.5 1XXX2 Dove Park 1.00 X X 1 0.5 1 1 1 3 Hawthorne Park 0.64 X X 1 22 2 Locust Park 2.10 X 2 1 X 12 X 2 Mallard Park 1.30 XX 1 X 1 X 21 2 Mulberry Park 0.50 X X 1 X11X3 Peregrine Park 4.00 XX 1 X X 21 XXXX 3 Robin Park 1.00 X X 1 X11X2 Sparrow Park 1.04 X X 1 X 11 2 Mini Park Acreage 12.26 2.50 14.76 Neighborhood Parks Ashwood Park 3.92 XX 1 X 1 1 2 1 1 12 2 Wally Degner Park 6.88 X X 1 X 13 XXX 2 Eagle Park 6.67 X XXXXXX 1X1 1 4 XX X X 2X 1 Finch Park 6.00 X 1 X 1 0.5 1X 2 Hummingbird Park 4.10 X XX 1 X 1 1 1 1 X 31 2 Juniper Park 7.90 X 1 X 1 1 1 1 X X X2 X 2 Doug Lindberg Park 10.00 XX X 1 X 1 1 1 1 X 1 1 2 Maple Park 7.00 XXXXX 1 X 1 1 1 1 1 X X31 X 1 Oak Park 6.56 X 1 X 1 1 2 1 1 1 X22 2 Osage Park 7.75 X 1 X 1 3 1 1 X X 1 1 2 Sycamore Park 6.00 XX 1 X 1 1 2 1 X X 2 2 Willowwood Park 4.00 X X 1 X 2 1 1 X22 X XX 2 Neighborhood Park Acreage 76.78 0.00 76.78 Community Parks Birchwood Park 12.00 XXXXX 1 X2 1 2 2XXX11X1 Birchwood Park South 16.31 XX X 3 X12 2 Celtic Park 16.16 X 2 X 1 6 6 X X X X 2 X 2 Community Center Park / Ost Field 9.53 0.25 X XXX X 1 1 1 1 2 2 X X X X 4 1 1 Community Park 15.54 X XXXXXX1 2X1112 1 X 2 X X53 1 Dutch Schultz Recreation Area 20.00 XX X 1 X 1 1 4 X 1 X X 4 1 2 Falcon Park 14.30 1 X X X XXX1 X 1 Hamilton Reservoir / Ron Gbur Sports Fields 3.09 91.03 0.9 X XXX 2 X 1 5 1 9 X X X X X X 1 6 X X X X 1 & 3 Community Park Acreage 106.93 91.03 197.96

195.98 93.53 PARK HOLDINGS 289.51

28 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 DAY USE ACREAGE TRAILS INDOOR FACILITIES SPORTS FIELDS WATER-BASED ASSETS OTHER NATURAL FEATURES ASSETS Acreage - Own Acreage - Lease / Manage Acreage / nature) (multi-use / Pathways Trails Access Trail Regional Indoor Facility Preschool House Bath Restrooms Concessions Maintenance / Storage Amphitheatre Dog Park Shelter Picnic Picnic Amenities Playground Area Play Sand Basketball / Softball Baseball Disc Golf (holes) Arena Riding Equestrian Football (holes) Course Golf Lacrosse Pickleball Court Skate Park Soccer Tennis Court Volleyball Court Fishing Swimming Pool Pad Splash Ice Skating Sled Hill Parking On-Street Parking Lot Lighting Sports Irrigation Detection Lightning plaques) (amenities, Memorial Signage Identification Park Stormwater Management Erosion Control Wetland Water / Open / River Creek / Gardens Area Natural Maintenance Level Ranking Natural Areas Cardinal Park 19.23 XX X X 1 XXX 2 Palatine Prairie 7.18 XX 3 Plum Grove Reservoir 44.46 X X 1 1 2 X1 X X X 2 XXX 2 Margreth Riemer Reservoir 91.00 X X 1 X 18 X X X22 XXX 3 The Grove 3.70 X X X1 XX3 Wilke Marsh 12.25 X XXX 3 Natural Area Acreage 42.36 135.46 177.82 Special Use Clayson House Museum 0.50 X X X X 21 X 1 Combined Services Facility 2.02 XX X X1 1 Cutting Hall 0.53 X X X 11 1 Palatine Hills Golf Course 193.79 XXX XXX 2 X 18 X X X 1 1 X X X X 1 Palatine Stables 8.50 X XX X 3 X X1 1 Senior Center 1.60 X X X1 1 Towne Square 1.60 XX 1 X X XX11 1 Special Use Acreage 208.04 0.50 208.54

446.38 229.49 TOTAL PARK & OPEN SPACE HOLDINGS 675.87 2.2 20 10 4 3 13 5 10 2 1 28 33 29 1 10 25 18 3 17 18 1 4 1 24 14 3 5 3 2 3 3 6 22 4 7 21 49 64 4 5 9 14 14 * Items in red indicate the amenity is beyond its useful life OTHER DISTRICT OPEN SPACE & FACILITIES

Trails, Corridors, and Linear Parks Palatine Trail 97.00 10.9 X X 12 Undeveloped Park Acreage 97.00 0.00 97.00 Undeveloped Park Class Chestnut Park M 2.00 X 1 1 1 X2 Creek Property 1 U 0.72 3 Creek Property 2 U 0.72 3 Creek Property 3 U 0.91 3 Dee Lane Property M 0.30 3 Heron Park M 2.00 1X 3 Meadowlark Park SU 11.78 X X3 Michigan Road Property M 2.23 3 No Name Park (South of Partridge) N 4.70 3 Palatine Road Property M 0.92 3 Partridge Park N 4.00 13 Recreational Easement (by Peregrine Park) U Whippoorwill Park M 1.50 11 2 Undeveloped Park Acreage 28.87 2.91 31.78

572.25 232.40 TOTAL DISTRICT HOLDINGS 804.65 15.2 21 11 4 3 13 5 10 2 1 28 34 29 1 10 43 18 3 18 18 1 4 1 25 14 3 5 3 2 3 3 6 23 4 7 21 50 69 5 5 9 15 14

BEYOND USEFUL LIFE 000000003 0005 2 000000000000000000000000000 AMENTIIES AT CURRENT STANDARDS 11 4 3 13 5 10 2 1 25 34 29 1 5 41 18 3 18 18 1 4 1 25 14 3 5 3 2 3 3 6 23 4 7 21 50 69 5 5 9 15 14 * Items in red indicate the amenity is beyond its useful life

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 29 Indoor Facility Matrix

SQ. FOOTAGE DAY USE FACILITIES ACTIVITY FACILITIES SPORTS FACILITIES Total (Gross) Restrooms Locker Rooms Kit chen Offices Receptionist General Storage Maintenance Banquet / Community Classroom / Multi-purpose Auditorium Dance Room Teen Room Art Room Multi-purpose Rooms Gymnasium Indoor Turf Field Fitnes s / Weight Room Indoor Track Aquatics Indoor Activity Courts

INDOOR FACILITIES Recreation and Fitness Programming Year Built Community Center 1979 49,72662 11111 4 1 131 11 Birchwood Recreation Center 1974 27,800 8 2 1 1 11111 Falcon Park Recreation Center 2010 49,2003 111 11 111 1 Recreation and Fitness Programming 126,726 Special Use Year Built Clayson House / Carriage House 1873 4,455 1 1 1 1 Cutting Hall 1928 12,152 2 2 1 1 1 Fred Hall Amphitheater 1988 1,960 2 1 1 Palatine Stables 1976 54,000 2 1 1 1 Palatine Hills GC / Clubhouse 1982 5,526 Palatine Senior Center unknown 22,000 4 111 114 1 Special Use 100,093 Preschool Year Built Parkside Preschool 1960's 3,000 2 1 1 1 1 Maple Park Preschool 1960's 1,800 2 1 1 1 2 Eagle Park Preschool 1975 2,900 2 1 1 1 1 Preschool 7,700 Maintenance / Support Year Built Hamilton Park Support Bldg. 2003 3,190 2 1 1 1 Combined Services Facility 1991 43,86022 11111 Michigan Avenue Storage Facility unknown 5,000 1 Palatine Hills GC / Maintenance 1958 2,894 2211 11 Maintenance / Support 54,944

TOTAL 289,463 38 8 6 11 6 3 9 8 2 13 1 3 0 3 5 2 1 1 2 0 0

30 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 31 Level of Service Analysis The Level of Service (LOS) analyses evaluate how well the District’s parks, facilities, and amenities are serving the current needs of the community. Level of Service is evaluated through four different avenues. The development of a Level of Service standard for parks There are four different Level of Service measurements and recreation began in the 1980s with the development that help a community understand how equitable and of Levels of Standard for other infrastructure such comprehensive their current offerings are. These are: as water, stormwater drainage, sewer systems, and 1. Acreage: transportation. These benchmarks provide agency officials • A calculation of the minimum number of land with the ability to respond to growing communities, required to provide all of the recreation activities, evolving demographics, and changing needs. However, it is important to note that these benchmarks are not and facilities required to support such activities. strict rules that all community’s should follow. These 2. Square Footage: Level of Service benchmarks are simply another gauge • A calculation of the minimum number of indoor for agencies to use when determining future needs and square footage required to provide all of the services. recreation programs and services.

According to the National Recreation and Parks 3. Distribution: Association, the Level of Service is a quantification of the • An evaluation of how equitable park and park and recreation delivery philosophy and policy of a open space sites are placed throughout the community. It’s basic utility is in meeting a legal and / or economic requirement of quality service and equity. As a community, as well as how accessible existing basic rule, a Level of Service benchmark should: sites are to residents. 1. Be practical and achievable 4. Amenities: 2. Provide for an equitable allocation of park and • A calculation of the minimum number of recreation resources throughout a community; there amenities and facilities required to meet state should be equal opportunity access for all citizens and / or national averages. 3. Reflect the real-time demand of the citizens for park and recreation opportunities

32 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Level of Service guidelines are developed by state and PRORAGIS has thousands of data points and more than national agencies, including the National Recreation and 600 completed profiles. It is now the largest and most Parks Association. Historically, a Level of Service analysis comprehensive collection of detailed municipal, county, has been limited to total park and open space acreage state, and special district data. As more agencies add alone, and did not include distribution, amenities, or their data to the database, trends and patterns begin to indoor square footage. The global standard for acreage emerge that help agencies plan and benchmark. From Level of Service was 10 acres per 1,000 population, but comprehensive jurisdictional planning to business and as park and recreation planning developed, professionals revenue-generating planning to marketing of facilities, saw the need to develop a more comprehensive programs, and tourist attractions, PRORAGIS offers tools benchmarking tool that could be adjusted for and specific that provide agencies the justifications they need to get to each community. things done.

Because once size does not fit all, NRPA now recommends The following Level of Service analyses, reference using more local and community-specific benchmarks. historical standards, PRORAGIS, and local and regional- PRORAGIS, short for Park and Recreation Operating Ratio specific standards set by the State of Illinois and the and Geographic Information System, is NRPA’s online planning team management tool, designed for public park and recreation agencies.

PRORAGIS, short for Park and Recreation Operating Ratio and Geographic Information System, is NRPA’s online management tool, designed for public park and recreation agencies.

This tool is a replacement for the NRPA standards that have guided land acquisition and development for the past 45 years. Through this tool, agencies have the ability to compare themselves and their standards with departments and agencies in their state or region. Agencies can also compare themselves to others based on factors such as total population, operating budget, area of agency, and number of full-time technical equivalent employees. These reports calculate actual numbers, based on real, similar agencies. Now, agencies can plan and benchmark with more applicable data than generic national averages.

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 33 Acreage

Acreage Level of Service benchmarks are calculations of the minimum number of land required to provide all of the recreation activities, and facilities required to support such activities. The NRPA’s population ratio method (acres/1,000 When all District-owned and maintained open space is population) emphasizes the direct relationship between added to the level of service analysis, the District is 156.95 recreation spaces and people and is the most common acres short of the recommended 832.28. The District has method of estimating an agency’s level of service for a level of service of 8.11 acres per 1,000 population. This is parkland and open space. The baseline typically used still short of the NRPA recommended 10 acres per 1,000, in this analysis is 10 acres/1,000 population, though but with over 177 acres of natural areas and 208 acres of as more agencies input their information into the new special use areas, the District does provide an abundance NRPA PRORAGIS database this number will change. of outdoor recreation opportunities for residents. The PRORAGIS Level of Service comparison follows this baseline analysis. Because of the limited number of completed profiles in the new database, the planning team continues to utilize the 10 acres per 1,000 standard until a sufficient number of comparable agencies can be found in the database. The upcoming tables calculate the existing and proposed Level of Service for the District using this ratio.

According to NRPA standards of 10 acres per 1,000 population, 832.28 acres of Mini, Neighborhood, or Community Park space is recommended for the District. With 288.97 acres of open space dedicated to Mini, Neighborhood and Community Park uses, the District is more than 540 acres deficient according to these benchmarks. The District has a level of service of 3.47 acres per 1,000 population, well under the recommended 10 acres per 1,000 per the NRPA standards.

34 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Level of Service Analysis: Total Population OWNED AND LEASED ACTIVE RECREATION AREAS Existing NRPA Recommended Level of Acreage Level of Service NRPA Recommended Service deficiency / According Classification Exisitng Acreage (Total) (acres / 1,000 population) Acreage (acres / 1,000 population) surplus (acre) Mini Park 14.76 0.18 41.61 0.50 -26.85 to the NRPA Neighborhood Park 76.78 0.92 166.46 2.00 -89.68 Community Park 197.43 2.37 624.21 7.50 -426.78 Total Parks 288.97 3.47 832.28 10.00 -543.31 benchmark, Recommended acreage is based off the existing population of 83,228 the District has ALL PPD MANAGED OPEN SPACE Existing NRPA Recommended Level of Acreage Level of Service NRPA Recommended Service deficiency / a 543.13 acre Classification Exisitng Acreage (Total) (acres / 1,000 population) Acreage (acres / 1,000 population) surplus (acre) Mini Park 14.76 0.18 41.61 0.50 -26.85 deficiency in Neighborhood Park 76.78 0.92 166.46 2.00 -89.68 Community Park 197.43 2.37 624.21 7.50 -426.78 Natural Areas 177.82 2.14 0.00 0.00 177.82 active recreation Special Use 208.54 2.51 0.00 0.00 208.54 Total Parks 675.33 8.11 832.28 10.00 -156.95 open space. Recommended acreage is based off the existing population of 83,228 ALL PUBLIC OPEN SPACE Existing NRPA Recommended Level of Acreage Level of Service NRPA Recommended Service deficiency / Classification Exisitng Acreage (Total) (acres / 1,000 population) Acreage (acres / 1,000 population) surplus (acre) PPD Open Space 675.33 8.11 832.28 10.00 -156.95 School Open Space 162.75 1.96 0.00 0.00 162.75 Forest Preserve Open Space 2080.88 25.00 0.00 0.00 2080.88 Total Parks 2918.96 35.07 832.28 10.00 2086.68 Recommended acreage is based off the existing population of 83,228

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 35 Square Footage

Acreage Level of Service benchmarks are calculations of the minimum number of land required to provide all of the recreation activities, and facilities required to support such activities. Level of Service (LOS) guidelines for indoor spaces is less concrete than the guidelines for parks and open spaces. A benchmark commonly used for the Chicagoland area is two square feet per 1,000 of population with 1.5 square feet consisting of indoor classroom-based or active recreation space and 0.5 square feet consisting of indoor aquatics.

Based on these criteria, the District has a total of 172,707 square feet of indoor space. According to the level of service analysis, the District has an indoor level of service of 2.08 square feet per 1,000 population. This is an overall surplus of 6,251 square feet. While the District has a surplus on a gross-square-foot basis, none of this indoor space includes aquatics, which results in a 41,614 deficiency in indoor aquatics space. The District has a 47,865 square foot surplus of indoor recreation program space.

36 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Level of Service Analysis: Total Population The Palatine EXISTING INDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES Existing Square Existing Recommended Square Footage Park District Foot Level of Service Recommended Level of Service deficiency / Classification (Total) (SF / 1,000 population) Square Footage (SF / 1,000 population) surplus (SF) has +6,251 Indoor Recreational Space* 172,707 2.08 124,842 1.50 47,865 square feet Indoor Aquatics 0 0.00 41,614 0.50 -41,614 Total Square Foot 172,707 2.08 166,456 2.00 6,251 surplus, but Recommended area is based off the existing population of 83,228 * Does NOT include Palatine Stables or maintenance/support facilities this does not include indoor aquatics space.

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 37 Dee Lane Property !5 Osage Park !2 Falcon Park Dove !3 !4 Park Distribution A A Eagle Park Celtic !10 Cherrywood Park Hummingbird Palatine Park Planning areas are used for the analysis of land acquisition and park facility redevelopment Palatine Stables Park Hills Golf Meadowlark Park Course !6 !8 of needs. Planning areas are delineated by major pedestrian barriers, including major roads Hamilton Wilke Marsh Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron !9 Recreation Area or highways, railroad corridors and extreme natural features. Gbur Fields Palatine Trail Sycamore Park !7 Willowwood Park Doug Lindberg The location and geographic distribution of parks offer half-mile, or one-mile distance – one can travel from Mulberry Park Ashwood Park Locust Park Park !1 Palatine Prairie Community Center / an indication of how well a District is serving its residents. the park. The size of the service area is dependent on Ost Field Oak Park By understanding where parks are located in relationship the park classification. The table on page 26 notes the In the Cutting Hall to residential development, we are able to understand various service area distances for Mini, Neighborhood, and !12 Margreth !11 Maple Park who is under served. This exercise may reveal the need for Community Parks. Riemer Palatine Robin Park Reservoir !13 Community Park acquisition in under served areas of the District, or may Palatine Rd Property Clayson House reveal that the District is serving the residents well and Next, the service area buffers for Mini and Neighborhood Wally Degner Park District, Juniper Park Park Cedar !16 Chestnut should shift their focus into maintaining or updating their Parks were clipped to the planning area boundaries Park !17 Park amenities. in which the park is located. This is done because Towne Square these boundaries are considered impassable or nearly the railroad Hawthrone Park Heron Park Methodology impassable by pedestrians and Mini and Neighborhood Senior Center !15 Parks are walk-to or walkable destination facilities. For and major In the Palatine Park District, the railroad and major roads Sparrow Park Michigan Rd Property Community Parks, the boundaries were not clipped serve as the main pedestrian barriers. These pedestrian Mallard Park Combined Services Facility because these parks are seen as drive-to destinations. roads serve barriers created the planning areas within the District. !14 Cardinal Park There are 23 in all. Partridge Park Birchwood Finally, the service area maps and other related maps as the main No Name Park Birchwood Park When the District was divided into planning areas, the were overlaid and analyzed to determine what areas Finch Park Park South are most and least served by the park system. The most impassable 1 inch = 4,200 feet geographic distribution of the parks and open spaces FEET served areas are illustrated by the dark orange while the Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° were analyzed. Demographics for each service area were pedestrian !18 Whippoorwill gathered, further informing the level of service analysis for least served areas are illustrated by the lack of orange. The Park Planning Area Other each planning area. orange service area buffers overlap to form a gradient that Peregrine Park The Grove illustrates the degree to which residents are served. The boundaries. !20 Forest Preserve Areas* School darker the orange, the more well-served these residents !19 First, a service area—illustrated in the maps with orange— Plum Grove Cottonwood ! Palatine Park District Parks by Others are. Those residents who fall within the darker orange area Reservoir Park 21 was created around each individual park. The shape of Trail Forest Preserve each service area around each park is determined by are served by multiple parks and their amenities. A the analyzing the real distance – either a quarter-mile, Palatine Park District Park Golf !22 !23 Shared Cemetery *Not Included in Planning Area Study 38 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Dee Lane Property !5 Osage Park !2 Falcon Park Dove !3 !4 Park A A Eagle Park Celtic !10 Cherrywood Park Hummingbird Palatine Park Palatine Stables Park Hills Golf Meadowlark Park Course Planning Area Map !6 !8 Hamilton Wilke Marsh Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron !9 Recreation Area Gbur Fields Palatine Trail Sycamore Park !7 Willowwood Park Doug Lindberg Mulberry Park Ashwood Park Locust Park Park !1 Palatine Prairie Community Center / Ost Field Oak Park Cutting Hall ! Margreth ! Maple Park 12 Riemer 11 Robin Park Reservoir !13 Community Park Palatine Rd Property Clayson House Wally Degner Juniper Park Park Cedar !16 Chestnut Park !17 Park Towne Square Hawthrone Park Heron Park Senior Center !15 Sparrow Park Michigan Rd Property Mallard Park Combined Services Facility !14 Cardinal Park Partridge Park Birchwood No Name Park Birchwood Park Finch Park Park South 1 inch = 4,200 feet FEET Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° !18 Whippoorwill Park Planning Area Other Peregrine Park The Grove !20 Forest Preserve Areas* School !19 Plum Grove Cottonwood ! Palatine Park District Parks by Others Reservoir Park 21 A Trail Forest Preserve Palatine Park District Park Golf !22 !23 Shared Cemetery *Not Included in Planning Area Study ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 39 PLANNING AREA PROFILES

Planning Area 1 Planning Area 2 Planning Area 3 Total Population: 2,293 Total Population: 1,347 Total Population: 1,274 Osage Park DUNDEE LAKE COOK Falcon Park Meadowlark Park HICKS Dee Lane Property HICKS CENTER GARDENIA

Falcon Park OLD HICKS OLD RAND

JARVIS Dove Park SPRUCE RAND QUENTIN DIANE

OSAGE LYNDA Juniper Park PALATINE LEE ROSELLE

DUNDEE CAPRI DENISE DUNDEE Eagle Park ELA Palatine Hills Golf Course Eagle Park Total Open Space 10.0 ac. Total Open Space 630.1 ac. Total Open Space 0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Park District 7.7 ac. Park District 0.3 ac. Park District 0 ac. Forest Preserve 0.1 ac. 4.4 Forest Preserve 629.8 ac. 468.8 Forest Preserve 0 ac. 0.0 Other Open Space 2.2 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Planning Area 4 Planning Area 5 Planning Area 6 Total Population: 12,499 Total Population: 3,357 Total Population: 5,084

LAKE COOK ELA LAKE COOK

RAND Falcon Park NICHOLS Falcon Park DUNDEE HICKS Osage Park Osage Park RTE 53 RTE 5 WILKE GALENA Palatine Stables WILKE Hummingbird Park QUENTIN ECHO SPRING RIDGE Meadowlark Park GARDENIA GARDENIA

TWEED

KNOLLWOOD

OLD HICKS OLD HICKS OLD Dove Park PALOS Dove Park BANBURY LAKESIDE

CAPRI MILTON BALDWIN ELA NORTHWEST DUNDEE CAPRI BALDWIN DUNDEE BALDWIN Eagle Park

ROSELLE THORNHILL Celtic Park RAND Mulberry Park Total Open Space 23.6 ac. Total Open Space 0 ac. Total Open Space 24.4 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Park District 23.6 ac. Park District 0 ac. Park District 24.1 ac. Forest Preserve 0 ac. 1.9 Forest Preserve 0 ac. 0.0 Forest Preserve 0.3 ac. 4.8 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000

40 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 PLANNING AREA PROFILES

Planning Area 7 Planning Area 8 Planning Area 9 Total Population: 475 Total Population: 6,336 Total Population: 14,991

COVE DUNDEE DUNDEE NORTHWEST ANDOVER HICKS RAND BALDWIN SPENCER Eagle Park GARDEN Eagle Park

AUGUSTUS Celtic Park

STERLING Celtic Park CUNNINGHAM MORRISON Palatine Hills Golf Course

QUENTIN Palatine Hills Golf Course

COOLIDGE MAPLE ALVA FRANKLIN CUNNINGHAM

WILLIAMS HICKS Wilke Marsh SCOTS

QUENTIN PEDER Tom T. Hamilton Reservoir / Roy Gbur Fields STERLING FARM GATE COLFAX LAKESIDE Palatine Trail Tom T. Hamilton Reservoir / Roy Gbur Fields NORTHWEST Dutch Shultz Recreation Area ROHLWING Willowwood Park Doug Lindberg Park Mulberry Park NORTHWEST Palatine Trail Oak Park RTE 53

WALDEN COLFAX Locust Park BROCKWAY GLENN HAWK Maple Park

Mulberry Park Community Center / Ost Field WILKE

ABERDEEN SMITH Willowwood Park BONNIE ST JOHNS ROB ROY Community Park Chestnut Park Locust Park BENTON Cedar Park GLENCOE LAKE SHORE LAKE Palatine Prairie

ROHLWING Total Open Space 0.6 ac. Total Open Space 336.3 ac. Total Open Space 234.2 ac. Schools 0 acres Schools 24.1 acres Schools 113.6 acres Park District 0.6 acres Park District 312.2 acres Park District 105.1 acres Forest Preserve 0 acres 1.3 Forest Preserve 0 acres 53.1 Forest Preserve 0 acres 15.6 Other Open Space 0 acres acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 acres acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 15.5 acres acres / 1,000 Planning Area 10 Planning Area 11 Planning Area 12 Total Population: 5,394 Total Population: 3,815 Total Population: 1,447 Tom T. Hamilton Reservoir / Roy Gbur Fields COLFAX DUNDEE Palatine Hills Golf Course Palatine Trail Mulberry Park Ashwood Park QUENTIN ABERDEEN NORTHWEST

RAND STEPHEN

STEPHEN SILVER

Mulberry Park SHORE LAKE HICKS

BALDWIN CORNELL

Palatine Prairie QUENTIN

Celtic Park RTE 53 ROBERTSON ROSELLE WILLOW

Palatine Prairie SMITH PLUM GROVE PLUM

BAYSIDE FRONTAGE

BROCKWAY WOOD COLFAX MOZART

LONG VALLEY HARRISON

MIDDLETON Margreth Riemer Reservoir WOOD Community Center / Ost Field Margreth Riemer Reservoir WILSON WILKE WILSON Village Hall Robin Park

ROHLWING

WILLIAMS Community Park

PALATINE Towne Square Park Clayson House Museum ASHLAND PALATINE Palatine Road Property CARDINAL Wilke Marsh Wally Degner Park Cedar Park GLENCOE Wally Degner Park Total Open Space 0.0 ac. Total Open Space 47.7 ac. Total Open Space 17.9 a Schools 0 acres Schools 18.5 acres Schools 16.0 acres Park District 0 acres Park District 29.2 acres Park District 1.9 acres Forest Preserve 0 acres 0.0 Forest Preserve 0 acres 12.5 Forest Preserve 0 acres 12.4 Other Open Space 0 acres acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 acres acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 acres acres / 1,000

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 41 PLANNING AREA PROFILES

Planning Area 13 Planning Area 14 Planning Area 15 Total Population: 1,648 Total Population: 4,156 Total Population: 8,808

Mulberry Park Robin Park Margreth Riemer Reservoir Village Hall Robin Park Margreth Riemer ReservoirSLADE Community Park PALATINE Clayson House Museum Cedar Park Towne Square Park STEPHEN Wally Degner Park WASHINGTON Wally Degner Park Cedar Park GLENCOE KENILWORTH NORTHWEST ROBERTSON ARLINGTON Hawthrone Park CLYDE Hawthrone Park

QUENTIN CEDAR QUENTIN

Palatine Prairie CEDAR

Heron Park OAK QUENTIN Heron Park

OAK

ROSELLE Senior Center SMITH Senior Center

BENTON BROCKWAY COLFAX Sparrow Park Michigan Road Property Michigan Road Property RTE 53 Mallard Park Sparrow Park

WOOD WOOD ILLINOIS Combined Services Facility Mallard Park Combined Services Facility ELM

ELA Cardinal Park Margreth Riemer Reservoir Cardinal Park Partridge Park Birchwood Park Birchwood Park HICKS WILSON Birchwood Park South Partridge Park

No Name Park - 1 Birchwood Park South PLUM GROVE PLUM CEDAR No Name Park - 1 Towne Square Park PALATINE Peregrine Park EUCLID Peregrine Park Wally Degner Park Cedar Park JOHNSON Finch Park KIRCHOFF Plum Grove Reservoir GLENCOE WASHINGTON The Grove Plum Grove Reservoir Total Open Space 86.8 ac. Total Open Space 72.1 ac. Total Open Space 143.6 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 46.8 ac. Schools 36.7 ac. Park District 86.8 ac. Park District 25.3 ac. Park District 59.2 ac. Forest Preserve 0 ac. 52.7 Forest Preserve 0 ac. 17.3 Forest Preserve 47.7 ac. 16.3 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Planning Area 16 Planning Area 17 Planning Area 18 Total Population: 448 Total Population: 825 Total Population: 895

Future Legacy Park - Community Park Community Park WILLOW WALK Mallard Park PALATINE DUPLIN ILLINOIS HALE Community Park

PALATINE Clayson House Museum PINTAIL OAK KERWOOD

GLENWOOD BALMORAL

ASHLAND

LINDEN GLENCOE CLOVER FOX Partridge Park PARALLEL TURKEY ROSELLE

LEONARD

ELA

NORTHWEST

THYRA THOR

KRISTA

GLENWOOD No Name Park - 1 KERWOOD

LINDEN KENILWORTH WASHINGTON GLENCOE ROHLWING WILSHIRE

DANIELS SELLSTROM GREENWOOD PARALLEL FOREST Recreational Easement - No Name Park

ELMWOOD EUCLID Finch Park COLONIAL WILMETTE PARK ALGONQUIN Plum Grove Reservoir BENTON HELEN

OAK CLUBHOUSE HALE FREMONT NORTHWEST

DANIELS DANIELS HICKS BERDNICK KRIS HOWARD CREEKSIDE

OAK HICKS RTE 53

VERMONT Total Open Space 0.0 ac. Total Open Space 0.0 ac. Total Open Space 8.9 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 4.4 ac. Park District 0 ac. Park District 0 ac. Park District 4.5 ac. Forest Preserve 0 ac. 0.0 Forest Preserve 0 ac. 0.0 Forest Preserve 0 ac. 9.9 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000

42 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 PLANNING AREA PROFILES

Planning Area 19 Planning Area 20 Planning Area 21 Total Population: 6,300 Total Population: 1,362 Total Population: 493

Birchwood Park South Birchwood Park South TALL TREES FRONTAGE EUCLID HICKS The Grove ROSELLE Peregrine Park Peregrine Park Recreational Easement - No Name Park SMITH DUPONT FOREST Recreational Easement - No Name Park OAKSBURY PLUM GROVE PLUM

CALIFORNIA

PLUM GROVE PLUM KIRCHOFF OLD PLUM GROVE

The Grove BENTON EDGAR

QUENTIN

QUENTIN DAWNGATE The Grove Cottonwood Park TEONIA WOODS

Plum Grove Reservoir MCKONE AUBURN

CALIFORNIA

Plum Grove Reservoir MEACHAM Cottonwood Park TALL OAKS

EDGEWOOD MEACHAM ALGONQUIN CREEKSIDE

ALGONQUIN MEACHAM

BROOKDALE

PLUM GROVE PLUM BROOKDALE Total Open Space 288.7 ac. Total Open Space 3.1 ac. Total Open Space 0.0 ac. Schools 207.6 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Park District 81.1 ac. Park District 3.1 ac. Park District 0 ac. Forest Preserve 0 ac. 45.8 Forest Preserve 0 ac. 2.3 Forest Preserve 0 ac. 0.0 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000 Planning Area 22 Planning Area 23 Total Population: 0 Total Population: 184

FAIRFAX EDGEWOOD SHAGBARK CREEKSIDE The Grove WOODCLIFF RICHNEE

CRESTWOOD

QUENTIN ROSELLE Cottonwood Park CALIFORNIA Plum Grove Reservoir BROOKDALE OAKWOOD

MEADOW MEACHAM

THORNTREE MEACHAM

LINDEN BRIARWOOD PLUM GROVEPLUM ALGONQUIN LONG ACRES PARK ALGONQUIN PARK LINDEN

WESTWOOD ELMWOOD CIRCLE CIRCLE Total Open Space 101.3 ac. Total Open Space 0.0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Schools 0 ac. Park District 0 ac. Park District 0 ac. Forest Preserve 0.1 ac. 0.0 Forest Preserve 0 ac. 12.5 Other Open Space 101.2 ac. acres / 1,000 Other Open Space 0 ac. acres / 1,000

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 43 !5

!2 Dove !3 ! Park Mini Park Distribution Analysis 4 A A !10 60 Cherrywood .59 Mini Parks meet the need for a walkable, drop-in recreation experience. Appropriate d % Park e n rv o e t s s ! ! 8 elements in these parks include playgrounds, picnic areas, seating, and landscaping. e 6 % r v 1 e !9 4 d The purpose of the Mini Park service area study is to determine which planning areas are under-served by the . 9 Palatine Park District’s existing Mini Park land holdings. Currently, the District has eleven Mini Parks that range from a 3 half-acre to four acres in size. !7 Mulberry Park !1 Locust Park The Mini Park Service Area Map illustrates a 0.25-Mile service radius (shown in dark orange) around each existing mini park. !12 !11 Robin Park This plan also illustrates a 0.25-mile service area (shown in light orange) for Neighborhood and Community Parks as !13 these parks serve the function of a Mini Park for those residents within a 0.25-mile distance from the park. According !16 to NRPA’s Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Guidelines, Mini Park service areas do not include residents Cedar !5 Park !17 who must cross a planning area boundary to reach the park. All 0.25-mile service areas have been clipped at all !2 planning area boundaries. !3 !4 Hawthrone Park A A !10 !15

While no more than two Mini Parks are located in any one planning area, much of the quarter-mile coverage !6 !8 !9 Sparrow Park results from the Neighborhood and Community Parks as they serve as a Mini Park. Overall, 39.4% of district !7 Mallard Park Mini Park residents have access to a Mini, Neighborhood, or Community park within a 0.25 mile walk of their residence. The !1 !14 highest priority planning areas for additional Mini Park development are 9, 10, and 15. These areas have the most ! ! Service Area 1 inch = 4,200 feet 12 ! 11 FEET 13 Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° residents without access to a Mini, Neighborhood, or Community Park !16 !17

!15 Planning Area Parks by Others PA Served Not served PA Served Not served PA Served Not served PA Served Not served !14 Forest Preserve Areas* Forest Preserve 1 404 (18.85%) 1,739 7 475 (100.00%) 0 13 129 (7.83%) 1,519 19 2,455 (38.97%) 3,845 !18 .25-mile Service Area Golf 2 0 (0.00%) 1,.347 8 3,939 (62.17%) 2,397 14 2,360 (56.79%) 1,796 20 0 (0.00%) 1,.362 !18 Peregrine Park !20 ! !19 20 Palatine Park District Cemetery 3 0 (0.00%) 1,274 9 6,747 (45.01%) 8,244 15 4,232 (48.05%) 4,576 21 0 (0.00%) 440 !21 A !19 4 9,537 (76.30%) 2,962 10 0 (0.00%) 5,394 16 0 (0.00%) 448 22 0 (0.00%) 0 ! ! Cottonwood Municipalities School 22 23 Park !21 5 0 (0.00%) 3,357 11 1,051 (27.55%) 2,764 17 0 (0.00%) 825 23 0 (0.00%) 184 A Palatine Park District Park 6 740 (14.56%) 4,344 12 269 (18.59%) 1,178 18 458 (51.17%) 437 *Not Included in Planning Area Study This color-coded map to the right displays the above information ranked from most deficient (dark green) to least deficient (light green). !22 !23

44 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 !5

!2 Dove !3 !4 Park A A !10 Cherrywood Park Mini Parks Service !6 !8 !9 Area Map

!7 Mulberry Park !1 Locust Park

!12 !11 Robin Park !13

Cedar !16 Park !17 Hawthrone Park !15 Sparrow Park Mallard Park Mini Park !14 Service Area 1 inch = 4,200 feet FEET Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 °

Planning Area Parks by Others Forest Preserve Areas* Forest Preserve !18 .25-mile Service Area Golf Peregrine Park !20 Palatine Park District Cemetery !19 Cottonwood Municipalities School Park !21 A Palatine Park District Park *Not Included in Planning Area Study !22 !23

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 45 !5 Osage Park !2 ! Neighborhood Park Distribution Analysis 3 !4 A A Eagle Park 6 !10 3.9 Neighborhood Parks remain the basic unit of the park system and are generally designed 5% Hummingbird ed n Park rv o e t s s ! !8 for informal active and passive recreation and community gathering spaces.. e 6 r % v 5 e !9 0 d The purpose of the Neighborhood Park service area study is to determine which planning areas are under-served by . 6 Sycamore Park District existing Neighborhood Park land holdings. Currently, the District has 12 Neighborhood Parks that range from 3 Willowwood 3.92 acres to 10 acres in size. !7 Ashwood Park Park Doug Lindberg !1 Park The Neighborhood Park Service Area Map illustrates a 0.5-mile service radius (shown in dark orange) Oak Park around each existing neighborhood park. !12 !11 Maple Park This plan also illustrates a 0.5-mile service area (shown in light orange) for Community Parks as these parks can also !13 Wally Degner serve the function of a Neighborhood Park for those residents within a 0.5-mile distance from the park. According to Juniper Park !16 ! Park NRPA’s Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway Guidelines, Neighborhood Park service areas do not include 5 !17 residents who must cross a planning area boundary to reach the park. The service areas have been clipped to all !2 !3 !4 planning area boundaries. A A ! 10 !15 Less than 30% of residents have walkable access (within a half-mile) to a Neighborhood or Community Park. !6 !8 !9 Most of these park assets are concentrated in the northern half of the District in Planning Areas 8 and 9. While the !7 Neighborhood Park northern half of the District has most Neighborhood and Community Park assets, the locations do not allow for !1 !14 Service Area 1 inch = 4,197 feet even distribution of park service areas. There are still more than 38,400 residents north of Palatine Road that lack !12 !11 FEET !13 Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° access to a park within a half-mile. South of Palatine Road, more than 20,500 residents lack access. In all, 58,993 !16 !17 residents do not have walkable access to a Neighborhood or Community Park asset. Planning Area Parks by Others !15 Finch Park

PA Served Not served PA Served Not served PA Served Not served PA Served Not served !14 Forest Preserve Areas* Forest Preserve 1 572 (26.69%) 1,571 7 475 (100.00%) 0 13 0 (0.00%) 1,648 19 0 (0.00%) 6,300 !18 .5-mile Service Area, PPD Park Golf 2 0 (0.00%) 1,.347 8 5,684 (89.71%) 652 14 354 (8.52%) 3,802 20 0 (0.00%) 1,.362 !18 ! 20 ! Palatine Park District Cemetery !19 20 3 0 (0.00%) 1,274 9 10,930 (72.9%) 4,061 15 2,704 (30.70%) 6,104 21 0 (0.00%) 440 !21 A !19 Municipalities School 4 5,820 (46.56%) 6,679 10 0 (0.00%) 5,394 16 0 (0.00%) 448 22 0 (0.00%) 0 !22 !23 !21 5 0 (0.00%) 3,357 11 1,985 (52.03%) 1,830 17 0 (0.00%) 825 23 0 (0.00%) 184 Palatine Park District Park A *Not Included in Planning Area Study 6 1,560 (30.68%) 3,524 12 0 (0.00%) 1,447 18 392 (43.80%) 503 This color-coded map to the right displays the above information ranked from most deficient (dark green) to least deficient (light green). !22 !23

46 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 !5 Osage Park !2

!3 !4 A A Eagle Park !10 Hummingbird Park Neighborhood Parks !6 !8 !9 Sycamore Park !7 Willowwood Ashwood Park Park Doug Lindberg !1 Park Oak Park

!12 !11 Maple Park !13 Wally Degner Juniper Park Park !16 !17

!15 Neighborhood Park !14 Service Area 1 inch = 4,197 feet FEET Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 °

Finch Park Planning Area Parks by Others Forest Preserve Areas* Forest Preserve !18 .5-mile Service Area, PPD Park Golf !20 Palatine Park District Cemetery !19 Municipalities School !21 Palatine Park District Park A *Not Included in Planning Area Study !22 !23

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 47 F l in t C rk Lk Melissa !5

k Cr n rk n t C ly ! n 2 Falcon Park F li F ! Community Park Distribution Analysis 3 !4 A A Celtic !10 Community Parks focus on meeting community-wide recreation needs. These parks Park preserve unique landscapes, and often serve the community as gathering and general !6 !8 Hamilton Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron !9 team sport spaces. Recreation Area Gbur Fields ! The purpose of the Community Park service area study is to determine the location of gaps in Community Park service 7 M c area coverage. Currently, the District has 8 Community Parks that range from nine acres to 95 acres in size. D on !1 ald Community Center / Baldwin Crk Cr Ost Field k The Community Park Service Area Map illustrates a 1.0-mile service radius (shown in dark orange) around each existing community park. !12 !11 !13 Community Park

S S a Unlike Mini and Neighborhood Parks, Community Parks are considered a drive-to recreation destination. The service alt C lt rk C !16 r areas, therefore, are not limited to the boundary of the planning area in which they are located. These drive-to !17 k destinations cover multiple planning areas and are more regional destinations. Salt Crk

Less than 50% of residents have access to a Community Park within a 1.0-mile drive from their !15 Salt Crk 40 homes. Major gaps in coverage exist in Planning Areas 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and .53 23. Planning Areas 2, 12, 19, and 22 may be deficient in Park District open space and Community d % e n Community Park rv o Park coverage, but these planning areas may not be high priorities for open space acquisition and e t !14 s s Service Area development for a variety of reasons. Planning Area two has over 1,700 acres of Forest Preserve e 1 inch = 4,198 feet Crk Birchwood FEET % r Poplar Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° v District open space that serves the regional open space needs of these residents. Planning Area 7 Park e Birchwood 4 d 19 contains the Plum Grove Reservoir, a 44-acre Natural Area that provides passive recreation . Park South 1.0-mile Service Area Parks by Others 9 opportunities as well as a playground and dog park. Planning Area 12 and parts of Planning Area 5

k Planning Area Forest Preserve r 14 and 15 are adjacent to another natural area that provide passive recreation opportunities with C

r

a l !18 1.0-mile of residents. Finally, according to estimates, there are no residents living within Planning p Forest Preserve Areas* Golf o Area 22 as it is primarily commercial development and open space. P k Palatine Park District Cemetery !20 r t C al Planning Area 6 contains Meadowlark Park. This, once developed as a Community Park will provide !19 S Municipalities School service to many of the residents within this planning area that do not currently have access to a !21 Palatine Park District Park Community Park within 1.0-mile of their home. Other planning areas that are high priorities for A open space acquisition and development includes Planning Area 1, 5, 10, 18, 21, and 23 are areas *Not Included in Planning Area Study where the acquisition and development of a Community Park may be a high priority. !22 !23 Po p la

48 r

PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN C CHAPTER 1

r k Poplar Crk F l in t C rk Lk Melissa !5 k Cr n rk n t C ly ! in 2 Falcon Park F Fl !3 !4 A A Celtic !10 Park Community Parks !6 !8 Hamilton Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron !9 Recreation Area Gbur Fields ! 7 M c D on !1 ald Community Center / Baldwin Crk Cr Ost Field k

!12 !11 !13 Community Park

S S a alt C lt rk C !16 r !17 k Salt Crk

!15 Salt Crk

Community Park !14 Service Area 1 inch = 4,198 feet Crk Birchwood FEET Poplar Legend 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° Birchwood Park Park South 1.0-mile Service Area Parks by Others

k Planning Area Forest Preserve r C

r a l !18 p Forest Preserve Areas* Golf o

P

k Palatine Park District Cemetery !20 r t C al !19 S Municipalities School !21 A Palatine Park District Park *Not Included in Planning Area Study !22 !23 Po p la

r 49

C ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

r k Poplar Crk F l in t C r k Lk Melissa !5

rk Osage Park C rk nn C y t ! n 2 Falcon Park Fl li F Dove ! Park Overall Distribution Analysis 3 !4 A A Eagle Park Celtic !10 Cherrywood Park The Overall Service Area analysis illustrates the District-wide deficiencies for Mini, Hummingbird Park Park Neighborhood, and Community Park assets. !6 !8 Hamilton Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron !9 Recreation Area Gbur Fields Sycamore Park The purpose of the Overall Park service area study is to develop a System-wide understanding of the overall geographic ! Willowwood distribution and service area for all parks within the Town of Normal’s park system. Natural Areas, Special Use facilities, 7 M Mulberry Park Ashwood Park Park Doug Lindberg c Parkways, and Undeveloped land holding are not included in this analysis. Locust Park D on !1 Park ald Community Center / Cr Ost Field Baldwin Crk Oak Park k The overall service area map illustrates the service areas for all Mini (0.25-mile), Neighborhood (0.5-mile) and Maple Park Community Parks(1.0-mile). !12 !11 Robin Park !13 Community Park

S a Per NRPA Guidelines, the Neighborhood Park service areas are clipped to the boundaries of the individual planning areas Wally Degner lt C Juniper Park !16 r Park Cedar k in which they reside. The Community Parks; however, are considered drive-to destinations and are not clipped to the Park !17 planning area boundaries. Salt Crk Hawthrone Park The overall coverage is 76%. Upon the development of the Meadowlark Park property in the north Salt Crk 24.0 !15 central portion of the District, the total number of residents with access to a park within at least 0% n Sparrow Park 1.0-mile from their home will increase substantially. Based on this analysis, the areas south of ed o v t Mallard Park Palatine Road should be focus for the District in terms of open space acquisition and development. r s ! e e 14 Much of the residents north of Palatine Road have access to a variety of park and open space s r v rk % e Pop lar C Birchwood resources already, but the southern half is lacking. Another area of future development is Planning 0 d Park 0 Birchwood Area 1. Currently, only one park exists in this planning area. . Finch Park Park South 6

7 Overall Service Area Map k

r 1 inch = 4,200 feet

C FEET r Legend a 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 l !18 ° p

o P Peregrine Park Service Area Parks by Others ! rk 20 C lt !19 Sa Planning Area Forest Preserve Cottonwood Park !21 A Forest Preserve Areas* Golf Salt Crk Palatine Park District Park Cemetery !22 !23 School Po p *Not Included in Planning Area Study la

50 r

PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN C CHAPTER 1

r k Poplar Crk F l in t C r k Lk Melissa !5 rk Osage Park C rk nn C y t ! n 2 Falcon Park Fl li F Dove !3 !4 Park A A Eagle Park Celtic !10 Cherrywood Park Hummingbird Park Park Overall !6 !8 Hamilton Dutch Shultz Reservoir / Ron !9 Recreation Area Gbur Fields Sycamore Park ! Willowwood 7 M Mulberry Park Ashwood Park Park Doug Lindberg c Locust Park D on !1 Park ald Community Center / Cr Ost Field Baldwin Crk Oak Park k

!12 !11 Maple Park Robin Park !13 Community Park

S a Wally Degner lt C Juniper Park !16 r Park Cedar k Park !17 Salt Crk Hawthrone Park !15 Salt Crk Sparrow Park Mallard Park !14 rk Pop lar C Birchwood Birchwood Park Finch Park Park South

Overall Service Area Map k

r 1 inch = 4,200 feet

C FEET r Legend a 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 l !18 ° p o P Peregrine Park Service Area Parks by Others ! rk 20 C lt !19 Sa Planning Area Forest Preserve Cottonwood Park !21 A Forest Preserve Areas* Golf Salt Crk Palatine Park District Park Cemetery !22 !23 School Po p *Not Included in Planning Area Study la

r 51

C ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN

r k Poplar Crk F l in t F C l rk yn n Lk Melissa Crk

rk t C lin Regional Trail Service Area Analysis F

The purpose of the Trail service area study is to determine which residents within the Palatine Park District do not have access to a regional trail within 0.25-mile and determine deficiencies in readily accessible trail corridors. Palatine Trail

M For those residents without access to the Palatine Trail within half-mile, this analysis will help determine if and in what c D o ways the Park District can provide linkages to regional trails. This analysis will also determine what trail components, if nald Cr any, the trails lack. Trail components include, but are not limited to: parking, seating, signage, bike fixing station, drinking Baldwin Crk k fountains, and bike racks.

Salt Crk The Trail Service Area Map on the right illustrates a 0.5-mile service area for all regional trail corridors within

S a the Palatine Park District. lt C r k

The Park District is well-served by the existing Palatine Trail regional trail network. Twenty-five parks are located along the Salt Crk trail, while another thirteen are located within a half-mile of the trail network. The trail also connects residents to twelve 1 inch = 4,194 feet different elementary, middle and high schools as well as Harper College. Another five schools are located with a half- Trail Service AreaSalt Crk FEET 0 1,050 2,100 4,200 ° mile of the trail network. Currently, there are more than 24 miles of trail corridors within the Park District. Continuing to Legend encourage sidewalks and safe pedestrian cross-walks within a half-mile of the trail would encourage and promote access to and from these destinations. .5-mile Service Area Palatine Park District Park

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52 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN r CHAPTER 1 C

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r ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 53 C

r k Poplar Crk Amenities The table on the following page was completed to compare the District existing amenities to state and national standards.

This table also takes into account useful life criteria as defined by the State of Illinois SCORP and only quantifies those amenities that meet current useful life standards. For example, while the total amount of picnic shelters in the District according to the Park Matrix is 28; only 25 of these are up to current standards by IDNR criteria.

The District has a surplus of Swimming Pools, Multi-Use Trails, Picnic Shelters, Baseball / Softball Fields, Soccer Fields, Golf Courses and Dog Parks. The District is deficient, according to IDNR benchmarks, in Fishing Piers and Access, Playgrounds, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Volleyball Courts, Ice Rinks, and Skate Parks. Only 5 basketball courts are included in the facility needs analysis; however, the District has 10 total courts. Five of these courts are beyond their useful life, but once the District renovates these courts, it will only be ten courts deficient according to the analysis, instead of the 15 the analysis notes now.

The District is four playgrounds, 27 tennis courts, and 11 volleyball courts deficient of the Illinois average. Considering one or more of these amenities when developing Meadowlark Park will help improve how the District compares to Illinois averages, if the District desires to do so.

54 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Existing Population 2014 Palatine Park District Illinois Facility Average Surplus / Deficit

Existing # Existing # of Facilities per Total # of Facilities IL Average # of Facilities Surplus / Deficit of Facilities 1,000 population needed to meet IL Average per 1,000 population

Water Based Facilities Fishing Pier / Docks / Access 3 0.04 34.0 0.41 -31.0 Swimming Pools 3 0.04 2.3 0.03 0.7 Swimming Beaches (linear ft.) 0.00 1409.9 16.94 -1,409.9

Trails Multi--Use Trails (Miles) 24 0.29 13.6 0.16 10.4 Hiking Trails 0.00 38.3 0.46 -38.3 Bicycle Trails 0.00 8.5 0.10 -8.5 Physical Fitness Trails (Stations) 0.00 18.3 0.22 -18.3 Nature/Interpretive Trails (Miles) 0.00 4.6 0.05 -4.6 Cross-Country Trails 0.00 33.3 0.40 -33.3

Day Use Facilities Picnic Shelters 24 0.29 17.1 0.21 6.9 Playgrounds 29 0.35 33.6 0.40 -4.6 Interpretive Centers 0.00 0.8 0.01 -0.8

Sports Courts and Facilities Tennis Courts 14 0.17 40.8 0.49 -26.8 Basketball Courts 5 0.06 20.8 0.25 -15.8 Volleyball Courts 3 0.04 14.1 0.17 -11.1 Baseball / Softball Fields 41 0.49 21.6 0.26 19.4 Football Fields 4 0.05 4.5 0.05 -0.5 Soccer Fields 25 0.30 14.8 0.18 10.2 Golf Course (18-Hole Course) 1 0.01 0.7 0.01 0.3 Golf Course (9-Hole Course) 0.00 0.4 0.01 -0.4 Running Tracks 1 0.01 4.2 0.05 -3.2 Ice Rinks 2 0.02 3.3 0.04 -1.3 Horseshoe Pits 0.00 20.1 0.24 -20.1 Bocce Court 0.00 0.0 0.00 0.0 Shuffleboard courts 0.00 3.8 0.05 -3.8 Canoe only access areas 0.00 3.2 0.04 -3.2 Dog Parks 1 0.01 0.6 0.01 0.4 Frisbee Golf 1 0.01 0.7 0.01 0.3 Skate Park 1 0.01 1.4 0.02 -0.4 Spray Grounds 1 0.01 2.4 0.03 -1.4 Field Hockey 0.00 0.0 0.00 0.0 Golf Driving Range 1 0.01 0.0 0.00 1.0 Multiple Use Court 0.00 0.0 0.00 0.0 Ice Hockey (Indoor) 0.00 0.0 0.00 0.0

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 55 Program Analysis This assessment includes an analysis of the Palatine Park District’s program and service offerings. The report offers a detailed perspective of recreation programs and events and helps to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities

It also assists in identifying core programs, program gaps Core Program Identification within the community, and future program offerings for The ability to align program offerings according to residents based on staff input and trends. community need is of vital importance to successfully delivering recreation services. At the same time, it is also A review of program information, program assessment important to deliver recreation programs with a consistent worksheets completed by staff, and interviews and level of quality, which results in consistent customer meetings with the staff were conducted. In addition, experiences. Core programs are generally offered each marketing materials such as the Catalog and the Website year and form the foundation of recreation programs. were reviewed. In assessing the categorization of core programs, many criteria are considered, including: The content of this section is organized as follows: • Has been provided for a long period of time • Age Segment Analysis • Offered three to four sessions per year or two to • Core Program Identification three sessions for seasonal programs • Lifecycle Analysis • Wide demographic appeal • Program Mix • Includes 5% or more of recreation budget • Current Program Assessment • Includes tiered level of skill development • Mind-Mixer Graphs • Requires full-time staff to manage program area • Catalog and Website Review • Has the ability to help solve a community issue • High level of customer interface exists • High partnering capability • Facilities are designed to support the program • Evolved as a trend and has resulted in a “must have” program area • Holds dominant position in the market place • Great brand and image of the program, based on the District’s experience of offering the program over a period of time 56 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Core programs, by definition meet at least the majority of Programs that score above 40 are generally considered these criteria. The establishment of core programs helps to core programs. Therefore, there are 14 core program areas. provide a focus for program offerings. This focus, in turn, Aside from fitness, all of the core programs are youth creates a sense of discipline for quality control of these programs, which is an important consideration for future program areas and helps to reduce variation of service positioning of programs. for the program participants. It must be noted that the designation of non-core programs does not suggest they During discussions with staff and reviewing the core are unimportant. It just means there may be less focus programming criteria, the following programs were and fewer programs compared to core programs. A HHC identified as core program areas. The numbers next to Core Program Assessment is attached as a tool to use in the program identify the number of points accumulated determining future core program areas. according to the criteria listed above:

Core Programs Scorecard Program Accumulated Points Rank Swim Team 65 1 Celtic Soccer 63 2 Gymnastics 61 3 Fitness Classes 57 4 Fitness Center 57 5 CARE 56 6 Preschool 55 7 Baseball / Softball 55 8 Youth Basketball 49 9 Youth Dance 43 10 Youth Football 43 11 Day Camps 41 12 Youth Karate 41 13 Tennis Lessons 41 14 Sports Camps 37 15 Children’s Chorus 37 16 Youth Volleyball 37 17 Kids Camps 31 18

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 57 Program Mix In addition, of note, the District offers an extensive The program mix or the distribution of types of programs number of special events. Special events are not listed offered should represent the programming needs of the in the core program list; however, there is a significant residents. Therefore, this should be evaluated annually number and variety of special events. The true cost of through an assessment process. In addition, the program these events has not been determined. offerings should include emphasis on the delivery of core programs. In reviewing program offerings listed in the spring 2014 and summer 2014 Catalogs, the list of core programs, other significant program areas, and number of activities offered included, plus percentage of total programs:

Total percentage of core programs in Spring and Summer is 76.6%. Of that amount, the majority of core programs include athletics, fitness center, preschool and aquatics.

Program Mix Profile Programs Spring % Summer % Total % Athletics 109 23.2% 117 13.7% 226 17.1% Day Camps* 0 0.0% 114 13.3% 114 8.6% Fitness Center & Classes* 83 17.7% 83 9.7% 166 12.5% Gymnastics* 3 0.6% 43 5.0% 46 3.5% Kids Camp* 0 0.0% 82 9.6% 82 6.2% Performing/Visual Arts 15 3.2% 16 1.9% 31 2.3% Preschool*/Parent Tot/E.C. 102 21.7% 103 12.0% 205 15.5% Sports Camps* 48 10.2% 0 0.0% 48 3.6% Stables 14 3.0% 18 2.1% 32 2.4% Swim Team* & Aquatics 18 3.8% 148 17.3% 166 12.5% Tennis Lessons* 36 7.7% 83 9.7% 119 9.0% Youth Dance* 3 0.6% 19 2.2% 22 1.7% Youth Karate* 23 4.9% 23 2.7% 46 3.5% Youth/Teens 15 3.2% 7 0.8% 22 1.7% Total 469 856 1,325 *Core Program

58 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Lifecycle Analysis The percentage distribution of programs according to The program assessment included a lifecycle analysis of lifecycle categories includes: the core programs selected for review. This assessment • Introductory programs: 26% (17) helps to determine if the Palatine Park District needs to • Growth programs: 22% (14) develop newer and more innovative programs, reposition • Mature programs: 27% (17) programs that have been declining, or continue the • Decline programs: 25% (16) current mix of lifecycle stages. This assessment was based on staff members’ opinions of how their core programs According to other agency benchmarks in the Heller and were categorized according to the following areas. Some Heller database, the desired percentage distribution is areas list individual programs and others list the area as a 60% of programs in the introductory/growth stages, and whole. 40% in the mature/ decline stages. For the Palatine Park District, the percentage is 48% introduction/growth and • Introductory Stage (Getting a program off the 52% mature/decline, which reflects a lower percentage of ground, heavy marketing) programs in the growing stages of program lifecycles. The • Growth Stage (Moderate and interested customer mature and decline stage programs are areas to monitor base, high demand, not as intense marketing) on an annual basis and to show the trend line of the • Mature Stage (Steady and reliable performer, but program lifecycle. increased competition) Any program area in the decline stage should be • Decline Stage (Decreased registration) targeted for repositioning or deletion. The programs in the decline stage represent 25% of program offerings. Mature programs should be monitored closely in order to prevent a decline in registrations. Some agencies, in order to develop accountability for an increased percentage of introductory programs, establish a performance measurement indicating new programs offered annually. Additionally, it’s important to continuously monitor customer expectations and requirements as a way of determining how to reposition programs.

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 59 Program Life Cycle Stages Introduction Growth Mature Decline Getting a program off the Interested customer base, Steady performer, reliable Signs of tailing off, increased ground, heavy marketing high demand, not as intense success competition marketing

Affiliates Bike Club Alngonquin Longhouse Cobra Wrestling Celtic Soccer - House and Travel Lacrosse PAFA Rugby PAFA Spirit Renegades PBA PYBS

CARE / Day Camp / Preschool Day Camp CARE Preschool Dance Dance Company Youth Dance Fitness Center Personal Training - Short Sessions Stability, Stretching and Small Equipment Ellipticals (5) Airdyne Bike Indoor Walking Track Ellipticals (1) Personal Training - hour sessions Shower and Locker Facilities Stair Climbers (2) Stretching Area Decor and Flooring Strength Equipment Treadmills (7)

Fitness Classes Advanced Weight Training Adult Flex Plan Tai Chi Fit Start Beginner Tai Chi Senior Flex Yoga Beginner Vinyasa FS & B Yoga for Athletes Yoga Friday Flow Golf Conditioning Yoga Gentle Yoga Intermediate Vinyasa Runners Power Training Yoga Hatha Yoga Strengthening Stroller Bootcamp Yoga Hip Openers Suspension Adult Yoga Yin Fusion Suspension Adult Intro Suspension Combo Suspension Senior Suspension Senior Intro Yoga Alignment Advanced Yoga POC Bilingual Yoga Men’s Fitness Sampler Youth Athletics 1st - 2nd Grade Basketball League 3rd - 8th Grade Basketball League Gymnastics Baseball / Softball Swim Team Karate Tennis

60 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Age Segment Analysis Adding the youth category ages 5 and under increases Park and recreation systems should strive for an equitable the total program percentage to 53.3%. Recreation balance of offerings for various age segments according to assessments in the Heller and Heller database typically the age demographics of the community, including: have an average of approximately 70% of program offerings geared toward youth 12 and under. Palatine • Youth age 5 and under Park District’s program offerings show a significantly more • Youth ages 6-12 equitable balance in offerings for various age segments. As the community continues to age, the continued need • Youth ages 13-17 for 55+ programming will continue to grow. Currently, 55 • Adults 18-54 plus programs represent 5.5% of the programs offered, yet • Adults 55+ current 55 and over population is 23.7%, as compared to the national average of 24.9%. Palatine’s 55+ population The chart below shows the age segment percentages of will grow to 26% by 2019. The Consulting Team recognizes program offerings. This information was calculated by the Palatine Senior Center offers program for the older reviewing the spring 2014 and summer 2014 Catalogs adult target audience. Notwithstanding, the District and counting the number of programs offered for each should position program segment, some overlapping age categories. Programs and events offered for all ages, such as family special events, The 2010 Palatine census information reported 6.6% were not included in the list. The age distribution of of the population is aged five years and under. Persons programs is as follows: eighteen and under was at 23.9% and persons sixty-five and over, 10.5%. The current distribution of programs This Spring/Summer 2014 Age Segment distribution by age segments does provide most programs to youth below reflects that programs are most geared toward ages eighteen and under. The 2010 census also reported individuals ages 6-12 with an average of 32.2% of the three largest ethnicities as white, 74.4%, Hispanic or programming in this area. Latino, 19.8% and Asian, 12.9%. The white population will drop from 73.1% to 71.6% between 2014 and 2019. Therefore, efforts will need to be made to position programs for a more multi-ethnic programming base.

Age Segment Profile Ages Spring ‘14 % Summer ‘14 % Total % Youth age 5 and under 94 21.9% 99 20.4% 193 21.1% Youth ages 6-12 126 29.3% 169 34.8% 295 32.2% Youth ages 13-17 106 24.7% 146 30.1% 252 27.5% Adults 18-54 73 17.0% 52 10.7% 125 13.7% Adults 55+ 31 7.2% 19 3.9% 50 5.5% Total 430 485 915

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 61 Current Program Assessment The Normal Parks and Recreation staff members completed program assessments that included detailed information for a variety of program areas.

Palatine Park District staff members completed Three-year Spring Registration Summary program assessments that detailed information Year Classes Classes Classes Held Participant New Classes Cancellation for a variety of program areas. The assessments Offered Cancelled Totals Rate requested information about market segments 2014 381 122 259 4,761 28 32% by age group, program description, pricing mechanisms, financial and performance measures, 2013 442 166 276 4,918 24 37.5% and information about similar service providers. 2012 406 120 286 4,789 17 29.5% The following section includes general comments about the programs assessments. Cost recovery expectation for Palatine Park District facilities and Three-year Summer Registration Summary programs is 30%. Staff does measure the cost Year Classes Classes Classes Held Participant New Classes Cancellation recovery of core programs and some are below 30% Offered Cancelled Totals Rate and others above, ultimately averaging out to 30%. 2014 770 129 641 9,257 32 16.7% 2013 753 171 582 8,653 19 22.7% In a recent national survey completed by Heller and Heller Consulting, Inc., the average cancellation 2012 749 162 587 8,286 22 21.6% rate for programs is 20%. The charts of the right display cancellation rates for PPD programs over three years. Spring programs significantly exceeded that average, however, Summer offerings had

62 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 much better rates. Tracking cancellation rates is an Recreation Center and all Park District athletic Celtic Soccer programs have also experienced important measurement for program management fields. Through partnerships, Palatine community a net loss over the past two years. In 2013, the effectiveness and efficiency, with a goal of 20% or groups use Palatine and Fremd High Schools’, net loss was $105,660. In 2012, it was $77,111. less. all Community Consolidated District 15 schools’, This is a tremendous decline from 2011’s $125 in Hoffman Estates, Inverness and Rolling Meadows net revenue. There are several competing soccer Affiliates and Community Groups Park District’s fields. Staff believes the program organizations within a thirty-minute commute. Palatine Park District has a variety of community spaces offered are adequate for community needs. Most of these organizations have higher fees, when groups and affiliates that provide programming. compared to Celtic Soccer. The target market for these groups is primarily Programs that staff identify to be growing during youth under 18 years old, however, Bike Club is the past three years include lacrosse and rugby. Palatine Amateur Football Program (PAFA) is a fall offered to all ages. Programming is year-round, Working cooperatively with Arlington Heights and season program. A comparison of a three-year depending on weather conditions and facility availability. Programs offered by affiliates are A comparison of an overall three-year financial implemented by community groups of dedicated volunteers. performance measurement reveals since 2011, Partnerships and inter-governmental agreements there has been 6.25% decrease in participation. with surrounding agencies, including Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates and Rolling Meadows Park Buffalo Grove Park Districts, the lacrosse group (2011-2013) financial performance measurements District and school districts 15 and 211. Palatine offers practices and games at Cardinal and Falcon reveal that despite a 20% decline in revenue in 2013 Park District also works with the Village of Palatine Parks and additional locations within other park from 2011, there still was a net profit of $2,959. In and Palatine Township Senior Center. Private districts. 2011, there was a net loss of $5,503. Nationals trend partnerships with Mike’s Bike Shop and HB Fuller/ reports indicate a decline in youth football. Motorola and a Not-for-Profit partnerships has also A comparison of an overall three-year (2011-2013) been formed with Kirk Center. financial performance measurements reveal Preschool since 2011, there has been 6.25% decrease in Preschool is a DCFS licensed program offered to Competing programs in the area are typically participation for individual sports programs. Staff correspond similarly to the school district calendar. offered by church leagues, private clubs and teams, reported some individual sports have had as much Classes are offered at Birchwood, Eagle Park, Maple and community groups. These programs generally as a 10% decline. Many communities in the area are Park and Parkside facilities. Staff commented have much higher fees than district programs. also seeing a similar decline in youth sports. This there are limitations as to what can be offered holds true nationally as well. due to inadequate program space. With only four Lifecycle analysis of programs indicates that 45% individual classrooms, participation is limited to of affiliate and community programs are in Growth, Three-year registration histories for Palatine Youth twenty children. Because of DCFS requirements, and 54% are in Decline stages. These programs Baseball/Softball (PYBS) and Palatine Baseball restrooms at Birchwood are used only by preschool and groups have been in existence from anywhere Association (PBA) indicate a 17.4% decrease in students. Fitness users cannot access them. In between one year (Cobra Wrestling) to sixty years registrations. A comparison of a three-year (2011- addition, DCFS staffing requirements are becoming (Celtic Soccer). There is a rich history of youth 2013) financial performance measurement for PYBS stricter and now require a certified staff person at athletic groups in Palatine. reveals a net loss of $18,350 in 2012 and 2013. each site. By consolidating the program into fewer The latter being. In 2011 there was $41,170 in net facilities, efficiencies may be gained. Park District facilities that are used by these groups revenue. include; Birchwood, Community Center, Falcon

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 63 There are several competing programs within a fifteen- has been a tremendous increase in net revenue, $30,492 minute drive. Fees for the competing programs vary to $93,796. As revenue has increased, expenses have greatly. Staff consider Palatine Park District’s competitive decreased. There was a slight decline in net revenue in advantage to be either the DCFS licensed program, not a 2012 from 2011. day care center, or that they are not a religious program. Athletics A lifecycle analysis of the program area indicates that the Athletic programs for a variety of ages are offered all program in the Decline stage. Despite being in the Decline four seasons. According to the 2014 Spring Registration stage, a comparison of a three-year (2011-2013) financial Summary, there were 161 classes offered, seven of which performance measurement reveals that while there was a were new, and a total of 1,863 participants. The athletics slight decline in net revenue from 2011 to 2012, there has programs have experienced a high cancellation rate over been 32% increase in net revenue. Preschool enrollment the last two spring seasons, with the 2014 rate at 42.8% has decreased slightly each of the past three years, with and the 2013 rate at 55%. Agencies should strive towards the most recent report showing a 7.6% decrease. The 2014 20% cancellation rate or lower. Spring Program Evaluation Report stated there were 157 According to children in preschool, compared to 170 the year before. According to 2014 Summer Registration Summary, Adjacent communities, such as the Rolling Meadows Park there were 191 classes offered, two of which were new, the 2014 Spring District, are also seeing a similar decline in their early and a total of 1,608 participants. The cancellation rate childhood programming. was 28.2%. When compared to the summer of 2013, Registration there were 234 programs offered with a total of 1,748 Youth Dance participants. The cancellation rate was 41.8%. These Summary, Youth recreational dance classes are offered year-round. figures do not include the individual programs listed Dance Company classes are offered each season, except below. Tennis, however, is included. there were 161 summer. Classes are available for children in kindergarten through high school at Community Center, Cutting Gymnastics programs are offered for recreational classes [athletic Hall Performing Arts Center and Falcon Park Recreation and competitive purposes at the Community Center Center. Space is adequate for most programming except (recreation) and Palatine High School (teams). programs] Company rehearsal, where additional space is needed to Additionally, there are adult classes, a boys team, and a accommodate increased movement. girls team available. There are three competing programs offered for a within a twenty-minute drive that all have a higher per There are three competing programs within a ten- class fees. Staff commented the Park District classes total of 1,863 minute drive of the Park District locations. Fees at these are longer, less expensive and have more experienced competitors are higher than Park District offerings. instructors. participants. Staff consider Palatine Park District’s competitive edge to be pricing, variety of dance styles taught, and more The Community Center gymnastics area is used to accessible information from the catalog. capacity, and some classes are overcrowded. Usage at Palatine High School alleviates some congestion, but A lifecycle analysis of the program area indicates that teams are restricted from using the training pit and rental the programs in the Mature stage. Staff commented fees have a significant financial impact on the program. youth dance classes have done well the past three years. A lifecycle analysis of the program area indicates the A comparison of a three-year (2011-2013) financial programs are in the Mature stage. Staff commented performance measurement reveals since 2011, there gymnastics has done well the past three years, despite a

64 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 decline in the boy’s team interest. Staff believes this is due to space constraints. A comparison of a three-year (2011- 2013) financial performance measurement reveals that since 2011, there has been a 45% increase in net revenue. Even with a slight decline in net revenue from 2012 to 2013, net revenue has increased. In summer 2013, there were more classes offered (96), than in 2012 (74) and only one was cancelled. There were a total of 1,130 participants. In 2012 and 2013, staff offered two shorter summer sessions versus one longer one in 2011. Participation and revenue increased from this change. The cost recovery rate in 2013 was 28.8%.

Swim Team is offered year-round to ages 24 and under. A lifecycle analysis of the program area indicates that the program is in the Mature stage. The summer program takes place at Birchwood Pool, Family Aquatic Center and Eagle Pool. Public partnerships include usage at District 211, Harper College with a reduced rate, and swim practices at Streamwood Park District. Space is adequate for the team, however, the amount of time is not always satisfactory due to other groups use and inconsistent scheduling.

There are several competing swim teams within a thirty- minute drive time. Fees at these organizations range, with the lowest fee organization being the Schaumburg Park District. A comparison of a three-year (2011-2013) financial performance measurement reveals the Swim Team breaks even. Staff commented Swim Team has been consistent the past three years and registration history reports a 29.7% increase from 2011 to 2013. According to the spring and summer 2014 Program Evaluation Reports, aquatics programming has a low cancellation rate and continues to be popular programming.

Youth Basketball is offered to participants in 1st through 8th grades during the winter season. The program utilizes gym space at Birchwood, Community Center and Falcon Park, along with School District 15 gyms. Staff reported space is adequate for this program. Sponsorships with local businesses allow the sponsor’s logo to be printed on

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 65 the participant’s shirts and recognition throughout analysis of the program area indicates the karate of grant opportunities to assist in programming to the season. The Lifecycle analysis of the program program is in the Decline stage. Another service help youth become more physically fit. There may area indicates that the 1st-2nd grade program is in provider in the area is J.P. Wood Martial Arts, who also be opportunity to make inroads into wellness the Mature stage and the 3rd-8th grade program in has similar fees. Staff perceive that the Park District programs for business organizations as a result of the Decline stage. has a competitive advantage for how well known increasing health care costs. Illinois Shotokan Karate Clubs is. A comparison of There are several competing programs that are a three-year (2011-2013) financial performance A comparison of a three-year (2011-2013) financial recreational and feeder programs within a twenty- measurement reveals a decrease of 23.7% in net performance measurement reveals a decrease of minute drive. Fees are variable compared to the revenue from 2011 to 2013 ($16,943 to $11,674). 19.3% in net revenue in 2013 from 2011 ($159,307 Park District. A comparison of a three-year (2011- However, there was a 26% net revenue increase to $128,477). There was a net revenue decrease in 2013) financial performance measurement reveals from 2012 to 2013. The cost recovery rate in 2013 2013 from 2012 of 28.1% ($178,915 to $128,477). despite a decrease of 2.4% in participation in was 21%. However, there was an 8.6% enrollment increase in 2013 from 2011, there was an 87% increase in net revenue ($20,236 to $37,834). Staff commented the program once had 1,000 participants, but now the program has closer to 800. According to the spring Park District Facilities utilized [for fitness and summer 2014 Program Evaluation Reports, basketball programming has a low cancellation classes] are Birchwood Recreation Center, rate and continues to be popular among Palatine residents. The cost recovery rate in 2013 was 34.6% Community Center, and Falcon Park.

Tennis programs are offered during the spring, Fitness Center and Classes 2013, from 2012. Expenses increased by 74% during summer and fall seasons to all ages at Birchwood, Fitness classes are offered year-round for all ages, that same period. The total number of classes that Community, Eagle Park, Palatine Hills, and Sycamore primarily for ages 18-plus. A lifecycle analysis were successful was 145 in 2013, as opposed to 126 Park. Staff commented that space is adequate of the program area indicates the programs are in 2012. The cost recovery rate in 2013 was 62.8%. for the program, however, another set of lighted in Introduction (55%), Growth (24%), Mature The cost recovery rate in 2012 was 80.3% courts would help with scheduling. Another service (17%) and Decline (4%) stages. Competing provider in the area is the Mid-Town Athletic agencies within a 20-minute drive have a similar The Fitness Center is located at the Community Club. Park District programs are priced lower than or higher program fees. Staff perceive Palatine Center. Staff commented that space constraints Mid-Town programs. The Lifecycle analysis of the Park District programs to have a less intimidating limits the quantity of equipment and stretching program area indicates the tennis program is in the environments for users with the ability to select area available. The free weight area is not an Decline stage. A comparison of a three-year (2011- classes individually. Senior fitness programs are ideal space for such equipment. There are also 2013) financial performance measurement reveals a not offered at all these locations, only at Birchwood HVAC issues with poor circulation and extreme decrease of 31% in net revenue from 2011 to 2013 Recreation Center, Community Center, and Falcon temperature variations. There are several ($16,943 to $11,674). However, there was a slight Park Recreation Center. Program space is mostly competitors in the area of a twenty-minute drive. net revenue increase from 2012 to 2013 . The cost adequate, except for schedule constraints due These agencies offer memberships that are more recovery rate in 2013 was 26%. to other programming or rental opportunities. expensive than Palatine Park District. Although Classrooms 1E and 2C are less than adequate. these agencies are priced higher, they do offer more Karate programs are offered year-round to all of the latest equipment. ages at Birchwood Recreation Center, Arlington A nationwide trend is fitness programs for children. Heights Park District and Illinois Shotokan Karate A wellness program for children is an area for Clubs. Program space is adequate. The Lifecycle potential growth. There are an increasing number

66 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 A lifecycle analysis of the program area conveys Superintendents. Staff are currently working on General comments from staff suggest program programs and equipment in Introduction (8%), updating the revenue policy. space is the biggest issue, for both indoor Growth (8%), Mature (50%) and Decline (34%) and athletic field space. Specific examples stages. The shower and locker facilities is included Programs that are noted by staff that have been relate to inadequate gymnastics space, four in the Decline stage by staff. A comparison of a doing well the past three years that are separate separate preschool locations, and poor layout of three-year (2011-2013) financial performance from program areas in this section are; children’s programming space at the Community center. measurement reveals a 5% decrease in chorus, archery, dog events, golf events, parent/ memberships from 2011 to 2013. However, there tot programs and pickleball, which is managed was an increase of 9.7% (148 memberships) from through a company. Programs that are noted by 2012 to 2013. Despite the increase in membership staff that have been in a decline the past three years in 2013, there was a 5.6% decrease in net revenue. are; one day youth programs, such as magic class, Revenue has increased by 7.8% from 2011 to 2013. trips for all ages, cheerleading and adult softball. The cost recovery rate in 2013 was 41.3%. Outdoor nature and education programs are just getting off the ground. Cooperative programs are Non-Resident Pricing offered with Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates, Rolling In reviewing the program guide, it appears there Meadows and Salt Creek Park Districts. These is a varied and random approach to pricing non- programs are well received by residents, and some resident fees. It appears that programs typically of them are offered at resident rates despite being assess 25% more for non-residents. The Fitness offered in another community. In reviewing the program guide, it appears there is a varied and random approach to pricing nonresident fees. Center individual memberships are 50% more. Prime time golf green fees are 21% more. Stable Programs are staffed by a mixture of payroll Horsemanship rates are 5% more for non-residents. employees and contractual instructors. Staff strive Party room rentals at the Community Center are for a 70%/30% split with contractual instructors. 40% additional. This is an area for further review to Recreation agencies are moving towards using enact a documented policy related to non-resident 60%/40% split when possible. Recreation fees. programming is evaluated using performance measurements such as registration figures, financial results and program evaluations. Programming Notes by Staff Most programming is offered based on history Palatine Park District is fortunate to have and how they fit into program scheduling. Paying great partnerships with the Village of Palatine, attention to trends and patron requests is also surrounding park districts, Palatine Opportunity considered. A strength in the community is parent Center, school district’s 15 and 211 and local support groups as they have been helpful in the businesses. past with current program offerings. Program fees are recommended by staff and approved by the

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 67 Marketing Approaches This assessment includes an analysis of the Palatine Park District’s Program Catalog and Website. The report includes a review of current industry best practices and recommendations to improve performance.

Program Catalog Review Identity use of one strong photo and headline/subhead for The 2014 Fall and 2015 Winter catalogs were Identity Best Practices each section could replace multiple smaller photos reviewed. Some design changes were made to As the premier marketing piece (92% of residents and design elements. Fonts should be consistent the 2015 Winter guide, so recommendations on rely on the program guide for information), throughout the guide and appropriate to the brand. design focus primarily on that issue. Best practices the activity guide should communicate the A professional design firm could be consulted are noted followed by recommendations for future organization’s brand identity and positioning. The to develop a strong, overall design concept for marketing techniques. This section is categorized brand is the public personality of the organization. all communications and a catalog template that according to four criteria, important to the design The position is how the organization’s programs internal staff could use to layout seasonal program of program guides: and services differ from the rest of the marketplace information. A good design template should last • Identity and what level of value is offered. These can be years. • Design conveyed by the title of the guide, by headlines and The current title is descriptive, but not compelling, • Content taglines, and by a graphic identity. and emphasizes the season rather than the • Encourage Ordering (call to action) information contained. Participants are looking Identity Recommendations for healthy, fun or enriching activities, so the The Palatine Program Catalog design and district title should emphasize that. Example options are logo would be improved by a clearly identifiable “Activity Guide” with the season as a subhead, or personality (brand). If a logo change is not feasible, simply “Palatine Park District” as the main title with the current logo could be minimized providing “Healthy, Fun Activities for All Ages” as subhead and the agency name is prominent on the cover. The the season given minor treatment. Each individual

68 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 section in the guide is titled descriptively, which variety and plan their use throughout the guide Cover is appropriate. Each section would benefit from to vary the pace. Use white space and hierarchy of The use of a single photo as the main image is a a subhead that sells the features and benefits of sizes to help guide the reader’s eye to important great way to draw in the reader. The choice of photo that collection of programs, facility or service. An elements – headers, titles, pricing, etc. Vary space is very important. With an all-ages audience, and example would be “Dance Classes – Let the music allowed for items. More space should be allowed with social interaction a key reason people join in move you”. for the highest revenue generators or items slated community activities, photos should be selected to for growth. Choose a selection of products/services show varied ages/sexes and interaction between Design to feature each season and give them the “hero subjects in the photos. The image must be of very Design Best Practices treatment” with photos, extra editorial, etc. to draw high quality. The Fall 2014 cover photo is a good The design of the catalog should communicate attention to them. example. Plan ahead to take cover photos during the brand of the organization, “sell” the contents, each season for use in the next year’s catalog. The and organize information so that it is easy to find. Hotspots title should be placed at the top, sized and placed Style should be consistent from issue to issue. Fonts Several locations in a catalog tend to draw more to be very visible. Subheads should be much should be consistent, brand-appropriate, easy to attention and are called “hotspots”. Hotspots are smaller and either near the title or at the bottom. read, and limited in number. Four-color sells better good places for the most important content. The season, website and phone can be much than one or two. Hotspots are: cover, back cover, inside front cover, smaller and at the bottom as the reader will look for first four pages, order form, page facing order form this information. The promotional information in and inside back cover. boxes, such as registration dates or featured news item should be distanced from the main title.

The design of the catalog should communicate Layout The color-coded tabs are excellent – simple, visible, the brand of the organization, “sell” the and clear. The rest of the interior layout is crowded and somewhat daunting to the reader. The eye does contents, and organize information so that it is not know where to go. Each spread should have a easy to find. unified look, but not all spreads should look alike.

Cover Create several different spread templates. Establish The cover is the most important part. It is the “store Design Recommendations a clear hierarchy in type sizes for section headers, window” to attract and interest the reader enough Overall subsection headers, subsection general information to open it. It must be compelling, aesthetically A strong visual theme would improve the look and headers, program titles. The differences in sizes pleasing, and communicate both what the selling power of the guide. The amount of content should be pronounced. White space should be organization is about and what is contained in the should be reduced to allow for more white space increased, either by reducing unnecessary content, catalog. The cover needs to have four key qualities: and design elements. Analyze each section to reducing description length, eliminating size of Relevance (to target audience and brand), Emotion, determine if it is essential to registrations to include. colored tables for program detail, or increasing Drama, and Differentiation (what sets the District For example with the use of GPS and smart phones, page count. apart from other providers). it may no longer be necessary to publish the park district map in the catalog each season. The use of Reorganize Services by Activity Layout four-color design is desirable. A coordinated color Customers are generally more interested in the The layout helps guide the reader through the palette would improve aesthetics and unity. The activity than the location. Consider reorganizing catalog. A catalog is perceived in spreads, not script fonts tend to be hard to read, can look dated, content currently listed by facility or in general pages. Develop a few different types of spreads for and should be avoided. information sections by type of activity. Title the

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 69 section descriptively. Example would be an “Open Gym” events, enrichment or special interest programs, need section with various locations listed, rather than listing more creative titles and copy to create a need. Index items, open gym on each facility page. The specific activities such as soccer league or swimming lessons. Can be more in Cooperative Ventures and ICompete should be listed straightforward. in the appropriate activity section. Other examples listed in General Information section that should be Marketing copy self-titled sections are Rentals, Dog Park, Online and Use relevant sidebars or editorial copy to prove the District New Registration System, and Special Needs Recreation. is an authority. Sprinkle ideas, user tips, historical or fun Park Board meeting information along with volunteer facts, quotes, testimonials, user profiles, and registration opportunities and foundation information could be in a reminders throughout the guide. “Get Involved” section. Photography Hotspots The best catalogs are highly visual. The brain processes A more strategic use of hotspots is recommended. The images 60,000 times faster than text and 65% of people inside cover and first four pages (the inside cover is are visual learners. Environmental photography, where considered page 2), and back cover are prime real estate the product is shown in use, is most effective. One strong and should be used to promote the organization and its image per section can be more effective than multiple key services. Page 2 & 3 should show contents table and images. also photos with captions and page numbers of a selected cross section of important contents to catch the reader’s Content Recommendations attention. Pages 4 & 5 are the lead in to the entire season Copy writing and should reflect the most important information or Program descriptions could be improved by editing out product of the season. words or sentences that do not add meaning. Avoid non- descriptive words like “awesome”, “exciting”, “beautiful”, Content etc. Eliminate phrases like “This class is designed to”, “You Content Best Practices won’t believe”, “In fact” and “Are you interested in (class Copy Copy writing title)?” A staff member with strong writing skills, or a hired Copy should be clear, concise, compelling and professional, should work with program or facility staff to should communicate benefits. It should also be written in a style develop strong, concise descriptions. Space saved could that is appropriate to the brand identity of the District. For be dedicated to white space or graphic elements. be clear, community programming, it should be conversational – like talking to a neighbor or a friend. Marketing copy concise, Adding in some brand-building marketing copy will Product copy help the District communicate identity and benefits to compelling Strong titles, subhead and powerful first sentences will the community. Refer to the best practices section for grab interest. Describe the program enough to paint a suggestions. Testimonials are very effective and can be and picture in the reader’s mind of what the experience will collected from seasonal evaluations. Add in reminders and be like and how it will improve their life. Include enough teasers to encourage readers to visit the website, sign up communicate information to make a purchase decision, not all the for social media, and email newsletter. information needed to take the class. There are two kinds benefits. of programs – impulse or index. Impulse items, such as

70 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Photography Any photo used should be selected thoughtfully, tell a story, and of high quality resolution and composition. Schedule photo shoots each season of key programs for the next year’s use. Showing users interacting with each other or the instructor is especially powerful for community programming.

Encourage Ordering Encourage Ordering Best Practices Call to Action Include a call to action in the catalog and make it active: “Register today to avoid disappointment” or “Register online to ensure your spot”. Highlight registration dates, early bird dates, and other reasons or incentives to register early. List the ordering channels on each page or spread – website, order form page number and phone number.

Train Service Staff Customer support staff should receive an advance copy of the guide at least a week before customers will see it. Program and marketing staff should attend service staff training meetings and present information on new programs or special promotions. Select a few key programs to “suggestive sell” for different target customer segments.

Order Form The form should be simple, readable, and designed to coincide with the order of information presented for each program. Ideally, the form should be placed in the center of the catalog, as readers do not like to tear out pages. Include registration dates, satisfaction and refund policy reminders. The order form is a good place for impulse items. These should be low-priced items such as scholarship donations or a one-week trial fitness or pool pass. The order form is also a good place to ask for referrals.

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 71 Reduce Risk companies to stand behind their products and their season. Use participation numbers in place of Overcome customers’ perceived risk of registering advertising. What may occasionally result in a short- revenue for free services such as community events with a reassuring refund policy and/or a guarantee term loss for an occasional refund will be more than or trails. Measure the effect of changes in design, of satisfaction. Highlight this information compensated for in customer retention and sales format, copy writing, distribution, and amount of throughout the guide or make it prominent on the when an agency makes their customer’s satisfaction content. Suggested performance measures: order form and ordering information pages. a priority. • Catalog ROI • Gross revenue per catalog mailed; and per Encourage Ordering Recommendations Additional Recommendations spread Call to Action Format • Cost per catalog mailed The reminders to register early are in several The most cost-effective printing method is web • Response rate = number of households places in the guide, but not consistently. Have a press. Cold set is best for runs less than 20,000. Heat responding / number mailed (typical is 1% call to action and ways to register on every spread set for larger runs. The most cost-effective page for prospects) (typically in the footer) such as “Register today at size is 83/8” by 107/8” in increments of 32 pages. • New customers acquired palatineparks.org | Order form on page 76 | Call us Increments of 16 pages are second-most cost • Refunds (# and amount) at 847-991-0333“. Include a prominent call to action and registration dates on the order form. Establishing and tracking performance measures Order Form The form itself is reasonably simple for a community will help improve return on investment (ROI). parks and recreation agency. The refund policy need not be detailed here, just mentioned and effective. Reducing the guide to 64 pages will net Summary the location of full policy. The location of the form significant savings. • Develop an identifiable brand to give should be moved to last page with ordering and direction to communications. refund information on the inside back cover. Eliminate Directory Content Registration Information Pages - Some of the Significant space could be saved by eliminating • Develop a visual identity and coordinated registration information could be eliminated non-essential content. Look closely at everything design theme. to reduce this section to one page. The form is listed in the guide and compare it to the number • Reduce the amount of text and increase self-explanatory, so the “How to Register” and of customers that use that service. With today’s use of impactful graphics and photos. “Waiver Required”, sections could be eliminated. smartphone accessibility, it is not necessary to list • Be strategic in deciding on what content to The detail under the registration dates could also everything about the District in the catalog. Much include in the print catalog. be eliminated as it is repeated in the “Five Ways of the detail about facilities, staff, policies, parks, • Use hotspots for the most important to Register”. Other information could be placed etc. can be listed online with teasers in the guide if information for the season. elsewhere in the guide with the program/service needed. • Organize content from the customer’s it applies to such as “Special Registrations” and perspective. “Special Needs”. Measure Performance • Rewrite program descriptions to Establishing and tracking performance measures strengthen selling power. Reduce Risk will help improve return on investment (ROI). To build trust, language concerning registration Calculate ROI by dividing total registration revenue • Build trust and encourage registration with procedures and policies should be softened. for the season by the total cost of the mailing. It a less-restrictive refund policy. Consider a Additionally, a more customer-friendly refund does not matter if staff costs are included or not satisfaction guarantee. policy should be considered. Customers expect as long as it is kept it consistent from season to • Maximize ROI by reducing page count and measuring performance.

72 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Website Review This section includes information on four key areas second opportunity to quickly identify the agency The website is the keystone to an overall marketing of Website design, including: and pitch its brand. Users are no longer averse communications program. Today’s websites are • Identity to scrolling to find what they need. Home pages much more than simply an online brochure. They • Design are now often designed for a deep scroll, with communicate agency information, “sell” the agency • Navigation more standard templates used for interior pages. and its services, collect feedback, engage customers • Content Minimizing load time is important, so use visual and stakeholders, and are a place to conduct effects sparingly. Rotating banners with a more transactions. than four slides take too long to load. The use of Identity larger fonts is another trend that makes a website Identity Best Practices For parks and recreation agencies, websites have easier and faster to use on small screens. As the primary portal to the organization, as three main goals: with the program catalog, the website should 1. Advance the District’s mission communicate the organization’s brand identity Design Recommendations 2. Contribute to the bottom line and positioning. It should evoke emotion and Overall recommendations to improving the website 3. Provide transparency appreciation for the agency and its services. It are similar in nature to those presented for the should also communicate the District’s value program catalog. The site would be improved with The District should prioritize these goals and design proposition (position). Examining the strengths an updated color scheme, section header font, and Establishing and tracking performance measures and manage the website accordingly. Any feature or and opportunities from a SWOT analysis will help a cleaner, simplified look. The home page layout page should further one of these goals, otherwise, identify a strategic position in the marketplace. lacks focus with multiple key elements competing will help improve return on investment (ROI). should not be included. for attention. The eye does not know where to As the primary portal to the organization, as with the program catalog, the website should communicate the organization’s brand identity and positioning. Identity Recommendations go. Design elements should have an hierarchy in Especially when attracting new users, the higher the The Palatine website could be improved with size, and a more pronounced difference in sizes website is in online search results the better. Unpaid a defined brand and visual identity. Major so the user can quickly find the most important search results are much more effective than paid. If communication pieces, such as the program catalog information. Interior pages should have a consistent the site is not in the top three unpaid results for a and website, should share key design elements. The look with the home page and throughout the site. service, very likely potential customers will not view color of the navigation bar, title and logo font, and it. Agencies can improve their search result rankings use of powerful images should be repeated in both Currently there are multiple different page looks. A through strategic development and management pieces. viable exception to this rule would be for tourism- of their website and social media. Some specific tips type facilities that draw from a more regional are included in the following report. Search engine market such as the golf course, Cutting Hall, and algorithms change frequently, so staying abreast of Design possibly the Family Aquatic Center. Find a way to Design Best Practices these changes will improve success. integrate the District’s identity in these microsites With increasing use of cell phone and tablets, without detracting from the regional appeal. websites are trending towards simpler looks with a fresh, unique feel. The page header is the two-

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 73 Header than by product type. For example, categories such Content The header collage of one-color photos shows a as “Health and Wellness, Nature and Outdoors, Content Best Practices nice variety of activities, but lacks impact of a single Sports, Arts & Culture, Family Life” instead of “Parks, Quality content on the site is key both from a user image. The logo is easy to miss in the collage - it Facilities, Pools, Programs”. perspective and for search results performance. It should be easy to spot and placed at the top left is now the single most important factor in getting of the page with the subhead near it. Consider Give graphic and placement priority to more top-of-search-list placement. Quality content is eliminating the header collage and replace with important sections. Lower priority sections are defined as recent, original, organized and labeled one larger, impactful image or with the rotating placed at the bottom of the page in smaller, well, has compelling images and video, and elicits display. The home page header is prime real estate directory-style type. Typically, product marketing is sharing. Content is as important as design and and should be devoted solely to promoting the most visible, and corporate information is found at function. It requires an investment in staffing to District. Social media buttons can be placed further the bottom. Within a page, ensure that headlines, create it and update it frequently. down on the page. subheads and paragraph titles are clearly labeled. Include numerous cross-links to other parts of the Design Scheme site. Both of the latter practices also improve search Content Recommendations A coordinated color scheme would increase visual results. A consistent header with a way to get back The content of the site is comprehensive, useful, appeal. The main color is a forest green, which to the home page should be carried throughout the and up to date. What is missing is the engagement- can feel dated, and does not coordinate with the site. factor. The copy is primarily text, and written in blue link text, orange and red text, or light yellow a factual style, giving the site a utilitarian feel. Interesting images and copy should be developed background of two smaller sections on the page. Navigation Recommendations The current section title font is somewhat bulky and to engage and inspire the viewer. Section titles Analyze topics in the navigation bar and adjust can be descriptive, but benefit-selling subheads is in all-caps on some pages, small caps in others, according to organizational priority. Reduce the and upper and lower case in others. New, brand- and interesting images should be added. Body number of links in the navigation bar and increase copy should be re-written in a more conversational appropriate fonts should be selected and used font size. Users are now used to finding account consistently throughout the site, in a corresponding and convincing style with a call to action in mind. information in the upper right hand corner, so the Suggestions for improving content are listed in hierarchy of sizes and colors, to identify page titles, login and registration links could be moved there. section headings, paragraph headings the program catalog section. Additional specific Other links that could be moved elsewhere are examples for the website are: Navigation Affiliates, Program Evaluations, Forms, and Open Navigation Best Practices Gym/Track Hours. Analyze user data on the use Programs Section The key sections of a website should quickly of the site search to see if this also can be moved For each program area, a separate page with provide an overview of the agency. Sections down on the page. Consider re-categorizing and marketing copy and images should be used that should be clearly defined so the user can find the renaming sections from a user perspective, such inspires the viewer to want to participate in that activity as well as describes overall offerings. Then a call to action at the bottom could link to current User-focused sites are generally structured by season information and registration. If it is too staff- intensive to develop and update separate pages interest area, rather than by product type. for each program area, consider eliminating this section altogether and invest more in developing content they want. Prioritize sections based on the as “Things to Do”, “Places to Go”, “Updates”, “Get the selling power of the program catalog and primary goal they achieve – bottom line, mission Involved”, “About Us”; or the suggested titles in the online registration sections and drawing attention advancement, or transparency. User-focused sites best practices section. Carry a consistent branded to them on the website. are generally structured by interest area, rather header throughout the site on every page.

74 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Events Sidebar Format • Top 10 Pages – It’s important to know On some interior pages, a sidebar with a grey More people use cell phones and tablets to view what pages visitors think are the most background and red type appears with upcoming websites than desktop computers. Developers important. To improve page performance, events, dates, times and locations. It is not now are designing with a mobile format in mind try adjusting placement, navigation interactive and is likely not the best use of this first, rather than a design that adapts to mobile. It placement, link copy, or size of the section. space. Consider eliminating it and replacing it with is recommended to use an open source platform, • Conversion Rate – This is the percentage more engaging, sharable content. rather than a proprietary one. Most websites today of people who perform a desired action. are created using WordPress, an open-source Typically it is a purchase. It can be tracked Additional Recommendations platform that allows staff to update the site from anywhere with an internet browser. by page or by overall site visits. For Encourage Action example, for a page with a “register now” The most effective websites are created with a button, it is the percentage of people who user-centric perspective. A website serves three Measure Performance register out of all the visitors to that page. distinct groups with different needs: Prospects, Track user behavior and adjust the website current customers, and non-users. Have a clear idea and content accordingly. This should be done of who will be looking at each component or page, frequently. Google Analytics is free and will provide Summary and what the District wants them to do. Every page information on how people use the site, how they • Develop an identifiable brand to give find it, whether they viewed it on a phone, tablet or should have a call to action based on the purpose direction to communications. desktop, and more. To improve site effectiveness, of the page, whether it’s to get the order, solicit • Develop a visual identity and coordinated decide what actions the District wants to increase, feedback, encourage sharing, sign up for the email design theme. list, view products/services/photos, etc. Call to make changes, and then measure the effects. Even simple changes in color, size, location, • Simplify format with stronger header and action buttons are more noticeable than text links. a clearly visible graphic hierarchy for key Surround them with white space; use active text shape, photos, wording, etc. can have a significant sections, subsections, and detail. “add to cart” “share”, etc. difference. Suggested performance measures: • Number of Visitors – unique and repeat. • Create a consistent, unified look for all Social Integration This shows the overall size of the audience. pages. Integrate visual identity into Nationwide studies show that word of mouth is the • Referrals – where visitors are coming microsites. second highest source of information on an agency. from, whether search results, blogs, other • Prioritize desired actions of potential users, It is also trusted more. Reviews and posts on social websites, social media current users, and non-users and organize media are online word of mouth, so active social • Bounce Rate – a bounce is when someone site accordingly. Include call to action on media strategy is an important part of the District’s clicks on a site then leaves quickly. The every page. marketing plan. Integrate social media and website implication of a bounce is that someone • Be strategic in deciding on what content activities. Include an easy-to-spot one-click sharing didn’t find what they were looking for or to include in the navigation bar and key button for content. Embed social media channel(s) didn’t like what they saw. Search engines sections on the home page. on relevant content pages. Cross-promote by do not like high bounce rates, and they will • Reduce the amount of text, re-write copy repurposing content for use on both channels and to increase appeal, and increase use of cross-link. Always link to the website in every social hurt search results. impactful graphics and photos. post. Ensure the District has a presence on Google • Exit Pages – this is the last page a visitor +, Yelp, Foursquare and use it to drive people to the views before exiting. This is common if it is • Optimize the site for use on mobile website. and “end” page, like an order receipt page, devices. but if it is another page, it may indicate a • Track and analyze user behavior at least problem with the content. quarterly and adjust site accordingly

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 75 76 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 1 Connect Community Engagement and Needs Assessment 277 Overview The Connect: Community Engagement and Needs Assessment chapter outlines the recognized national, state, and local trends in the recreation industry. The chapter also includes summaries of all input received from Palatine residents.

National trends were derived from the 2014 Trends in inactivity, spending, and participation are Sports, Fitness, and Recreational Activities Topline documented in this chapter. In order to increase Participation Report facilitated by The Sports participation, knowing the trends and interests of The purpose for & Fitness Industry association, a top national various users groups is crucial. Significant changes researcher in the sports and fitness industry as well in specific activities (both increases and decreases) understanding as The Outdoor Foundation’s Outdoor Recreation over the past two years are summarized. Participation Topline Report (2014). park and recreation In addition to national, state, and local recreation State trends were derived from the Illinois trend information, this chapter also includes trends is to Department of Natural Resources Statewide summaries of all engagement sessions facilitated Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) during the planning process. The various determine probable as well as via ESRI’s Business Analyst. The business engagement methods are outlined on the following analyst provided information about local recreation page. demands for participation and spending. certain services and The purpose for understanding park and recreation trends is to determine probable demands for amenities. certain services and amenities. Recreation trend reports from credible sources are used explore what trends are being recognized at the national level.

78 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 ENGAGEMENT

Forward Thinking Staff Workshops MindMixer online engagement platform Input workshops with Parks, Support and Finance, An interactive web-based engagement platform Recreation, and Facilities Staff groups hosted at forwardthinking.palatineparks.org gave A series of workshops with all departments in which residents the opportunity to provide input at their staff provided input about their goals, objectives, leisure 24/7 for four weeks. desires, and hopes for the next five years as well as their opinions on the current state of the District. Statistically-Valid Community Survey Findings Report for a Statistically-Valid Community Board Workshop Survey Input workshop with the Park District Board of Prepared by ETC / Leisure Vision in the Fall of 2014, Commissioners the Community Survey was conducted to establish A workshop in which Board members provided priorities for programs and facilities with the input about the strengths and weaknesses of the Palatine Park District. They survey was administered District, future improvements, and potential action by phone, web, and mail. A seven-page survey was items for the next five years. mailed to a random sample of 2,500 households throughout the Palatine Park District. A random sample of 443 households completed the survey thus the results have a 95% confidence level with a precision rate of at least +/- 4.6%.

Stakeholder Focus Group Meetings Individual discussions with key stakeholders about parks, programs, and facilities Specific interest groups, or stakeholders, relevant to the Park District were invited to participate in small group interviews and meetings. These groups, facilitated independently of one another, were asked a series of questions about their goals, objectives, desires, and hopes for the next five years as well as their opinions on the current state of the District.

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 79 National Trends The data in the following pages reflects the national trends derived from the statistically valid surveys facilitated by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association and The Outdoor Foundation.

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s Sport, Fitness & the last five years, although the number continues to be Recreational Activities Topline Participation Report (2014) higher than 2008. compiled and analyzed 19,240 online responses. These surveys were then weighted against a total population While we still have 80.2 million people who are inactive, of 290,001,000 ages 6 and older. The following variables we do know that out of 290 million Americans age 6 and were used: gender, age, income, household size, region, older, 80 million “inactives” leaves 210 million “actives” and population density. The Outdoor Foundation, in taking part in a wide range of activities. association with the Outdoor Industry Association, Inactivity by age shows some interesting trends. The 13 produces The Outdoor Recreation Participation Topline to 17 age group has continued to become more inactive. Report, an annual report that tracks American outdoor Ages 25 to 34 is also trending that way. All of the age recreation trends with a focus on youth, diversity, and the groups older than 45 have shown a drop in inactivity, future of the outdoors. The 2014 report is based on an indicating the “get active” message is getting across to the online interview of 19,240 individuals. older age groups.

Inactivity Participation The overall levels of inactivity have decreased marginally In particular, the categories of participation include in the last 12 months from 28.0% of Americans age six individual sports, racquet sports, team sports, outdoor and older to 27.6%. Inactivity decreased slightly in 2013, sports, water sports and fitness sports. As the chart on dropping 0.4% from 2012. This is the first decrease over the follow page reveals, outdoor, water, and fitness sports

80 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 23 have remained flat. Individual sports decreased 3.7% from 2012. Team sports continues its roller coaster ride. Since 2008 this category has seen a consistent decrease in participation. Overall, many activities are experiencing a slow increase and/or decline due to the recent poor economic conditions, including those that have a cyclical pattern. However, a few activities have made a foothold and are increasing in participation.

Fitness sports remain the most popular physical activity and include activities such as yoga, boot camp-style training, and other classes. The participation rate has held steady at 60% over the last 4 years. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the top ten predicted 2014 trends include: • High intensity interval training (HIIT) • Body weight training • Educated and experienced fitness professionals • Strength training • Exercise and weight loss • Personal training • Fitness programs for older adults • Functional fitness • Group personal training • Yoga

We’re starting to get a good picture of “Gen Z” or those born this millennium. These 6 to 14 year olds dominate the team sports category, but are also significant in outdoor and individual sports.

In particular, the survey examined the difference between Generation X and Generation Y population. Generation Y (born 1980-1999) are twice as likely to take part in team sports then Generation X (born 1965-1979). Although much is explained by the age difference, the psychological tendency of Generation Y is more positively disposed to team sports than their Generation X predecessors who are more individual in nature.

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 81 Generation Y are also more social in their and demand to participate in the coming year. Fitness interactions in terms of: There is an increase in the creation and use of smart Class based fitness and exercise programs like • The way they play (gravitating towards phone apps for fitness and nutrition recording. Zumba continue to drive positive participation team sports) performance for these types of fitness activities. • The way they exercise (including a tendency to participate in group exercise) • The way they communicate (Social One of the best ways to increase activity and Networking, Facebook, Twitter) participation later in life is to encourage casual How To Increase Participation The SGMA / SFIA Survey revealed that one of the play at younger ages and in school through best ways to increase activity and participation later in life is to encourage casual play at the younger Physical Educations. ages and in school through Physical Education. The Many agencies around the country have moved survey points out that an adult who participated Team Sports these classes outside and are using parks as in Physical Education while in school is four times programming space. Several systems have also more likely to participate in a racquet sport and Over the last two years, there has been a slow but steady decrease in team sport participation. These advertised the availability of park space for about three times more likely to participate in golf, contractual instructors to use for various class team, outdoor, and winter sports. include decreases in baseball, football, softball, and wrestling. Trending growth in the newer more activities. evolving transplant sports like Lacrosse continue to There is a strong correlation between the institution Another recent trend includes “functional fitness” of casual play through Physical Education and the grow at significant rates. The following percentages represent the two -year average. as reported in the April 22, 2013 New York Times establishment of casual play as a core activity later article Gyms Move from Machines to Fitness in life. In order to increase participation, knowing Baseball -1.0% Playgrounds. Sandbags, ropes and climbing the trends and interests of various users groups Basketball -2.3% areas are taking over the floor space as part of a is crucial. Significant changes in specific activities Football (tackle) -5.8% functional fitness movement. Companies such as (both increases and decreases) over the past two Football (touch) -3.6% Lifetime Fitness are removing weight machines years are summarized and listed below. This data and are replacing them with open areas of space Football (flag) -2.2% in extracted directly from the PAC study, 2014, for people to use as more natural strength training, SGMA Participation Topline Report © 2014 SGMA Gymnastics 1.6% rather than being locked into a machine. Research. Ice Hockey 6.1% Lacrosse 9.9% “Fun” fitness is a current trend. Exercises like There are also opportunities to engage the “P90x,”“Insanity,” or “Crossfit” have proven that Roller Hockey 2.7% inactive populations. Swimming ranks as a you don’t need a lot of equipment to look and popular “aspirational sport” for all age groups Soccer (indoor) 1.9% feel good. Since these programs have become except ages 35-44. This age group ranks hiking Soccer (outdoor) -3.5% popular, newer versions have become available, as their top aspirational activity (with swimming Softball (Fast Pitch) 2.3% some cutting the time in half to look and feel fit. coming in third). Aspirational activities are those Softball (Slow Pitch) -6.2% These types of classes have been and will continue that respondents show a desire or demand to to grow in popularity at park districts, parks and participate in the following year. Other aspirational Volleyball (grass) -1.3% recreation departments and fitness centers. activities such as bicycling and hiking show a desire

82 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 While Pilates has shown an incredible 10 year The following percentages represent the two-year Bicycling (road / paved surface) 1.3% growth trend, the past 2 years have seen a decline average. Bicycling (mountain /nonpaved) 10.8% in participation. Perhaps participation migrated Golf -1.9% to Yoga, as participation is up across all levels for Camping -5.4% Roller Skating (inline wheels) -9.3% the year. Yoga is more class based while Pilates is Fishing (fresh) -1.4% Skateboarding 2.0% more of an individual activity. The Gen Y fitness Wildlife viewing -0.2% participants are showing a higher propensity to Trail Running 12.5 go with group oriented programs. Running and Triathlon (traditional / road) 16.3% According to the Outdoor Foundation 2014 Topline walking for fitness continue to show strong and Ice Skating -4.2% Report, nearly 142.6 million people participated consistent growth. in outdoor recreation in 2013. These 142.6 million Tennis -0.2 people went out on a total of 12.1 billion outings. The following percentages represent the two-year While the number of participants rose from the average. Adult Programming 2012 report, the percentage of individuals shrank Aerobics (High Impact) 4.9% Many agencies have difficulty expanding their from 49.4 to 49.2 due to population increase. adult programming base. Trends and applications Aerobics (Low Impact) -1.8% in lifestyle programming for active adults include Participation remained flat among all age groups Elliptical -4.5% several areas of interest. Active adults are vitally with the exception of the 25 to 44 and 45 and over Running/Jogging 4.0% interested in the social program area, which can age groups. These age groups saw a participation Stationary Cycling (Group) -2.5% include walking and biking clubs. drop of one-percent. Participation for other age Walking for Fitness 2.0% groups, specifically youth and young adults, Another growing area for active adults is sports showed promise. Together, children ages six to 12, Abdominal Machine -0.7% leagues for 45+, 55+ and older. The Schaumburg adolescents ages 13 to 17, and young adults ages Pilates -2.6% Park District has taken a unique approach and has 18 to 24 went on almost five billion outings with Stretching 2.2% created an identity for their active adult section an annual average of 99 outings per person. That titled Club 55. This section of the program guide is compares to 77 outings per person by participants Free Weights -2.9% easily identifiable and creates a brand and image ages 25 and older. Home Gym 0.9% for this age group looking for programming. Weight/Resistance Machines -4.2% The Champaign Park District has taken a similar approach and titled their program 50 Plus. Individual Sports Much like the trends for individual fitness Nearly 142.6 million people participated in participation, most individual sports are showing significant declines across most levels outdoor recreation in 2013. of participation. Exceptions include trail running (+12.5%) and triathlon (traditional) participation In terms of participation, running, biking, fishing, (+16.3%). Outdoor Sports & Participation camping, and hiking rose to the top as the most Compared to previous years, outdoors sports and popular outdoor activities for young people. seen a significant increase in participation. Bicycling Measured by frequency, running, biking and (mountain / nonpaved) has seen the greatest skateboarding were among the top five favorite increase compared to all other outdoor sports. activities. Adults reported similar pursuits. The following percentages represent the two-year average.

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 83 Spending Spending Comparison 2012 2013 The economy has also had a slight impact on sports MORE SAME LESS NET MORE SAME LESS NET and recreation spending. Overall, the net average Team Sports at School 6.3% 15.9% 3.8% 9.6% 4.7% 14.9% 2.4% 10.3% spending increased from 2012 (0.6%) to 2013 (2.4%). Most Americans spend more on equipment Team Sports outside of School 6.6% 18.9% 5.2% 4.6% 5.8% 18.3% 3.3% 9.1% and footwear and less on clothing. Over the 2012- Travel to Take Park in Sports and Recreation 5.9% 20.6% 6.5% -1.8% 5.5% 20.8% 4.8% 2.5% 2013 year, more money was spent on team sports Lessons / Instructions / Sports Camps 5.0% 13.3% 4.2% 3.5% 4.9% 14.0% 3.7% 5.0% than on outdoor recreation; however, according Gym Membership Fees 6.4% 18.8% 6.0% 1.3% 6.1% 21.2% 4.7% 4.6% projections, American plan to spend more on outdoor recreation in the future. Spending on gym Individual Sport Events 4.4% 12.7% 4.3% 0.5% 3.7% 14.0% 3.4% 1.6% memberships and fee increase substantially from Tennis Membership / Fees 1.8% 7.7% 2.0% -1.7% 3.6% 13.0% 3.7% -0.8% 2012, and this trend is expected to continue. Outdoor Recreation Activities 7.3% 32.1% 7.1% 0.4% 2.5% 11.4% 3.5% -5.3% Sports and Recreation Clothing 9.4% 33.8% 9.0% 0.8% 5.4% 30.1% 5.7% 0.8% One area of sports and recreation spending noted in the survey are Pay-to-Play programs. Pay-to-Play Sports and Recreation Footwear 9.7% 36.1% 8.9% 1.5% 8.9% 35.6% 6.9% 3.8% programs charge parents a flat rate fee for their Sports and Recreation Equipment 7.6% 27.1% 9.0% -3.2% 10.0% 36.9% 7.1% 5.5% child to participate in school sports. Of the 6% who responded having children playing a sport in Projected Spending 2013 2014 middle/high school, less than half contribute to a MORE SAME LESS NET MORE SAME LESS NET Pay-to-Play program, a decrease from 2012. Most Team Sports at School 6.6% 17.3% 3.1% 13.0% 5.3% 16.8% 2.3% 12.4% parents reported that these fees stayed the same this year, while less than 2% reported a decrease. Team Sports outside of School 7.5% 20.2% 3.7% 12.1% 6.0% 19.4% 3.0% 10.5% Almost 65% pay more than $100.00 extra fee for Travel to Take Park in Sports and Recreation 8.1% 22.0% 4.5% 10.4% 7.1% 22.0% 3.6% 10.9% their child’s school sports, down 5% from 2012. Lessons / Instructions / Sports Camps 6.6% 15.9% 3.4% 12.4% 6.1% 16.4% 3.1% 11.8% Gym Membership Fees 7.7% 20.8% 3.9% 11.7% 7.2% 24.0% 3.6% 10.6% Individual Sport Events 6.6% 15.3% 3.2% 13.5% 6.1% 16.2% 2.7% 14.0% Tennis Membership / Fees 2.2% 10.0% 2.1% 0.7% 4.5% 15.9% 2.9% 6.5% Outdoor Recreation Activities 11.9% 31.2% 4.6% 15.3% 3.6% 14.1% 3.0% 2.9% Sports and Recreation Clothing 10.9% 37.1% 7.4% 6.3% 7.5% 29.7% 3.8% 9.0% Sports and Recreation Footwear 11.8% 38.3% 7.2% 8.0% 10.6% 39.5% 6.9% 6.5% Sports and Recreation Equipment 9.0% 30.5% 7.4% 3.4% 11.1% 39.8% 6.8% 7.4%

84 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 85 Local Trends Local recreation trends were derived from the Sports and Leisure Market Potential from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI).

These data are based upon national propensities to Based on projected population, the top five use various products and services, applied to the recreational activities Palatine Park District residents local demographic composition of the Palatine Park will participate in include: District. Usage data were collected by Growth for • Skiing (downhill) Knowledge Mediamark Research and Intelligence, • Soccer LLC. (GfK MRI) in a nationally representative survey • Ice skating of U.S. households. MPI (Market Potential Index) • Pilates measures the relative likelihood of the adults in the • Bicycling (road) specified area to exhibit certain consumer behavior or purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. An Several participation areas with an MPI of 100 or MPI of 100 represents the U.S. average. higher utilize indoor recreation space, bicycling, tennis, yoga, Pilates, aerobics, and swimming, which has significant relevance to this analysis. Future programs should include these areas.

The full Sports and Leisure Market Potential Report can be found in Chapter 6.

86 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Sports and Leisure Market Potential The top Product/Consumer Behavior Expected # of Adults/HHs Percent MPI recreational Participated in skiing (downhill) in last 12 months 2,312 3.6% 126 Participated in soccer in last 12 months 2,980 4.7% 124 activities Participated in ice skating in last 12 months 1,992 3.1% 121 Participated in Pilates in last 12 months 2,126 3.3% 119 Palatine Participated in bicycling (road) in last 12 months 7,250 11.4% 116 residents will Participated in hiking in last 12 months 7,324 11.5% 115 Participated in yoga in last 12 months 5,243 8.2% 115 participate Participated in tennis in last 12 months 3,119 4.9% 115 Attend sports events 17,092 26.8% 114 in include: Participated in jogging / running in last 12 months 9,148 14.3% 113 downhill Participated in aerobics in last 12 months 6,427 10.1% 113 Participated in bicycling (mountain) in last 12 months 2,866 4.5% 112 skiing, soccer, Participated in weight lifting in last 12 months 7,548 11.8% 111 and ice Participated in swimming in last 12 months 11,102 17.4% 110 Participated in bowling riding in last 12 months 6,847 10.7% 110 skating. Participated in golf in last 12 months 6,500 10.2% 108 Participated in Frisbee in last 12 months 3,183 5.0% 108 Participated in backpacking in last 12 months 1,978 3.1% 106 Participated in walking for exercise in last 12 months 18,521 29.0% 104 Participated in volleyball in last 12 months 2,324 3.6% 103 Participated in baseball in last 12 months 2,881 4.5% 101 Participated in basketball in last 12 months 5,327 8.3% 100 Participated in fishing (salt water) in last 12 months 2,567 4.0% 100

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 87 Unique visitor: (1) access by Forward Thinking one person Palatine residents had the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas for multiple times the next five years at forwardthinking.palatineparks.org, an interactive online on different community engagement portal. days, (2) access by multiple Forward Thinking, powered by MindMixer, was the Participation And Traffic online engagement platform for the Palatine Park District Launched October 24, 2014, Forward Thinking was a people at the Comprehensive Plan. It was available 24/7 and gave popular method for engaging residents about parks, residents the opportunity to provide input on parks, programs, and facilities. Over the 30-day period there same time on facilities, and programs at their leisure. Area residents were 2,005 unique visitors and 10,255 page views. On a created an account or logged on using their social daily basis, there were an average of 67 daily visitors and the same day, media accounts and could then access topic questions. 270 page views. Participants earned points each time they submitted a (3) access by survey, idea, or comment and could redeem those points Major spikes in traffic happened on the launch date, after for rewards and incentives. the press release, and after the community engagement one person sessions / launch of the second round of questions. Once This platform was not a traditional survey, but contained the second round of questions was launched, traffic multiple times survey and poll questions as well as open-ended remained somewhat consistent until the topic questions discussion questions. This platform does not produce closed. Site activity logged after the topics closed was, on the same statistically-valid results. This was an alternative means most likely, inquires to redeem the rewards and incentives. of input for Palatine residents and meant to serve as a day via multiple supplement to the in-person community engagement There were 1,876 total interactions on the MindMixer site methods such as community meetings, stakeholder which included 133 comments and idea submissions. The internet interviews, and focus groups. site was shared by participants 34 times, primarily through Facebook, Google+, and email. connections. 88 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 23 Participant Demographics Approximately 318 individuals registered as participants SITE over the four-week period. Out of these, 218 submitted comments, ideas or survey responses. The average participant was a 48 year old female.

STATS While the majority of participants were between the 10,255 2,005 218 ages of 35 and 44, there was representation across all age page views unique visitors participants segments ages 18 to 65+. The next largest responding age

400 segment was 45 to 54, followed by 55 to 64. There were THANKSGIVING 15.1% of participants between the ages of 18 and 34, a 350 great turnout considering younger age groups typically aren’t as politically engaged as older age segments. This 300 also indicates that the college-age demographic was

250 engaged through the online platform.

200 Topic Overview 150 There were 12 topics and a bonus topic posted on the website, all open for public input. The first 12 topics were 100 launched on the October 24th. Topics were open for input

50 between 10 and 32 days. The bonus topic for extra points was open for four days. All topics questions, surveys, and 0 polls were optional. Results do not reflect the views of all OCTOBER NOVEMBER active participants, but instead only represent the views of the specific participants who responded to the individual topic. Not all participants provided answers for each topic. 2500 THANKSGIVING

2000

1500

1000

500

0

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 89 Poll And Survey Results What do you think are the Park District’s strengths? How do you hear about Palatine Park District news What is your experience with Palatine Park District? Participants 100/218 and events? Participants 258/218 Participants 104/218 The recreation program is the top strength of the The welcome question aimed to understand Park District with 59 of the 94 votes (62.8%). Park The program catalog appears to be the most participants’ level of involvement and experience planning and development and facility planning important way to reach Palatine residents as with the Park District. It asked a series of five and development were voted second and third it related to the Park District. Out of 66 survey multiple choice and open-ended questions. with 28 and 27 votes, respectively. Marketing and submissions, 56 respondents indicated they hear communications was fourth followed closely by about recreation news and events through the Of the 258 participants who answered, 248 human resources / customer service. Finances and Program Catalog. The next largest outlet is e-blasts respondents indicated they visit the Palatine Park administration / operations rounded out the list. or email and, finally, the Website. District parks and facilities and 204 indicated they participate in recreation programs. How do you hear about park district news and events? Program Catalog 56

E-blast / email 25

Website 7

Word of Mouth 6

Social Media (Facebook / Twitter) 3

The top reasons for answering no to either question How do you register for our recreation programs? included busy schedules, high fees, and lack of Participants 66/218 interest in offered programs. Other organizations utilized for park and recreation services included Most users either register online or in-person for YMCA, Midtown Athletic Club, and private More than 62% recreation programs. A minute percentage registers providers. Overall, participants are either somewhat by phone while zero respondents indicated they or very satisfied with the Park District. of respondents register via fax. indicated recreation programming is the Park Districts greatest strength.

90 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Which facility does your family visit most often? Which facility do you think needs the most How would you rate the condition of the various Participants 153/218 improvement? amenities within our parks? Participants 71/218 Participants 83/218 The Community Center is the most visited facility receiving 38 out of 149 votes (25.5%). Falcon Park Four of the five most visited facilities also received Respondents were asked to rate the conditions of Recreation Center was a close second with 33 votes the most votes for needing the most improvement. seven different amenities. Each of the seven was (22.1%). The pools, Birchwood Recreation Center, Respondents felt the Community Center needs overwhelmingly voted to be in good or excellent and Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center rounded the most improvement, giving it 32 of the 69 votes condition. There were only a total of ten “poor” out the top five most visited facilities. (46.4%). Birchwood Recreation Center received 12 votes. of the 69 votes. The pools, Palatine Stables, and Cutting Hall Performing Center followed with close Shelter and Picnic Amenities numbers. The remaining facilities received three or Good Excellent Fair Poor less votes each. 51 14 12 3 Which facility you think needs the most improvement ? Community Center 32 Playgrounds Good Excellent Fair Poor Birchwood Recreation Center 12 45 29 5 1

Pools 7 Baseball / Softball

Palatine Stables 6 Good Excellent Fair Poor 45 16 6 5 Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center 4 Soccer and Football Fields Falcon Park Recreation Center 3 Good Excellent Fair Poor

47 30 4 0 Fred P. Hall Amphitheater 2 Basketball Courts Palatine Hills Golf Course & Clubhous e 2 Good Excellent Fair Poor

Preschools 1 48 16 10 0

Clayson House Museum 0 Tennis Courts Good Excellent Fair Poor 51 15 14 1

Trails Good Excellent Fair Poor 52 17 10 0

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 91 What is your favorite seasonal special event? Feet Fest is the favorite summer special event with The favorite winter special event is the North Pole Participants 76/218 27 of 68 votes (39.7%). Canine Carnival was second Express with 19 of 68 votes (27.9%). Indoor Drive- with 14 votes. “Other” events, including the 4th of In Movie was second with 10 votes. Five of the Respondents were asked to indicate their favorite July celebration, movies in the park, and concerts nine respondents who indicated “other” have not special event for spring, summer, fall, and winter. at the amphitheater, came in a close third with 11 participated in any of the winter special events votes. The Cemetery Walk, History Crawl, and Tween offered by PPD. Valentines for Veterans, Date Night, Big Trucks is the favorite spring special event with Pool Party rounded out the list of favorite summer and Parents’ Night Out all tied for fourth favorite 22 of 72 votes (30.6%). “Other” events were second special events. winter event with eight votes each. Rounding out with 11 votes. Participants responded to this open- the list with six votes is Frosty Family Fun. ended option with events such as horse shows at the Stables and biking and running events. The Fishing Derby, Adult Egg Hunt, and Flying 4 Kids tied for third favorite spring event with eight votes each. Hound Egg Hunt, Musical Matinee, and Clayson House Teas rounded out the list.

Fall Festival is the favorite fall special event with 29 of 73 votes (39.7%). Respondents voted the Turkey Trot as their second favorite fall event, giving it 20 votes. The Halloween Party followed in third with 10 votes. The Full Moon Bike Ride and “Other” events rounded out the list with seven votes each.

92 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Prioritization Topic Results If you had $100 to invest in new or additional park For the following two topic questions, participants amenities, where would you invest your money? allocated a total of $100 digital dollars between 12 Splash pads were ranked as the highest priority and 14 items depending on the topic (indoor or according to the 58 participants who responded park amenity). The top five most funded items are to this topic. This was followed by restrooms, trails, included in the results. Totals will not equal $100. and baseball / softball fields. Playgrounds rounded out the top five priorities with $9 allocated. If you had $100 to invest in new or additional indoor recreation amenities, where would you invest your Top five funded items: money? An indoor aquatic facility was ranked as the highest priority by a landslide with two comments relating Splash Pads specifically to the community’s need for an indoor $17 pool. Thirty-nine out of 283 participants responded to this question. Fitness center followed indoor aquatics with half as many votes and 4.5 times less $16 Restrooms funding allocation. Dedicated fitness rooms, indoor turf, and a gymnastics facility were also included in the top five priorities. $10 Trails Top five funded items: $10 Baseball / Softball Fields $55 Indoor Aquatic Facility $9 Playgrounds $12 Fitness Center An Indoor Aquatic $5 Dedicated Fitness Rooms Facility, Splash

$5 Indoor Turf Pad, and Restrooms were the highest $4 Gymnastics Facility priorities for respondents.

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 93 Comment And Idea Analysis In addition to polls and surveys, participants were able to provide comments and ideas related to parks, facilities, and programs. There were 278 comments analyzed in this process. Users could provide comments in addition to their survey and poll submissions and / or answer open- ended questions posed on other areas of the site.

Open ended questions posed over the four-week period include: • What is your family’s favorite program? Why? Next, comments were organized into one of eight topic • Which park is your favorite? Why? categories. Topics were either related to a new park • Which park needs the most improvements? amenity (PA), existing park (GP), existing facility (FA), new indoor facility (NF), existing trail (TR), new trail (NT), policy Comments and ideas were categorized based on whether (PO), or programs (PR). they were general comments (G), a current condition description (C), a response (R), a proposal (P), seconding a Twenty-three percent of the comments were related to proposal (S), or and accolade (A). programming while 18.7% of the comments were related to new facilities. Finally, general park comments were the third most prevalent comments, with 17.3%.

Not all comments were applicable to the Palatine Park District and were filtered out of the analysis. Comments and ideas related to items outside of Palatine Park District’s jurisdiction were filtered out. Only fourteen comments (5%) out of the 278 total comments were considered not applicable.

Most comments were either proposals, including responses and seconding, or an accolade. Almost 28% of comments were praise and accolade for the Park District, indicating participants satisfied with the current offerings and facilities. These comments echo the results of the survey question in which 77% of respondents indicated they were satisfied with the Park District.

94 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Not only were all comments categorized by type and topic, but they were also grouped together into specific themes. The most prevalent themes included: • Park Improvements (parks) • Park Conditions (parks) • Outdoor Aquatics (parks) • Facility Improvements (facilities) • Stables (facilities) • Indoor Pool (facilities) • Youth Programs (programs) • Adult Programs (programs)

Raw results can be found in the Appendix.

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 95 Community Survey In collaboration with the Palatine Park District (PPD) and Hitchcock Design Group, ETC/Leisure Vision created and conducted a survey questionnaire to address the programs and amenities identified as important in planning the future system.

The seven-page survey was distributed by mail, Programs Question 5c: Respondent Rating of the Overall web, and phone to 2,500 randomly chosen Questions related to recreation programming are Quality of Programs or Activities they Have households throughout the District in 2014. used to ensure alignment between community Participated in Over the Past 12 Months? The Approximately three days after the surveys were need and future program opportunities. Forty- average excellent score, according to Leisure mailed, each household received an automated nine percent of households have participated in Vision’s database is 34%, which Palatine exceeds. phone call reminding them to participate. programs and services, which is an excellent result. • Excellent: 41% Additionally, two weeks after distribution, ETC/ This compares to a national average from Leisure • Good: 51% Leisure Vision contacted households again about Vision’s database of over 500 park and recreation • Fair: 3% participation. Of the 2,500 households who revived agencies of 34%. The following lists questions from • Poor: 5% surveys, 443 returned completed surveys. the survey and the results. Question 10: Households that Have a Need for Parks Parks Question 5b: Reasons Why Your Household and Recreation Programs? Top five answers Survey data revealed that of the respondents, Has Participated in Programs, Special Events or • Adult Fitness and Wellness programs: 58% 88% had visited one or more parks within the park Activities? Top five answers. • Adult Sports programs: 35% district in the last year, and that the majority of park • Location of the program facility: 67% • Special Events: 30% visitors (54%) found the overall quality of the park(s) • Times the program is offered: 45% • Youth Sports programs: 29% to be good. Of the same group of people, 43% rated • Fees charged for the program: 44% • Water Fitness programs: 25% the parks as excellent. Only 3% of the survey group • Quality of the program facility: 33% rated park quality as fair (2%) or poor (1%). • Friends participate in the program: 32%

96 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Facilities while 47% identified new indoor pool for leisure, household need for the program, there are a large For all age groups included in the survey, the most 23% updating the Birchwood Center, and 23% percentage of households who feel that need is used facilities were the indoor/outdoor recreation developing a new indoor competition pool (16%). largely unmet, and the programs were deemed facilities, followed by the forest preserves. For Residents reported a willingness to vote in favor of to be either the first, second, third, or fourth most residents between the ages of 0-17, the two types making major upgrades and building new facilities important program. of facilities used the next most used were schools within their park district with 43% willing to vote and public schools. For residents 18 and older, in favor of the changes and 27% who might vote According to the Leisure Vision database, adult private fitness centers and YMCAs were the next in favor. 27% were not sure how they would vote fitness and wellness programs consistently have most used types of facilities. Households identified and 14% would vote against the upgraded and new either the greatest or second greatest level of need. walking and biking trails as the facility that was facilities. This is no different in Palatine, as this program area most important to their household and as the has the highest level of need of all programs listed amenity that was most needed. Other facilities that Within the existing tax budget and amenities, 46% in the Community Interest and Opinion Survey, with were identified as needed were large and small of residents identified walking and biking trails 58% of households identifying a need for these community parks, and indoor fitness/exercise, as the action they would be most willing to fund. programs. and indoor running/walking facilities. The indoor The neighborhood parks (38%, community centers facilities were also reported as the most important (22%), Falcon Park Recreation Center (21%), and the In summary, the respondents of the survey to households after the walking and biking trails. Family Aquatic Center (19%) were also selected as identified biking and walking trails as the most actions the respondents were more willing to fund. important to their household, the most needed, In terms of maintaining and upgrading facilities the most important to maintain and upgrade, 89% of the respondents identified the walking and Upon review of the survey data, programs were and as the facility they are most wiling to fund. biking trails as being very or somewhat important. ranked into high, medium, and low priorities Programmatically, adult fitness and wellness Other facilities identified were the neighborhood according to the results of the following questions, programs generated the highest levels of parks (86%), the community center (76%), the and then the rankings were totaled for a final participation and were identified as being very sports fields (71%), and the aquatic center (70%). ranking. The raw spreadsheet data can be found in important to the household and highly needed the Appendix. within the park district. In terms of funding Resident Priorities • Estimated number of households in upgrades and new developments, the majority Palatine that have a Need for Recreation of residents were willing to vote in favor making Of the existing amenities, 40% respondents were upgrades to existing recreation centers and somewhat satisfied with the value received from Programs (question 10) • Estimated number of households in building new facilities,such as an indoor pool, and the Park District. 37% of the respondents were most residents were willing to increase tax revenue. very satisfied while 16% were neutral. When asked Palatine whose Needs for Recreation Programs are only being 50% met or less about specific amenities the households would A copy of the survey, along with the executive (question 10c) use, residents identified the largest interest in summary and results charts can be found in the indoor walking/jogging tracks, weight rooms, • Parks and Recreation Facilities Programs Appendix. cardiovascular equipment, a 50+ exercise facility, that are Most Important to Households fitness and dance spaces, and lap lanes for (question 11) swimming. Based on this ranking system, programming areas Surveyed households identified multiple facilities such as adult fitness/wellness, water fitness, adult in which making major upgrades or building new sports, adult arts, and special events represent facilities is important and would be supported. the most important program priories for the 49% identified upgrading the Community Center community. For these programs, there is significant

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 97 Stakeholder Focus Groups While the community at-large is the principal stakeholder the District must address, the District must also respond to the various interest groups within the District that they have relationships with Stakeholder interviews are conversations with these Priorities interest groups that allow the District to see their role in Stakeholders provided a wealth of information and the community through the eyes of these groups. The thoughts about the District’s future, but the following interviews may be in-person, phone, group, or virtual topics or themes were the highest priority for most or all interviews based on a series of questions related to parks, stakeholder groups: programs, facility, and overall needs and desires. During • Partnerships this planning process, these interviews were semi- • Sports Fields structured, in-person discussions with small groups of • Indoor Aquatics Facility individuals from the following interest groups: • Dedicated Indoor Recreation Space • School Districts 13 and 221 • Seniors • Harper College • Stables Improvements • Metro Risk Management Agency • Existing Park Improvements • Palatine Opportunity Center • Clayson House Improvements • Palatine Senior Center • Village of Palatine • Rolling Meadows and Salt Creek Park Districts Partnerships • Clayson House Museum The Park District offers multiple programs at School • Palatine Historical Society District 15 facilities, including a before- and after-school • Palatine Park Foundation programming called CARE and a homework center • Palatine Area Football Association (PAFA) Tackle program. The homework center program is geared toward Football and Spirit Cheerleading underprivileged students and provides a safe environment • Palatine Youth Baseball / Softball (PYB/S) to focus on their school work. The School District runs a successful junior high soccer program that also serves • Rolling Meadows Hockey underprivileged youth. While the program increases • Palatine Rugby Club involvement in sports, transportation is often an issue • Gymnastics for these students. Stakeholders suggested more inter- • Palatine Stables Riding Teams agency coordination for transportation services or a joint • Palatine Tigersharks Swim Team community center to expand these types of programs and • Concert Band 98 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 23 serve more of the area’s underprivileged youth.

The Palatine Opportunity Center also partners with the District for at-risk youth programs. They collaborate with the District on an at-risk youth summer camp and provide space and staff for after-school programs. The District provides the funding for the after-school program. Additional partnership opportunities exist between these two agencies.

The District not only has a partnership with School District 15, but also School District 221. Currently, School District 211 is renovating five high schools and when renovations are complete, the School District would like explore opportunities for the Park District to utilize the facilities for programs like wrestling and gymnastics. Pools and fields are also a high priority for the District, and stakeholders would also like to investigate partnership opportunities for an indoor pool or shared sports fields near Fremd High School.

Partnerships with adjacent Park Districts and municipal agencies are another high priority for stakeholders. Reciprocal agreements for use of the Rolling Meadows ice rink, Hoffman Estates Park District programs and facilities, and Salt Creek Park District already exist. Additional partnerships for programs such as cultural arts and the stables would provide opportunities for agencies to fill programs and classes they struggle to fill. Additional partnerships would not only allow residents to access a wider range of programming throughout the region, but may also make recreation services more affordable. Specifically, stakeholders believe that strengthening the partnership between the Palatine Park District and Salt Creek Park District would improve recreation services for all Village of Palatine residents.

Many Village of Palatine residents live in the Salt Creek Park District, but would like to participate in Palatine Park District programs. Because they live in Salt Creek Park District they are charged non-resident fees for Palatine Park District programs. The high non-resident rates

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 99 dissuade Salt Creek Park District residents from there are not enough field resources in the District Not only do baseball facilities need improvements, using Palatine Park District programs. Stakeholders to meet everyone’s needs. PAFA programming has but basketball facilities also need updating. would like to see program registration be an easy also outgrown the District’s current facilities. As According to stakeholders, the basketball program and economical process. Some proposed the idea athletics participation grows, facilities and fields is very popular, but like the other youth athletic of annexing the Salt Creek Park District into the should increase in number, size and quality, but programs, it need additional space in order to Palatine Park District boundaries, but there are they have not done so. increase offerings. concerns about the financial burden of such action. The goal for both Districts should be to provide the Currently, Celtic Park turf is used for practice, but Stakeholders noted that while the District may not opportunity for area youth to participate in Salt games cannot be hosted here because the lights be able to fulfill all the needs themselves, affiliations Creek or Palatine Park Districts programs with their and fencing are too close to the field and the turf with other Park Districts, School Districts, or Harper friends and classmates regardless of whether they is not contact sport grade. Hamilton Park is the College for field use could cover some needs and live within that District or not. A more affordable District’s primary sports complex and could play wouldn’t require PPD to be “all things to all people.” The most common requests across all stakeholder groups were sports field improvements or additions, indoor aquatics space, and dedicated program space. non-resident rate, revised program fee structure a key role in fulfilling the youth athletic program and increased reciprocal marketing may help to needs. To fulfill youth athletics’ needs, according Indoor Aquatics Facility improve this partnership. to stakeholders, the facility would need sports Almost every stakeholder group discussed the lighting, scoreboards, improved concessions, closed need for an indoor aquatics facility. The Palatine on-deck areas, and better advertising. This is also Tigersharks swim program has a regional draw and Sports Fields currently uses the District’s three outdoor pools Stakeholders see the Parks and Recreation mission only of the few District sites where the opportunity for additional fields exists, and increasing during the summer. Harper, Fremd and Palatine evolving to health and wellness, but question High School provide the indoor facilities during whether policy obstacles could hinder this growth. the number of fields would be a welcomed improvement to stakeholders. the winter. Many noted that there are partnership Youth sports and athletics could play a large role opportunities with Harper College they would in improving health and wellness but stakeholders like the District to consider for an indoor aquatics recognized the already-present high demand and One of the most prevalent complaints about Hamilton Park was the distance between the facility. conflict over sports field usage. Policy to establish a balance between affiliate and community restrooms / concessions and the fields themselves. use, resolve conflicts, and improve partnerships Parking either needs to be expanded or visitors Dedicated Indoor Recreation Space between the affiliates, Park District, and School need to be educated on where to park when using In addition to a new indoor pool facility, District would benefit the community as a whole. adjacent parking locations to be considerate of stakeholders noted that the expansion to Falcon neighborhood residents. Many stakeholders would is also a much needed improvement. Celtic soccer PBA offers programs for more than 700 participants like the District to consider artificial turf infields. As consumes Falcon’s indoor fields during the winter each year and noted that with growing competition upgrades are considered, financial responsibilities and other teams, such as rugby or lacrosse, must go from rugby and lacrosse, who indicated their for all organizations will need to be clarified and / or to neighboring communities for winter practices numbers are expected to double in the near future, established, but PYB noted they are willing to share and conditioning. Other programs, such as PAFA costs on some of the baseball improvements. Spirit Cheerleading and basketball, also struggle

100 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 with space challenges, and the Phase 2 expansion improvements. The addition of new or trending Existing Park Improvements would provide additional dedicated space for programs may also improve participation. Hoffman Stakeholders noted that parks are well kept, but key programs and alleviate rental and scheduling Estates Park District has a pickleball program that facilities, most notably Community Center Park, are conflicts. is filled by the 60+ age group and this type of in need of upgrades. According to stakeholders, the program may also be successful in Palatine. District does well at providing an array of passive The competitive gymnastics program is unique to the Palatine Park District and acts as a feeder program to local high school athletics. Like many other programs, they have outgrown their current Stakeholders noted that parks are well kept, space and will continue to grow. Gymnastics requires specific, dedicated space and a new facility, but key facilities, most notably Community addition / renovation, or partnership may help to provide the needed indoor space as the program Center Park, are in need of upgrades. continues to grow. and active opportunities, but suggested adding basketball courts, trails, and pickleball courts to In addition to the partnership with Harper and a Stables Improvements improve existing parks. potential Falcon Phase 2 expansion, partnerships One existing property in need of improvement is the Stables. According to stakeholders, the property with school districts were suggested to expand New open space along Rand Road – Dundee was purchased more for the land than for the indoor recreation space opportunities. The Road may also benefit residents who currently stables themselves, and understanding their place purchase of an existing facility, such as the Golf have limited access to active recreation amenities. in the long-term District vision is important. Nation property, may also be an option according Stakeholders also noted that the condition of the to some stakeholders. golf course fluctuates and improvements could Currently, the Stables are not well-known as a Park increase playability and users. District facility, but for those who are aware of the

Seniors facility, they agree it is an asset to the community. Currently, the Park District uses the Senior Center Stakeholders believe if the stables’ physical Clayson House Improvements for after-hours classes, affiliate group meetings, conditions are improved, program participation Current plans for Clayson House improvements are and programming when it is not in use for might increase. The riding team currently has the on hold until Legacy Park plans are accomplished. seniors. According to stakeholders, the facility is ability to host shows at the stables, but attendance Improvements include dedicated parking and in need of parking and safety improvements, but is impacted by the condition of the facility. HVAC on-site storage. Currently, parking is shared with assistance is needed to identify and acquire funds renovations would improve conditions for both the church and school and storage space is rented for maintenance and renovations. Other senior boarders and program participants and allow for until Village renovations are done. More outreach program needs, such as senior-focused fitness more lessons, parties, and camp opportunities. programs might increase community participation equipment may be achieved through the Falcon Stakeholders suggested Tower Hill in Hampshire, and visits and should be considered in the future. Phase 2 expansion. Lamp Light in Wayne, and Gurnee as facilities the Park District should explore when considering Programs for seniors start at age 50, but despite this improvements. low age requirement, the Senior Center still faces difficulties in attracting younger seniors and active adults because it lacks amenities relevant to this growing demographic. To attract younger seniors, stakeholders suggested branding and publicity

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 101 Staff Workshops In addition to stakeholder focus groups, individual focus groups were held for all Park District departments including Parks Services, Support and Finance, Recreation Programming, and Facilities.

Priorities services, and open spaces that the District Currently, turf fields are overused and there are Staff members provided a wealth of information provides. The District faces a variety of obstacles few that have time to rest between uses. Because and thoughts about the District’s future, but the at this site, including erosion and draining issues, fields have little time to rest between uses, they are following topics or themes were the highest priority flooding, vandalism, and use conflicts. Most staff difficult to maintain for staff. Not only do the fields for most or all groups: members believe it would be best to redevelop have little time to rest, but many also have existing • Community Park Redevelopment the site from the ground up. Some suggestions for drainage issues that continue to worsen as their • Sports Fields improvements include a skating rink, relocating use increases. Staff suggested the construction the skate park to another location away from the of synthetic turf fields. Coupled with improved • Indoor Aquatics Facility preschool and amphitheater, field redesign, and scheduling and programming and an athletic • Dedicated Indoor Program Space circulation improvements. A suggestion for the affiliate advisory group, these changes could • Staffing and Resource Improvements skate park relocation was to move the amenity alleviate the over-use of natural turf fields. • Facility Rentals to Hamilton Park, where it would be more visible. • Stable Improvements The underutilized basketball courts may also be In addition to existing field improvements, staff • Maintenance Facility Improvements an amenity that could be relocated or omitted noted the need for an outdoor sports complex altogether. for local resident use. The desire for new adult Community Park Redevelopment softball fields, baseball fields, lit tennis courts, and All or most of the staff workshop participants Sports Fields multi-purpose turf fields exists in the community, indicated the need to redevelop Community In addition to Community Park redevelopment, staff according to staff. Staff suggested adding sports Park. As the Park District’s “front door” it is a agreed that sports fields needs to be addressed. lighting to the tennis courts at Eagle, but with the poor representation of the quality of programs, increased use, parking issues would need to also

102 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 be addressed if this is done. In addition to new accommodate both team and class scheduling. rooms would also provide more space for the baseball and softball fields, support amenities Partnerships with area schools may also be an growing yoga programs. like scoreboards, irrigation, artificial turf, and option to improve space needs. spectator amenities are needed throughout the The preschool program is currently spread parks to bring their facilities up to the standards Cultural arts programs are also in need of dedicated through four different facilities. Staff noted that it of surrounding communities. Staff suggested that program space, specifically related to performing requires more staff resources with a DCFS qualified these improvements are needed specifically at arts. As staff continues their efforts to strengthen director at each location. Enrollment is currently Hamilton Park. the theater program, music, and dance programs, restricted because of the limited staff and space

Staff indicated that while an earlier study indicated that sufficient indoor pools existed elsewhere in the community, they continue to hear frequent requests for an indoor pool.

Indoor Aquatics Facility the need for better performance and practice space resources available. Ideally, staff would like to see Staff indicated that while an earlier study indicated grows. Currently, Community Center and Cutting the preschool and community center located at that sufficient indoor pools existed elsewhere in Hall have been the best spaces for these programs, a combined facility with a safety town or outside the community, they continue to hear frequent but still lack the adequate square footage and playground / play activities. Birchwood is one of the requests for an indoor pool. The swim team quality for these programs to grow. Community facilities that houses the preschool program. The program has become a regional draw and will Center is difficult to navigate and the facility is not facility is not visible along the roadway, and staff continue to grow over the next five years. An indoor set up well for deliveries. Multiple entrances and noted that the drop-off experience and entrance pool would provide a place for the swim team surveillance cameras may improve navigation and needs improvement. A lack of air conditioning also program in the winter. Currently they use the school safety. Another aging facility, Cutting Hall faces hinders the amount of programs that can be hosted facilities for indoor aquatics, but face scheduling its own space challenges. Staff suggested the in the facility. conflicts between school district and Park District addition of a small black-box theater to alleviate needs. Currently, the District is looking into a conflicts between theater and dance rehearsals as Finally, staff noted the need for the Phase 2 partnership with Harper College. Staff suggested well as additional storage space and full-service expansion at Falcon Recreation Center. With the a ten-lane, 50 meter pool like those in Munster, concessions. existing amount of fields, resident and rental Indiana, or Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The facility scheduling has grown competitive, making it could be a multi-state draw but would have conflict In addition to gymnastics and theater space, difficult for the District to balance community use between regional and resident use. staff also noted a need for better fitness space. and revenue generation in the winter. Addition turf, According to staff, the Community Center fitness batting cages, changing rooms, conference room, Dedicated Indoor Recreation Space space is too small and not ADA compliant. Locker rental room, and storage would be a welcome As programs such as gymnastics and cultural room locations are also inconveniently placed a addition and may alleviate the conflicts staff arts continue to grow, the need for dedicated floor below the fitness area. Additional and / or currently faces. recreation space does also. Gymnastics is a club- improved fitness space may provide opportunities level competition program that continues to attract to increase wellness program offerings. Additional participants. According to staff, the program needs gymnasium space would also allow for additional a larger facility with higher ceilings in order to basketball and camp programs. Dedicated fitness

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 103 Staffing and Resource Improvements registration processes to determine improvements Banquets, according to staff, are difficult to All departments noted the need for staff and for PPD’s registration process. Staff also suggested accommodate in any PPD facility. A lack of resources improvements. Parks Services staff software improvements for maintenance adequate space forces state to turn down large indicated they are understaffed in the spring and coordination and scheduling. groups, and with the closing of private facilities within the area, the need for a large banquet space continues to increase. Staff is concerned about having safety policies Stables Improvements in place and managing risk properly. While staff recognizes the stables are a unique asset in the community, they admit it is difficult fall seasons, which makes it difficult to give park to maintain. In order to bring the stables up to and facility repairs the attention they need. Part- Finally, the group voiced their concerns about current standards and be competitive in the time and full-time staff also face conflicts that having proper risk management and safety policies marketplace, staff commented that an indoor wash need to be resolved through the implementation in place. MRMA membership seems to be in a rack, expanded arena space, trail riding, head and the comprehensive plan. According to staff, more reactive state than a proactive, prepared insulation need to be installed. This would allow training and evaluations need to be improved and state, like PDRMA. Staff would like to understand for program and competition expansions as well job expectations should be communicated and and compare the benefits to membership in each as attract more recreation and / or competitive clarified to all members. Currently, staff believes organization and determine which organization boarders, 4-6 year old programming, and special there are too many meetings to coordinate and would benefit their staff and residents the most. needs programming. They have considered then methods of communicating information and eliminating the existing facilities and reconstructing data that it takes up much of their valuable time. In Facility Rentals new stable facilities on the Meadowlark property. addition to improved communications and training, Facility conditions and improvements were not Staff also noted that the site may also be a prime staff also indicated that some restructuring, the only facility-related concern staff noted. Staff location for a paintball gun range. specifically combining marketing with finance and is concerned with the limited amount of rental administration, may help improve operations. opportunities available within District facilities. Maintenance Facility Improvements Without a dedicated party room, there is only one Not only did the Parks Services group discuss Not only are staffing improvements needed across facility specialized for rentals and parties. One the need for additional staff, but they also were all District departments, but improved software facility that garnered a lot of staff interest was concerned with the quality of maintenance resources, specifically registration, program, and the golf course clubhouse. According to staff, the facilities that exist within the District. The three-bay finance software, are needed to make District 75 to 80 person limit restricts the type of rental maintenance shop lack both space and resources operations more efficient. Currently, the outdated opportunities at the clubhouse. Long-term plans and is too small to accommodate current needs. system makes it difficult to extract and analyze data. call for the construction of a new clubhouse, and With only a few trucks, staff noted that if one truck Staff is forced to do manual counts for some data, at that time, staff believes indoor cart storage, a is out of service, it paralyzes an entire crew and making finance reports and cost-recovery analyses small kitchen and a multi-purpose room would help inhibits them from getting work done. Additional time consuming. Staff would like a program that expand rental opportunities. The addition of a small indoor storage is needed to keep equipment out could help them measure the effectiveness of kitchen would also open the door to additional of the elements and in good working condition. recreation programs and evaluate where to place cooking classes and birthday party rentals and Not only would existing improvements help with their efforts. New registration software that is would allow for beer and wine services at the efficiency, but an additional satellite facility near integrated into the District website would not clubhouse. Flooding improvements would also Falcon could help shorten driving times, wear on only make it easier for staff to use, but also make it benefit the clubhouse rental opportunities. equipment, and improve response times. easier for residents to register for programs. Staff is currently researching other District program

104 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 105 Board Input Workshop As stewards of their community, the Board provides distinct insight into the needs of their residents. The District’s Board of Commissioners participated in a workshop where they shared their priorities for the next five years.

Priorities the right places, and with that, understand that with the community’s changing demographics. The Board of Commissioners provided a wealth changes to the existing community centers will be Adding pickle ball and foot golf or providing of information and thoughts about the District’s necessary to better serve the community. Falcon transportation to program may help the District future, but the following topics or themes were the Recreation Center is heavily used, and, according serve these demographics more effectively. highest priority for most or all groups: to commissioners, is already in need of the phase Addressing language barriers through marking • Indoor Facility Improvements 2 expansion, and Birchwood Recreation Center is and staffing or cost barriers through a revised fee • Underserved Demographics beyond its useful life. Most importantly, the Board structure may also attract more participation out of would like to know how existing space be adapted underserved demographics. Additional input from • Staffing and Resource Improvements to current needs and how can the District invest the community may be needed to accurately adjust • Partnerships in renovations, expansion, or new indoor space District services to the needs of these residents. • Marketing and Communications construction that can be flexible and responsive to Improvements future needs. In regards to teen programming, the Board noted • Passive Recreation Opportunities that the District should avoid duplicating efforts Underserved Demographics of other organizations that successfully engage Indoor Facility Improvements Addressing underserved demographics, teens, but partnerships with these successful According to the Board of Commissioners, much specifically teens, underprivileged families, and organizations could increase participation from this of the District’s infrastructure is obsolete and as minorities, is a high priority for the Board of demographic. Improvements to the stables facility commissioners, they need to know what to plan Commissioners. They noted that recreational and program offering may be an opportunity to for over the next five to ten years. They recognize activities and amenities should be consistent increase teen involvement in District activities. the importance of having the right facilities in Finally, the “I Compete Program” deserves a closer

106 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 look. There are over 200 homeless students in Partnerships Passive Recreation Opportunities District 211 that need a place to go after school, The commissioners agreed that the District cannot A balance between active and passive space was and this program may help the District provide that effectively be “everything to everyone” and in order acknowledged as a need by all commissioners. place. to serve the community to the best of its abilities, While they recognize the need for additional it must establish and enhance partnerships with sports fields, they also believe the District should Another population the District would like to area organizations. By leveraging partnerships with explore opportunities to repurpose underutilized serve better is the special needs community. The affiliates, adjacent park districts, school districts, parks, such as Chestnut and Wally Degner Parks, Board recognizes that there are more recreational and even the private section, the District has the for community gardens, dog parks, or looping opportunities available for this population than ability to serve the community in many more ways trails. Commissioners recognize the importance there has been before, but know there is more the than if they try to do everything alone. However, of implementing the five key trail and bridge District could do to serve them. The stables may the District must also be selective and say “no” connections and look for the plan to help the provide an opportunity for therapeutic programs, when appropriate. District plan for a complete trail system. but may need infrastructure improvements for this to be implemented effectively.

The District cannot effectively be “everything to everyone” and in order to serve the community to the best of its abilities, it must establish and enhance partnerships with area organizations.

Staffing and Resource Improvements Marketing and Communications Staff, according to the Board of Commissioners, Communications, publicity and marketing are areas is the District’s greatest strength. They are of great concern for the Board of Commissioners. experienced, people oriented, and hard workers Many residents don’t know even a portion of what and the Board-staff relationship is positive. the District has to offer, and the Board would like to However, staff utilization is a concern for the Board. explore different ways to improve their outreach. While the District is currently leveraging the right Partnerships, new technology, and updated staff for the right jobs at the right pay, they need to software were three ideas for improving publicity. make sure they continue to utilize all staff talents, Commissioners would like to see all programs such as horticulture and carpentry, that are not full, not just baseball, soccer, and gymnastics, always used for their highest and best use. In and marketing improvements is a major step in addition to utilizing all staff talents, the District may making that happen. Commissioners suggested the need to consider additional Parks Services staff as Barrington “Living 60010” as a model to consider needed to keep up with current and future facilities. when looking for ways to improve outreach.

The staff and community deserve program and registration software resources that make it easier to facilitate and participate in programs.

CONNECT: NEEDS ASSESSMENT PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 107 108 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Envision Alternative Strategies 3109 Overview This Chapter documents the Envision: Alternative Strategies phase of the planning process. All potential strategies and initiatives discussed to address opportunities and concerns revealed in the previous two phases are documented.

Purpose Following the visioning workshop, the project team Strategies not The Envision: Alternative Strategies Phase is the met with staff and taskforce members to review the synthesis of the Assess: Inventory and Analysis proposed strategies and add additional strategies chosen as preferred Phase and Connect: Community Engagement to the list. The following pages document these and Needs Assessment Phase. During this phase, issues, opportunities, and concerns along with the strategies are the project team conducted and vision workshop justification from the Assess and Connect phases. where a series of strategies were developed for The justification summarizes findings that helped crossed out, while various issues and concerns that arose during the reveal the individual strategies, for easy reference. first two phases of the process. Each table outlines the various strategies strategies chosen as Opportunities and the associated strategies are contemplated during the process. Strategies chosen preferred strategies organized into three categories: as preferred strategies, or high priorities, are in bold. • Policy, Administration, and Operations Strategies not chosen as priorities but still under are in bold. • Programming consideration remain as standard text. Strategies removed from consideration are crossed out. • Parks and Open Space • Facilities

110 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 POLICY, ADMINISTRATION, AND OPERATIONS

Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect A How can PPD improve the registration 1 Update software program. The Connect phase workshops identified process? 2 Develop an annual program analysis process, which includes a that the registration software is review of program registration and revenue trends. antiquated and is not an easy or user- 3 Consider aligning PPD program registration schedule and program friendly process. Out of 66 votes, 43 cycles with school district scheduling cycles. participants indicated they used the online registration system to register for programs on the MindMixer site.

B How can PPD improve the customer service 1 Enhance customer service committee / create customer service experience? plan. Train staff and allow all desk areas to sell and serve customer needs.

C How can PPD alleviate schedule conflicts with 1 Provide program space at a new facility. Staff indicated scheduling conflicts school district space? 2 Consider IGA with School District 211. creating programming issues during the needs assessment workshops.

D Demographics: How can PPD better engage the 1 Geocode program participant addresses to evaluate and analyze The demographic analysis revealed that 20% of survey respondents indicated they various underserved demographic who is participating in what programs at which facilities. Potentially the active adult and senior population do not participate in programs because populations? use results and analysis to re-evaluate where programs should be will increase to more than 26% of the the fees are too high. MindMixer hosted and where to target specific marketing. population by the year 2019, but only participants noted the desire a turf policy 5.5% of total programs are geared that allows for family play. Stakeholder 2 Consider transportation services for underprivileged populations to toward 55+ market. Overall , 252 or and staff workshops indicated a need for increase access to programs and participation rates. 27.5% of programs are dedicated for expansion, and schedule challenges 3 Consider reduced rates and special programs for underprivileged youth ages 13-17 who make up 13% of between rentals and resident us at populations. the population. . Falcon. 4 Consider a special survey aimed at underprivileged populations and / or a work group specifically assigned to address the needs of these populations. 5 Evaluate Community Center weekend fitness center hours of operations. 6 Consider expanding Community Center weekend and winter hours of operation 7 Consider policy change at Falcon for usage to be changed to allow residents to use facility as family.

E How can PPD improve staffing and resources 1 Develop satellite facility to reduce drive times and equipment use. The staff workshops indicated the influx for maintenance, administration, of seasonal staff does not overlap with programming, and other departments? Consider locating at north side of Falcon Park the heavy workload demand in the 2 Evaluate contracted vs. staff mowing agreements. Consider spring and fall. Parks and facilities are contracting out for large remote areas. aging and PPD is not currently able to 3 Develop detailed Capital Replacement and Development Program . keep up with maintenance and replacement needs. 4 Complete staffing study to evaluate unmet staffing needs . 5 Explore staff / department locations for best utilization. 6 Establish a part-time staff training protocol for various sub- departments / work groups

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 111 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect F Volunteers: How can PPD continue to leverage 1 Develop a Volunteer Coordinator position The Connect phase identified the and improve the involvement of volunteers? 2 Develop comprehensive and formal volunteer program. volunteer base as one of PPD's and the Develop online volunteer form that translates volunteer interests community's strengths, volunteers are into department-wide database to aid in finding current and needed to provide many of the programs, potential volunteers. Design database so supervisor comments events, and sports offered. Coordination can be incorporated into records. and communication could be improved Develop menu of volunteer opportunities based on the total hours with the volunteer base. individual volunteers are available 3 Consider establishing a "Friend of the Parks" Groups to assist Parks Foundation.

G Marketing and Communications: How can PPD 1 Consider requiring non-residents pay the total "membership" fee of Stakeholder interviews indicated there is improve their policies and communications for what PPD tax payers pay and then get resident rates for programs confusion from Village residents outside resident vs. non-resident fees for residents in of PPD regarding non-resident fees for the Village but in different Park Districts? 2 Consider IGA between PPD and Salt Creek Park District for resident PPD programs. Could use improved rates communication between Districts. 3 Consider IGA for reciprocal services and benefits between area Park Districts.

H Marketing and Communications: How can PPD 1 Develop partnerships between Hoffman Estates Park District, Stakeholder and staff workshops improve communications and partnerships Rolling Meadows and Salt Creek Park District for facilities and indicated a need to improve with other districts and sports affiliates where programs. Establish partnerships and communicate to these communications between PDD, other there are program and facility needs, and residents and staff. Districts, and affiliates. In general, good where communications have been Consider cooperative teen program with Rolling Meadows. relationships and helpful staff are challenging? 2 Shared web platform present. 3 Conduct quarterly meetings to coordinate field maintenance, scheduling, and other issues. Conduct season set up and post- season evaluations. 4 Consider partnership with Harper College for indoor pool facility.

5 Review / revise affiliate agreements. Establish standard affiliate 6 Consider cooperative community newsletter with other government partners. 7 Collaborate with other Districts when seeking partnerships and cooperatives.

112 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect I Marketing and Communications: How can PPD 1 Consider hiring graphic designer. Website should achieve three main goals: Out of 66 votes, 43 participants improve their website? 2 Identity advance the District's mission, indicated they used the online Establish a clearly identifiable personality Contribute to the bottom line, and registration system to register for Consider updating District logo. provide transparency. Website and programs on the MindMixer site. 7 out of Consider large, strong photo and headline / subline for program guide should share key design 102 respondents hear about PPD news navigation bar, title and logo font, and header / footer. elements and relate visually. Color through the website. Board workshop Coordinate design elements with program guide. scheme improvements, design hierarchy, results indicate a need to stay current 3 Design and dated fonts are areas of concern in with technology and be able to Develop a coordinated color palette. terms of design. Aim for big bold images communicate with residents easily and Utilize brand appropriate fonts. Keep fonts consistent throughout and graphics instead of many small ones. quickly. Staff workshops indicated a need the website. There are many links in the navigation to improve the website. According to the Establish a hierarchy of design elements bar and inhibits usability when users community survey 35% of respondents Ensure interior / subpages have a consistent look with the must click many links to access the find out about adult programs via the homepage and throughout the site. information they are looking for. Content website. Integrate District identity into tourism-type facilities such as the should be high-quality, conversational, golf course, Cutting Hall, and Family Aquatic Center. and current. Encourage action, integrate Place logo in prominent an highly visible location. social media, and measure performance Consider eliminating header collage and replace with one large, to ensure website is always usable and impactful image or with a rotating image display. producing the results desired. Relocation social media buttons lower on the page. 4 Navigation Reduce the number of links in the navigation bar and increase font size. Relocation login and registration links to upper right corner. Relocate links to Affiliates, Program evaluations, Forms, and Open Gym / Track Hours. Analyze user data on site to evaluate if these links can be moved lower on the page. Consider re-categorizing and renaming section from a user perspective - see best practices section of report. Carry a consistent branded header throughout the site on every page. 5 Content Select interesting images to capture and engage users. Add benefit-selling subheadings. Rewrite body copy in a more conversational and convincing style with a call-to-action in mind. Update program section, using a separate page with marketing copy and images. Include call-to-action, current season information, and registration information. Consider eliminating program section. Consider eliminating events sidebar, replace with more engaging, sharable content.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 113 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect 6 Other / Additional Encourage action. Each page should have an element that encourages action - get the order, solicit feedback, encourage sharing online, sign up for an email list, view products / services / photos, etc. Integrate social media and website activities. Include an easy-to- spot one-click sharing button for content. Ensure district has presence on Google+, Yelp, FourSquare and other social networks. Use an open source platform that allows for flexibility with the updating process. Ensure website is mobile-friendly. Establish and track performance measures and user behavior. Consider: number of visitors , referrals, bounce rate, exit pages, top 10 pages, conversion rate.

J Marketing and Communications: How can PPD 1 Consider hiring graphic designer. There is a lack of identity / brand 56 / 102 respondents on the MindMixer improve their Program Guide? 2 Identity associated with the Program Guide. Fonts hear about Park District news through Establish a clearly identifiable personality . are not consistent throughout the the Program Guide. According to the Consider updating District logo. document and the current titles for community survey, 92% of respondents Consider large, strong photo and headline / subline for each programs are descriptive but not find out about park district new, events, section instead of multiple smaller photos and design elements. compelling. Photos and graphic elements and program via the program guide. Utilize brand appropriate fonts. Keep fonts consistent throughout are small and minimal. Sections do not the guide. have headings that sell the features and Develop a strong, overall design concept for all communications benefits of that collection of programs. including a catalog template. No strong visual theme. Content heavy. Consider headings an subheadings that emphasize the fun, Lacks adequate amount of white space. healthy aspects of the activity, not the season. Interior layout crowded. No hierarchy in 3 Design font, type size, etc. Organization is Reduce content to allow for more white space. confusing - organized by location instead Evaluate need to publish District map in catalog each season. of activity. Hotspots are not strategically Develop a coordinated color palette. placed. Many non descriptive, Avoid script fonts. unnecessary words and phrases On the cover, make subtitles smaller and relocate them to the top throughout. Do not benefit the program / or bottom of page. De-emphasize season, website, and phone reader. Lack of call to action throughout. information / text. Place the registration dates or featured news at Language on order form harsh and not a location away from the main title. customer-friendly. De-clutter the interior layout, increasing white space. Establish several spread templates that create a clear hierarchy in type sizes and font styles for section headers, subsection headers, and subsection general information headers or program titles. Reorganize services by activity as opposed to location. Provide self-titled sections for Rentals, Dog Park, Online and New Registration System, and special needs Recreation. Consider locating Park Board meeting information along with volunteer opportunities and foundation information in the "Get Involved" section. Consider a more strategic use of hotspots. Utilize the inside cover, first four pages, and back cover for these hotspots.

114 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect 4 Content Avoid non-descriptive words in program descriptions. Eliminate phrases like "this class is designed to,"you won't believe," and "are you interested in." Consider employing a staff member with strong writing skills or a professional copywriter to work with program and facility staff to Plan to schedule photo shoots each season for next year's use. Show users interacting with each other in photography. 5 Encourage Ordering Include a prominent call to action and registration dates on the order form. Omit detailed refund policy from the registration form. Simply mention where residents can find the policy. Locate the refund policy on the inside back cover of the program / activity guide. Relocate the registration form to the last page of the program / activity guide. Simplify registration information and eliminate unnecessary instructions as the form is self-explanatory. Relocate special registrations and special needs information Soften and simplify registration procedure and policy language.

Consider a more customer-friendly refund policy. 5 Other / Additional Consider reducing guide to 64 pages for significant savings. Eliminate directory content. Establish and track performance measures to improve ROI. Consider: catalog ROI, gross revenue per catalog / per spread, cost per catalog mailed, response rate to households responding, new K Marketing and Awareness: How can the District 1 Develop awareness campaign for Parks Foundation. According to the community survey, 92% improve communications about various 2 Develop awareness campaign for performing arts programming of residents find out about park district news, events, and programs via the services and facilities? What facilities need to 3 Consider environmental stewardship branding and awareness be addressed? campaign. program guide, 35% via the website, 10% 4 Develop awareness campaign for underutilized facilities and via the newspaper, and 5% via social amenities. Consider: media. 38% find out about news, events Golf Course. and programs via friends and family. Also Stables. according to the survey, 68% of Disc Golf respondents have never visited Cutting 5 Develop awareness campaign for POC and ICompete partnerships. Hall, 95-99% have never visited a Focus campaign on its value and needs served. preschool, 92% have never visited the museum, and 86% have never visited the stables.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 115 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect L Risk Management: What actions should PPD 1 Define issues with current risk management practices. Members of MERMA, not PDERMA Comments at staff meetings indicated a take on risk management? 2 Research alternatives and determine best route and provider for need to explore additional risk risk management. management options. 3 Coordinate with other member agencies to complete a cost-benefit analysis. 4 Explore options to shift from the current reactive nature of liability insurance pool to a proactive comprehensive preventative risk management pool. 5 Ensure all independent production companies utilizing Cutting Hall operate with certificates of insurance.

M What should PPD do about the IGA with the 1 Review IGA with Village and consider revisions or improvements to Issues with current Community Center Support from Village staff indicated Village. agreement. renovation and facility use agreement. during stakeholder interviews.

N Mission Vision Values 1 Consider revisions to mission, vision, and values. Establish a shorter, more focus mission statement and develop a vision station and list of values. 2 Establish a Culture Statement that establishes standards for staff conduct.

O Pricing and Revenue 1 Analyze / Decipher consistent pricing strategy. There is a varied approach to non- 20% of survey respondents indicated they 2 Develop consistent cost recovery model. Establish true cost of resident fee pricing. Programs typically do not participate in programs because programming, exploring direct costs and indirect costs. assess 25%, Fitness Center memberships the fees are too high. 3 Develop resident / non-resident fee structure. are 50% more, golf green fees are 21% more, stable horsemanship rates are 5% 4 Establish 50/50 tax to revenue ratio. Develop standard revenue more. Party room rentals at the structure. Communtiy Center are 40% more. 5 Update pricing structure to reflect current practices and standards and keep up with related costs. 6 Implement new finance software. Software will provide the opportunity to complete more in-depth analysis of programs and finances. 7 Formalize sponsorship opportunities and consider creating sponsorship coordinator position. 8 Evaluate golf fees and pricing structure. 9 Evaluate special event costs and participation. 10 Evaluate feasibility of contracting out concessions services. 11 Evaluate increasing ticket and fee costs for Cutting Hall.

116 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 PROGRAMMING

Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect A Demographics: How can PPD better serve 1 Create a launch group / advisory committee for active adults. The demographic analysis revealed that 20 comments on the MindMixer site the active adult and senior population related to ideas, opportunities, and the growing active adult / senior 2 Continue to work with Senior Center to determine offerings. population? will increase to more than 26% of the concerns with adult programs or the lack 3 Co-brand and co-market active adult and senior programs. population by the year 2019. 5.5% of total thereof. Senior center director has 4 Consider senior liaison to work with PTSCC to develop service plan programs are geared toward 55+ market. concerns about engaging active adults. for active adults and seniors. This would help both organizations According to the community survey, 58% avoid duplication. of respondents have a need for Adult 5 When considering new active adult and senior programming, look fitness and wellness programs. 49% for ways to incorporate programs into parks and open spaces. consider Adult fitness and wellness Consider hosting programs in parks. programs to be most important. 6 Provide active adult programming for both retired and working Residents along the perimeter of the active adults. District have less than 50% of their needs 7 Consider platform tennis programming and leagues. being met acording to survey resluts

B Demographics: How can PPD better serve 1 Do a best practices analysis of agencies in the area that have the Overall, 252 or 27.5% of programs are 33 out of 64 programming comments teens and other youth? best success with teen services. This is a common issue in the park dedicated for youth ages 13-17. related directly to youth programming on and recreation industry. There do not seem to be any easy answers, the MindMixer site. Board comments and it just may be that teens are not available or interested in related to serving teens. According to the programs. community survey, 19% of respondents 2 Consider what park and facility improvements would be needed to consider youth sports to be the most accommodate other teen activities not currently available. important program. The board indicated 3 Consider teen board for leadership and decision-making as it a need to better serve the teen relates to teen programming. demographic. 4 Develop "drop-in" program series for teens. Consider tech-focused programming such as video games. 5 Explore needs and potential programs and service for homeschooling demographic through focus groups and a special survey aimed at the homeschooling demographic. 6 Consider teen work-study program through area high schools. 7 Consider volunteer campaign with school-aged children and teens to raise awareness and interest in teen programming opportunities.

8 Explore youth development programming opportunity partnerships with area civic and community-based organizations such as Rotary Club.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 117 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect C Demographics: How can PPD better serve 1 Continue working with the school district to identify solutions. 33 out of 64 programming comments at-risk youth? related directly to youth programming on 2 Provide transportation alternatives to and from facilities. the MindMixer site. The Board indicated Consider a bike clu.b a need to better serve at risk youth 3 Finalize agreement with schools. populations.. According to the community survey, 19% of respondents 6 Consider teen work-study program through area high schools. 7 Consider volunteer campaign with school-aged children and teens consider youth sports to be the most to raise awareness and interest in teen programming opportunities. important program. 10,054 respondents indicated 50% or less of their needs for before and after school programming are 8 Explore youth development programming opportunity being met. These residents are primarily partnerships with area civic and community-based organizations located in the northern half of the such as Rotary Club. District. D Demographics: How can PPD better serve 1 Identify needs of ethnic minority groups, determine the best The district will become increasingly The Board recognizes the need other cultures within the district? methods of connecting with these populations and how to market more diverse into 2019 according to the tounderstand the community programs and services. analysis report demographic, profile customer base, and 2 Explore and implement additional non-English communications provide services for each culture. options through existing media.

E How can PPD improve and expand 1 Consider complimentary programs - winter use unique offerings. Stakeholder and staff workshops program offerings and participation at 2 Coordinate with other communities and Districts to expand indicated facility needs renovation with the stables? marketing. heat and wash facilities as priorities. 3 Evaluate and potentially limit District horse ownership. Renovations can help attract border and 4 Evaluate high-end breeding or boarding at Meadowlark Park. increase programs.5% of survey 5 Improve Northwest Highway signage and visibility. respondents ranked the stables as most important. 86% of respondents had never 6 Develop marketing campaign for stables. visited the stables and 29% indicated the 7 Consider shared lease option with current PPD horses to private stables as "not important." 30% indicated 8 the stables are "most important."

F How can PPD improve and expand 1 Expand programming and events to non-golfers. According to the community survey, 9% program offerings and participation at 2 Schedule recreation programs in the newly-renovated clubhouse indicated golf as the most important the golf course? and host non-golf related events on the golf course grounds. program and 4% of respondents participate in golf lessons and programs most often. 18% have a need for golf programs and 38% have a need for a golf course.

118 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect G How can/should PPD consolidate the pre- 1 Evaluate need for consolidation. No gross motor rooms, missing typical DCFS certification requires certified staff school programs? 2 Repurpose community center to have preschool wing. preschool facilities. Spread throughout at each site, which is expensive. 95-99% district - convenience for residents but of survey respondents have never visited 3 Explore Sanborn School property and facility if the life safety study difficult to staff . Increase in revenue in a preschool facility. Less than 2% past three years, but decrease in indicated the facilities were "most enrollment. important." Only 12% have a need for preschool program and 5% indicated preschool programs are "most important." H How can PPD serve the growing needs of 1 Continue to grow the non-traditional sports. According to the program assessment Stakeholder, staff, and Board workshops existing and new sports programs and 2 Baseball / Softball sheets, the traditional youth sports indicated growing scheduling conflicts affiliate groups? See Hamilton and Birchwood Park strategies. participation is dropping. and field needs between rugby and 3 Football lacrosse growth and other sports See Community Park / Community Center Park strategies. programs. Partnerships are important for 4 Soccer sharing facilities. See Hamilton and Birchwood Park strategies.

I How can PPD encourage non users to 1 The desired goal is to work with existing customers to grow the According to the MindMixer, the participate in programs? existing customer base. This is much easier than converting non- number 1 reason for not participating in users. To identify non user barriers, do focus groups to determine programs was that the program or root causes. Use public settings for already scheduled meetings by facility is not offered. Other reasons the Village, School District, Library, etc. to get non users to the include being too busy, using other table. organizations, or operating hours are not 2 Offer free open houses and events to get people into parks and convenient. Staff workshops noted facilities. website and registration system need 3 Offer free "first-timer" specials and / or referral specials for new improving. Stakeholder workshops noted users. opportunities to partner with other 4 Conduct specific non-user survey. Districts for program advertising and participation.

J What can PPD do about the concern with 1 Track this at a departmental level for programs and facilities and by 20-30% cancellation rates at PPD. cancellation rates? core program and facility level. Implement an annual program Desired goal is 20% or less. process review to analyze lifecycles. 2 Utilize lifecycle analysis information to discontinue declining programs and upon discontinuation, develop new offerings. Consider discontinuing the following programs: Preschool Specific fitness equipment and facilities such as the Airdyne Bike and shower and locker rooms Fit Start 3rd to 8th grade basketball league Baseball / Softball Karate Tennis

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 119 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect K What improvements should be made to 1 Identify the true costs of events, including maintenance support to This was referenced in employee Staff workshops noted a concern of too special event offerings and operations? determine if the extensive list of programs should be reduced. meetings, as well as reviewing the many events for available pool of 2 Expand banquet offerings. program guide. Benefits to an extensive offering of special events gets people "in 3 Evaluate and conduct event cost analysis. Create a special event the door." plan and incorporate big and small events. Supplement large events with "drop-in" events. 4 Conduct in-depth value and benefit analysis of each special event. Consolidate or discontinue special event when value / benefit is low or declining.

L Non-resident fees are not consistently 1 Develop a policy that guides non-resident pricing, but ensure Review of program guide materials significant variation of non-resident rates applied throughout the program and flexibility for demand based pricing. exists throughout the system. facility offerings Stakeholder interviews indicated there is confusion from Village residents outside of PPD regarding non-resident fees for PPD programs. Could use improved communication between Districts.

M How might PPD improve recreation 1 Currently, there are some measures in place, and relate mostly to Staff and Board workshops noted a need program performance? registration, financial results, and cancellation rates. With the for better program evaluation. initiation of new program registration software this should develop 2 Cross-reference District programs with other agencies and determine if overlap and duplication occur. If so, evaluate need for duplicate programs based on participation and revenue. 3 Develop better survey tool for recreation program participants to provide information to District upon completion of programs. Consider utilizing free online surveys such as Survey Monkey or Google Forms.

N Lifecycle of Programs 1 Complete annual program lifecycle analysis to determine which Programs in decline include preschool, fit programs to continue offering and which to discontinue. start, 3rd through 8th grade basketball 2 Set standards and goals for new and discontinued programs, league, baseball and softball leagues, 3 Look to adjacent Districts and trends research when developing karate, and tennis. new programs. 4 Consider offering an all-day preschool option. 5 Consider flag football program for youth and teens.

120 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE

Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect A Demographics: How can PPD better 1 Provide outdoor recreation activities and amenities that appeal to The demographic analysis revealed that 20 comments on the MindMixer site serve the growing active adult active adults. Consider: the active adult and senior population related to ideas, opportunities, and population? Fitness Stations will increase to more than 26% of the concerns with adult programs or the lack Shelters and Restrooms population by the year 2019. thereof. Stakeholder interviews noted Bocce, Baggo, Shuffleboard, and Horseshoes active adult participation is low. Pickle ball According to the community survey, Fishing Stations and Nature Overlooks adult health and fitness programs were Low-impact ropes and obstacle courses most important to 58%. 13% would participate in adult fitness and wellness Community gardens most often. Trails and trail support amenities (benches, shade, drinking fountains, etc. Platform Tennis

B Level of Service : How can PPD 1 Activate undeveloped open space, providing active and passive According to the LOS analysis the District Board workshop noted a concern to not address LOS acreage deficiencies? recreation opportunities. This would add a total of 29.43 acres to currently has 288.97 acres of Mini, overdevelop open space but also PPD's active recreation areas, increasing the LOS to 3.83 acres per Neighborhood, and Community land. consider how Forest Preserve District 1,000 population. This is 543.31 acres short of the NRPA provides passive open space. According Establish a LOS policy of 4 acres per 1,000 population. recommended 832.28 acres . When all to the community survey, 28% indicated If acquisition opportunities arise, pursue acquisition in key open space is considered PPD is still smaller neighborhood parks were most planning areas. deficient by 156.95 . There are over 2,100 important and 26% indicated large If neighborhood park acquisition opportunities arise, pursue acres of forest preserve in and around community parks as most important. acquisition in key planning areas. PPD as well as over 160 acres of school 86% indicated the most important 2 Maintain as is, establishing a LOS policy of 3.47 acres / 1,000 district open space. actions are maintenance and upgrades population. to existing neighborhood parks. 38% 3 Explore lease and field development cooperatives with Forest were most willing to fund improvements Preserve District. to existing neighborhood parks. In planning areas 2, 3, and the western portion of 4, the needs for these residents are being met 50% or less.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 121 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect C Facility Needs / Asset Inventory: PPD 1 Replace / update shelters that are beyond their useful life. According to the Facility Needs analysis Out of 42 park amenity comments on the is deficient in various park amenities Plum Grove Reservoir PPD is deficient in playgrounds , MindMixer site, 5 related to playground according to NRPA and state Margreth Reimer Reservoir basketball courts , volleyball courts , improvements. 4 related to shade, 5 tennis courts , ice rinks , and skate parks. related to splash pads, 18 related to averages. How can PPD address Birchwood Park these deficiencies? This analysis took into account useful of outdoor aquatics, 12 related to dog Replace / update five basketball courts. Construct new courts to 2 each facility so recommendations may parks, 11 related to sports fields, and 2 address distribution deficiencies. include bringing existing facilities up to related to sports courts. Staff workshops Ashwood Park current standards. noted a need to replace aging Hummingbird Park Maple Park equipment. Oak Park Birchwood Park 3 Construct internal loop trails in key Neighborhood and Community Parks to provide additional recreation opportunities.

D Service Area Analysis : How can PPD 1 Activate undeveloped open space, providing active and passive The service area analysis revealed that Stakeholder interviews, staff and Board address the gaps in coverage for recreation opportunities. This would add a total of 27.2 acres to 29.12% of residents are served by Mini workshops indicated a need to improve Mini, Neighborhood, an community PPD's active recreation areas, and address deficiencies currently Parks, 47.7% of residents are served by transportation options for seniors and Park space? present in planning areas Neighborhood Parks, and 67.19% of under-privileged. According to the Neighborhood Parks in planning areas 2, 3 and 4 per survey. residents are served by Community community survey, 28% indicated 2 Design Community Parks to also serve the function of Parks. The highest need planning areas smaller neighborhood parks were most Neighborhood and Mini Parks. are 15 and 19. Undeveloped land that important and 26% indicated large 3 Utilize ComEd property - Carpenter Drive for open space. could be activated includes Chestnut community parks as most important. 4 Explore options and feasibility for property and park development Park, Dee Lane Property, Heron Park, 86% indicated the most important and acquisition in diminished service areas. Meadowlark Park, No Name Park, actions are maintenance and upgrades 5 Explore potential acquisition opportunity at DunHaven Wood Palatine Road Property, Partridge Park, to existing neighborhood parks. 38% subdivision for a future park side in an identified low POS service and Whippoorwill Park. were most willing to fund improvements area. to existing neighborhood parks. In planning areas 2, 3, and the western portion of 4, the needs for these residents are being met 50% or less. Community Park needs are being met >75%.

E Trail Service Area Analysis: What 1 Connect all Community Parks through the regional Palatine Trail. There are currently 24 miles of trail and There were 2 comments on the improvements can be made to the 2 Implement key connections along trail. bikeways throughout PPD. 21 parks are MindMixer site related to trails. Trails existing Palatine Regional Trail 3 Keep key trail connections open and available for recreation connected to the trail system. were the 3rd highest funded amenity of system? during winter months. the MindMixer site investment topic. 4 Budget and $50,000 for yearly renovations. Board workshop noted 5 key bridge/trail 5 Resurface trail every 10 years. connections to complete. Stakeholder interviews, staff and Board workshops indicated a need to improve transportation options for seniors and under-privileged. According to the survey, 87% have a need for walking and biking trails and 64% indicated trails as most important. 68% support maintenance and upgrades to existing walking and biking trails

122 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect F What can PPD do to address creek 1 Complete creek stabilization techniques along all problem area Twelve PPD parks have creek frontage, Staff workshop indicated issues with frontage throughout the park waterways. but few address the frontage in a erosion at creek frontage. According to system? What best practices should 2 Develop volunteer stewardship program to clean and maintain meaningful manner. the community survey, respondents be implemented? creek beds and edges. indicated their wildlife conservation area 3 Investigate trail and park connections across creeks where needs are served 50% or less. Wildlife appropriate conservation areas are most important Replace Bridge at Locust Park. to 13%. Construct Bridget at Williams property to access trail and Lindberg Park.

G New Amenities / Trends: What can 1 Identify key redevelopment site opportunities and implement PPD lacks some contemporary amenities Four comments / funds were allocated to PPD do to implement new amenities current and trending amenities. such as splash pads, pickle ball, nature- splash pads on the MindMixer site. and keep up with current trends? 2 Consider the following playground trends based playgrounds, etc. Splash pads were the highest funded Nature-based playgrounds amenity followed by restrooms, trails, Electronic play features baseball / softball fields, and Rope climbers / net climbers playgrounds. Staff and Board workshop Splash Pads indicated a need to keep up with trends 3 Consider the following sports court trends and provide new amenities. Considering Synthetic turf Pickle ball re-purposing under utilized parks. Outdoor ice rinks According to the community survey, 45% 4 Consider the following cultural / education trends have a need for playgrounds but 56% Amphitheater Outdoor classrooms Nature or Fishing boardwalks / overlooks Festival park / outdoor performance venues Dog parks 5 Consider the following adventure course trends Non-motorized bike parks Skate art / skate trails High ropes course Zip line 6 Evaluate the need to provide dog and skate specialty parks. Consider new locations, plans, and allocations to bring to industry standards. 7 Invest in infrastructure for recycling in all parks and facilities . 8 Pursue synthetic field cooperative with Harper College and / or other turf fields.

H Existing Amenities: How can PPD 1 Consider boardwalks and overlooks for fishing and wildlife PPD has over 177 acres of natural areas. According to the community survey, improve and enhance natural areas? viewing in key locations. Some have paths and passive recreation respondents indicated their wildlife What best practices should be 2 Provide meaningful access to natural areas and open water. amenities, others are undeveloped. conservation area needs are served 50% implemented? 3 Establish a natural areas management plan. Access to Plum Grove Reservoir was or less. Wildlife conservation areas are difficult during site visits. most important to 13%.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 123 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect I Existing Amenities: How can PPD 1 Consider synthetic turf at key locations. PPD has a surplus of 10 fields according 11 out of 42 park amenity comments keep up with current sports field 2 Consider decommissioning baseball fields and reconstructing to the Facility Needs analysis; however, related to sports field on the MindMixer demands? soccer, lacrosse, and rugby at Birchwood Park South. Look for the concern is related more to the quality site. Most were negative comments. opportunity to acquire and develop another sports park. of the fields present in the District. While Stakeholder interviews, staff and Board 3 Continue to develop partnerships with other communities, PPD has a sports complex, the complex workshops indicated there is a high schools, and agencies for field use. lacks spectator and player elements, demand and pressure on scheduling of 4 Consider "field of dreams" fee with affiliate groups for endowment visitor experience features, and identity. fields and noted an interest in additional fund for significant field development or improvements. synthetic turf fields and partnerships as solutions. According to the community 5 Consider expanding IGA with school district to reinvest more into survey, youth and adult softball and school field sites used by PPD. Potentially incorporate "field of baseball fields were low priorities for dreams" platform. respondents.

J Golf Course: What improvements 1 Implement Golf Course master plan. Flood issues present at the site. Site has Flooding issues were discussed on the should be made to the Palatine Hills 2 Enhance presence along street frontage and within park. minimal presence along the frontage MindMixer site. The golf course was most Golf Course? Develop wayfinding, gateway, signage, and improve entry and is not highly visible from the park. important to 17% of survey respondents. experience. Improve connections to Dutch Schultz Park through Entrance needs larger presence. 48% of respondents have 100% of their trails and enhance visibility. needs being met. 3 Look at options to extend into park property. 4 Evaluate and implement cost-effective ways to minimize flooding.

5 Broaden and expand use of customer segments at course with practice academy area, foot golf, and non-golf related activities onsite. 6 Consider driving range and practice facility.

K Park Identity: How can PPD create a 1 Establish design standards that include, but are not limited to: There is a lack of consistency in terms of distinct "PPD brand" within their Site furnishing standards . aesthetics and quality between park sites parks? Playground design guidelines based on observations during site visits. Identification, wayfinding, and rules signage standards 2 Establish comprehensive repair and replacement plan that includes all parks and amenities.

124 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect L Birchwood Park 1 Develop site master plan Playground is located in close proximity Birchwood Park was listed as the 4th 2 Establish better identity and visibility along north street frontage to baseball field, a fence or screening is favorite park out of all MindMixer users. 3 Consider the following in the site master plan necessary for safety. Path appears to According to the community survey, the Relocate playground and / or install fence or vegetation buffer have a slope >5% . Path leading to most important park amenities for between the playground and field to separate the two uses. basketball is large enough for vehicular respondents were walking and biking Provide looping trail around park property to provide additional traffic but vehicular traffic is not trails, wildlife conservation area, recreation opportunities. encourage and there is no barrier to playgrounds, shelters, and Replace existing asphalt path. prevent it. Drainage ditch between amphitheaters. 55% support Provide dense vegetation buffer and / or fence on east side of park soccer field and preschool is paved, but maintaining and upgrading existing property. provides an opportunity for a natural parks. Provide seating area between basketball and tennis courts area, storm water mitigation, or Remove and replace shelter. recreation amenity. Shelter and Resurface basketball court. basketball court are beyond useful life Consider fitness stations. Splash Pad according to IDNR standards. 4 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to Birchwood

COMMUNITY PARKS COMMUNITY Park South. Consider wayfinding signage. 5 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to the Palatine Trail located south and west of the site. Consider trail head amenities such as identification signage, wayfinding signage, seating, bike amenities, and drinking fountains. Provide additional signage by Parkside on green.

M Birchwood Park South 1 Develop site master plan. Access is through Birchwood Park to the Birchwood Park was listed as the 4th 2 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to Birchwood North. No signage or visibility present. favorite park out of all MindMixer users. Park North. Adjacent to two parks - Birchwood and Consider wayfinding signage. Cardinal but connections to both are 3 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to Cardinal Park. weak. No designated parking lot. Fields Consider wayfinding signage. in fair to poor condition and do not have 4 Strengthen visual presence along Peregrine and Parkside Drives. accessible routes to the spectator areas Consider signage along street frontage. or dugouts. Opportunity for looping path Consider clearing scrub vegetation to provide views into site. and / or additional active / passive 5 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to the Palatine recreational amenities. Trail located south and west of the site. Consider trail head amenities such as identification signage, wayfinding signage, seating, bike amenities, and drinking fountains. 6 Research the feasibility of underground or reconfigured flood control to increase field use and programming opportunities and minimize flooding. Consider the following in the site master plan: Improve fields, constructing outfield fencing, paved spectator areas, and covered dugout / player areas Consider small playground / play area Relocate the three baseball / softball fields to Hamilton COMMUNITY PARKS COMMUNITY Reservoir Construct 2-3 soccer, football, rugby, and / or lacrosse fields

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 125 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect N Celtic Park 1 Develop site master plan No accessible connection to playground 2 Consider the following in the site master plan on North-West. Opportunity exists for Provide a small shelter near the playground on the northwest side. looping path and more formal soccer tournament facility. West shelter is not Provide permanent restroom / concession building. ADA compliant. Parking does not appear 3 Strengthen connections and accessibility throughout site. to be adequate for large soccer events. Provide loop path to connect amenities and provide additional recreational value. 4 Evaluate parking / complete parking study.

O Community Center Park / Ost Field 1 Develop site master plan. Consider developing master plan in Bleachers are in poor condition and conjunction with Community Park. storage is limited. Track needs to be 2 Consider the following in the site master plan redone / resurfaced. Field is irrigated. Provide shelter / concessions for football field use. Located adjacent to the Community Provide permanent restroom / concession building. Center. Tennis courts in good condition. Consider adding basketball courts. Sand volleyball in good condition. Consider seating area between volleyball and tennis. Neither sport court has spectator or Consider adding lights to tennis courts. seating areas. Trails and pathways not Provide loop trail / accessible connections to all amenities. Consider "main" baseball field. present within park. Playground is Consider artificial turf field. secluded on the NW side of site and in Consider fitness stations. fair condition. No connections between 3 Strengthen connection to Community Park. amenities. Work with Village of Palatine to provide more visible and safe crosswalks between parks. Provide trail connections between the two sites. 4 Evaluate parking / complete parking study. Consider expanding parking if necessary.

P Community Park 1 Develop site master plan. Consider developing master plan in Community Park houses Parkside Community Park was listed as the 2nd conjunction with Community Center Park. Preschool, the skate park, and Fred P. favorite park out of all MindMixer users. 2 Consider the following in the site master plan. Hall Amphitheater. Trails are in poor Staff and Board workshops indicated Provide loop trail / accessible connections to all amenities. condition. Site is not designed well, it is park needs to be completely renovated Improve pedestrian and vehicular circulation. piecemeal and fragmented. Lack of and be a flagship park. Skate park needs Replace existing asphalt path. connections and / or poor condition to relocating within other facilities and

COMMUNITY PARKS COMMUNITY Consider relocating skate park to another park site. trail connections. Playground is newer layout re-planned. Consider relocating skate park to another area on site. but appears to have a stronger Remove and replace shelter. Evaluate spectator / player areas around baseball fields. relationship with the aquatic center than Remove and replace baseball fields, consider alternate site layout. the rest of the park. No accessible routes to amphitheater . Shelter in poor 3 Improve accessibility to amphitheater and provide accessible condition. Opportunity for looping paths seating by adding concrete pads for seating and accessible routes present. to the areas. 4 Strengthen connection to Community Center Park. Work with Village of Palatine to provide more visible and safe cross walks between parks. Provide trail connections between the two sites. 5 Evaluate site feasibility for indoor recreation center. 6 Evaluate parking / complete parking study. 7 Add Legacy Park next to Museum. Park would display all memorial items

126 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect Q Dutch Shultz Recreation Area 1 Consider the following amenities on site: Hinders visibility of golf course. Heavily Shoreline restoration, used park - shelters for rental, lit tennis Fishing / nature pier or overlook, courts, etc. Connections to Palatine Trail Additional drinking fountains along bike trail. present. Parking for park is present but Additional shelter. not designed well. Opportunities exist for 2 Consider improvements to parking. disc golf, shoreline restoration, warming 3 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. hut at sledding hill, and additional trail 4 Consider combination shelter / warming hut on site. amenities. Sledding hill and ice rink 5 Consider replacing basketball court. present - opportunity for more winter- Consider sports lighting. use support amenities. 6 Consider signage improvements. 7 Consider adding / expanding natural areas. R Falcon Park 1 Consider the following amenities on site: Ongoing issues with people cutting Staff workshops noted field is being Splash pad. through parking lot. Activity disturbs improved for lacrosse and rugby use. Outdoor artificial turf. neighboring residents. Parking islands Lighting. suffered plant loss from weather. Future 2 Resolve cut through issues through the following parking lot planned for the area across implementations: from open space. Current field is used for More prominent signage. Additional Speed bumps. Bollards. 3 Master plan drive to divide park.

S Hamilton Reservoir / Ron Gbur 1 Develop site master plan PPD's main sports complex. Lack of Staff workshops noted potential location

COMMUNITY PARKS COMMUNITY Sports Field 2 Strengthen pedestrian access to site and provide connections accessible connections from parking to for re-locating skate park. Stakeholder between site amenities. Consider looping path around site. fields. Hospitality issues present - interviews indicated a need for 3 Consider trail connection to Ashwood Park. concessions and parking location, etc.). scoreboards, electrical service, lights, 4 Consider tournament field with stadium. Opportunity to link to Palatine Trail outfield fencing, and better 5 (Option 1) - Enhance community park uses. Consider the Present. Possible site for skate park. Fields proximity/identification of restrooms following in the site master plan. do not currently have scoreboards - PPD and concessions. Hamilton was Consider additional small shelter and picnic amenities. would need to put in new utilities to mentioned multiple times on the Consider covered / improved dugouts. accomplish. Spectator area lacking - MindMixer site. 11 comments related to Enhance spectator areas with concrete paving and shade improvements could be made to make sports fields structures. this a high quality sports tournament Consider central washroom, concession and equipment storage location. West natural area is not heavily facility. utilized. Improve fields within-deck circles, scoreboards, and infield renovations. Enhance visitor experience and identity. Consider themed identification signage, wayfinding signage, and site furnishings. Consider scoreboards if electrical challenge can be alleviated.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 127 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect 6 (Option 2) , to be planned concurrently with Birchwood South Park Option 2 - Create amateur sports facility to host local, regional, and, potentially, national tournaments. Consider the following in the site master plan Construct 4-5 additional baseball / softball fields and relocate soccer / lacrosse/ rugby to Birchwood South Park. Improve fields with on-deck circles, scoreboards, and infield renovations. Consider additional restroom, concessions, speaker's box facility for the additional 4-5 fields. Consider permanent outfield fencing. Consider additional amenities such as batting cages. Enhance spectator areas. Consider covered / improved dugouts. Enhance visitor experience and identity. Consider themed identification signage, wayfinding signage, and site furnishings. Consider scoreboards if electrical challenge can be alleviated. Evaluate parking / complete parking study and plan to add additional stalls. Consider sports lighting. 7 Provide stronger connections to the natural area / reservoir on the

COMMUNITY PARKS COMMUNITY east side of the site. Consider identification signage and wayfinding signage. Improve pathways and trail connections. 8 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to the Palatine Trail located south and west of the site. Consider trail head amenities such as identification signage, wayfinding signage, seating, bike amenities, and drinking fountains. 9 Consider artificial turf sports fields. 10 Consider signage improvements for wayfinding and identification. Ensure signage notes trails, concessions, bathrooms and other key site features. 11 Consider shade structures / awnings over spectator areas.

128 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect T Ashwood Park 1 Consider trail head amenities such as identification signage, Site observations: Basketball court wayfinding signage, seating, and bike amenities. beyond useful life according to IDNR 2 Consider small off-street parking lot. standards. 3 Remove and replace basketball court.

U Wally Degner Park 1 Consider rabbit trail / gravel path through forested area. Site Observations: Playground in fair Board workshop identified this as an 2 Consider nature-themed interpretive signage. condition. N No accessible ramp into play under utilized park. 3 Consider small shelter or shade structure with picnic tables. container.. Trail / pathway through 4 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. heavily forested area, but no meaningful 5 Consider signage improvements. access to natural area. Creek present on 6 Consider nature-themed, nature-inspired, or nature-based north side of site, but no meaningful NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS playground. access.

V Eagle Park 1 Develop site master plan. Site observations: open space north of Residents have requested lighting for this 2 Consider the following amenities on site: Pool site - what should be done with this site. Site lighting . area? No concrete pad at shelter - accessibility issues. Sports lighting at tennis courts. Basketball Court. Pickle ball Court striping overlay or converting one tennis court to two pickle ball. 3 Evaluate parking / complete parking study. Evaluate need and consider opportunities for additional parking.

4 Consider concrete pad for shelter. 5 Consider incorporating open land north of pool into pool facility for rental space.

W Finch Park 1 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. Drainage grate / well on site appears unsafe and appears to need fence or buffer. No accessible ramp into play container.

X Hummingbird Park 1 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. Site observations: playground, 2 Remove and replace basketball court. basketball, parking, and shelter in fair to 3 Consider additional looping paths. good condition. Basketball court beyond useful life according to IDNR standards. 4 Consider removing pavers and installing concrete under shelter. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Y Juniper Park 1 Consider following amenities on site: Site observations: No accessible ramp Fishing pier / nature overlook at wetland area / open water on into play container. Large wetland area / north end of site. open water on the north side of site. Loop path around site . Half-court basketball court 2 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 129 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect Z Doug Lindberg Park 1 Consider following amenities on site: Site observations: Pond is not PPD's. Fishing pier / nature overlook at creek. Interpretive signage. Vegetation buffer along property line by single-family residences to delineate extent of PPD property. Path to baseball field.

AA Maple Park 1 See Maple Park Preschool for facility recommendations. Site observations: Asphalt path in poor 2 Develop site master plan. condition. Basketball court beyond 3 Consider the following amenities in site master plan: useful life according to IDNR standards. Buffer between basketball and playground. Relocate basketball so access to court is not through playground area. Additional net and striping for full, recreational court. Provide accessible route to baseball spectator areas. Large shelter. Additional parking. Dumpster corral. Trail extensions 4 Remove and replace asphalt paths. 5 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers.

BB Oak Park 1 Consider large shelter for rentals. Site observations. Basketball court 2 Remove and replace basketball court. beyond useful life according to IDNR 3 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. standards. 4 Provide accessible connections to spectator areas of baseball fields. 5 Provide looping trail around park property to provide additional NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS recreation opportunities

CC Osage Park 1 Develop site master plan. Site observations: Drainage across path. More fields for lacrosse and rugby are 2 Consider the following in site master plan: Playground in fair condition. No desired. Provide seating near basketball court. accessible ramp into container. No Shelter or shade sail near playground. accessible routes to spectator areas of Replacing on baseball field with additional lacrosse or rug. baseball fields. One ADA route to baseball field exists. New parking lot in Provide accessible route to all baseball spectator areas. good condition. 3 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. 4 Evaluate use of baseball fields - consider removing and replacing with multi-purpose fields as needed.

130 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect DD Sycamore Park 1 Develop site master plan. Site observations: Connections to Stakeholder interviews indicated there is 2 Consider the following in site master plan: Palatine Trail. Difficult to find parking under utilized turf space but potential Relocate skate park to this location. during football season. Courts in good conflict with neighbors for active use. Install inline skating / hockey cages. condition. Add buffer against residences. Remove horseshoes and replace with baggo. 3 Consider small off-street parking lot. Consider replacing baseball field with small parking lot. Consider utilizing vacant lot across Carpenter for small parking lot. 4 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to the Palatine Trail. Consider trail head amenities such as identification signage, wayfinding signage, seating, bike amenities, and drinking fountains.

FF Willowwood Park 1 Develop site master plan. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS 2 Consider the following in site master plan: Splash pad. Renovating playground. Consider contemporary trends. Fishing / nature overlook by reservoir. Native plantings. 3 Explore / evaluate trail connections Locust Park.

GG Cedar Park 1 Consider visibility improvements such as: Site Observations: No accessible ramp Clearing scrub vegetation to provide views into site. into play container. Low visibility from Removing fence in areas where pedestrians access the site. Cedar Street. Remove vegetation off Cedar Street. Clear and maintain creek vegetation. 2 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers.

HH Cherrywood Park 1 Consider shade structure above picnic area Site Observations: No accessible ramp 2 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. into play container.

MINI PARKS II Cottonwood Park 1 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers Site Observations: No accessible ramp and to shelter. into play container. Playground in good condition. Half court basketball in good condition. Large open area with mature trees. Access to regional trail, but no internal loop trail. JJ Dove Park 1 Evaluate lease for this property. Site observations: vandalism present on Staff workshops indicated there are 2 Maintain as is. site. Primary users are multi-family vandalism issues. 3 Consider surveillance system. residents. Poor visibility and access. 4 Work with local residents on re-development plan.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 131 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect KK Hawthorne Park 1 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. Site observations: No accessible ramp 2 Maintain playground as is. into play container. Playground 3 Consider shelter or shade structure with picnic tables. equipment in good condition.

LL Locust Park 1 Maintain as is. Site observations: mostly open areas with 2 Consider larger bridge crossing - evaluate accessibility. tennis courts. Located close to Remove and replace existing or add additional ADA accessible Willowwood Park. Many resident use bridge crossing. Willowwood amenities. 3 Improve ADA accessibility - provide path to bridge crossing and connections to perimeter sidewalks. 4 Consider the following amenities on site: Basketball Court Community Garden

MM Mallard Park 1 Remove and replace asphalt path. Site observations: Small swale on south side. Erosion issues. Playground and shelter in good condition. Asphalt path in poor condition. MINI PARKS NN Mulberry Park 1 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. Site observations: No accessible ramp 2 Consider vegetation or fence buffer between home and into play container. Playground is playground. extremely close to the adjacent 3 Consider native plantings along drainage ditch. residence. Close proximity to road. 4 Consider fence along road. Manhole on site. Culvert under path 5 Consider playground rules and warning signage. 6 When playground is up for renovation consider relocating to a location farther from adjacent residence and street. 7 Relocate identification signage. 8 Add retaining wall.

OO Peregrine Park 1 Develop site master plan. Site observations: Adjacent to Peregrine 2 Consider the following in site master plan: Lake. Small shelter on site. Trail Playground. connection - access to Palatine Trail. Fishing /Nature boardwalk or overlook. Consider trail head amenities such as identification signage, wayfinding signage, seating, bike amenities, and drinking fountains. 3 Improve ADA accessibility - provide path to benches and seating areas.

PP Robin Park 1 Consider creek stabilization measures. 2 Maintain as is. 3 Consider clearing scrub vegetation to provide views into site. 4 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers.

QQ Sparrow Park 1 Ramp into play container present, may need to review ramp detail MINI PARKS for future construction. Slope appears to be more than 5%.

132 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect RR Cardinal Park 1 Develop site master plan Site observations: Natural area. Trail 2 Strengthen connections between the east and west side of site: through park, but access to soccer / multi- purpose field side of park is along Illinois. Consider bridge / boardwalk connection across creek canal if Small parking lot on site. Opportunities feasible. for nature and fishing overlooks. 3 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to Birchwood Park South. Consider wayfinding signage. 4 Enhance park identity - provide stronger visual presence along Illinois Avenue. 5 Consider the following in the site master plan: Indoor nature center facility . Outdoor classrooms Boardwalk overlook by pond / wetland areas. Small shelter near soccer / multi-purpose fields.

NATURAL AREAS NATURAL SS Margreth Riemer Reservoir 1 Consider warming shelter near sled hill. 2 Consider accessible path to sled hill. 3 Consider interpretive signage. 4 Consider fitness stations. 5 Consider sled hill signage improvements.

TT Palatine Prairie 1 Consider nature-based playground . 2 Consider interpretive signage. 3 Consider nature overlooks / boardwalks.

UU Plum Grove Reservoir 1 Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers. Site observations: Parking and access are Several MindMixer comments related to 2 Consider parking improvements such as a small parking lot difficult because of the close proximity to dog park development and specifically for the park patrons or make designated parking stalls Harper CC Parking lot. Adjacent to improvements. in Harper lot more prominent / visible. Palatine Trail. 3 Consider dog park improvements and additional play elements such as: Hurdles. Hoops. Ramps. Weave Posts. 4 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to the Palatine Trail: Consider trail head amenities such as identification signage, wayfinding signage, seating, bike amenities, and drinking fountains. 5 Consider relocating dog park to another District site.

NATURAL AREAS NATURAL VV The Grove 1 Consider Nature Center. Site observations: New parking lot. 2 Consider nature-based playground. Natural area. 3 Consider nature / fishing pier, overlook, or boardwalk. 4 Consider interpretive signage. 5 Consider dog park.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 133 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect WW Wilke Marsh 1 Consider nature-based playground 2 Consider interpretive signage. 3 Consider nature overlooks / boardwalks.

XX Chestnut Park 1 Develop site master plan No active recreation components on site. Board workshop noted this as an under 2 Consider the following in the site master plan: utilized park. Staff indicated park is used Small playground / play area. for wiffleball. Small shelter . 3 Strengthen connection to Maple Park Consider trail connection if feasible. 4 Consider gateway elements to provide more visual presence along roadway.

YY Heron Park 1 Work with Village to determine use. Review site infrastructure. Site observations: no amenities on site.

UNDEVELOPED 2 Consider the following amenities on site: Detention basin. Drainage structure in Soccer / multi-purpose field. center of site. Detention basin, native plantings interpretive signage. Native plantings.

ZZ Meadowlark Park 1 Develop site master plan: Recently acquired by PPD. Parking and Board workshop indicated Meadowlark Plan for community park and neighborhood park use and stable buildings currently on site. No needs a master plan, should be a special amenities. other active recreation components. use park with regional draw. Primarily a 2 Provide stronger visual and physical connections to Palatine Adjacent to Palatine Stables .Located in drive to park at edge of town and Stables: an area where there are community park difficult access. Consider complimentary uses such as equestrian trails. service gaps - potential for Community 3 Enhance park identity - provide stronger visual presence through Park development. signage. 4 Consider the following in the site master plan: Shelter. Contemporary / destination playground based around music or nature themes. Parking. Sports courts and fields . Drinking fountain and other site furnishings. 5 Consider developing a working farm. 6 Consider preserving open space - do not add active recreation amenities. 7 Consider selling three out-lots on Doe Street.

UNDEVELOPED AAA Partridge Park 1 Develop site master plan in conjunction with No Name Park. Site observations: No access, low visibility 2 Consider the following in site master plan: / presence along main street . Across Clear scrub vegetation to provide views into site. street from No Name Park Trail / accessible pathways. Small shelter and picnic amenities. Interpretive signage. Connections to school on the north . 3 Consider creek improvements . 4 Consider looping path. 5 Provide stronger connections to adjacent school.

134 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect BBB Whippoorwill Park 1 Consider nature / fishing pier, overlook, or boardwalk with interpretive signage. 2 Consider playground.

CCC Towne Square Park 1 Consider removing picnic tables and providing additional benches. May be removable / reversible depending on daytime v. concert use. 2 Maintain as is. SPECIAL USE

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 135 INDOOR FACILITIES

Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect A Demographics: How can PPD better serve 1 Explore potential renovations with senior center building owner. The demographic analysis revealed that Stakeholder meetings indicated a need to the growing senior population? 2 Provide program space at a new facility to meet needs of this the active adult and senior population reach active adults. According to the population. Consider: will increase to more than 26% of the MindMixer results, active adults are Indoor pool. population by the year 2019. looking for walking, swimming and social Coffee Café. activities. According to the community Indoor pickle ball courts. survey, 57% would use a walking / Walking / Running track. jogging track most often and 30% would 3 Explore new senior center location (lease existing facility, acquire use adult 50+ exercise facilities most existing facility, or acquire land and construct new senior center often. facility as part of a larger indoor program facility project).

B LOS (Square Feet): How can PPD address 1 Explore alternate and appropriate space for indoor aquatics. According to the LOS analysis, PPD is MindMixer results indicated a high need the 41,000+ square feet deficiency in Consider leasing or purchasing alternative facility. more than 41,000 square feet short of for indoor aquatic space. Stakeholder, indoor aquatic space? 2 Partner with Harper College to provide indoor aquatic features and indoor aquatic space. Overall, however, staff, and Board workshops indicated programs. PPD has a surplus of 6.251 square feet. As need for indoor pool space. According to 3 Develop indoor aquatics as part of a new facility, either in first the population grows, so will this the community survey, 61% indicated an phase or master planned for future phases. deficiency. indoor leisure pool is very or somewhat 4 Partner with neighboring districts/agencies to develop an indoor important. 47% support the development aquatics facility. of an indoor leisure pool. 34% indicated an indoor competitive pool and 16% support the development of a competitive pool facility. 46% are very supportive of partnerships to develop an indoor pool.

C LOS (Programmable Space / Distribution): 1 Explore alternate and appropriate space for gymnastics program. PPD does not currently have dedicated Stakeholder and staff workshops How can PPD address the need for Consider leasing or purchasing alternative facility for program. gymnastics indoor space / facilities and indicated most indoor space is out dated another primary indoor space for growing 2 Renovate or re-purpose the existing Community Center to provide the program is one of the top core and does not provide for program needs program trends (e.g. gymnastics, group x, space for growing program trends. program areas for the District. Other core and growth. Gymnastics, dance, group X, basketball, storage, banquet) 3 Provide program space at a new facility for growing programs. programs that require dedicated or banquets, and storage some of the top 4 Expand Falcon Park Recreation Center per the facility's master plan purpose-driven / designed space include space needs. 30% indicated indoor fitness to include a second indoor turf field. swim team, fitness classes and center, and exercise facilities as most important. 5 Acquire or lease vacant commercial space for indoor programming preschool, basketball, dance, and karate. 26% indicated indoor walking / jogging needs. track as most important. 57% noted they would use a walking or jogging track most often if the facility was developed. 34% indicated they would use a weight room and 30% indicated they would use exercise areas for adults 50+ if such facilities were developed.

136 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect D How can PPD address the need for an 1 Expand Falcon Park Recreation Center per the facility's master plan Stakeholder and staff workshops additional indoor turf field? to include a second indoor turf field. indicated need for more indoor turf. 2 Partner with Harper College for indoor turf fields. According to the community survey, 21% 3 Acquire or lease of vacant commercial space for indoor of respondents are willing to fund Falcon programming needs. Recreation Center improvements (phase 2).

E How can PPD alleviate schedule conflicts 1 Acquire or lease vacant commercial space and provide program Staff indicated scheduling conflicts with school district space? space at a new facility. creating programming issues during the 2 Renovate or re-purpose the existing Community Center to provide needs assessment workshops. space for growing program trends. 3 Provide program space at a new facility for growing programs.

F Aquatics: What improvements should be 1 Improve / Expand facility to create additional shallow water area Largest pool in District at 50 meters. Mind Mixer results indicated the pools are made to Birchwood Pool? and / or zero-depth entry (possible with Birchwood recreation Holds aquatic fitness classes and the third favorite facility. (24 of 149 center demo) competitive swimming programs and votes). Pools are third in improvement 2 Enlarge tot pool. events. needs (7 of 69 votes).There were 34 3 Enclose pool to create a year-round indoor aquatic center. comments relating to outdoor pools. 4 Close concessions and expand vending machine offerings.

G Aquatics: What improvements should be 1 Create an overflow parking lot to the north of the facility on the Parking is inadequate for preschool and Mind Mixer results indicated the pools are made to Eagle Pool? vacant property owned by the Park District. pool functions to occur concurrently. the third favorite facility. (24 of 149 2 Add shelter and picnic area on north side of pool. Heavily used for day camps.PPD recently votes). Pools are third in improvement 3 Expand pool to the north. acquired open space north of the pool. needs (7 of 69 votes).There were 34 4 See Eagle Park site improvements for additional site improvements Land was acquired after renovations comments relating to outdoor pools. strategies (e.g. parking, etc.) were completed. Eagle pool is three years Stakeholder and staff interviews old and in good condition. indicated parking is needed. AQUATICS H Aquatics: What improvements should be 1 Renovate bathhouse to create direct access to pool deck and Lack of parking on south side of facility. Mind Mixer results indicated the pools are made to Family Aquatic Center? incorporate family changing rooms. Overall good condition and well- the third favorite facility. (24 of 149 2 Evaluate layout for sightlines and safety. Renovate leisure pool to maintained. No direct access to deck - votes). Pools are third in improvement remove/re-configure central "rocks" area. only through locker rooms. Facility needs (7 of 69 votes).There were 34 requires large number of guards to stay comments relating to outdoor pools. open. This facility generates the most Staff workshops indicated the FAC layout revenue out of all aquatics facilities. is inefficient for guards and requires more than typical to cover site lines.Accordnig to the community survey, 19% would support funding FAC improvements.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 137 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect I Birchwood Recreation Center: What 1 Complete capacity and use analysis of facility. Fair condition overall. Elevator and some The Birchwood Recreation Center was improvements should be made to the 2 Option 1: Demolish existing facility and repurpose site for sports restrooms are not ADA compliant. Set rated the fourth favorite facility (18 of 149 facility? complex and outdoor pool. back from Illinois Avenue - no visibility votes), and second in improvement needs 3 Option 2: Demolish existing facility and reconstruct / expand the from main road. Parking is inadequate (12 of 69 votes). Staff and Board facility closer to Illinois Avenue. during peak use. Parking is shared with workshops indicated Birchwood Rec 4 Option 3: Conduct feasibility study to determine if programming pool and Birchwood South Park. Gym is Center is old and under utilized. Space can be relocated upstairs. If so, renovate to include preschool and not air conditioned. Programming and HVAC not suitable for active senior programming on upper level, using basement for storage. includes personal training, group x, programs. Issues include pick-up, drop- 5 Option 4: Consider and implement improvements to existing preschool, and general recreation. off, and building entry identification. structure. Consider: Fitness/ Dance room is the only such According to the community survey, 44% Expanding the facility. space in the District. Programs are think major upgrades to Birchwood are Provide air conditioning at gymnasium to increase usage during preschool, fitness, group p x, personal very or somewhat important. 23% are summer months. Maintain as is. training camps. supportive of implementing major Enclose pool for indoor aquatics. upgrades. 45% visited the facility in the Add fitness facility. last 12 months. 22% indicated Birchwood Consider indoor / outdoor artificial turf. is the most important facility to their 6 If preschool is consolidated at one or two sites (not recommended household. Birchwood is the third most to continue preschool at Birchwood Recreation Center) utilize visited facility in the District. existing preschool room(s) for storage.

J Community Center: What improvements 1 Conduct building feasibility and programming study. The Community Center is the main According to the Mind Mixer results, the should be made to the facility? 2 Re-purpose facility to create a dedicated facility for office / admin, program and administration hub for the Community Center is the favorite facility gymnastics / dance, and preschool. District. There is a lack of dedicated drop (38 of 149 votes). Community Center 3 Add storage in former Police Department space on lower level of off space for the facility. Facility is needs the most improvement (32 of 69 adjacent Village Hall. fragmented and layout is difficult to votes). Stakeholder, staff, and Board 4 Consider the following building improvements: control (originally built as a school). workshops indicated facility is outdated, Expand / create main entrance on east side of facility. There is a lack of storage and program not suited for intended use, difficult Relocate main entrance to face Mozart. space. Located on park site but lacks layout for wayfinding and control. Add controlled entrance with hallway access to gymnastics on strong connection to park. According to the community survey, 52% have used the Community Center in the

RECREATIONFACILITIES north and program rooms on south. Expand fitness center. last 12 months making it the most visited Establish dedicated group x rooms. facility. 50% note the Community Center as most important to their household. Reconfigure locker room and areas under shelves. 66% indicated major upgrades to the Improve accessibility and consider replacing chair lift with ramp. Community Center are most important. Consider indoor park / play environment. and 49% support implementing major upgrades to the facility. K Falcon Park Recreation Center: What 1 Implement phase 2 master plan (turf, locker rooms, storage, etc.). Built in January 2010. No fitness center According to the Mind Mixer results, the improvements should be made to the 2 Consider indoor fitness area. present. Possible expansion would Falcon Park Recreation Center is the facility? 3 Improve office and banquet space areas. include a second indoor turf field, locker second favorite facility (33 of 149 votes). 4 Consider larger player transition areas and changing rooms. rooms, and storage. Facility is well- It is sixth in improvement needs (3 of 69 5 Explore strategies to determine the long-term solution(s) for utilized. Minimal vandalism and abuse. votes). There were 2 comments relating to skylight and window panel condensation issues. Parking not always adequate (large indoor turf. According to the community events). Synthetic turf will require survey, 47% have visited the facility in the replacement in next 5 years. last 12 months making it the second most Condensation issues. Usage numbers: not visited facility. 37% indicated it was the growing. Operating in deficit but revenue most important facility to their is growing Programs have been dropped. household. 21% are willing to fund improvements (phase 2).

138 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect L Clayson House: What improvements 1 Evaluate joint partnership. Museum site is adjacent to large open Clayson House was the least favorite should be made to the facility? 2 Consider cooperative partner in managing and maintaining facility. space and Museum programming and facility on MindMixer (1 of 149 votes). It functions could extend outside. It is was also ranked as a low priority in the 3 Undertake minor improvements to improve accessibility and roof adjacent to Community Park, has limited community survey. Stakeholder ventilation. parking, no accessible route to building interviews noted a need for parking, 4 Assist historical society with the shed and farm display structure on and has a lack of storage. Building is not accessibility, and storage. Clayson House premises. properly vented but overall, is in good 5 Develop site master plan that establishes and emphasizes condition. Operating in deficit (6,000+) connections to the Legacy Park development vision adjacent to the Museum. Consider shelter / gazebo on site next to museum. Reconfigure west parking lot and add accessible spaces. 6 Locate and secure additional controlled environment space for document and artifact storage.

M Cutting Hall: What improvements should 1 Original auditorium for high school. Cutting Hall was the fifth most favorite be made to the facility? 2 Develop an addition to the facility that includes expanded lobby, Currently houses dance and theater facility on MindMixer (12 of 149 votes). reception/pre-function, and concessions space. Include elevator as programming. ADA issues present. Cutting Hall is fifth in improvement needs part of project to provide accessibility to upper level. Parking is shared with Village Hall. There (4 of 69 votes). Stakeholder and staff are infrastructure issues with the building workshops indicated it's an aging facility Consider developing addition of a "black box"/multi-purpose space 3 and a severe lack of storage. Lobby and and a need for expansion. According to for programs and performances. Consider renovations to back end restrooms are undersized for peak time the community survey, it was the seventh of facility and classrooms. usage. most important facility. 4 Consider addition of smaller practice stage. 5 Improve parking lot.

N Fred P. Hall Amphitheater: What 1 Provide gutters and downspouts at roof; repair leaks at electrical Sloping terrain around rear creates water The Fred P. Hall Amphitheater was noted improvements should be made to the room. infiltration issues. Access and parking as the eighth favorite facility on facility? 2 Undertake improvements to improve accessibility to stage. problematic. Overall, structure is in good MindMixer (4 of 149 votes). Seventh in 3 Develop strategy to reconfigure site and spectator layout to condition. Most serious concern is the improvement needs (2 of 69 votes). improve views and add more controlled and formal access points. infiltration to electric room. Accessibility According to the community survey, 34% issues leading to stage area. visited the facility in the last 12 months and it was noted as the eighth most important facility.

O Palatine Hills Golf Course Clubhouse: 1 Develop a master plan for replacement of the maintenance facility, Good condition, recently renovated. Can't The Palatine Hills Golf Course Clubhouse What improvements should be made to clubhouse, and pro shop buildings with new facilities. accommodate more than 80 for food and was the sixth favorite facility (11 of 149 the facility? 2 Build upon "curb appeal" and improve visibility sightlines and beverage. Sales are up 17%. Needs winter votes). Mind Mixer results indicated it as awareness signage along Dundee and Smith Roads. use and private rental use. Not visible. tied for seventh in improvement needs (2 3 Expand banquet and rental opportunities. Upper level apartment not accessible - of 69 votes). Staff workshops indicated a 4 Master plan to use more areas of the Dutch Shultz Recreation Area. typically used for staff office. ADA need to improve branding, street/park compliant presence, new clubhouse, and resolution OTHER RECREATIONOTHER FACILTIIES to flooding issues. 21% listed the facility as the most important facility to their household on the community survey.

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 139 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect P Palatine Stables: What improvements 1 Demolish existing arena and replace with new heated, pre- Classes on horsemanship, pony rides, The Palatine Stables were the seventh should be made to the facility? engineered metal building. therapy. Users are primarily equestrian favorite facility (7 of 149 votes). Mind teams and boarders. Sub par in regards Mixer results indicated the Palatine 2 Replace existing main arena with pre-engineered building, keeping to amenities. Operating in slight deficit. Stables are fourth in improvement needs other portions of stables facility intact. As part of future Meadowlark Not heated or air conditioned. Issues with (6 of 69 votes). There were 13 comments Park development, relocate stables in alternate location and insulation. Difficult to identify facility relating to the stables. Stakeholder and repurpose new horse arena as maintenance facility serving entire entrance from parking lot. Structural staff workshops indicated facility needs north half of Park District. issues at wood support columns at main renovation with heat and wash facilities 3 Evaluate long-term commitment of operating stables (cost-benefit, ROI analysis). arena. Accessible routes to rings. as priorities. Renovations can help Paddocks nonexistent. Some ADA issues attract border and increase programs. with public areas of arena and in support According to the community survey, 86% spaces. of respondents have never visited the stables. It was a of low important to respondents.

Q Senior Center: What improvements 1 Renovate to create single point of entrance and control at east end Generally in good condition. Water Stakeholder workshops indicated a need should be made to the facility? of facility. infiltration issues at lower level. Roof has for parking/safe road crossing, improved 2 Renovate lower level space to increase fitness space. approximately 5-7 years of expected identity/perception, and improvements 3 Develop alternative plan for 2020 when lease expires with PTSCC in service life remaining. Fitness room to attract active adults. case they decide to relocate / find a new facility to lease. undersized for demand. Minor accessibility issues throughout. PPD leases facility. R Eagle Park Preschool: What 1 Create centralized Park District preschool facility at Parkside; No kitchen, but building in good The preschools were the least favorite improvements should be made to the repurpose building for party / meeting / classroom space as part of condition. Renovated within the last 10 facility (1 of 149 votes). Mind Mixer results facility? aquatic center. years. Lack of storage. No double secure indicated the preschools are eighth in 2 Utilize as one of two consolidated Preschool facilities. entrance (lack of vestibule) No dedicated improvement needs(1 of 69 votes). 3 Maintain as preschool (with four de-centralized locations). curb-side drop off area for parents. Stakeholder and staff workshops noted Generally ADA compliant. consolidation into one facility would reduce staff resource needs. Need more weekend program space and outdoor support amenities. According to the community survey, between 95-99% have never visited a preschool facility; however, the audience and user group for these facilities is limited.

140 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect S Maple Park Preschool: What 1 Option 1: Create centralized Park District preschool facility at No dedicated drop off area. Building in The preschools were the least favorite improvements should be made to the Parkside; demolish building or renovate as park shelter with fair condition overall - some severe facility (1 of 149 votes). Mind Mixer results facility? restroom. weathering present on exterior walls. indicated the preschools are eighth in 2 Option 2: Replace building with facility for birthday rentals and Significant renovations required to meet improvement needs(1 of 69 votes). meeting space. ADA. Multiple points of entrance - Stakeholder and staff workshops noted 3 Option 3:Utilize as one of two consolidated Preschool facilities. conflicts with use, serious concern with consolidation into one facility would 4 Option 4: Maintain as preschool with minor upgrades. (with four de- preschool. Eave height appears to be reduce staff resource needs. Need more centralized locations). below code requirements. weekend program space and outdoor support amenities. According to the community survey, between 95-99% have never visited a preschool facility;

PRESCHOOLS however, the audience and user group for these facilities is limited.

T Parkside Preschool: What improvements 1 Option 1: Relocate preschool programming to Community Center No dedicated drop off area. Restrooms The preschools were the least favorite should be made to the facility? (if repurposed) and demolish building. shared with Community Park and facility (1 of 149 votes). Mind Mixer results 2 Option 2: Demo the existing facility and construct new preschool amphitheater use. Lack of storage. indicated the preschools are eighth in facility on site for preschool program consolidation. Significant renovations needed to meet improvement needs(1 of 69 votes). 3 Option 3: Maintain as preschool (with four de-centralized locations). ADA standards. Stakeholder and staff workshops noted consolidation into one facility would reduce staff resource needs. Need more weekend program space and outdoor support amenities. According to the community survey, between 95-99% have never visited a preschool facility; however, the audience and user group for these facilities is limited.

U Hamilton Reservoir Concessions / 1 Maintain as is; improve site. Good condition, no issues with ADA. Staff workshops indicated a need for Maintenance: What improvements should Support for surrounding uses. more storage to keep more equipment be made to the combined services indoors in a safer environment). facility?

V Palatine Hills Golf Course Maintenance: 1 Develop a master plan for replacement of the maintenance facility, No ADA compliant, numerous drainage Staff workshops noted access to the What improvements should be made to clubhouse, and pro shop buildings with new facilities. issues, no drainage at wash bay areas. course is impacted by floods and requires the facility? 2 Consider secondary and more centralized concession, storage and washroom structure.

W Michigan Avenue Storage Building: What 1 Maintain as is. No electric, water, or drainage service. No Staff workshops indicated a need for improvements should be made to the 2 Add electric service to facility. fire alarm or sprinklers. Ample storage more storage to keep more equipment facility? space. indoors and safer environment) MAINTENANCE

ENVISION: ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 141 Justification Opportunity: Alternative Strategies: Assess Connect X Maintenance: What improvements should 1 Develop satellite maintenance facility and relocate some staff and Shared with VOP. Overall good condition. Staff workshops noted access to the be made to the combined services equipment to site. General lack of space for park course is impacted by floods and requires facility? maintenance staff and vehicular on street access at times. maintenance. No accessible route to upper level (used for storage).

Y Maintenance: Satellite maintenance / 1 Develop satellite facility for the north half of the district at Palatine Staff workshops indicated a need for second maintenance facility. Stables/Meadowlark Park development per Palatine Stables satellite facility to reduce drive time and comments above. road wear on equipment. 2 Consider Hamilton Reservoir for satellite maintenance

142 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 3 Prioritize Preferred Strategies 4143 Overview This Chapter documents the Envision: Alternative Strategies phase of the comprehensive master planning process.

Purpose Chapter Outline These recommendations are the synthesis of the • District-wide Goals and Objectives Inventory & Analysis and Needs Assessment data • Programs, Administration, and Operations documented in the previous chapters. Through • Parks and Open Space internal charrettes and staff and Board workshops, • Community Parks primary, long-term and ongoing initiatives were • Neighborhood Parks discussed, outlined and prioritized, ultimately • Mini Parks resulting in the Strategies set forth in this chapter. • Natural Area • Undeveloped Sites • Special Use Sites • Trails • Facilities • Aquatics • Indoor Recreation Facilities • Special Use Facilities • Maintenance Facilities • Definitions

144 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 145 District-wide Goals & Objectives This Chapter documents the Envision: Alternative Strategies phase of the comprehensive master planning process.

Goal: Equity Objective: Better engage senior and active adult Provide an equitable balance of park, programs, and populations. facilities. Policy †† Geocode program participant addresses to Goal: Awareness evaluate and analyze who is participating in Increase community awareness of the Park District. what programs at which facilities. Use results to re-evaluate where programs should be hosted Goal: Purpose-Driven and where to target specific marketing. Establish purpose-driven indoor recreation facilities. Marketing and Outreach †† Create a launch group / advisory Goal: Sustainable committee for active adults. † Create a more financially sustainable business model. † Consider senior liaison to work with PTSCC (Palatine Township Senior Citizens Council) and the launch group / advisory committee. Goal: Efficient and Focused †† Co-brand and co-market active Be more efficient in all efforts and focus on strengths. adult and senior programs. Partnerships †† Continue to work with Senior Center to determine offerings.

146 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 Programs †† Develop service and program plan for active adults and seniors. • Consider program opportunities that will engage both retired and working adults schedules. • Consider ways to incorporate programming into parks and open spaces. • Consider trending active adult / senior programming such as: • Sports - Broomball, inner tube water polo, pickleball, Wally ball • Exercise - Zumba Gold, Dance Buffet, kettlebells, outdoor fitness • Technology - Beginner’s Guide to iPad, Social media, etc., digital photography, • Entertainment - Karaoke, improv, Murder Mystery dinners, speed dating, Wii for seniors • Art - Cooking classes, drawing / painting, jewelry making, mixed media arts, pottery, quilting • Professional / Other - Estate planning, self- publishing, brain fitness, voice-overs, writing your memoir Parks and Open Spaces †† Provide outdoor recreation activities and amenities that appeal to active adults. Consider: • Fitness Stations • Bocce, Baggo, Shuffleboard, and Horseshoes • Pickle ball • Fishing Stations and Nature Overlooks • Community gardens • Trails and trail support amenities • Platform Tennis Facilities †† Work with PTSCC to explore senior center options (lease existing facility, acquire existing facility, or acquire land and construct new senior center facility as part of a larger indoor program facility project).

ASSESS: INVENTORY & ANALYSIS PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 147 †† Develop alternative plan for 2020 when Marketing and Outreach Objective: Better engage minority populations. lease expires with PTSCC in case they decide † † Consider teen board for leadership Marketing and Outreach to relocate / find a new facility to lease and decision-making as it relates †† Consider improvements to the existing †† Develop outreach plan for ethnic to teen programming. minority groups to identify senior center building such as: † † Consider volunteer campaign with program and service needs. • create single point of entrance and control school-aged children and teens to †† Explore and implement additional at east end of facility raise awareness and interest in teen non-English communications • renovate lower level space to increase programming opportunities options through existing media. fitness space. †† Consider home-school focus group †† If new facility is leased, acquired or †† Consider home-school-specific survey Parks and Open Space (Development) constructed, consider the following spaces †† Consider a special survey aimed at †† Identify key redevelopment site to meet the needs of this demographic: underprivileged populations and / or opportunities and implement • Indoor pool a work group specifically assigned to trending cultural amenities. • Coffee Café address the needs of these populations. Objective: Increase awareness and engage • Indoor pickle ball courts Partnerships †† Continue working with the school District residents (users and non-users). • Walking / Running track district to identify methods to engage Marketing and Outreach † youth, teen, and at-risk populations. † Implement Program Guide and Website recommendations (see below). Objective: Better engage teen and at-risk • Consider teen work-study program †† Work with existing customers to grow through area high schools. youth populations. the existing customer base. This is much †† Explore youth development Policy easier than converting non-users. To programming opportunity partnerships †† Geocode program participant addresses identify non-user barriers, do focus groups with area civic and community-based to evaluate and analyze who is to determine root causes. Use public organizations such as Rotary Club. participating in what programs at which settings for already scheduled meetings †† Consider cooperative teen program facilities. Use results to re-evaluate by the Village, School District, Library, with Rolling Meadows. where programs should be hosted and etc. to get non-users to the table. Programs where to target specific marketing. †† Conduct specific non-user survey. †† Develop service and program plan for teens. †† Do best practice analysis of agencies †† Develop awareness campaign for: in the area that have the best • Consider “drop-in” program series for teens. • Parks Foundation success with teen services. • Consider tech-focused programming. • performing arts programming and Cutting †† Provide transportation alternatives to Parks and Open Space (Development) and from facilities to increase access to Hall. †† Consider what park and facility programs and participation rates. • environmental stewardship branding and improvements would be needed to • Consider bike club awareness. accommodate other teen activities †† Consider reduced rates and special • underutilized facilities and amenities. not currently available. programs for underprivileged populations. • POC and ICompete partnerships. Focus campaign on its value and needs served.

148 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 Programs Facilities †† Build upon “curb appeal” and improve †† Offer free open houses and events to †† Maintain existing building with visibility sight lines and awareness signage get people into parks and facilities. limited improvements necessary along Dundee and Smith Roads. • i.e. monthly park parties during spring/ for safety, accessibility, and priority • Enhance presence along street frontage summer/fall on a rotating schedule needs (heat, wash facilities) and within park. Develop wayfinding, † †† Offer free “first-timer” specials and / † Demolish existing arena and replace with gateway, signage, and improve entry or referral specials for new users. new heated, pre-engineered metal building. experience. †† As part of future Meadowlark Park †† Evaluate and implement cost-effective development, relocate stables in alternate Objective: Improve operations and increase ways to minimize flooding. location and repurpose new horse Facilities participation at Palatine Stables. arena as maintenance facility serving †† Implement master plan for replacement of Policy entire north half of Park District. the maintenance facility, clubhouse, and †† Evaluate long-term commitment of pro shop buildings with new facilities. operating stables (cost-benefit, ROI Objective: Improve facility, expand offerings †† Consider secondary and more centralized analysis). Determine whether this will concession, storage and washroom structure. be a long-term business model. and increase participation at Palatine Hills Golf †† Evaluate and potentially limit Course. District horse ownership. Policy Objective: Improve preschool operations. Policy †† Evaluate high-end breeding or †† Evaluate golf fees and pricing structure. †† Evaluate need for consolidation. boarding at Meadowlark Park. Programs †† Explore Sanborn School property and †† Consider shared lease option with †† Schedule recreation programs in the newly facility if the life safety study and effort by current PPD horses to private owner or renovated clubhouse and host non-golf District 15 consolidates this school site. potential boarders that cannot afford related events on the golf course grounds Facilities to own and board their own horse. †† Broaden and expand use of customer †† If District decides to consolidate Partnerships segments at course with practice to a single facility #1 †† Coordinate with other communities, Districts, academy area, foot golf, and non-golf and youth groups to expand marketing. related activities onsite. • Then: Repurpose Community Center or Marketing and Outreach †† Expand banquet and rental opportunities. Sanborn School to have preschool wing, †† Develop marketing and awareness Parks and Open Space (Development) relocate preschool programming to the campaign for stables. †† Implement Golf Course master plan. facility. Programs • Use more areas of the Dutch Shultz • And: Demolish Parkside Preschool facility. †† Develop complimentary programs Recreation Area. Demolish, renovate (shelter) or replace - winter use unique offerings • Driving range and practice facility. (facility for birthday rentals and meeting †† Do best practice analysis of other facilities in • Improve connections to Dutch Schultz Park space) Maple Park Preschool facility. the area that have other successful offerings through trails and enhance visibility. Repurpose Eagle Park Preschool for party †† Parks and Open Space (Development) / meeting / classroom space or as part †† Improve Northwest Highway of aquatic center. Convert Birchwood signage and visibility. preschool room to storage. †† Develop site master plan in conjunction with Meadowlark Park.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 149 †† If District decides to consolidate Partnerships †† Replace / update five basketball to a single facility #2 †† Pursue synthetic field cooperative with courts. Construct new courts to • Then: Demo the existing facility and Harper College and / or other turf fields. address distribution deficiencies. construct new preschool facility for †† Explore lease and field development • Ashwood Park preschool program consolidation. cooperatives with Forest Preserve District. • Hummingbird Park • And: Demolish, renovate (shelter) or †† Continue to develop partnerships with • Maple Park replace (facility for birthday rentals and other communities, schools, and agencies • Oak Park for baseball / softball and soccer field use. meeting space) Maple Park Preschool • Birchwood Park †† Consider expanding IGA with school facility. Repurpose Eagle Park Preschool †† Construct internal loop trails in key district to reinvest more into school Neighborhood and Community Parks to for party / meeting / classroom space or as field sites used by PPD. Potentially part of aquatic center. Convert Birchwood provide additional recreation opportunities. incorporate “field of dreams” platform. † preschool room to storage. † Design (new or redeveloped) Community Park and Open Space (Acquisition) Parks so they serve as Neighborhood †† If District chooses to consolidate †† If acquisition opportunities arise, pursue to two facilities and Mini Parks for adjacent residents. acquisition in key planning areas †† Identify key redevelopment site • Then: Utilize Maple Park Preschool and • If Neighborhood Park acquisition opportunities and implement Eagle Park Preschool as the two Preschool opportunities arise, pursue acquisition in current and trending amenities. facilities. key planning areas (2, 3 and 4 per survey) • Consider the following playground trends • And: Demolish Parkside Preschool facility • Explore potential acquisition opportunity • Nature-based playgrounds and convert Birchwood preschool room to at DunHaven Wood subdivision for a future • Electronic play features storage. park site in an identified low POS service • Rope climbers / net climbers †† If District chooses not to consolidate: area. • Splash Pads • Then: Maintain all sites (Parkside, Maple, • Utilize ComEd property - Carpenter Drive • Consider the following sports trends Eagle, and Birchwood) as preschools. for open space. • Synthetic turf • And: Consider minor upgrades to Maple Parks and Open Space (Development) • Pickle ball Park facility. †† Activate undeveloped open space, providing • Outdoor ice rinks active and passive recreation opportunities. • Consider the following cultural / education This would add a total of 29.43 acres to trends Objective: Address park and open space PPD’s active recreation areas, increasing the • Amphitheater acreage, distribution and amenity deficiencies. LOS to 3.83 acres per 1,000 population • Outdoor classrooms Policy †† Replace / update shelters that • Nature or Fishing boardwalks / †† Establish a LOS policy of 4 acres are beyond their useful life. overlooks per 1,000 population. • Plum Grove Reservoir • Festival park / outdoor performance †† Maintain as is, establishing a LOS policy • Margreth Reimer Reservoir venues of 3.47 acres / 1,000 population. • Birchwood Park • Dog parks †† Consider “field of dreams” fee with affiliate • Consider the following adventure course groups for endowment fund for significant trends field development or improvements. • Non-motorized bike parks †† Evaluate the highest needs / conflicts • Skate art / skate trails as it relates to sports programs, affiliate • High ropes course groups, and additional field needs. • Zip line

150 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 †† Evaluate the need to provide dog Objective: Address indoor recreation space and skate speciality parks. Consider new locations, plans, and allocations deficiencies and alleviate existing scheduling to bring to industry standards. conflicts. †† Invest in infrastructure for recycling Partnerships in all parks and facilities. †† Consider IGA with School District †† Consider decommissioning baseball 211 for indoor space fields and reconstructing soccer, †† Consider partnership with Harper lacrosse, and rugby at Birchwood Park College for indoor pool facility. South. Look for opportunity to acquire †† Partner with neighboring districts/agencies and develop another sports park. to develop an indoor aquatics facility. †† Address all ADA accessibility issues †† Consider partnerships with Harper within parks and open spaces. College for indoor turf fields. Facilities Objective: Improve natural areas and creek †† Explore alternate and appropriate space for program needs such as frontage throughout District. indoor aquatics or gymnastics. Policy †† IF: vacant land is acquired or leased, or †† Establish a natural areas management plan. existing park land is redeveloped with †† Develop volunteer stewardship program to new facility (i.e. community park) clean and maintain creek beds and edges. • THEN: Develop new purpose-driven Park and Open Space (Development) recreation center for health, fitness and †† Provide meaningful access to wellness. Consider space for: natural areas and open water. • Indoor aquatics †† Consider boardwalks and overlooks for • Gymnasium(s) fishing and wildlife viewing in key locations. • Multi-purpose rooms †† Investigate trail and park connections • Fitness Center across creeks where appropriate • AND: Consider re-purposing Community †† Construct bridge at Williams’s property to access trail and Lindberg Park. Center to create a dedicated facility for †† Replace bridge at Locust Park. office / admin, gymnastics / dance, and †† Complete creek stabilization techniques preschool. along all problem area waterways. †† IF: vacant commercial space is acquired or leased • THEN: Renovate as purpose-driven program space. Consider space for: • Gymnastics programming • Indoor aquatics • Other programming †† Expand Falcon Park Recreation Center per the facility’s master plan to include a second indoor turf field.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 151 Programs, Administration, and Operations

Regional trail systems are largely planned, developed and managed by the Village of Palatine. Trails and pathways within individual park sites, and the addition or improvements to them, are specified within the Existing Parks and Open Space within this chapter. Objective: Improve registration process Objective: Improve maintenance operations. †† Update software program. Policy †† Consider aligning PPD program registration †† Evaluate the need for a satellite maintenance facility schedule and program cycles with †† Evaluate contracted vs. staff mowing agreements. school district scheduling cycles. Consider contracting out for large remote areas. Facilities Objective: Improve customer service experience †† IF: Unmet staffing needs exist †† Enhance customer service committee • THEN: Develop satellite facility to reduce drive / create customer service plan. times and equipment use at Palatine Stables / †† Train staff and allow all desk areas to Meadowlark Park development sell and serve customer needs. • OR: Develop facility at Hamilton Reservoir • AND: Relocate some staff and equipment to new Objective: Improve all staffing and operations. satellite facility Policy †† Develop detailed Capital Replacement Objective: Expand and leverage volunteers. and Development Program. †† Develop a Volunteer Coordinator position †† Complete staffing study to evaluate unmet †† Develop comprehensive and staffing needs. If unmet needs are present, formal volunteer program. consider hiring for appropriate positions. • Develop online volunteer form that translates †† Update mission, vision, and values, incorporating volunteer interests into department-wide a Culture Statement per workshop conducted database to aid in finding current and potential during the master planning process. volunteers. Design database so supervisor †† Establish forma part-time staff training protocol comments can be incorporated into records. for various sub-departments / work groups †† Explore staff / department locations • Develop menu of volunteer opportunities based for best utilization. on the hours individual volunteers are available

152 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 †† Establish a “Friend of the Parks” Groups Objective: Improve risk management practices. to assist Parks Foundation. †† Define issues with current risk management practices. †† Coordinate with other member agencies Objective: Improve partnerships and agreements to complete a cost-benefit analysis. with other agencies †† Research alternatives and determine best †† Consider IGA between PPD and Salt route and provider for risk management. Creek Park District for resident rates. †† Explore options to shift from the current †† Evaluate IGA with Rolling Meadows Park District reactive nature of liability insurance for resident rates.Consider IGA for reciprocal pool to a proactive, comprehensive, and services and benefits between area Park Districts. preventative risk management pool. †† Develop partnerships between Hoffman Estates †† Ensure all independent production Park District, Rolling Meadows and Salt Creek Park companies utilizing Cutting Hall operate District for facilities and programs. Establish fee and with certificates of insurance. use policy, and communicate to residents and staff. †† Establish a shared web platform Objective: Improve program performance. †† Consider cooperative community newsletter Policy with other government partners. †† Set standards and goals for new †† Review IGA with Village and consider and discontinued programs revisions or improvements to agreement. †† Complete annual program life cycle analysis to determine which programs to Objective: Improve partnerships with affiliates continue offering and discontinue. †† Review / revise affiliate agreements. †† Conduct in-depth value and benefit analysis of each Establish standard affiliate baseline special event. Consolidate or discontinue special agreement for all organizations. event when value / benefit is low or declining. †† Develop and distribute PPD Affiliate †† Currently, there are some measures in place, Guidelines and Expectations handbooks and relate mostly to registration, financial †† Conduct quarterly meetings to coordinate field results, and cancellation rates. With the maintenance, scheduling, and other issues. initiation of new program registration software, †† Conduct season set up and develop measurement data more fully. post-season evaluations. †† Cross-reference District programs with other agencies and determine if overlap and duplication occur. If so, evaluate need for duplicate programs based on participation and revenue. †† Develop better survey tool for recreation program participants to provide information to District upon completion of programs. †† Track this at a departmental level for programs and facilities and by core program and facility level. Implement an annual program process review to analyze lifecycles.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 153 Programs Objective: Improve pricing structure and Objective: Improve Program Guide and Website †† Utilize lifecycle analysis information revenue policies Policy † to discontinue declining programs †† Develop a policy that guides non-resident † Consider hiring graphic designer. † and upon discontinuation, develop pricing, but ensure flexibility for † Consider employing a staff member with new offerings. Consider discontinuing demand based pricing. Develop strong writing skills or a professional the following programs: resident / non-resident fee structure. copywriter to work with program and facility staff to develop strong, concise descriptions. • Specific fitness equipment and facilities • Consider requiring non-residents pay the †† Consider updating District logo. such as the Aerodyne Bike and shower and total “membership” fee of what PPD tax †† Establish and track program guide locker rooms payers pay and then get resident rates for • Fit Start performance measures to improve ROI. programs • Consider catalog ROI, gross revenue per • 3rd to 8th grade basketball league †† Analyze / Decipher consistent pricing catalog / per spread, cost per catalog • Baseball / Softball strategy. Update pricing structure to mailed, response rate to households • Karate reflect current practices and standards • Tennis and keep up with related costs. responding, new customers acquired, and †† Look to adjacent Districts and trends †† Develop consistent cost recovery model. refund. research when developing new programs. Establish true cost of programming, †† Establish and track performance measures †† Consider additional program exploring direct costs and indirect costs. and user behavior on the website. offerings such as †† Establish 50/50 tax to revenue ratio. • Consider: number of visitors, referrals, • An all-day preschool option. Develop standard revenue structure. bounce rate, exit pages, top 10 pages, and • A flag football program for youth and †† Implement new finance software. conversion rate. teens. †† Consider a more customer- †† Plan to schedule photo shoots each season • Expanding banquet offerings. friendly refund policy. for next year’s use. Show users interacting †† Evaluate golf fees and pricing structure. with each other in photography. †† Evaluate feasibility of contracting Overall Graphic Design Improvements out concessions services. †† Establish a clearly identifiable personality †† Evaluate increasing ticket and and coordinate website and program fee costs for Cutting Hall. guide design. Develop a strong, overall †† Evaluate and conduct special event design concept for all communications cost analysis. Create a special event including a catalog template. plan and incorporate big and small †† Establish several spread templates that special events. Supplement large create a clear hierarchy in type sizes and events with “drop-in” events. font styles for section headers, subsection • Identify the true costs of special events, headers, and subsection general information including maintenance support to headers or program titles. Establish a determine if the extensive list of programs hierarchy of design elements. Carry this should be reduced. theme through to the website and ensure †† Formalize sponsorship opportunities interior / subpages have a consistent look and consider creating sponsorship with the homepage and throughout the site. † coordinator position. † Develop a coordinated color palette. †† Establish and utilize brand appropriate fonts. Keep fonts consistent on both the

154 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 guide and website. Avoid script fonts. †† Consider a strategic use of hotspots. †† Ensure district has presence on Google+, †† Place logo in prominent a Utilize the inside cover, first four pages, Yelp, Foursquare and other social networks. highly visible location. and back cover for these hotspots. †† Use an open source platform that allows †† Consider large, strong photo and headline / †† Include a prominent call to action and for flexibility with the updating process. subline for each section instead of multiple registration dates on the order form. †† Ensure website is mobile-friendly. smaller photos and design elements. †† Omit detailed refund policy from the †† Consider eliminating program section. • Select interesting images to capture and registration form. Simply mention †† Consider eliminating events sidebar, replace engage users. where residents can find the policy. with more engaging, sharable content. Copy • Locate the refund policy on the inside back †† Update program section, using a separate †† Avoid non-descriptive words in program cover of the program / activity guide. page with marketing copy and images. descriptions. Eliminate phrases like †† Relocate the registration form to the last Include call-to-action, current season “this class is designed to,” “you won’t page of the program / activity guide. information, and registration information. believe,” “ and “are you interested in.” • Simplify registration information and †† Consider headings and subheadings eliminate unnecessary instructions, as the Website Navigation † that emphasize the fun, healthy aspects form is self-explanatory. † Reduce the number of links in the navigation bar and increase font size. of the activity, not the season. • Relocate special registrations and special † †† Relocate login and registration † Integrate District identity into tourism- needs information elsewhere in the type facilities such as the golf course, links to upper right corner. program guide. Cutting Hall, and Family Aquatic Center. †† Relocate links to Affiliates, Program †† Soften and simplify registration †† Add benefit-selling subheadings. evaluations, Forms, and Open Gym / Track procedure and policy language. †† Rewrite body copy in a more Hours. Analyze user data on site to evaluate †† Consider reducing guide to 64 conversational and convincing style if these links should be lower on the page. pages for significant savings. with a call-to-action in mind. †† Consider re-categorizing and renaming †† Eliminate directory content. Program Guide Design section from a user perspective - see Website Design †† Evaluate need to publish District best practices section of report. †† Consider eliminating header collage map in catalog each season. †† Carry a consistent branded header and replace with one large, impactful †† Reduce content to allow for throughout the site on every page. image or with a rotating image display. more white space. †† Consider locating Park Board meeting †† De-clutter the interior program guide information along with volunteer layout, increasing white space. opportunities and foundation information †† On the cover of the program guide, in the “Get Involved” section. make subtitles smaller and relocate †† Relocation social media buttons them to the top or bottom of page. lower on the web page. †† De-emphasize season, website, †† Encourage action. Each page should have and phone information / text. an element that encourages action - get †† Place the registration dates or featured news the order, solicit feedback, encourage at a location away from the main title. sharing online, sign up for an email list, †† Reorganize services by activity view products / services / photos, etc. as opposed to location. †† Integrate social media and website †† Provide self-titled sections for Rentals, activities. Include an easy-to-spot Dog Park, Online and New Registration one-click sharing button for content. System, and special needs Recreation.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 155 Parks and Open Space The following section outlines the master planning and capital replacement strategies for the individual parks and open spaces with the Palatine Park District. Parks are organized by classification.

The Parks and Open Space strategies below identify policy recommendations for the enhancement of the overall parks and open space system.

Objective: Develop park brand. Policy †† Establish comprehensive repair and replacement plan that includes all parks and amenities. †† Establish park design standards that include, but are not limited to: • Site furnishing standards • Playground design guidelines • Identification, wayfinding, and rules signage standards

156 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE COMMUNITY PARKS

Birchwood Park

Develop site master plan †† Consider: †† Provide stronger visual and physical • Relocating playground and / or put connections to Birchwood Park South. fence or vegetation buffer between the Consider wayfinding signage. playground and field to separate the two †† Provide stronger visual and physical uses connections to the Palatine Trail • Looping trail around park property to located south and west of the site. provide additional recreation opportunities • Consider trailhead amenities such as • Replacing existing asphalt path identification / wayfinding signage, • Dense vegetation buffer and / or fence on seating, bike amenities, and drinking east side of park property. fountains. †† Provide additional signage by Parkside. • Seating area between basketball and tennis • Removing and replacing shelter • Resurfacing basketball court • Fitness stations • Splash Pad †† Establish better identity and visibility along north street frontage

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 157 GOAL: IMPROVE COMMUNITY PARKS

Birchwood Park South Celtic Park

Develop site master plan. Develop site master plan †† Consider: †† Provide stronger visual and physical †† Consider: • Improving fields, constructing outfield connections to the Palatine Trail • Small shelter near the playground on the fencing, paved spectator areas, and located south and west of the site. northwest side covered dugout / player areas • Consider trailhead amenities such as • Permanent restroom / concession building • Relocating the three baseball / softball identification / wayfinding signage, †† Strengthen connections and fields to Hamilton Reservoir seating, bike amenities, and drinking accessibility throughout site. • Small playground / play area fountains. • Provide loop path to connect amenities • 2-3 soccer, football, rugby, or lacrosse fields †† Research feasibility of underground / and provide additional recreational value. †† Provide stronger visual and reconfigured flood control to increase field †† Evaluate parking / complete parking study. physical connections to Birchwood use and programming and minimize flooding • Consider additional parking on north side Park and Cardinal Park. of site by water tower. • Consider wayfinding signage †† Strengthen visual presence along Peregrine and Parkside Drives. • Consider signage along street frontage. • Consider clearing scrub vegetation to provide views into site.

158 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE COMMUNITY PARKS

Community Center Park / Ost Field Community Park

Develop site master plan. Consider developing Develop site master plan. Consider developing accessible routes to the areas. master plan in conjunction with Community master plan in conjunction with Community Park Center Park †† Strengthen connection to †† Consider: †† Consider: Community Center Park • Shelter / concessions for football field use • Loop trail / accessible connections to all • Work with Village of Palatine to provide • Permanent restroom / concession building amenities more visible and safe cross walks between • Adding basketball courts • Improve pedestrian and vehicular parks. • Seating area between volleyball and tennis circulation • Provide trail connections between the two • Adding lights to tennis courts • Replace existing asphalt path sites. • Loop trail / accessible connections to all • Relocating skate park to another park site †† Evaluate site feasibility for amenities. • Relocating skate park to another area on indoor recreation center. • “Main” baseball field site †† Evaluate parking / complete parking study. • Artificial turf field • Remove and replace shelter †† Add Legacy Park next to Museum. Park • Fitness stations • Evaluate spectator / player areas around would display all memorial items †† Strengthen connection to Community Park baseball fields • Work with Village to provide more visible • Remove and replace baseball fields, and safe cross walks between parks. consider alternate site layout • Provide trail connections between the two †† Improve accessibility to amphitheater sites. and provide accessible seating by †† Evaluate parking / complete parking study. adding concrete pads for seating and

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 159 GOAL: IMPROVE COMMUNITY PARKS

Dutch Schultz Recreation Area Falcon Park Hamilton Reservoir / Ron Gbur Sports Fields

†† Consider: Develop site master plan Develop site master plan. • Shoreline restoration †† Consider: †† Consider: • Fishing / nature pier or overlook • Relocating playground and / or put • Enhancing visitor experience and identity • Drinking fountains along bike trail. fence or vegetation buffer between the with sport-theming, identification signage, • Combination shelter / warming hut playground and field to separate the two wayfinding signage, and site furnishings • Sports lighting uses • Enhancing spectator areas with concrete • Signage improvements • Looping trail around park property to paving and shade structures • Natural areas (new or expansions) provide located south and west of the site. • Improving fields with on-deck circles, †† Consider improvements to parking. • Consider trailhead amenities such as scoreboards, and infield renovations †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide identification signage, wayfinding signage, • Tournament field with stadium ramps into play containers. seating, bike amenities, and drinking • Artificial turf sports fields †† Consider replacing basketball court. fountains. • Scoreboards if electrical challenge is • Provide additional signage by Parkside. alleviated • Covered / improved dugouts • Shade structures / awnings over spectator areas †† Consider strengthening pedestrian access to site and provide connections between site amenities. Consider looping path around site. Improve pathways and trail connections

160 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE COMMUNITY PARKS

Hamilton Reservoir / Ron Gbur Sports Fields, continued

IF: Birchwood Park South remains as is (baseball • Permanent outfield fencing • Consider identification signage and fields) • Additional amenities such as batting cages wayfinding signage. †† THEN: Enhance community • Evaluate parking / complete parking study • Provide stronger connections to the park uses and consider: and plan to add additional stalls. natural area / reservoir on the east side of • Additional small shelter and picnic • Consider sports lighting. the site amenities • Consider signage improvements for • Central washroom, concession, and wayfinding and identification. Ensure equipment storage facility signage notes, trails, concessions, bathrooms, and other key site features. IF: Birchwood Park South is converted to soccer / †† Provide stronger visual and physical lacrosse / rugby †† THEN: Create amateur sports facility to connections to the Palatine Trail host local, regional, and, potentially, located south and west of the site. national tournaments. Consider: • Consider trail connection to Ashwood Park. • Constructing 4-5 additional baseball • Consider trailhead amenities such as / softball fields and relocate some of identification signage, wayfinding signage, the soccer / lacrosse/ rugby fields and seating, bike amenities, and drinking programming to Birchwood Park South fountains. • Additional restroom, concessions, speaker’s box facility for the additional 4-5 fields

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 161 GOAL: IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Ashwood Park Wally Degner Park Eagle Park

†† Consider trail head amenities such †† Consider rabbit trail / gravel path Develop site master plan as identification signage, wayfinding through forested area. †† Consider: signage, seating, and bike amenities. †† Consider nature-themed • Site lighting †† Consider small off-street parking lot. interpretive signage. • Sports lighting at tennis courts †† Remove and replace basketball court. †† Consider small shelter or shade • Basketball Court structure with picnic tables. • Pickle ball Court striping overlay or †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide converting one tennis court to two pickle ramps into play containers. ball †† Consider signage improvements. • Concrete pad for shelter. †† Consider nature-themed, nature- †† Evaluate need and consider inspired or nature-based playground. opportunities for additional parking. †† Consider incorporating open land north of pool into pool facility for rental space.

162 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Finch Park Hummingbird Park Juniper Park

†† Improve ADA accessibility - provide †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide †† Consider following amenities on site ramps into play containers. ramps into play containers. • Fishing pier / nature overlook at wetland †† Remove and replace basketball court. area / open water on north end of site. †† Consider additional looping paths. • Loop path around site . †† Consider removing pavers and • Half-court basketball court installing concrete under shelter. †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 163 GOAL: IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Doug Lindberg Park Maple Park Oak Park

Develop site master plan. †† Consider large shelter for rentals. Develop site master plan †† Consider: †† Remove and replace basketball court. †† Consider: • Buffer between basketball and playground †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide • Providing seating near basketball court • Relocating basketball so access to court is ramps into play containers. • Shelter or shade sail near playground not through playground area †† Provide accessible connections to • Replacing one baseball field with • Additional net and striping for full, spectator areas of baseball fields. additional lacrosse or rugby † recreational court. † Provide looping trail around park property to • Providing accessible route to all baseball provide additional recreation opportunities • Providing accessible route to baseball spectator areas spectator areas †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide • Large shelter ramps into play containers. • Additional parking †† Evaluate use of baseball fields - • Dumpster corral consider removing and replacing with • Trail extensions. multi-purpose fields as needed. †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers.

164 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Sycamore Park Willowwood Park

Develop site master plan Develop site master plan †† Consider: †† Consider: • Relocating skate park to this location • Splash pad • Installing inline skating / hockey cages • Renovating playground • Buffer against residences. • Fishing / nature overlook by reservoir • Removing horseshoes and replacing • Native plantings with baggo †† Explore / evaluate trail • Small off-street parking lot connections Locust Park. • Replacing baseball field with small parking lot • Utilizing vacant lot across Carpenter for small parking lot †† Provide stronger visual and physical connections to the Palatine Trail †† Consider trailhead amenities such as identification signage, wayfinding signage, seating, bike amenities, and drinking fountains.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 165 GOAL: IMPROVE MINI PARKS

Cedar Park Cherrywood Park Cottonwood Park

†† Consider visibility improvements such as: †† Consider shade structure above picnic area †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps †† Clearing scrub vegetation to †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide into play containers and to shelter. provide views into site. ramps into play containers. †† Removing fence in areas where pedestrians access the site. †† Remove vegetation off Cedar Street. †† Clear and maintain creek vegetation. †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers.

166 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE MINI PARKS

Dove Park Hawthorne Park Locust Park

†† Evaluate lease for this property. †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide †† Maintain as is. †† Maintain as is. ramps into play containers. †† Consider larger bridge crossing †† Consider surveillance system. †† Maintain playground as is. - evaluate accessibility. †† Work with local residents on †† Consider shelter or shade †† Remove and replace existing or add re-development plan. structure with picnic tables. additional ADA accessible bridge crossing. †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide path to bridge crossing and connections to perimeter sidewalks. †† Consider the following amenities on site: †† Basketball Court †† Community Garden

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 167 GOAL: IMPROVE MINI PARKS

MallardPark Mulberry Park Peregrine Park

†† Remove and replace asphalt path. †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide Develop site master plan ramps into play containers. †† Consider: †† Consider vegetation or fence buffer • Playground. between home and playground. • Fishing /Nature boardwalk or overlook. †† Consider native plantings †† Consider trail head amenities such along drainage ditch. as identification signage, wayfinding †† Consider fence along road. signage, seating, bike amenities, †† Consider playground rules and drinking fountains. and warning signage. †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide †† When playground is up for renovation, path to benches and seating areas. consider relocating to a location farther from adjacent residence and street. †† Relocate identification signage. †† Add retaining wall.

168 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE MINI PARKS

Robin Park Sparrow Park

†† Consider creek stabilization measures †† Ramp into play container present, may need †† Maintain as is. to review ramp detail for future construction. †† Consider clearing scrub vegetation Slope appears to be more than 5%. to provide views into site. †† Improve ADA accessibility - provide ramps into play containers.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 169 GOAL: IMPROVE NATURAL AREAS

Cardinal Park Margreth Riemer Reservoir Palatine Prairie

Develop site master plan †† Consider warming shelter near sled hill. †† Consider nature-based playground †† Consider: †† Consider accessible path to sled hill. †† Consider interpretive signage. • Indoor nature center facility. †† Consider interpretive signage. †† Consider nature overlooks / boardwalks. • Outdoor classrooms †† Consider fitness stations. • Boardwalk overlook by pond / wetland †† Consider sled hill signage improvements. areas. • Small shelter near soccer / multi-purpose fields. • Bridge / boardwalk connection across creek canal if feasible. †† Strengthen connections between the east and west side of site †† Provide stronger visual and physical connections to Birchwood Park South. • Consider wayfinding signage. †† Enhance park identity - provide stronger visual presence along Illinois Avenue.

170 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE NATURAL AREAS

Plum Grove Reservoir The Grove Wilke Marsh

†† Improve ADA accessibility - provide †† Consider Nature Center †† Consider nature-based playground ramps into play containers. †† Consider nature-based playground †† Consider interpretive signage. †† Consider parking improvements such as a †† Consider nature / fishing pier, †† Consider nature overlooks / boardwalks. small parking lot specifically for the park overlook, or boardwalk. patrons or make designated parking stalls †† Consider interpretive signage. in Harper lot more prominent / visible. †† Consider dog park. †† Consider dog park improvements and additional play elements such as: • Hurdles • Hoops • Ramps • Weave Posts †† Provide stronger visual and physical connections to the Palatine Trail. • Consider trail head amenities such as identification signage, wayfinding signage, seating, bike amenities, and drinking fountains. †† Consider relocating dog park to another District site.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 171 GOAL: DEVELOP UNDEVELOPED SITES

Chestnut Park Heron Park Meadowlark Park

Develop site master plan †† Work with Village to determine Develop site master plan †† Consider: use. Review site infrastructure. †† Plan for community park and • Small playground / play area. †† Consider: neighborhood park use and amenities. • Small shelter . • Soccer / multi-purpose field †† Consider: • Gateway elements to provide more visual • Detention basin, native plantings • Shelter presence along roadway. interpretive signage. • Contemporary / destination playground †† Strengthen connection to Maple Park • Native plantings based around music or nature themes. †† Consider trail connection if feasible. • Parking • Sports courts and fields • Drinking fountain and other site furnishings. • Complimentary uses such as equestrian trails. †† Provide stronger visual and physical connections to Palatine Stables †† Enhance park identity - provide stronger visual presence through signage. †† Consider developing a working farm. †† Consider preserving open space - do not add active recreation amenities. †† Consider selling three out-lots on Doe Street. 172 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: DEVELOP UNDEVELOPED SITES

Partridge Park Whippoorwill Park

Develop site master plan in conjunction with No †† Consider nature / fishing pier, overlook, Name Park. or boardwalk with interpretive signage. †† Consider: †† Consider playground. • Clear scrub vegetation to provide views into site. • Trail / accessible pathways. • Small shelter and picnic amenities • Interpretive signage. • Connections to school on the north . • Creek improvements . • Looping path. †† Provide stronger connections to adjacent school.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 173 GOAL: IMPROVE SPECIAL USE SITES

Towne Square Park

†† Consider removing picnic tables and providing additional benches. May be removable / reversible depending on daytime v. concert use. †† Maintain as is.

174 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 175 Trails

Regional trail systems are largely planned, developed and managed by the Village of Palatine. Trails and pathways within individual park sites, and the addition or improvements to them, are specified within the Existing Parks and Open Space within this chapter.

The Trails section of this chapter identifies policy recommendations for cooperative enhancement of village owned trails that meet the outcomes of the Park District’s planning process.

Policy †† Budget $50,000 for yearly renovations. †† Resurface trail every 10 years. †† Keep key trail connections open and available for recreation during winter months. Park and Open Space (Development) †† Connect all Community Parks through the regional Palatine Trail. †† Implement key connections along trail

176 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 177 Facilities

Facility strategies primarily focused on the nuts and bolts improvements to the individual buildings and features. The following section is outlined by aquatics, indoor recreation centers, special use facilities, and maintenance facilities.

All District-wide strategies for facilities can be found in the District-wide Goals and Objectives section of this chapter.

Objective: Improve Maintenance Facilities • Add electric service to the Michigan Avenue Storage Buidling.

178 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE AQUATICS FACILITIES

Birchwood Pool Eagle Pool Family Aquatic Center

†† IF: Birchwood Recreation †† Create an overflow parking lot to the †† Renovate bathhouse to create direct Center is demolished north of the facility on the vacant access to pool deck and incorporate • THEN: Improve / Expand facility to create property owned by the Park District. family changing rooms. additional shallow water area and / or zero- †† Add shelter and picnic area †† Evaluate layout for sightlines and safety. depth entry on north side of pool. Renovate leisure pool to remove/ †† Enlarge tot pool. †† Expand pool to the north. re-configure central “rocks” area. †† Enclose pool to create a year-round indoor aquatic center. †† Close concessions and expand vending machine offerings.

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 179 GOAL: IMPROVE INDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES

Birchwood Recreation Center Community Center Falcon Park Recreation Center

Complete capacity and use analysis of facility. Policy Policy †† IF: Programming can be relocated upstairs †† Evaluate Facility hours of operations †† Consider policy change at Falcon • THEN: Renovate facility and relocate (weekend, winter, fitness center) for usage to be changed to allow preschool and senior programming on Facilities residents to use facility as family. upper level, use basement for storage. †† IF: A new recreation facility is Facilities †† IF: Preschool programming is relocated constructed / acquired †† Implement phase 2 master plan • THEN: Utilize existing preschool room(s) for • THEN: Re-purpose facility to create a (turf, locker rooms, storage, etc.) †† Consider indoor fitness area. storage. dedicated facility for office / admin, †† Improve office and banquet space areas. †† IF: Facility is demolished gymnastics / dance, and preschool. †† Consider larger player transition • THEN: Reconstruct / expand the facility †† IF: Facility is to remain main Rec Center • THEN: Consider improvements such as: areas and changing rooms. closer to Illinois Avenue. †† Explore strategies to determine the † • Add storage on lower level † IF: Facility is to remain long-term solution(s) for skylight and • THEN: Consider improvements to existing • Relocate main entrance to face Mozart. • Add controlled entrance with hallway window panel condensation issues. structure. Consider: access to gymnastics on north and • Providing air conditioning at program rooms on south. gymnasium. • Expand fitness center. • Enclosing pool for indoor aquatics • Establish dedicated group x rooms • Program and multi-purpose space • Reconfigure locker room. expansion • Improve accessibility. • Fitness facility expansion • Consider indoor play environment. • Indoor / outdoor artificial turf 180 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 GOAL: IMPROVE SPECIAL USE FACILITIES

Clayson House Museum Cutting Hall Fred P. Hall Amphitheatre

Partnership †† Create a sense of identity/entrance at the †† Provide gutters and downspouts at †† Evaluate partnership in managing building exterior through renovation/ roof; repair leaks at electrical room. and maintaining facility. expansion. Improve exterior façade †† Undertake improvements to Facilities †† Develop an addition to the facility that improve accessibility to stage. †† Undertake minor improvements to improve includes expanded lobby, reception/ †† Develop strategy to reconfigure site and accessibility and roof ventilation. pre-function, and concessions space. spectator layout to improve views and add †† Assist historical society with the Include elevator as part of project to more controlled and formal access points. shed and farm display structure provide accessibility to upper level. on Clayson House premises. †† Consider developing addition of a “black †† Locate and secure additional box”/multi-purpose space for programs controlled environment space for and performances. Consider renovations document and artifact storage. to back end of facility and classrooms. †† Develop site master plan that establishes †† Consider addition of smaller practice stage. and emphasizes connections to the †† Improve parking lot. Legacy Park development vision adjacent to Museum. Consider: †† Shelter / gazebo on site next to museum • Reconfiguring west parking lot and add accessible spaces

PRIORITIZE: PREFERRED STRATEGIES PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 181 182 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 4 Plan Action Plan & Implementation 5183 Overview The Plan: Action Plan Chapter outlines the proposed tasks and projects for Palatine Park District over the next five years. For detailed information regarding the sites listed in the action plan, refer to Chapter 5, Prioritize: Preferred Strategies.

Chapter Outline Annual Initiatives This chapter outlines the guide for implementing the strategies in Chapter 5, Prioritize: Preferred Strategies. This Action guide is organized as follows: Year-long †† Explore acquisition in key planning areas. • At-a-Glance Action Plan timeline †† Schedule quarterly meetings with affiliates to coordinate field maintenance, scheduling, and other issues. †† Conduct pre- and post-season evaluations with affiliates. • Detailed Implementation Guide, organized †† Following each special event, conduct in-depth value and benefit analysis. Consolidate or discontinue special events when value / benefit chronologically is low or declining. • District-wide Indoor Space Needs Assessment †† Evaluate adjacent Districts and trends to develop new programs. †† Complete lifecycle analysis. †† Complete age segmentation distribution analysis. †† Update Capital Replacement Plan. †† Explore Grant funding for Capital Replacements. †† Address all ADA accessibility issues within parks and open spaces. †† Budget approximately $50,000 each year for Palatine Trail improvements and renovations. †† Update Action Plan.

184 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Planning Begin District-wide Indoor Space Needs Assessment Initiatives Adopt Comprehensive Complete Preschool Program Evaluation Plan Finalize Indoor Space Partnership with Harper College 201 5 Operational (A-1) Policy, Programs, Marketing & Outreach Initiatives

Planning Complete District-wide Indoor Space Needs Assessment Initiatives Complete Stang Study Evaluate and Establish District-wide Program Standards Operational Initiatives (A) Policy, Programs, Marketing & Outreach, Partnerships

2016 Capital retsaM nalP ytinummoC kraP supmaC dnuF ytinummoC kraP supmaC )DALSO( ngiseD & reenignE ytinummoC kraP supmaC esahP 1 Improvements Master Plan Hamilton Park Improvements Design & Engineer Hamilton Park Improvements Bid & Construct Hamilton Park Support Amenities and Spectator Experience Improvements

Capital (A) Oak Park Replacements

Planning Develop Natural Areas Managemnent Plan Initiatives Complete Cost-Bene t Analysis of Stables Test Market / Evaluate Stables Business Model

Operational (B)Policy, Marketing & Outreach Initiatives

Master Plan Community Center Renovation Design & Engineer Community Center Renovation and Community Park Campus Phase 2 Bid & Construct Community Park Campus Phase 1 2017 Capital Improvements Master Plan Dutch Shultz / Palatine Hills Visibility Improvements Design & Engineer Bid & Construct

Capital Willowwood Park, Ashwood Park Replacements

Planning Update Comprehensive Master Plan Initiatives Complete Cost-Bene t Analysis of Golf Course Test Market / Evaluate Golf Business Model

Operational (C) Programs, Marketing & Outreach, Partnerships Initiatives

Bid & Construct Communtiy Center Renovation and Community Park Campus Phase 2 Demo Parkside Preschool 2018 Capital Master Plan Meadowlark Park Fund Meadowlark Park Design & Engineer Meadowlark Park Improvements Design & Engineer Stables Improvements Construct Stables Improvements Capital Replacements Plum Grove Reservoir, Margreth Riemer Reservoir Operational Initiatives (D) Policy

Capital Master Plan Birchwood Recreation Center & Park Design & Engineer Birchwood Recreation Center & Park Improvements Bid & Construct Meadowlark Park Improvements 2019 Capital Replacements Hummingbird Park

Capital Bid & Construct Birchwood Recreation Center & Park Renovation Improvements Master Plan Maple Park Design & Engineer Maple Park

2020 Capital Doug Lindberg Park, Robin Park Replacements

PLAN: ACTION PLAN PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 185 2015-2016

Planning Initiatives Operational Improvements (A-1) Action Leadership Action Leadership †† Begin District-wide Indoor Space Needs Assessment Policy • Evaluate PTSCC senior center options †† Update mission, vision, and values, incorporating a Culture Statement per • Consider and develop plan for 2020 when senior center lease expires workshop conducted during the master planning process. • Complete detailed engineering assessment of each preschool facility. †† Develop Volunteer Coordinator position • Complete detailed engineering assessment of stables facility. †† Develop formalize and comprehensive volunteer program. • Consider facility improvements needed to cater to teens, at-risk youth, • Consider volunteer stewardship program to clean and maintain creek beds home-school youth, seniors, and minority populations. and edges. • Explore staff / department locations for best utilization. Evaluate whether • Establish a “friend of the Parks” Groups to assist Parks Foundation. staff has the appropriate space to effectively manage their responsibilities. †† Establish park design standards / guidelines. • Evaluate the need for a satellite maintenance facility †† Review / revise affiliate agreements. • Evaluate partnerships with school districts, Harper College, and adjacent • Establish standard affiliate baseline agreement for all organizations. districts for appropriate indoor space and program needs. †† Develop and distribute PPD Affiliate Guidelines and Expectations handbook. †† Complete Preschool Program Evaluation †† Establish comprehensive repair and replacement plan that includes all parks and • Geocode program participant addresses to evaluate and analyze who amenities. participates at each facility. †† Update software program(s). • Evaluate the need for and benefits of consolidation. • Registration • Evaluate other potential properties / facilities (i.e. Sanborn School) that • Finance are centrally-located on properties that have room for additional outdoor • Time and Attendance amenities. †† Complete risk management assessment • Evaluate projected demographics and possible future demand. • Define issues with current risk management practices. • Coordinate with other member agencies to complete a cost-benefit †† Finalize Indoor Space Partnership with Harper College analysis. • Research alternatives and determine best route and provider. • Develop detailed proactive risk management practices update related plans. †† Evaluate feasibility of provide transportation alternatives to and from facilities to increase access and participation rates. †† Consider realigning program registration schedule and cycles with school district scheduling cycles. Programs †† Geocode all program participant addresses to evaluate and analyze participation. Use results to determine where programs should be held and where to target specific marketing. †† Discontinue programs as noted by the lifecycle analysis (refer to Chapter 5, Prioritize: Preferred Strategies for more information). 186 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 Operational Improvements (A-1) - continued Action Leadership Marketing & Outreach †† Develop overall outreach plan for seniors, at-risk youth, home-school youth, teens, and minority populations. Consider focus / advisory groups. †† Implement Program Guide and Website recommendations. (refer to page # in Chapter 5, Prioritize: Preferred Strategies for more information). †† Develop and Implement awareness campaign for Palatine Stables. †† Consider volunteer campaign with school-aged children and teens to raise awareness and interest in teen programming opportunities.

PLAN: ACTION PLAN PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 187 2016-2017 Planning Initiatives Operational Improvements (A) Action Leadership Action Leadership †† Complete District-wide Indoor Space Needs Assessment Policy †† Complete staffing study to evaluate unmet staffing needs. †† Evaluate fee and revenue policies • Consider reduced rates and special discount programs for underprivileged †† Evaluate and Establish District-wide Program Standards populations. • Utilize new program software to develop in-depth measurement data. • Evaluate golf fees and pricing structure. • Cross-reference District programs with other agencies. Determine if overlap • Evaluate “field of dreams” fee for affiliate groups for endowment fund for / duplication occurs. Evaluate duplication based on participation and significant field development or improvements. revenue. • Evaluate intergovernmental agreements with adjacent park districts for • Establish standards and goals for new and discontinued programs. resident rates (Salt Creek Park District, Rolling Meadows Park District • Develop better survey tool for recreation program participants to provide • Develop resident / non-resident fee structure and rates. information to District upon completion of programs. • Analyze / Decipher consistent pricing strategy. Update pricing structure to • Develop annual program review process to analyze lifecycles. reflect current practices and standards and keep up with related costs. • Develop consistent cost recovery model. Establish true cost of programming, exploring direct costs and indirect costs. • Establish 50/50 tax to revenue ratio. Develop standard revenue structure. • Consider more customer-friendly revenue policy. • Formalize sponsorship opportunities Programs †† Complete best practices analysis of other Districts that have successful teen programming. †† Develop service and program plan for active adults and seniors. • Consider program opportunities for both retired and working adults. • Consider ways to incorporate programs into parks and open spaces. †† Develop service and program plan for teens and at-risk youth populations. †† Develop program and services plan for golf course. • Implement golf practice academy, evaluate foot golf opportunities, and explore other non-golf related activities on-site at Palatine Hills. • Expand banquet and rental opportunities for Golf Course Clubhouse. • Schedule recreation programs in clubhouse and host non-golf related special events in clubhouse and on golf grounds.

188 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 Operational Improvements (A) - continued Capital Improvements Action Leadership Action Leadership Marketing & Outreach Community Park Campus †† Continue working with senior liaison to PTSCC †† Master Plan (refer to Chapter 5, Prioritize: Preferred Strategies for more †† Establish launch group / advisory committee. information). †† Co-brand and -market active adult and senior programming. • Complete parking study. †† Establish teen board for leadership and decision-making related to teen • Include Legacy Park and the skate park relocation in master planning programming. process. †† Implement additional non-English communications through existing media. • Develop phasing strategy. Evaluate need for languages other than Spanish. †† Fund improvements, consider: †† Develop awareness campaign for Palatine Hills Golf Course. • IDNR OSLAD Grant (deadline July 1) if available Partnerships †† Design and Engineer †† Explore teen work-study program through area schools. Hamilton Park Support Amenities and Spectator Experience Improvements †† Contact Rolling Meadows to evaluate opportunity for teen program partnership. †† Master Plan (refer to Chapter 5, Prioritize: Preferred Strategies for more information). †† Design and Engineer †† Bid and Construct Capital Replacements (A) Action Leadership Oak Park †† Remove and Replace basketball court †† Remove and Replace playground †† Remove and Replace picnic shelter

PLAN: ACTION PLAN PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 189 2017-2018 Planning Initiatives Capital Improvements Action Leadership Action Leadership †† Develop natural areas management plan Community Center • Establish volunteer stewardship program to clean and maintain creek beds †† Master Plan renovations. and edges. • Anticipated building program includes preschool, gymnastics, • Establish guidelines for providing meaningful access to natural areas and administration, and programming. open water. †† Design and Engineer renovations. • Establish high priorities for trail and park connections across creeks where Community Park Campus appropriate. †† Bid and Construct Phase 1 Improvements • Establish creek stabilization standards and locate where these methods are †† Design and Engineer Phase 2 Improvements necessary. Dutch Shultz Park / Palatine Hills Golf Course †† Evaluate long-term commitment of operating stables (cost-benefit analysis). †† Master Plan • Test market upon facilitation of new, expanded program offerings. • Implement Golf Course master plan as developed by Jacobson Golf • Evaluate ROI of major investments in the facility. Course Design, making minor improvements to incorporate Dutch Shultz • Evaluate and potentially limit District horse ownership. Recreation Area. • Evaluate high-end breeding. • Incorporate maintenance, clubhouse and proshop replacement into overall • Evaluate feasibility of horse leasing options with current PPD horses. master plan. • Do best practice analysis of other facilities. • Improve sight lines and visibility. • Evaluate cost-effective ways to minimize flooding. Operational Improvements (B) †† Design and Engineer • Not including maintenance, clubhouse, and proshop replacement. Action Leadership †† Bid and Construct Policy †† Evaluate Community Center hours of operation, including but not limited to: • Weekend fitness center hours • Weekend and winter hours of operation. Capital Replacements (B) Programs Action Leadership †† Schedule recreation programs in Golf Course Clubhouse and host non-golf-related special events in clubhouse and on golf grounds. Willowwood Park †† Remove and Replace playground Marketing & Outreach †† Develop trail connection to Locust Park. †† Develop awareness campaign for Cutting Hall (90th anniversary). Ashwood Park †† Remove and Replace basketball court

190 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 2018-2019 Planning Initiatives Capital Improvements Action Leadership Action Leadership Update Comprehensive Master Plan Palatine Stables † Evaluate long-term commitment of operating golf (cost-benefit analysis). † Design and Engineer † †† Test market upon facilitation of new, expanded program offerings. † Construct Improvements †† Evaluate ROI of major investments in the facility. Community Center †† Bid and Construct Operational Improvements (C) Community Park Campus †† Bid and Construct Phase 2 Improvements Action Leadership Meadowlark Park Programs †† Master Plan †† Develop additional stables programming (i.e. winter use offerings). • Develop master plan in conjunction with Palatine Stables, pending the Marketing & Outreach results of the cost-benefit analysis of stables. (2016-2017) †† Implement awareness campaign for Cutting Hall (90th anniversary). †† Fund †† Develop awareness campaign for Palatine Hills Golf Course. †† Design and Engineer

Capital Replacements (C) Action Leadership Plum Grove Reservoir †† Replace shelter †† Improve ADA accessibility †† Master plan and construct parking improvements †† Provide wayfinding signage and physical connections to the Palatine Trail. Margreth Riemer Reservoir †† Replace shelter, consider warming shelter near hill †† Improve ADA accessibility †† Construct sled hill signage improvements

PLAN: ACTION PLAN PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 191 2019-2020

Operational Improvements (D) Capital Improvements Action Leadership Action Leadership Policy Birchwood Recreation Center †† Enhance customer service committee and establish customer service plan. †† Master Plan • Train all staff and allow all desk areas to sell and serve customer needs. †† Design and Engineer Birchwood Park North and South †† Master Plan †† Design and Engineer Phase 1 Meadowlark Park †† Bid and Construct

Capital Replacements (D) Action Leadership Hummingbird Park †† Remove and Replace basketball court †† Remove and Replace picnic shelter

192 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 2020-2021

Capital Improvements Action Leadership Birchwood Recreation Center †† Bid and Construct Birchwood Park North and South †† Bid and Construct Phase 1 Maple Park †† Master Plan †† Design and Engineer

Capital Replacements (E) Action Leadership Doug Lindberg Park †† Remove and Replace picnic shelter †† Remove and Replace playground Robin Park †† Remove and Replace playground

PLAN: ACTION PLAN PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 193 2021-2025 Operational Improvements Operational Improvements, continued Action Leadership Action Leadership Policy Partnerships †† Explore and Evaluate open space and indoor facility acquisitions in high-need †† Continue to work with Senior Center to determine offerings. planning areas. †† Explore youth development programming opportunities with area civic and †† Consider decommissioning baseball fields and reconstructing soccer, lacrosse, and community-based organizations (i.e. Rotary Club). rugby. †† Evaluate lease and field development cooperatives with the Forest Preserve †† Explore opportunities to acquire and develop another sports park. District. †† Consider hiring a graphic designer. †† Consider expanding IGA with school district to reinvest more into school field sites †† Consider employing a staff member with strong writing skills or a professional used by the District. copywriter to work with program and facility staff to develop strong, concise †† Continue to develop partnerships with other communities, schools, and agencies descriptions. for baseball / softball and soccer field use. †† Evaluate partnerships in managing Clayson House museum. Programs †† Continue working with school districts to identify methods to engage youth, teen, and at-risk populations. †† Offer free open houses and events to get people into parks and facilities. †† Offer free “first-timer” specials and / or referral specials for new users. Marketing & Outreach †† Develop awareness campaign for the Parks Foundation. †† Develop awareness campaign about environmental stewardship. †† Develop awareness campaign for POS and ICompete partnerships. • Focus on value and needs served.

194 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 2021-2025 Capital Improvements Capital Replacements (D) Action Leadership Action Leadership Palatine Hills Golf Course Districtwide initiatives †† Implement master plan for replacement of the maintenance facility, clubhouse, †† Invest in recycling infrastructure in all parks and facilities. and pro shop buildings with new facilities. Palatine Trail †† Consider secondary and more centralized concession, storage and washroom †† Resurface trail every ten (10) years. structure. †† Connect all Community Parks through the regional trail. †† Continue to evaluate and implement cost-effective ways to minimize flooding. †† Implement key connections along the trail (schools, municipal facilities, etc.). Undeveloped Parks Mini Parks †† Continue to activate undeveloped open spaces at Chestnut Park, Heron Park, †† Master Plan Cedar Park, Mulberry Park, and Peregrine Park. Partridge Park, and Whippoorwill Park. †† Evaluate lease for Dove Park property. • Identify key redevelopment site opportunities and implement current and trending amenities. Neighborhood Parks †† Master Plan Eagle Park, Wally Degner Park, Osage Park, and Sycamore Park. Falcon Park and Recreation Center †† Master Plan Community Parks • Consider additional amenities on site such as a splash pad, outdoor artificial †† Master Plan Celtic Park turf, and lighting. • Strengthen connections and accessibility throughout. • Resolve cut through issues. • Evaluate parking / complete parking study. • Master plan drives to divide park. Natural Areas • Consider indoor fitness center and larger player transition areas / changing †† Consider site improvements such as nature-based playgrounds, interpretive rooms. signage, and nature overlooks / boardwalks at Palatine Prairie, The Grove, and • Improve office and banquet space areas. Wilke Marsh. †† Design and Engineer †† Bid and Construct Consider • Implement phase 2 master plan for recreation center (turf, locker rooms, storage. etc.) Cardinal Park †† Master Plan • Consider indoor nature facility. • Consider site improvements that provide meaningful access to nature. • Strengthen connections between the east and west sides of the site. • Provide stronger visual and physical connections to Birchwood Park South. Family Aquatic Center †† Renovate bathhouse. †† Renovate leisure pool to remove / re-configure central “rocks” area.

PLAN: ACTION PLAN PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 195 District-wide Indoor Space Needs Assessment This strategies for each facility are dependent upon the decisions made for all other facilities in the District. This section outlines the various strategic plans for the District’s numeous existing and future indoor recreation faciltiies.

As part of the action plan, the District anticipates The following scenarios are outlined: completing a District-wide Indoor Space Needs • Scenario 1: Aquatic / Fitness Partnerships, Assessment. This needs assessment with equip Renovations, and Consolidation at a New leadership with the knowledge to make system- Youth Development Facility. wide program and facility changes. As part of the planning process, specifically during the • Scenario 2: Aquatic / Fitness Partnerships staff action plan review workshops, the planning and Consolidation within Existing Facilities team worrked with staff to outline three slightly different scenarious. What the District chooses to • Scenario 3: Aquatics Partnership, Major do with one facility, may, in fact, lead to drastic Existing Facility Renovations, and De- programming and physical condition alterations at another facility. The following charts help depict consolidated Preschool Operations how these interralted decisions may affect the system as a whole.

196 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 Community Center Renovate Gymnastics

Multi-Purpose Rooms Community Center Classrooms Master Plan Park / Campus

Parkside Preschool Demolish

Birchwood Center Demolish Existing

Construct New Facility on Site Group X Rooms Birchwood Park Multi-Purpose Rooms Master Plan North / South Gymnasium Walking Track

Establish Partnership Indoor Aquatics Facility Harper College Fitness Center Purchase or Lease New Facility Existing Facility Implement Minor Youth Development Center Renovations / Upgrades Preschool Maple Park Preschool Demolish

Construct Shelter in Place

Repurpose as Eagle Park Preschool Multi-Use

PLAN: ACTION PLAN PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 197 Community Center Renovate Gymnastics

Multi-Purpose Rooms Community Center Consolidated Preschool Master Plan Park / Campus

Parkside Preschool Demolish

Birchwood Center Demolish Existing

Construct New Facility on Site Group X Rooms Birchwood Park Multi-Purpose Rooms Master Plan North / South Gymnasium Walking Track Fitness Center

Harper College Establish Partnership Indoor Aquatics Facility

Maple Park Preschool RenovationsDemolish / Upgrades

Construct Shelter in Place

Repurpose as Eagle Park Preschool Multi-Use

198 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 Community Center Renovate Gymnastics

Multi-Purpose Rooms Community Center Preschool Master Plan Park / Campus

Parkside Preschool Demolish

Birchwood Center Demolish Existing

Construct New Facility on Site Group X Rooms Birchwood Park Multi-Purpose Rooms Master Plan North / South Gymnasium Walking Track Preschool

Harper College Establish Partnership Indoor Aquatics Facility

Fitness Center

Maple Park Preschool Demolish

Construct Shelter in Place

Maintain as Eagle Park Preschool Preschool

PLAN: ACTION PLAN PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 199 200 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 5 Appendix 6201 Organizational Chart

Palatine Park District Organizational Chart - B (2014) 11-13-2013 revisions

Palatine Park District Residents

Park Board of Commissioners(5)

Executive Director

Executive Supt. of Finance & Supt. Parks & Landscape Assistant/Bd Supt. Of Recreation Supt. of Facilities Personnel Architect Secretary Planning

Information Asst. Supt. Finance HR Manager & Assistant Public Information * Asst. Supt. of Head Golf Stables Technology Registrar Asst. Supt. * Falcon Park Facility * Aquatics Manager & Personnel Safety Coordinator Superintendent Manager Facilities Golf Course Supt. Professional Manager/Trai Manager Parks Recreation Manager

Parks Associate Birchwood Office Payroll & HR Fitness Health & Theather Asst. Golf Course Asst. Golf Swim Team Administrative Cultural Arts Coord Athletic Coord Marketing & * Falcon Park Facility Accountant Coordinator Assistant Wellness Coord Sponsorship Coord Supt. Professional Asst. Trainer Assistant Coordinator Assistant Manager Coordinator

Finance & Falcon ParkOffice Horticulture Gymnastics Public Information Facility CC/Brich * Community Mechanic Barn Hand Registration Asst. Coordinator Office Foreman Coordinator Asst. Coordinator Outreach Coordinator

Community 3 Full Laborer Staff (7- Special Interest Accounting Aide Custodial Foreman (PT) time staff FT) Coord

Preschool/ Parks Foreman Custodians (3) Tots Coord

Laborer Staff (7- FT) Museum Coordinator

Trades Foreman * PT Concession Coordinator

Laborer Staff (6- FT)

Vehicle Foreman

Laborer Staff (1- FT)

202 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 2.57 37.7 5.5% 5.5% 6.5% 5.9% 8.2% 1.3% 2.6% 8.8% 2019 0.75% 0.69% 15.5% 20.3% 11.2% 14.3% 13.4% 14.1% 0.73% 0.66% 2.74% 32,836 11,593 84,659 21,548 21,243 Percent Percent Percent Page 1 of 2 of 1 Page National 2019 2019 2019 31 0.0% October 13, 2014 260 0.3% 3,454 10.5% 5,7344,803 6.8% 5.7% 2,966 3.5% 2,170 2.6% 1,821 1,817 5,078 6,659 3,685 5,505 5,004 6,937 1,128 2,197 7,471 1,3453,742 4.1% 5,235 11.4% 15.9% 5,378 6.4% 12,109 11,354 11,899 12,75810,983 15.1% 13.0% 60,632 71.6% 17,956 21.2% Number Number Number $85,599 $44,566 Latitude: 42.11368549 $114,239 Longitude: -88.0570211 2.58 36.8 6.5% 7.3% 8.8% 6.7% 6.1% 6.9% 1.2% 3.0% 8.4% 2014 State 0.26% 0.18% 17.3% 18.5% 15.5% 14.5% 12.8% 0.21% 0.16% 2.86% 32,186 11,312 83,228 21,211 20,874 Percent Percent Percent 2014 2014 2014 31 0.0% 247 0.3% 2,633 8.2% 5,4505,197 6.5% 6.2% 2,594 3.1% 2,029 2.4% 2,100 2,334 5,555 5,969 2,840 5,550 5,067 5,714 1,022 2,461 6,971 1,9214,098 6.0% 4,736 12.7% 14.7% 5,286 6.4% 12,940 12,035 10,628 11,94410,431 14.4% 12.5% 60,862 73.1% 16,504 19.8% Number Number Number $98,329 $75,329 $38,239 2.58 35.7 Area 6.5% 6.2% 5.6% 1.1% 3.3% 7.9% 0.40% 0.35% 16.5% 15.5% 11.8% 0.34% 0.32% 2.59% 31,618 10,576 81,934 20,944 21,042 Percent Percent Census 2010 30 0.0% 236 0.3% 886 5,4725,006 6.7% 6.1% 9,2562,375 11.3% 2.9% 1,869 2.3% 5,366 5,115 4,614 2,669 9,664 6,512 5,573 6.8% 13,545 12,667 12,058 14.7% 60,954 74.4% 15,365 18.8% Census 2010 Census 2010 Number Number Palatine Park District Area: 20.91 square miles Demographic and Income Profile rigin (Any Race) 85+ HispanicO Population Households Families Size Household Average Housing Units Owner Occupied Housing Units Renter Occupied Age Median Population Households Families Owner HHs Income Household Median <$15,000 $24,999 $15,000 - $34,999 $25,000 - $49,999 $35,000 - $74,999 $50,000 - $99,999 $75,000 - $149,999 $100,000 - $199,999 $150,000 - $200,000+ Income Household Median Income Household Average Income Per Capita 4 0 - 9 5 - 14 10 - 19 15 - 24 20 - 34 25 - 44 35 - 54 45 - 64 55 - 74 65 - 84 75 - White Alone Black Alone Alone Indian American Asian Alone Alone Pacific Islander Alone Race Some Other Two or More Races Summary Trends: 2014Annual - 2019 Rate Households by Income Age Population by Race and Ethnicity ©2014 Esri ©2014 Data Note: Income is expressed in current dollars. Note: Data File 1. Esri forecasts for 2014 and 2019. Census 2010 Summary Census Bureau, Source: U.S.

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 203 Source: Esri is the US average. of the percent households or population in area, by Tape stry segment, to th e United States, by segment. An index of 100 Data Note: This report identifies neighborhood segments in the area, and d escribes socioeconomic quality of immediate neighborhood. The index is a comparison ©2014 Esri Bright Young Professionals (8C) Professionals Young Bright Enterprising Professionals (2D) Professionals Enterprising U.S. vs. Site Segments Tapestry Ten Top 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Rank Top Twenty Tapestry Segments Young and Restless (11B) Restless and Young Savvy SuburbanitesSavvy (1D) American Dreamers (7C) Dreamers American NeWest Residents (13C) Professional Pride (1B) Pride Professional Metro Fusion (11C) Fusion Metro Pleasantville (2B) Pleasantville Total Subtotal Front Porches (8E) Las Casas Subtotal Golden Years (9B) Old and Newcomers (8F) Subtotal Metro Fusion (11C) NeWest Residents (13C) Professional Pride (1B) Subtotal Pleasantville (2B) Savvy Suburbanites (1D) Tapestry Segment Home Improvement (4B) Exurbanites (1E) Metro Renters (3B) Emerald City (8B) Top Tier (1A) Young and Restless (11B) American Dreamers (7C) Bright Young Professionals (8C) Enterprising Professionals (2D) Top Tier (1A)Tier Top ( 13B) 0 Tapestry Segmentation Area Profile (2014) Area: 20.91 square miles Palatine Park District 2 4 Percent of Households by Tapestry Segment 6 100.0% Percent 62.4% 26.1% 78 17.8% 17.8% 10.3% 14.8% 09 43.5% 10.9% 8.5% 3.0% 2014 Households .%99.2% 1.1% 97.0% 94.0% 1.4% 1.6% 0.8% 1.1% 1.6% 1.8% 3.2% 5.8% 6.7% .%90.6% 2.1% 85.3% 75.2% 4.3% 6.1% 62.4% 8.6% 8 Cumulative Percent 100.0% 98.1% 95.6% 92.4% 88.5% 81.0% 69.1% 53.8% 32.6% 10 12 14 2014 U.S. Households Percent 10.3% 30.0% 8.5% 7.2% 4.0% .%14 1294 1.4% 1.4% .%28.4% 1.7% 26.0% 22.7% 2.0% 1.5% 1.6% 0.7% 1.3% 2.3% 1.4% 0.8% 1.6% 2.2% 3.0% .%6.6% 2.2% .%18.9% 1.4% 16.1% 13.6% 1.7% 1.7% 10.3% 1.5% 16 Cumulative Longitude: -88.0570211 Percent Latitude: 42.11368549 30.0% 26.7% 24.0% 21.2% 17.5% 14.4% 11.9% 8.8% 4.4% October 13, 2014 U.S. Site Page 1 of 6 Index 333 109 150 119 232 752 424 461 496 494 146 251 359 589 63 73 52 76

204 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 1 ganized or programmed events? events? programmed or ganized what extent? extent? what ice? making for used courts Are what extent? extent? what orfootball used multipleSoftball,BB uses? for site Is Evaluation Criteria – Factor – Criteria Evaluation # games/week, # weeks/year, time of year, of time age weeks/year, # games/week, # user 7/21/97 7/21/97 USEFUL LIFE CRITERIA Expected useful useful Expected life years 20 concrete) steel, (wood, Type Pole Same as tennis courts courts tennis as Same years 8-10 Practices/week # Games/week, # Sand / Grass? / Sand 20 years Irrigated Y/N Irrigated years 20 Lighted Y/N (Use BB Criteria) BB (Use Y/N Lighted 8-10 years Usage rating A/B/C/D A/B/C/D rating Usage years 8-10 Same as tennis courts tennis as Same

Grass infields? Procedure/Standards Grass Maintenance Existing FC vs. new standards standards copper) fixtures new (aluminum, incandescent vs. type systems? or FC compliance Wiring grounding HID Capabilities/Technology Existing Code Accepted To Panel Electrical events? Fields Soccer programmed table or coating water organized color high concerns for of – table material/posts used Frequency maintenance Resurface Location Water Total Renovation Fencing site Preventive Location: Is 20-25 years 12-15 years Color coat/overlay/rebuild other asphalt, Surface clay, Is site used for multiple uses, soccer, football? football? soccer, uses, multiple or for for bleachers used used – site space considerations Is stands Is Spectator Concession BB/SoftballLighting Field Is site used for organized or programmed events? To To events? programmed week or per organized games for # used considerations standards/levels Usage site Drainage Maintenance Is IDNR Grant Administration Division Recommendations Per IPRA-Park & Natural Resource Management Section’s FACILITY fields BB/Softball Criteria Life Useful Administration Grant of Division IDNR Total Renovation 20-25 years 20-25 years Renovation 12-15 Resurface Total Courts Volleyball Lighted Y/N Y/N area Lighted Borders Bleachers/spectator Shuffleboard Basket Ball Courts Ball Basket TennisCourts Irrigation system Irrigation Total Renovation 20-25 years 20-25 years Renovation 12-15 Resurface Total

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 205 Preventive Local ADA Maintenance Mechanical Code compliance record room compliance? Y/N connected? Playgrounds aluminum Restrooms Location i.e. Lake Swimming Pools Michigan Preventive Winter Annual maintenance Location removal volume/usage record i.e. and Lake storage? Michigan Is Preventive Historical site Construction maintenance value used type: record and for post consideration organized & or beam, programmed frame events? To IDNR Division of Grant Administration Useful Life Criteria DocksFishing Piers & Region Is Annual Location facility Usage i.e. fee Lake generating? Michigan Boathouse Shelters Picnic 2yaswo Location: school, or neighborhood park 8 – years12 wood Ramps Launch Boat Location: Border Preventive retention Surfacing construction maintenance 10 area/water? Material material record years plastic Daily usage by intended user group eufc 1-2yas Monthly volume and load use 10-12 years Paths Bike Curbed Snow Location: or Original removal Preventive flooding/water Seal Resurface sheet construction Spring or maintenance Total concerns coating drainage design use salt record Renovation frequency to loads –heavy, use? 20-25 edges moderate, years light Roof type: metal, asphalt, shingle, slate, cedar shake Bathhouse 25 years Heated for winter? Interpretive Center Interpretive Parking Lots Parking 10-15 years Attached aea ol Same as pools Same as pools Sm sPriglt Same as Parking lots Same as Parking lots 15 years metal Meet Gravel, asphalt or concrete 25 years Support stru 25 years Stand alone site? Sm sBthue Same as Bathhouse Same as Bathhouse 52 er Construction materials, gravel, concrete 15-20 years 15-20 years Orginial construction materials plastic, materials plastic, wood, construction Orginial years 15-20 7/21/97 what extent? i.e. delivery trucks or garbage Standards? ASTM, CPSC, ADA to Community Center to Y/N ctures: masonry, steel, wood 2

206 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 Sites 2014 Total Population Mini Parks Service % Leftover Neighborhodo Park S% Leftover 1 2143 404 18.85% 1739 572 26.69% 1571 10 5394 0 0.00% 5394 0.00% 5394 11 3815 1051 27.55% 2764 1985 52.03% 1830 12 1447 269 18.59% 1178 0 0.00% 1447 13 1648 129 7.83% 1519 0 0.00% 1648 14 4156 2360 56.79% 1796 354 8.52% 3802 15 8808 4232 48.05% 4576 2704 30.70% 6104 16 448 0 0.00% 448 0 0.00% 448 17 825 0 0.00% 825 0 0.00% 825 18 895 458 51.17% 437 392 43.80% 503 19 6300 2455 38.97% 3845 0 0.00% 6300 2 1347 0 0.00% 1347 0 0.00% 1347 20 1362 0 0.00% 1362 0 0.00% 1362 21 440 0 0.00% 440 0 0.00% 440 22 0 0 #DIV/0! 0 0 #DIV/0! 0 23 184 0 0.00% 184 0 0.00% 184 3 1274 0 0.00% 1274 0 0.00% 1274 4 12499 9537 76.30% 2962 5820 46.56% 6679 5 3357 0 0.00% 3357 0 0.00% 3357 6 5084 740 14.56% 4344 1560 30.68% 3524 7 475 475 100.00% 0 0 0.00% 475 8 6336 3939 62.17% 2397 5684 89.71% 652 9 14991 6747 45.01% 8244 10930 72.91% 4061 A0 83228 32796 39% 30001 36% 53227

N 59810 72% N 26551 44.39% 33259 S 23418 28% S 3450 14.73% 19968

Community Parks % 83228 49496 59%

Overall % Planning Area Population Analysis 83228 63249 76%

Sites 2014 Total Population Mini Parks Service % Leftover Neighborhodo Park S% Leftover 1 2143 404 18.85% 1739 572 26.69% 1571 10 5394 0 0.00% 5394 0.00% 5394 11 3815 1051 27.55% 2764 1985 52.03% 1830 12 1447 269 18.59% 1178 0 0.00% 1447 13 1648 129 7.83% 1519 0 0.00% 1648 14 4156 2360 56.79% 1796 354 8.52% 3802 15 8808 4232 48.05% 4576 2704 30.70% 6104 16 448 0 0.00% 448 0 0.00% 448 17 825 0 0.00% 825 0 0.00% 825 18 895 458 51.17% 437 392 43.80% 503 19 6300 2455 38.97% 3845 0 0.00% 6300 2 1347 0 0.00% 1347 0 0.00% 1347 20 1362 0 0.00% 1362 0 0.00% 1362 21 440 0 0.00% 440 0 0.00% 440 22 0 0 #DIV/0! 0 0 #DIV/0! 0 23 184 0 0.00% 184 0 0.00% 184 3 1274 0 0.00% 1274 0 0.00% 1274 4 12499 9537 76.30% 2962 5820 46.56% 6679 5 3357 0 0.00% 3357 0 0.00% 3357 6 5084 740 14.56% 4344 1560 30.68% 3524 7 475 475 100.00% 0 0 0.00% 475 8 6336 3939 62.17% 2397 5684 89.71% 652 9 14991 6747 45.01% 8244 10930 72.91% 4061 A0 83228 32796 39% 30001 36% 53227

N 59810 72% N 26551 44.39% 33259 S 23418 28% S 3450 14.73% 19968

207 APPENDIX Community Parks % PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 83228 49496 59%

Overall % 83228 63249 76% GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey of U.S. households. Esri forecasts for 2014 and 2019. Source: These data are based upon national propensities to use various products and services, applied local demographic co mposition. Usage were collected by purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. An MPI of 100 represents the U.S. average. Data Note: An MPI (Market Potential Index) measures the relative likelihood of adults or households in specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior ©2014 Esri Product/Consumer Behavior Product/Consumer Demographic Summary Median Household Income Households Population 18+ Population Attend Attend Attend Attend Attend Attend Attend Attend Attend Attend Spent on sports/rec equip in last 12 months: $250+ Spent on sports/rec equip in last 12 months: $100-$249 Spent on sports/rec equip in last 12 months: $1-99 Participated in yoga in last 12 months Participated in weight lifting in last 12 months Participated in walking Participated in volleyball in last 12 months Participated in tennis in last 12 months Participated in target shooting in last 12 months Participated in swimming in last 12 months Participated in softball in last 12 months Participated in soccer in last 12 months Participated in skiing (downhill) in last 12 months Participated in Pilates last 12 months Participated in motorcycling in last 12 months Participated in jogging/running in last 12 months Participated in ice skating in last 12 months Participated in hunting with shotgun in last 12 months Participated in hunting with rifle in last 12 months Participated in horseback riding in last 12 months Participated in hiking last 12 months Participated in golf in last 12 months Participated in Frisbee last 12 months Participated in fo Participated in fishing (salt water) in last 12 months Participated in fishing (fresh water) in last 12 months Participated in canoeing/kayaking in last 12 months Participated in bowling last 12 months Participated in boating (power) in last 12 months Participated in bicycling (road) in last 12 months Participated in bicycling (mountain) in last 12 months Participated in basketball in last 12 months Participated in baseball in last 12 months Participated in backpacking in last 12 months Participated in auto racing in last 12 months Participated in archery in last 12 months Participated in aerobics in last 12 months s s s s s s s s s s ports events: ice hockey game-NHL reg seas ports events: high school sports ports events: fo ports events: fo ports events: fo ports events: b ports events: b ports events: b ports events: auto racing (NASCAR) ports events otball in last 12 months fo asketball game-NBA reg asketball game (college) aseball game - MLB reg otball game - otball game-NFL Mon/Thurs otball game (college) r exercise in last 12 months Sports and Leisure Market Potential Area: 20.91 square miles Palatine Park District N FL weekend s s eas eas Number of Adults/HHs Expected 17,092 18,521 11,102 2,519 1,992 2,567 3,235 4,779 3,809 7,548 2,324 2,088 2,312 1,600 1,569 7,324 3,183 3,157 2,866 2,881 1,069 6,427 2,371 2,080 2,600 8,012 4,336 5,243 3,119 2,980 2,126 9,148 1,603 1,545 6,500 2,973 6,194 6,847 7,250 5,327 1,978 1,167 1,207 4,172 3,747 1,999 2,362 Percent $75,329 32,186 83,228 63,841 11.8% 11.5% 10.1% 12.5% 26.8% 29.0% 17.4% 14.3% 10.2% 10.7% 11.4% 2014 3.9% 3.1% 4.0% 5.1% 7.5% 6.0% 3.6% 3.3% 3.6% 2.5% 2.5% 5.0% 4.9% 4.5% 4.5% 1.7% 3.7% 3.3% 4.1% 6.8% 8.2% 4.9% 4.7% 3.3% 2.5% 2.4% 4.7% 9.7% 8.3% 3.1% 1.8% 6.5% 1.9% 5.9% 3.1% 3.7% Longitude: -88.0570211 Latitude: 42.11368549 October 13, 2014 Page 1 of 6 $85,599 32,836 84,659 64,944 2019 MPI 121 100 107 100 111 103 126 115 108 112 101 113 141 104 126 129 131 114 104 115 104 115 110 124 119 113 108 110 116 100 106 106 132 87 96 96 82 53 92 84 93 81 62 99 93 78 66

208 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 85 99 92 75 95 81 87 99 96 81 91 99 73 87 104 114 118 119 102 113 108 108 110 105 106 111 100 126 102 109 102 131 122 106 103 129 119 111 101 109 105 108 105 125 128 109 119 106 110 106 104 MPI Page 2 of 6 of 2 Page October 13, 2014 Latitude: 42.11368549 Longitude: -88.0570211 2.2% 2.8% 2.6% 4.2% 3.7% 4.1% 6.8% 8.2% 5.2% 6.7% 7.2% 6.0% 4.5% 2.7% 1.9% 6.0% 2.8% 6.1% 3.5% 9.1% 3.2% 7.5% 5.6% 5.3% 3.4% 4.5% 3.6% 2.5% 1.8% 16.1% 64.0% 12.3% 26.8% 15.4% 19.9% 11.1% 25.2% 38.3% 16.3% 11.5% 28.9% 11.1% 12.2% 10.4% 25.8% 15.9% 21.5% 35.8% 27.5% 39.2% 12.2% Percent 1,394 1,792 1,685 7,853 9,812 2,673 2,346 2,640 4,335 7,075 5,260 7,343 3,289 4,290 4,583 7,088 3,814 2,893 1,702 1,204 7,802 6,638 3,804 1,783 3,867 2,236 5,813 2,042 4,757 3,561 3,360 2,178 2,887 2,302 7,782 1,621 1,174 10,293 40,869 17,102 12,698 16,090 24,423 10,387 18,475 16,480 10,152 13,734 22,863 17,560 25,017 Expected Number of Adults/HHs en ASCAR) Palatine Park District Area: 20.91 square miles Sports and Leisure Market Potential ractor pull/mud racing pull/mud ractor t otball (NFL Mon/Thurs) on radio often on otball (NFL Mon/Thurs) o ft on radio otball (NFL wknd games) otball (college) on radio often aseball (MLB reg season) on radio often on radio aseball (MLB reg season) ports on radio s b fo fo fo Listen to Listen to Listen to Listen to Listen to on TV sports Watch jumping alpine skiing/ski TV: on Watch (NASCAR) racing auto TV: on Watch N (not racing auto TV: on Watch baseball (MLB regular season) TV: on Watch Series) baseball (MLB playoffs/World TV: on Watch (college) basketball TV: on Watch (NCAA tournament) basketball TV: on Watch season) (NBA regular basketball TV: on Watch (NBA playoffs/finals) basketball TV: on Watch (WNBA) basketball TV: on Watch bicycle racing TV: on Watch bowling TV: on Watch boxing TV: on Watch bull riding (pro) TV: on Watch events Equestrian TV: on Watch (summer) sports extreme TV: on Watch (winter) sports extreme TV: on Watch figure skating TV: on Watch fishing TV: on Watch (college) football TV: on Watch night games) (NFL Mon/Thurs football TV: on Watch (NFL weekend games) football TV: on Watch Bowl) (NFL playoffs/Super football TV: on Watch golf (PGA) TV: on Watch golf (LPGA) TV: on Watch gymnastics TV: on Watch racing horse TV: on Watch regular season) (NHL ice hockey TV: on Watch Cup) playoffs/Stanley (NHL ice hockey TV: on Watch (MMA) arts martial mixed TV: on Watch racing motorcycle TV: on Watch Olympics (summer) TV: on Watch Olympics (winter) TV: on Watch poker TV: on Watch rodeo TV: on Watch soccer (MLS) TV: on Watch Cup) soccer (World TV: on Watch tennis (men`s) TV: on Watch tennis (women`s) TV: on Watch & field track TV: on Watch and truck TV: on Watch (pro beach) volleyball TV: on Watch weightlifting TV: on Watch (WWE) wrestling TV: on Watch Watch on TV: marathon/road running/triathlon marathon/road on TV: Watch Product/Consumer Behavior ©2014 Esri ©2014 An MPI (Market Potential Index) measures the relative likelihood of adults or households in specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior An Note: Data average. MPI of 100 represents the U.S. An purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. Source: These data are based upon national propensities to use various products and services, applied local demographic co mposition. Usage were collected by households. Esri forecasts for 2014 and 2019. GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey of U.S.

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 209 GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey of U.S. households. Esri forecasts for 2014 and 2019. Source: These data are based upon national propensities to use various products and services, applied local demographic co mposition. Usage were collected by purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. An MPI of 100 represents the U.S. average. Data Note: An MPI (Market Potential Index) measures the relative likelihood of adults or households in specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior ©2014 Esri Product/Consumer Behavior Product/Consumer Movie genre seen at theater/6 months: action Attended movie in last 90 days: < once a month Attended movie in last 90 days: once a month Attended movie in last 90 days: 2-3 times a month Attended movie in last 90 days: once/week or more Attended a movie in last 6 months Bo Bo Bo Bo Played lottery 6+ times in last 30 days Bo Participated in karaoke in last 12 months Attended horse races in last 12 months Participate in indoor gardening/plant care Gambled in Las Vegas in last 12 months Gambled in Atlantic City in last 12 months Gambled at casino in last 12 months Did furniture refinishing in last 12 months Participated in fantasy sports league last 12 months Dined Attended d Danced/went dancing in last 12 months Did crossword p Cooked for fun in last 12 months Played Played Played Played Played Went Participated in book club in last 12 months Read book in last 12 months Played Did birdwatching in last 12 months Played Played Went Went Did baking in last 12 months Attended auto s Went Attended adult education course in last 12 months Member of veterans club Member of union Member of religious c Member of fraternal order Member of church board Member of charitable organization Member of AARP ught lottery ticket in last 12 months: Powerball ught lottery ticket in last 12 months: Mega Millions ught lottery ticket in last 12 months: Instant Game ught lottery ticket in last 12 months: Daily Drawing ught lottery ticket in last 12 months o t t t o c c c c c b b b o beach in last 12 months o bar/night c o art gallery in last 12 months n overnight c ut in last 12 months omputer game (online w/o software)/12 months omputer game (online w/so ft omputer game (offline w/so hess in last 12 months ards in last 12 months oard ingo in last 12 months in last 12 monthsilliards/pool ance performance in last 12 months g ame in last 12 months how in last 12 months uzzle in last 12 months lub in last 12 months amping trip in last 12 months lub Sports and Leisure Market Potential Area: 20.91 square miles Palatine Park District ft ware)/12 months ware)/12 months Number of Adults/HHs Expected 14,903 13,215 18,170 11,697 30,906 15,081 23,380 12,196 24,638 41,425 10,175 23,408 18,026 4,197 3,171 2,930 1,939 2,463 2,098 3,265 2,301 1,700 7,749 7,300 8,780 2,390 5,712 4,690 9,687 5,774 7,332 1,772 9,572 7,381 2,545 5,611 2,293 1,712 5,941 4,889 2,133 7,412 2,708 5,364 5,425 4,520 2,858 1,625 3,184 1,147 Percent 23.3% 12.1% 20.7% 11.4% 13.8% 15.2% 28.5% 11.5% 18.3% 15.0% 11.6% 48.4% 23.6% 11.6% 36.6% 19.1% 38.6% 64.9% 15.9% 36.7% 28.2% 6.6% 5.0% 4.6% 3.0% 3.9% 3.3% 5.1% 3.6% 2.7% 8.9% 7.3% 9.0% 3.7% 2.8% 4.0% 8.8% 3.6% 2.7% 9.3% 7.7% 3.3% 4.2% 8.4% 8.5% 7.1% 4.5% 2.5% 5.0% 1.8% Longitude: -88.0570211 Latitude: 42.11368549 October 13, 2014 Page 3 of 6 MPI 107 122 112 111 119 124 101 103 102 124 103 116 101 103 107 110 121 100 109 149 108 107 108 110 103 106 109 112 103 109 110 110 107 108 108 101 119 93 86 86 97 92 97 88 91 96 91 89 96 76

210 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 92 95 86 98 95 95 96 99 105 121 109 111 116 101 108 110 106 107 108 123 120 112 116 120 116 101 103 115 102 105 106 119 115 121 112 111 112 110 106 110 125 109 120 106 108 112 101 105 113 MPI Page 4 of 6 of 4 Page October 13, 2014 Latitude: 42.11368549 Longitude: -88.0570211 4.0% 4.8% 3.1% 7.8% 8.3% 4.7% 6.6% 4.4% 3.2% 3.9% 4.8% 4.0% 9.1% 3.9% 3.3% 9.3% 6.9% 6.3% 4.5% 3.0% 5.1% 8.9% 5.2% 7.9% 5.2% 11.7% 28.3% 28.4% 30.3% 32.7% 19.7% 16.5% 17.9% 11.7% 11.4% 15.1% 11.5% 12.3% 17.9% 20.0% 11.7% 16.5% 14.5% 17.1% 16.2% 11.6% 21.5% 12.4% 30.5% Percent 2,535 7,466 3,081 2,002 4,990 5,285 3,003 7,493 4,190 7,302 9,623 2,783 7,358 2,062 7,850 2,463 3,086 2,575 5,790 2,495 2,129 7,443 5,910 9,273 4,419 4,047 7,406 2,878 7,942 1,892 3,238 5,676 3,350 5,044 3,290 18,042 18,130 19,363 20,906 12,576 10,539 11,438 11,413 12,773 10,504 10,939 10,333 13,724 19,460 Expected Number of Adults/HHs rama omedy rime cience fiction hriller rama lassics omedy cience fiction c c d s 1 2 nline in last 12 months nline in last Palatine Park District Area: 20.91 square miles Sports and Leisure Market Potential erformance in last 12 months erformance in last 30 days: in last 30 days: in last 3+ 30 days: in last o Blu-ray disc lassical music/opera performance/12 months lassical music/opera performance/12 p music ountry DVDs DVDs DVDs DVD/ heme park in last 12 months in last heme park 12 months in last 5+ times heme park o museum in last 12 months o museum in last 12 months in last o live theater 12 months o zoo in last t t t Movie genre seen at theater/6 months: adventure months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre c months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre c months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre d months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre family months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre fantasy months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre horror months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre romance months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre s months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre t months: theater/6 at seen Movie genre Went c Attended c Attended 12 months in last performance music rock Attended 12 months in last instrument musical Played 12 months in last Did painting/drawing in last 12 months album/scrapbooking Did photo 12 months in last Did photography in last 12 months puzzle Did Sudoku Went t a Visited t a Visited 12 months in last games in trivia Participated last 12 months video/electronic game (console) Played 12 months last video/electronic game (portable) Played 12 months in last water park Visited an indoor Did woodworking in last 12 months 12 months in last in word games Participated Went Purchased Purchased Purchased Purchased 1 in last 30 days: Rented DVDs 2 in last 30 days: Rented DVDs 3+ in last 30 days: Rented DVDs action/adventure days: video/30 Rented movie/oth days: video/30 Rented movie/oth days: video/30 Rented movie/oth days: video/30 Rented movie/oth family/children days: video/30 Rented movie/oth foreign days: video/30 Rented movie/oth horror days: video/30 Rented movie/oth musical days: video/30 Rented movie/oth news/documentary days: video/30 Rented movie/oth romance days: video/30 Rented movie/oth days: video/30 Rented movie/oth TV show days: video/30 Rented movie/oth western days: video/30 Rented movie/oth Product/Consumer Behavior ©2014 Esri ©2014 An MPI (Market Potential Index) measures the relative likelihood of adults or households in specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior An Note: Data average. MPI of 100 represents the U.S. An purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. Source: These data are based upon national propensities to use various products and services, applied local demographic co mposition. Usage were collected by households. Esri forecasts for 2014 and 2019. GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey of U.S.

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 211 GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey of U.S. households. Esri forecasts for 2014 and 2019. Source: These data are based upon national propensities to use various products and services, applied local demographic co mposition. Usage were collected by purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. An MPI of 100 represents the U.S. average. Data Note: An MPI (Market Potential Index) measures the relative likelihood of adults or households in specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior ©2014 Esri Product/Consumer Behavior Product/Consumer Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Spent on toys/games for child last 12 months: $500+ Spent on toys/games for child last 12 months: $200-499 Spent on toys/games for child last 12 months: $100-199 Spent on toys/games for child last 12 months: $50-99 Spent on toys/games for child last 12 months: <$50 Bo HH owns ATV/UTV Rented/purch DVD/Blu-ray/30 days: from Redbox Rented DVD/Blu-ray/30 days: from netflix.com Rented/purch DVD/Blu-ray/30 days: from amazon.com ught for child last 12 months: word game ught for child last 12 months: water toy ught for child last 12 months: sound game ught for child last 12 months: plush doll/animal ught for child last 12 months: model kit/set ught for child last 12 months: mechanical toy ught for child last 12 months: electronic game ught for child last 12 months: electronic doll/animal ught for child last 12 months: educational toy ught for child last 12 months: doll clothing ught for child last 12 months: doll accessories ught for child last 12 months: large/baby doll ught for child last 12 months: fashion doll ught for child last 12 months: construction toy ught for child last 12 months: car ught for child last 12 months: builder set ught for child last 12 months: board ught for child last 12 months: bicycle ught for child last 12 months: action game ught for child last 12 months: girl action figure ught for child last 12 months: boy action figure ught p ught infant toy in last 12 months ught any toys/games online in last 12 months ught any children`s toy/game in last 12 months re-school toy in last 12 months Sports and Leisure Market Potential Area: 20.91 square miles Palatine Park District g ame Number of Adults/HHs Expected 13,140 21,638 6,277 4,952 2,622 4,038 2,641 4,271 6,268 1,649 4,451 1,998 1,224 1,669 5,367 7,814 2,383 2,796 6,033 6,606 1,546 4,198 4,529 3,378 3,705 3,968 1,038 9,483 2,305 1,327 2,900 1,914 4,900 2,395 Percent 20.6% 12.2% 10.3% 14.9% 33.9% 9.8% 7.8% 4.1% 6.3% 4.1% 6.7% 9.8% 2.6% 7.0% 3.1% 1.9% 2.6% 8.4% 3.7% 4.4% 9.5% 2.4% 6.6% 7.1% 5.3% 5.8% 6.2% 3.2% 3.6% 2.1% 4.5% 3.0% 7.7% 3.8% Longitude: -88.0570211 Latitude: 42.11368549 October 13, 2014 Page 5 of 6 MPI 105 105 109 104 102 102 115 100 107 104 103 104 101 102 108 106 101 117 100 102 116 114 102 94 97 99 89 93 93 92 94 59 87 91

212 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 95 96 98 75 98 125 108 101 104 102 117 124 108 109 109 110 105 116 113 120 121 113 105 110 113 121 106 MPI Page 6 of 6 of 6 Page October 13, 2014 Latitude: 42.11368549 Longitude: -88.0570211 9.2% 6.2% 5.7% 2.8% 9.2% 6.9% 7.2% 3.7% 1.7% 8.3% 4.9% 1.8% 36.6% 12.0% 20.2% 13.9% 24.3% 21.6% 19.7% 26.0% 10.1% 18.5% 23.3% 11.6% 11.2% 30.7% 19.3% Percent 5,853 3,963 3,667 1,772 7,689 8,903 6,474 5,852 4,382 4,605 2,373 7,394 1,072 5,299 3,118 7,166 1,141 23,373 12,913 15,485 13,763 12,602 16,618 11,793 14,865 19,623 12,316 Expected Number of Adults/HHs ) B&N Palatine Park District Area: 20.91 square miles Sports and Leisure Market Potential ook (not bible) in last 12 mo in last ook (not bible) igital book in last 12 months in last 12 months book aperback 12 months in last ook (fiction) 12 months in last ook (non-fiction) 12 months iography in last 12 months last book self-help ersonal/business 12 months in last ook online amazon.com 12 months: ook last barnes&noble.com 12 months: ook last book store Barnes & Noble 12 months: ook last (not store book other 12 months: ook last club book through 12 months: ook last mail order 12 months: ook last hildren`s book in last 12 months hildren`s book ookbook in last 12 months book in last 12 months cience fiction ravel book in last 12 months ravel book d ught 12 months in last book ught hardcover p ught 12 months in last books ught 1-3 12 months in last books ught 4-6 in last 12 months ught 7+ books b ught b ught b ught c ught c ught in last 12 months ught history book in last 12 months book ught mystery 12 months in last ught novel b ught religious 12 months in last book ught romance s ught p ught t ught b ught b ught b ught b ught b ught b ught b ught Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo Bo in last 6 months audiobook to/purchased Listened Product/Consumer Behavior ©2014 Esri ©2014 An MPI (Market Potential Index) measures the relative likelihood of adults or households in specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior An Note: Data average. MPI of 100 represents the U.S. An purchasing patterns compared to the U.S. Source: These data are based upon national propensities to use various products and services, applied local demographic co mposition. Usage were collected by households. Esri forecasts for 2014 and 2019. GfK MRI in a nationally representative survey of U.S.

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 213 MindMixer Comment Analysis

Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness Facilities Indoor Aquatic Facility Indoor pool and aquatics for programming, instruction, and competition. P NF 1 Investing in our Parks Splash Pads Public ground and overhead spray features. P PA 1

We love going to the BG splash pad in the summer. Something similar in Palatine would be great for young kids. P PA 2 SPLASH PAD Investing in our Parks Restrooms Permanent or portable restrooms facilities. P PA 1 Hand weight core classes right after work about 6pm P PR 1 ADULT PROGRAMS Investing in our Facilities Fitness Center Facility with various fitness equipment including, but not limited to free weights, ellipticals, treadmills, and bicycles. P NF 1 Birchwood needs help and that would be a great location for more fitness space ‐ if we are going to pay to use it ‐ put where there are people that would join. Community is too crowded R NF 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Investing in our Parks Trails Regional, Local, and Park trails and linkages. P NF 1 Keep trails updated with good walking surfaces. Bring back toboggan slides. Security camera's here and there would be cool. Have snow shoe lessons, owl watches, think Stillman Nature Preserve. P PR 2 TRAILS Investing in our Parks Baseball / Softball Fields Baseball / Softball fields. P PA 1 I love the free family activities such as big trucks and fall festival. A PR 1 SPECIAL EVENTS

Barrington recently visited Palatine for a travel game. The Barrington parents said they felt bad for our travel teams because we don't have nice fields. Some teams have refused to play at our fields because they are not up to the same standards as the surrounding towns. Barrington has the Field of Dreams, Schaumburg has Olympic Park, Northbrook, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, Glenview all have softball/baseball complexes that the town can be proud of. Palatine doesn't even come close. Hamilton or Birchwood could be a great complex, but they aren't available to the baseball/softball teams P PA 2 SPORTS FIELDS in the fall and they lack the necessary fences and they don't have bathroom/concession facilities. Birchwood doesn't have real dugouts or lighting. It seems most everything is done halfway when it comes to baseball/softball.

Many teams are forced to go to Lake Zurich/Mount Prospect for winter training as we cannot use Falcon Park. Travel teams are putting thousands of $ into other towns for this.

Traditional playgrounds with post and platforms, slides, and play elements, nature‐based playgrounds, electronic play P PA 1 Investing in our Parks Administration and Operations features, ropes and adventure courses, net climbers, or other contemporary play features. Playgrounds for dogs P PA 2 DOG PARK Investing in our Parks Natural Area / Gardens Natural Area / Gardens P PA 1

Relaxing forested areas and gardens with water features draw young and old to relax, meditate and people watch. Like the P PA 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Peppertree tree house area in Barrington. Love their outdoor fireplace to have outdoor story telling around

214 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness Investing in our Parks Parking Additional parking lot or spaces within parks. P PA 1 Facilities Dedicated Fitness Rooms Rooms designed for specific fitness programs including, but not limited to Yoga, Pilates, and Cycling. P NF 1 Facilities Indoor Turf Additional multi‐purpose indoor turf field. P NF 1 Again ‐ this side of town needs some turf for kids to be on in the winter ‐ and not rented out to teams form other towns ‐ our teams rent or it is open for our kids P NF 2 INDOOR TURF

Investing in our Parks Shelters / Shade Structures Shelters or shade sail structures. P PA 1 Facilities Gymnastics Facility Gymnastics Facility for programs, instruction, and competition. P NF 1 Investing in our Parks Basketball Courts Basketball Courts P PA 1 more outside areas for kids ‐ or help take care of those at the schools in summer ‐ indoor areas for kids. The north side has soccer space at Falcon ‐ basketball is taken up with volley ball half the time P PA 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Facilities Increased Accessibility Increased accessibility features. P GP 1 Investing in our Parks Security Features Lighting, fencing, cameras, and / or similar security features within parks. P GP 1 Security staff S FA 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Investing in our Parks Increase Accessibility Accessible paths, ramps, and features within parks. P GP 1 Parking now at Birchwood Sucks!! The Handicap use to be out front they did they move it. R GP 1 PARK CONDITIONS Facilities Dedicated Program Rooms Program rooms designed for specific activities. Including but not limited to pottery, art, and dance. P NF 1 Investing in our Parks Soccer Fields Soccer Fields P PA 1 It would be nice if the outdoor space at Falcon was utilized more. P GP 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Investing in our Facilities Multi‐Purpose Space Rooms available for various activities including, but not limited to meetings, rentals, programming, and / or fitness. P NF 1 Facilities Gymnasium Space Gymnasium P NF 1 Facilities Classrooms Rooms dedicated for education instruction. P NF 1 Facilities Security Features Light, cameras, alarms, etc. P NF 1 Facilities Banquet Spaces Special event rental space. P NF 1 Investing in our Parks Tennis Courts Tennis Courts P PA 1 Our outdoor pool season was not ideal this year. Arlington Heights has a great indoor pool and this is something Palatine is lacking. It would be nice to see a full fitness facility provided in Palatine that includes indoor pools and a fitness center that P NF 2 INDOOR POOL Favorite Programs Palatine Indoor Pool Needed can be used year round. I would like to see it located centrally instead of out on the edge like Falcoln... R NF 2 INDOOR POOL Indoor pool would be really nice, facility with whirlpool and dry sauna yes sir! R NF 2 INDOOR POOL Favorite Programs The swimming pool We love the swimming pool but I think we need an indoor pool P NF 2 INDOOR POOL Favorite Programs Riding Lessons The programs that I most enjoy is the riding lessons. A PR 1 STABLES offer more for special needs kids and maybe my daughter could participate as she needs more hands on learning than others R PR 2 STABLES We like the pools more than We just wish the pools were open longer. Closing the Family Aquatic Center in mid August feels like you are closing it at the Favorite Programs anything else. height of summer. P AQ 2 AQUATICS

keeping the pools open a little longer in the evening would be nice too. more adult swim hours as well S AQ 2 AQUATICS Just want to say that looking at other Park Districts and their class offerings for younger children‐Palatine is awesome. It is affordable and creative comparably speaking. We are more than pleased so far with two toddlers and hope that continues as they grow. P PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS Great Class offerings through Favorite Programs the Palatine Park District An indoor pool would be a wonderful addition to this community.

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 215 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness Great classes offered for small children. Better than other park districts! S PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Classes with many sports, not Favorite Programs just 1 for younger kids. I like classes that give young kids (3‐5) a mixture of sports to try and not start focusing on one sport only. P PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS Organized teams for different Favorite Programs ages Because this is something that you can not do with just your family ‐ and it is great excercise P PR 1 GENERAL PROGRAMS Favorite Programs Fitness Flex Program Exercise classes available every day of the week A PR 1 ADULT PROGRAMS More Flex classes at Falcon park, too! S PR 2 ADULT PROGRAMS Step classes should be offered more often S PR 2 ADULT PROGRAMS

We would love to see an indoor pool facility that both Swim Team and the community can utilize year‐round. We thought My family is very involved in the with the movement of the Police Station it would allow for space at the previous location to combine a swimming facility P PR 2 INDOOR POOL Favorite Programs Tiger Sharks Swim Team! with the current work‐out facility. This is a major need in our community!!! Great coaching for this usa‐ swim team. We are residents of Arlington Hts but we come to PPD for swim team, as Arl Hts. Favorite Programs PPD Swim team Park district's swim team is not a USA swim team. A PR 1 AQUATICS

We've had a good experience with Celtic soccer. We have been through the house and travel program. One of the concerns is referees at both levels. The house program should pair a young ref with an experience ref for safety during the game and experience for the young official. Two inexperience refs who don't blow the whistle or give direction to the younger kids is not helpful. In the basketball program an experience official worked with a high school official and the games went great. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Also, the pushing and shoving in soccer games has reached dangerous levels in both house and travel. How are the referees being trained for this? There have been some terrible avoidable injuries had the ref gotten the games under control at the Favorite Programs Celtic Soccer program start.

I don't participate in programs because of the cost and times offered for what I would be interested in. I loved the food A PR 1 SPECIAL EVENTS Favorite Programs Food Trucks truck event this summer, though and things like it (i.e. movie nights, concerts, etc...) I agree, an indoor aquatic center would be very well received! S NF 2 INDOOR POOL This would be a great addition to the park district. The programs that use the school district pools would not have to worry about high school schedules and would have consistent times for the wonderful programs that the district provides. This S NF 2 INDOOR POOL would be a huge benefit for the park district. Favorite Programs Indoor Cycling I would like to see indoor bicycles and indoor cycling classes P PR 2 ADULT PROGRAMS Yes, Spin classes would be great! S PR 2 ADULT PROGRAMS Now that our kids are grown, we have time to partake of some of the fitness classes and offerings for adults. I appreciate Favorite Programs Adult fitness classes that there are offerings for adults, too. A PR 2 ADULT PROGRAMS

A huge dog park like mcbarks in P PO 2 DOG PARK Favorite Programs Lake Co. Paths forest open Daily fee for residents and non residents. No annual fees. Lake Co makes a fortune with their huge park. daily fee sounds nice as some just cant get there on a daily basis especially if u have to drive to it S PO 1 DOG PARK Favorite Programs Fitness Programs Affordable and high quality programming makes it possible for me to achieve my fitness goals. A PR 1 ADULT PROGRAMS Add more classes at different times of the day to gain more people. Some of us work odd hours and would like mid morning or mid afternoon classes. S PR 2 ADULT PROGRAMS We live in a climate that calls for an indoor pool facility P NF 2 INDOOR POOL

216 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness

We love the swim team family‐based community, the coaching staff and program is great! We feel that it provides a good foundation for fitness, sportsmanship and good values and this staff tries very hard to accommodate all swimmer abilities and ages. We would really like to see funds saved and used to build an indoor swim facility at least as nice as Arlington Heights or South Barrington programs. The land next to Falcon Park would be perfect and allow for some sharing of A PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS administrative staff load and offices, admin space, etc. The fees for swim team right now are extremely reasonable (almost the lowest in the area) and we would be willing to pay a moderate % more to have a dedicated facility to strengthen the program, have better practices times & options and host some smaller meets without having to pay the other facilities fees Favorite Programs Swim Teams! and drive so far.

My daughter loves gymnastics and poms. My son likes computer explorers and soccer. Both kids have enjoyed Kids Camp A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Favorite Programs Kid's classes (1/2 day at Eagle or Birchwood). Our entire family enjoys spending time at the different pools in the summer. Favorite Programs Pickle Ball Inside at Falcon, and also outside P PA 1 ADULT PROGRAMS

Wednesday pickleball at Falcon is, of course, enjoyable, but the Monday and Friday programs run by Dana are far more popular and enjoyable. She assigns partners and opponents for each game that keep play competitive for all. HOWEVER, these days are becoming too popular. I believe there needs to be a cutoff on the number of players allowed into the gym. The six courts allow 24 to be playing at any given time. Resting a few minutes between games is fine, but when there are P PR 1 ADULT PROGRAMS more than 40 wanting to play, most of us would rather not rest as long as we may have to. I'd like to see admission to the gym cut off at 40. Latecomers can wait in the lobby and take the place of those who leave before noon. The Park District used to restrict admission to the gym on volleyball nights to the first 42 to arrive. Each team had seven players, with each stepping off the court for one rotation. We all loved playing continuously, rather than sitting out for entire games at a time. Most of our senior pickleball community would enjoy our Mon/Fri program more, if we got to play more and sit less. Favorite Programs Rock Climbing? A rock climbing wall might be a nice addition. I don't believe there are many available in our area. P NF 2 INDOOR REC This would be great, especially a large indoor facility. We would use it, especially in the winter! S NF 2 INDOOR REC

Pee Wee Football, Stables, Little A PR 1 STABLES Favorite Programs Celtic Soccer, Pools Great facilities I'm Falcon Park and Stables My girls have been playing softball in the program for years and are now participating in the travel softball affiliate program Favorite Programs PYBS (Palatine Stingrays) A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS

Favorite Programs Baby open gym Love that there is an expensive drop in place to go and the kids can run around like the baby open gym. A PR 1 GENERAL PROGRAMS Favorite Programs Palatine stables! Very welcome environment A FA 1 STABLES

Favorite Programs Pee Wee Panthers Football Like the location for the games....great facility. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS theyd be too cute to watch 0 pools are well run and have good hours Bike path is interesting and good length Like the pools, bike path, Did archery for awhile thought it was a great program and well taught A PR 2 PARK CONDITIONS Favorite Programs archery. turkey trot Turkey trot is a great event to start Thanksgiving I'd love to see volleyball also offered for high school kids... there's vball for 3rd thru 8th grades... and then there's drop in Junior High Volleyball is our volleyball for ages 18 and up. We're missing 9th thru 12th grades... Also, adding an outdoor volleyball court (either paved A PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS Favorite Programs favorite activity. or sand) at Hummingbird Park would be awesome!! I pay out of district fees and go to Schaumburg. I swim , indoor, every day. For a Park District as large as Palatine's, I am surprised that you never built an inside pool, but have every ball park and soccer facility available. It seems to me that you G PR 1 ADULT PROGRAMS Favorite Programs None have forgotten the older population. Favorite Programs Women on Weights Good workout, good company A PR 1 ADULT PROGRAMS my daughter participates in special olympics powerlifting, this might be a nice add P PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 217 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness

Favorite Programs Palatine Tiger Shark Swim Team also involved in PAFA A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS

Favorite Programs love visiting birchwood park we also attend the pools in the summer months A GP 1 AQUATICS

We need more programs for adults. Our youngest just started college this year. We have plenty of free time just need P PR 2 ADULT PROGRAMS Favorite Programs Adult Egg Hunt more programs to participate. We attended the adult egg hunt early this year and it was so much fun. Favorite Programs Canine carnival our 2 Siberian huskies love to go to every canine event A PR 1 DOG PARK Wonderful resource for caregivers on a budget. Especially for little ones to safely gain independence and in inclement Favorite Programs toddler gym! weather. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Tried to implement dog traiing Favorite Programs class. No interest or support on the part of the Park District Board.for such a class. A PR 1 GENERAL PROGRAMS

Our family loves the volleyball program. It'd be awesome if volleyball could be added for the high school age as well... there is drop‐in volleyball for ages 18 and up... A PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS Our favorite is grade school but nothing for 9th‐12th grades. ::‐( Favorite Programs volleyball Also... we'd love to see an outdoor volleyball court (either asphalt or sand) added to Hummingbird park! I have a 9 yr old & a 7yr old. We LOVE the Kids Nite Out/Kids Rule. Kids Nite Out/birchwood & Kids We also had wonderful experiences in the Eagle Park Preschool & the Young 5's program at Parkside. We ADORE the 1/2 A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Favorite Programs Rule/ Falcon day camp at Eagle Park. bike trail, walking Ost Field, Favorite Programs men's softball My wife are walkers and bike riders A GP 0 ADULT PROGRAMS

How about some type of picnic tables and shaded areas for the kids that are at the days camps in the summer at Community Park. They play outside almost everyday at the park and having a place to sit and have snack or a lunch would be nice for P PA 2 SHADE them. Also, what about just a nice sitting park with a feature fountain near the Community Center? preschool and the parent tot Favorite Programs programs The preschool teachers at parkside are great. Also like the variety of classes offered for parents and tots. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS I like the programing for young Favorite Programs families. The fall festival, Halloween party, and polar express are great. A PR 1 SPECIAL EVENTS All four of our children have grown up through the soccer program, playing through 8th grade. We have also really enjoyed Favorite Programs Soccer and dance the dance program. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS

We love the acting programs by A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Favorite Programs J. Price and T. Kist WE love the acting classes and we also LOVE Palatine Baseball. Mike Hassel from Fall Ball was the BEST coach ever!!!!

A couple of simple solutions to the flooding that closes the course completely frustrates customers; 1) remove the years of muck and silt that has built up in the retention ponds, the ponds are currently only few feet deep; 2) expand the retention P PR 1 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Favorite Programs Golf pond along the 18th fairway all the way back to the 18th tee to provide more retention area. More programs for seniors after I have noticed that many of the exercise classes for seniors are during the day. I am a senior, but I still work full time and I Favorite Programs 6 pm. cannot do day time programs. P PR 1 ADULT PROGRAMS

Our children have aged out of soccer & preschool, but it would be a nice option to have a pre‐paid pool card (10 use card), A PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS Favorite Programs Soccer, preschool, pool since we don't get much use out of a season pass, but to pre‐pay uses would be a nice option. Favorite Programs PYB We've enjoyed the baseball programs for almost 10 years. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS

Mrs. Dee is an outstanding teacher and keeps the kids, moving and motivated every minute of the class. We tried tot rock A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS and the kids did not seem engaged but Mrs. Dee is amazing and has a true talent to get them engaged. Favorite Programs We love Toddler Tunes The class also is an intro to a pre‐school setting which is so important for the kids heading to school soon.

218 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness

Toddler Martial arts and WONDERFUL CLASS! Teaches kids to listen and focus and move with meaning. They love to get the belt and are so proud of A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Favorite Programs tumbling their steps in the class. The instructors are caring yet make kids tow the line‐we love it. The TigerSharks do an excellent job of running a fun, educational, and growth oriented program from children of all ages Favorite Programs Swim Team ‐ PPD Tigersharks and skill levels. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS

This site does not list all features G MM 0 Favorite Programs required to answer ?'s This site does not list all features required to answer ?'s

Love the work out center and A PR 1 ADULT PROGRAMS Favorite Programs the suspension classes Great way to get a full body workout

How about a 'splash pad" not sure the correct name; but have seen them in other states. You have small water fountains coming out of the ground in a park type setting with just benches and tables for conversing. Not a pool but fountains. The P PA 2 SPLASH PAD corner of Colfax and Mozart would be perfect for this situation. wish the passes were more affordable P PO 2 POLICY Our daughters have enjoyed many years of participation in the Palatine Dance Program. The end‐of‐the‐year and winter Favorite Programs Dance Program recitals are very well organized and terrific. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Our son is in 3rd grade and realizes he wants to participate in community theatre. The Acting Up program has been an Favorite Programs Acting up! excellent way to introduce him to the theatre. Julie and her staff are grreat! A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS falcon park indoor soccer has way too many rules such as during open field I can not play with my kids as I'm an adult and outdoor rec soccer is well run kids only or adults only. Yet open basketball at community is open to all ages. falcon park seems like a travel soccer A PR 2 POLICY Favorite Programs and affordable facility since it is mostly pay to play My 5 year old has fun at Favorite Programs gymnastics. She loves the "pit" and the teachers are extremely good with the kids! A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Kindergarten gymnastics and Favorite Programs birthday parties My daughter loved her Little Chefs party! A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS

My son loves the sports programs. We have been very happy with the coaches and teachers running these programs. I love Baseball, Karate, Pre‐School & Maple Park Pre‐school! The teachers are awesome and offer a great curriculum. My son had so much fun while learning. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Favorite Programs Special Events We always have lots family fun at the Special Events; Turkey Trot, Movie Nights & Date Night are a few of our favorites. It needs more regular swings. There is only one normal swing ‐ the others are 2 baby swings and 1 swing for disabled children (I think) that is difficult to use. P PA 2 PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Favorite Programs Girls Softball Girls softball. A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS We have three outdoor pools in an weather environment that allows for the pools to only be open 12 weeks out of 52. If We need an indoor pool for we move to two outdoor pools, would that be enough to build or acquire an indoor pool that could be used year round by P NF 2 INDOOR POOL Improving our Parks Palatine residents. Period. all residents? Think big and good things happen! Love this idea!!!! S NF 2 INDOOR POOL

That is a wonderful idea. We have wonderful aquatics sports programs that could really benefit from this idea It also S NF 2 INDOOR POOL would benefit people looking for somewhere to swim indoors in spring, fall and winter.

Mt. Prospect has the "Rec Plex" which is wonderful. Palatine has only private gyms that cost too much for the average You need an overall gym / pool person. I would use a park district facility that has a separate cost, but has features such as indoor pools, weight rooms, P NF 2 INDOOR REC Improving our Parks facility running tracks and indoor tennis / raquetball. I would also like more variety of fitness classes offered. I agree 100% S NF 1 INDOOR POOL

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 219 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness

In St. Peters, Missouri they have a Rec‐Plex and it is incredible. It is in a suburb of St. Louis. It has a huge competitive pool, with kiddie area, indoor slide, lots and lots of swim lanes so they can have swim practice and other swim activities at the same time A full diving area with 1 and 3 meter diving boards and a 5,7 and 10 meter platform, a snack area/mini cafe S NF 2 INDOOR REC above the pool to watch activities going on in the pool, a work out center, gymnasiums and ice rink. How great for the people living there. We would really make use of one of these here.

This park district needs an indoor pool. With over 300 participants on the swim team, they do not have a pool through the P NF 2 INDOOR POOL Improving our Parks Indoor pool park district to swim in. We should not have to rely on other organizations to provide our pool time. Palatine Stables needs heat. Last winter, we missed close to 4 weeks of riding time because the temperature dropped below Improving our Parks Palatine Stables needs heat 13 degrees. P FA 2 STABLES Heat is definitely needed!! Not only because of lost revenue when the stable needs to shut down because of cold weather, but also for the sake of the horses as well as the stables staff that have the responsibility of caring for them regardless of S FA 2 STABLES how cold it is! The stables are in horrendous shape to begin with. I'm surprised they haven't been shut down. Hopefully some thought goes into those poor horses when changes come around. C FA 2 STABLES I would agree with the heat...... atleast warming it up to 45 or 50 during the winter S FA 2 STABLES We need an indoor pool at Improving our Parks Falcon. We need an indoor pool at Falcon. P NF 2 INDOOR POOL After they closed Willow Wood pool I was disappointed that nothing really happened with improving our pool facilities. I would love to have seen an indoor pool instead of the renovations of Eagle which seemed to make the actual pool smaller P NF 1 INDOOR POOL Improving our Parks We need an indoor pool and less enjoyable to attend. improve the bike path by lake Improving our Parks louise path needs resurfacing P GP 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS We need an indoor competitive aquatic facility that would meet the needs of the competitive swimming, and diving teams Indoor competitive aquatic that would also meet the needs of non‐competitive, recreational swimmers and divers. We have great programs that need P NF 2 INDOOR POOL Improving our Parks facility needed their own home. I also agree on adding an indoor aquatic center. Great idea. S FA 2 INDOOR POOL Improving our Parks All parks All of the parks we have visited are in great condition. A GP 1 I love that there is a Frisbee golf option, but I don't think its very well advertised. I also think it is more rundown compared Improving our Parks Hamilton to the other parks. P PA 1 PARK IMPROVEMENTS There should be restrooms and an enclosed concession stand between the softball/baseball fields. Additionally, Add restrooms, concessions, scoreboards should be added to each field (manual or electronic). When we travel to other towns for games, most ALL P PA 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Improving our Parks scoreboards by softball fields facilities make ours look pretty remedial.

For the costs of this facility it offers little value. Primarily rented party rooms should not be the focus of this facility. It P PO 2 POLICY Improving our Parks Falconridge should add an exercise machines room and a free room available for crafts and board games. The party rooms are very expensive per hour as well considering you are responsible for all clean up and cannot set up ahead of time unless you want to pay for an additional hour. S PO 2 POLICY

Paint the pool surface at family P AQ 2 AQUATICS Improving our Parks aquatic center light blue. The white surface is so bright, it is painful unless you're wearing sunglasses.

The community center hosts many programs for the young kids, but the facility is not well equipped to handle mom's with strollers or close bathroom facilities. The layout is odd and anyone with a stroller or grandma's that have trouble with the P FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS stairs can have problems. There are no good bathrooms on the main level, better to go upstairs. But if you have a stroller, Improving our Parks Community Center needs help! you might have a hard time getting to the 2nd level. More sun shades at all the Improving our Parks playgrounds We need more sun shade at the play grounds. On hot summer days, the more shade the better! P PA 2 PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS

220 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness More benches near the play grounds (Osage park specifically for me) would be great. There is only one there and it is often full. P PA 2 PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Ive heard some older folks say they refuse to go to this pool because it is over run by too many little ones and that they prefer to go to Birchwood because of this. Maybe updating things there will help alleviate the influx of people at the pool on P AQ 2 AQUATICS Improving our Parks Birchwood NW Hwy and Palatine rd

they prefer Birchwood over the family aquatic because of too many little ones...... just making this clear R AQ 1 AQUATICS Improving our Parks Dog park not accessible or updated does not even come close to other dog parks P PA 1 DOG PARK I agree with Nicole. A larger park more central or north within Palatine would be great. S PA 2 DOG PARK The park district does a great job of getting the word out. I like getting emails with upcoming events. A PO 0 I did not see anything on here in terms of the dog park. I would love to have an additional dog park on the North end of Palatine. It is not convenient to drive nearly to Schaumburg to take our puppy to the park. There is enough land outside Falcon park that could be used for this purpose. I think there would be great interest in that area. There are people who let S PA 2 DOG PARK their dogs run off leash at the nearby baseball fields already...which makes parents of small children at the playground nervous. An indoor pool so year round swimming classes could be provided would be great. P NF 2 INDOOR POOL

There are many areas of our parks department that are lacking. We have a huge swimming program (my kids are not involved), yet these kids have no "home" for swimming. They are orphans and scrape by begging for space at Palatine, Fremd, and Harper. The same goes with the travel softball and baseball teams. There is no great facility for these teams. P NF 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Hamilton or Birchwood has potential, but they fall short. There is not indoor restrooms at the ball fields at Hamilton. Both Hamilton and Birchwood are prohibited in the fall. There are no scoreboards/PA systems or homerun fences. Very few softball/baseball fields have real dugouts. We have softball teams finishing 2nd in country at the world series, yet we tend to play on sandlot fields when surrounded by communities with great facilities. It is great to have the gymnastics center, but it could use some updating. I wish some of the renovation budget went towards upgrades in this part of the building. C FA 2 INDOOR REC

PPD is ready for an indoor pool. We are a premier Park District in Illinois with great programming and management. All of our programs help make our community one of the best around. The only item we are missing is an indoor pool. I strongly believe that an indoor pool will end up benefiting life long residents more in the long run than any other improvement. I P NF 2 INDOOR POOL realize the short term cost is high, however, all residents would see a long term positive impact on our community. Better community equals better property values. Period. As long as an indoor pool is available at all times to residents and not just booked up for the swim team and lessons. If my tax dollars are being spent to build it, I better be able to use it. R NF 2 INDOOR POOL I agree. Instead of doing a partial remodel of Community, we should be looking a doing a whole new facility using the whole area around Ost field and Cutting Hall. S NF 2 INDOOR REC I would like to see recycling bins added to all facilities. P FA 1 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Thumbs up to an indoor pool (year‐round public swimming). See Bartlett, IL's aquatic center for a great example. Also need S NF 2 INDOOR POOL to improve fitness center. Machines are beat up, and the area is much to small/cramped. Why does the Family Aquatic Center close so early in the season? I'd like to see it stay open longer. P AQ 1 AQUATICS I would also like to see an indoor pool. Swimming is huge in this area. S NF 2 INDOOR POOL

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 221 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness

I also agree an indoor swimming pool would be nice. I am confused as to why Falcon Park was built with no fitness center or pool. There is so much space there it would have been nice to have had those options. S NF 2 INDOOR POOL I agree on times for sports or non‐sports classes with Merelda T. My wife is able to take my son during the day, but probably not many other people have that luxury, so the classes don't fill up and get canceled all the time. It happened 3 times this fall, and my son ended up repeating a class just so he had something to do. A lot of times are right when a kid would be in pre‐school or kindergarten.

We would love to see an outdoor fitness path like the one in Barringtons. Permanent structures along a path every so many P PA 2 TRAILS yards like pull up bars, slant board, push up handle, etc Fun outdoor activities for three sseasons. My suggestion is to possibly build and offer an indoor pool facility to Palatine residents. I recently hurt my back and I can't run very much anymore. It would be wonderful if there was a close location with a reasonable membership price that I could do open swim and do my cardio that way. Plus I'm sure many people would use it since it's usually cold from P NF 2 INDOOR POOL September until June in Chicago.

Some of the facilities/parks need attention and some don't, but money is spent where it is spent. Hamilton should have scoreboards, concessions and restrooms by the softball/baseball fields. We travel to many different communities and ALL of their facilities are better than those in Palatine. We have a lot, but they don't measure up in most cases. P GP 2 SPORTS FIELDS The PPD needs to work to get all fields, including those at school sites, better. Better benches and fences, more attention to the quality of the fields. Also need to provide access to fields for affiliate groups that pay fees to the PPD and get VERY LITTLE in services and attention.

I would like to see more sports theme classes or leagues aimed at 5‐6 year old where they start in the evenings and have their games on Saturdays. A lot of the sport classes are during the day and do not work out for me as I work during the week P PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS 9‐5. I am unable to find anything for my 5 year old to do as the selection is very limited. Please try to open this age group up more with a variety of sport options!

A reciprocal agreement with Arlington Heights Park District for the use of their indoor pool would be great. P PO 1 POLICY

I would save $ by not improving parks that do not need new equipment yet‐ to add an indoor swimming pool. OR have a relationship with a local YMCA that would allow you to have indoor swim classes at a Palatine resident rate. It would be P NF 1 INDOOR POOL great to have an indoor facility for swimming to get exercise in the cold long winters.

I would like to see more homeschooling classes. Only the library offers them and they are few and far between. There are SO many homeschoolers in Palatine and surrounding areas. Having daytime rec programs like acting, gym, science and more would be welcomed. Dance too. There are so many homeschoolers ‐you are missing out on offering say an OPEN GYM time for say $2/kid‐ if 40 kids show up that is $80 to just be in the facility using say the gym for basketball alone. Other towns, Arlington Heights‐ offers FREE space for the homeschool groups to come to. They welcome all town residents. It's great but P PR 2 YOUTH PROGRAMS its a shame that our own town doesn't welcome homeschoolers in the same fashion or offer homeschool classes. Schaumburg REC offers homeschool classes every Thursday. I'd love to see classes offered in Palatine. I have 3 kids and we spend our $ in the park department. We take acting, and baseball/softball. We'd spend more if you had classes during the day or even fun events. Would like to see an indoor pool with year round swim lessons‐ like Bartlett, Schaumburg, etc P NF 2 INDOOR POOL Please build a covered swimming pool with swim lessons. P FA 2 INDOOR POOL

I think all the neighborhood parks could use more shade. Young children should have a place where they can get out of the P GP 2 SHADE Improving our Parks All the parks need shaded areas sun/heat. And sometimes you can't even use the park equipment because seats/slides are too hot.

222 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness Trail riding on horses on Offering trail rides on horses on the Meadowlark property ajacent to the Palatine Stable could be a very popular activity for Improving our Parks Meadowlark Park property all ages. P PR 2 STABLES The low laying area in the back of Birchwood along the creek, where the bike trail circles the baseball field could be Improving our Parks bike trail in Birchwood improved to try and reduce the flooding that so often occurs there. P GP 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS For very little money, kits could be purchased (like the ones at www.ironsleek.com) and temporary Ice Rinks could be put up in our parks. I know that our neighborhood would be happy to collect the money to pay for the material to put a rink at Hummingbird park. I have already mentioned this to the superintendent of parks, Mr Tynczuk, and he suggested I post the P PA 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Improving our Parks More Ice Skating Rinks idea here. More ice skating rinks would be well received. Another great idea. S PA 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS online registration is pretty easy A PO 0

So far this fall my son had 3 different classes canceled on him. First, I think it's sad there isn't at least 5 kids interested in a class. I don't know if the classes aren't being marketed enough, there's too many classes, times are bad, or what it is. It's disheartening to have to tell a 3‐4 year old his class is canceled yet again, especially when time is spent getting him excited C PO 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS about it. I don't understand why classes have to be canceled a week in advance, either. Sometimes people wait until the last minute. I'm not aware of any deadline to register, so why cancel so far in advance? A couple times classes got canceled and the only other options made my pay more money too.

At the time of online registration Id di not add my younger son and I am unable to do that on my own so I had to go in P PO 2 POLICY person to register him. I wish that online registration I was able to add them myself. It would save a lot of time!

Improving our Parks A facelift for Birchwood Park So much room to add a little more for the residents. P GP 1 PARK IMPROVEMENTS It just seems very run down compared to the other facilities. I love that there is the frisbee golfing option, but I also think Improving our Parks Hamilton Reservoir that should be better advertised as well. P GP 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS

the travel teams invite many other towns to Palatine to play games. It is embarrassing to have Barrington/Bloomingdale/Roselle/Schaumburg/Lake Zurich (I could go on and on) parents come to Paddock to play games. Often the travel teams cannot use the nicer fields during the summer because of scheduling and the travel teams are P GP 2 SPORTS FIELDS forbidden from using Hamilton/Community/Birchwood in the fall. People from other towns actually feel sorry for our teams when they see us playing at fields with no real dugout or rusted fences. When we attend their fields, they all have nice, Softball/baseball fields for the enclosed dugouts, ample parking, scoreboards, fences, some even have turf. We want something that people will Improving our Parks travel teams compliment our town on, not leave being glad they don't live in Palatine. Would like to see a small community pool near Willow Prior to its closing, we used the Willow Wood pool about 10x per summer. Since it closed have only been to a Park District P NF 1 AQUATICS Improving our Parks Wood. Pool (Eagle) 1 time. Improving our Parks The Community Center Obviously a very old building, but the gymnastics program and the indoor track need improvements P FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Improving our Parks I love the maple park. This is maple park from winston parks new sidewalk on the way to Anderson A GP 1 PARK CONDITIONS

Improving our Parks The Hamilton Reservoir The playground needs more shade trees. P GP 2 PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Old, smelly ‐ bad bathrooms and when one large group takes over the gym ‐ it is over. We need a spot with more free hours Improving our Parks Birchwood hands down for kids to have a place in doors in the cold fall and winter P FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Improving our Parks Hamilton park Needs more shade trees P GP 2 SHADE Community Park house needs a Improving our Parks facelift Renovate the facilities P GP 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS We love the park for the preschool at Birchwood. A GP 1 PARK CONDITIONS A fitness center at Falcon park or more Fitness Classes/Flex classes at Falcon park would be great. P NF 2 ADULT PROGRAMS

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 223 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness

For a town the size of Palatine, I am surprised that we do not have an indoor pool. I have joined Schaumburg's park district because they have indoor pools for year around swimming and also offer better workout facilities as well as more P NF 2 INDOOR POOL interesting activities for seniors. I do not consider trips to casinos or plays as appealing. Definitely agree that they should have made a fitness center at Falcon. There is tons of space to have made a larger building. S NF 2 INDOOR REC eagle 1 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS I enjoy the adult swim at Eagle Pool in the summer. A AQ 1 ADULT PROGRAMS

Fitness center, good value for the membership cost, but could use another eliptical or two, always the most popular items A FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS and have a wait at prime time. Staff in fitness center always nice and friendly! I totally agree with Kristin and wish there was a couple more elipticals and treadmills. The stretching room gets packed at peak times, too. P FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Allow Strollers on the walking track all times of day! P FA 2 POLICY

We would like to use Falcon Park more often, but unfortunately the Park District makes it very difficult for the Park District travel baseball/softball teams to use the indoor turf during the winter. Despite putting in a request to rent the space at full C FA 2 POLICY price in July, the travel softball teams were told the only available time to rent 1/2 the turf in January was on Saturday mornings from 6am ‐ 7:30am. So unfortunately, the softball and baseball teams will be renting indoor space in Mount Prospect/Roselle/Lake Zurich as those towns will accommodate and take our $, yet our own park district refuses. Falcon was a great idea, However, I wish there was another turf field and the Banquet rooms were larger and could accommodate more people. C FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

We do soccer on the indoor turf and poms at Falcon, gymnastics and computer explorers classes at Community Center, and C FA 2 AQUATICS we love going to Eagle pool for camp or to swim since its renovation. All of the pools are great. Birchwood is one of the best Olympic sized pools in the state! A AQ 1 AQUATICS I've only gone to the Family Aquatic Center, it's a great park/pool for the family! A AQ 1 AQUATICS Parkside Preschool is great! Both the teachers and facility are wonderful! A FA 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS My 5 year old had a great Little Chef birthday party last summer! A PR 1 YOUTH PROGRAMS Family Aquatic center and Birchwood A AQ 1 AQUATICS I wish that the work out facility at the community center was larger and updated. P FA 2 INDOOR REC I agree, but it's well worth the fees we pay! S FA 1 INDOOR REC I also agree with both Christa and James! S FA 0 Cutting Hall is a gem to have in our community. We have seen so many plays there A FA 1 I love Cutting Hall. I think these productions should be advertised more, though. I only know of them if I see a flyer or know someone in the show. A FA 1 Eagle, because it is so close to our home. Falcon is too expensive for rental (turf) and priority is given to only a few programs so it is difficult to even get time. Should have made the facility bigger. A FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS We visit the Community Center most because that is where our acting classes are. I like Birchwood too for the baseball programs they had last Spring as well as the pool facilities. A FA 2 PARK CONDITIONS

I wish there was fitness equipment (ellipticals, stationary bikes) available at the other facilities (like falcon park), even if it's P FA 2 INDOOR FITNESS on a much smaller scale compared to the fitness center at the community center.

224 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness

Agreed.

The hours for fitness should be extended on weekends, as well. A 3:00 close on Sundays makes no sense, frankly, a 5:00 close on Saturdays makes no sense either, especially in Winter when you can't walk outside. S FA 2 POLICY

Falcon Park is a waste of resources from my experience. The track always has truncated hours on weekends because they allow groups that rent the banquet facilities to decide if the rest of the facility should be opened or not. It's always empty, regardless, some indoor sports leagues for the kids or adult volleyball on occasion, that's all I ever see.

The track at Falcon is nice, but they should have put a fitness room in there, too. And one at Birchwood would be great for the southern part of the town. It would alleviate the congestion at Community. And I totally agree that the times on the C FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS weekends need to be extended, especially Sunday. At least until 5pm on Sunday! The drainage on the ball fields could be improved and it would be nice to have some type of surface which doesn't turn into Improving our Parks Hamilton ball fields 3 inches of dust during the dry summer months P GP 2 SPORTS FIELDS The general area where the community center and aquatic center are not horrible, but I think the facilities could be much Improving our Parks Community Park more useful to the community. P GP 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Agree! S GP 1 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

This fall and last spring, I felt like the park district was always closing the fields for practices because they were too soggy from the previous day's rain or they it was too cold and the grass hadn't started growing yet. I was told it was done on a P GP 2 SPORTS FIELDS field by field basis but it didn't seem like it. What do you have the fields for if you don't allow the kids to play on them? Is the park district for providing places of recreation or growing grass? I realize a lot of money goes into repairing fields if they Improving our Parks Keeping fields open get ripped up but I think this year they were over cautious and lots of kids missed out on playing outside.

The parking lot near Osage park is extremely small and when events are held cars are parked all along the street. Kids run in Improve Osage park in North and out constantly and adults open car doors as others drive by, creating a hazardous environment. There are also residents P GP 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Improving our Parks Palatine who allow dogs to run off leash at this park. A dog park near this area may alleviate that issue.

The pools need to be kept clean The pools get quite dirty on the concrete edges surrounding the pools and needs to be cleaned much more. I love the pools. P AQ 2 AQUATICS Improving our Parks more (concrete sides) And sometimes pulling things like bandaids and hair out would be recommended. I can only say the pools need Improving our Parks more cleaning. I have not taken advantage of other parks. I do love Deer Grove. P AQ 1 AQUATICS

The facilities at Eagle DESPERATELY need a crosswalk for pedestrians to cross the street safely to get there. If the pool and park were built for the neighborhood, why is there no way for neighbors to walk there? When my kids and I walk to P GP 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS summer camp, every morning we have to fight with cars exiting and entering the parking lot, and have been almost hit on Improving our Parks Eagle Pool more than one occasion. For a place that caters to kids, why not do everything possible to help keep kids safe?

something needs to be done. Really do not understand why baseball fields are down there. With the creek running through P GP 2 SPORTS FIELDS Improving our Parks Lower Birchwood there and when we get heavy rains it overflows into the ballfields.Not sure what could go down in there.

The space could be so much better and parking improved if the parking was combined with Cutting Hall's parking, taking Ost field out and using that land for a large indoor facility with more basketball courts and a large indoor running track that P GP 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Community needs to be torn could be used by the local high schools. An indoor pool facility is also needed. Palatine Parks should not have to rely on Improving our Parks down and started from scratch Harper, high school pools and the YMCA. I love the outdoor track at Ost field. I agree with most of changing the parking situation and adding an indoor pool. But Ost field is the closest outdoor track to where I live. If it is removed, please build another outdoor track close to Ost field. Many R GP 1 PARK CONDITIONS people use the track.

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 225 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness

All other towns that we have played in have better (and consistent) fields and facilities. We have no dugouts (fenced) in The softball fields used by our most places, shabby wooden benches, etc. The fields are not always well‐maintained and kept that way (weeds, dragging, P PA 2 SPORTS FIELDS Improving our Parks girls need improvement lining, etc.). This applies to all parks/fields used by PYBS and affiliates for softball.

The Stable sure could use an indoor wash area with both hot and cold water to bathe horses during the colder temperatures....think about it, 5‐6 months without a bath...whew. grooming can only do so much. Not to mention if a horse P FA 2 STABLES is in need or veterinary care requiring the cleansing of a wound or soaking an abcess

Palatine should have a larger fitness center with more equipment. There should be more room for stretching. The facility P FA 2 INDOOR FITNESS should have a full locker room with lockers, showers, and places to get ready before work. Does the fitness center have showers/locker rooms? I wish it was open earlier in the morning and had showers to use so I could go before work instead of late in the evening. Q FA 2 POLICY The stables need heat and insulation. P FA 2 STABLES

Insulating the arena spaces would sure make riding indoors ALOT more comfortable especially on days like we've been S FA 2 STABLES experiencing recently and probably will throughout the winter months, but also during the hot summer weather. The fitness center needs to be open longer on Sundays. And it can be difficult to get a cardio machine at peak times. Any thought of expanding the fitness center? P PA 2 POLICY It would be nice to have a little bit more space P FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS We need more classes at Falcon, try to switch some of the ones that are at Birchwood. Too often rooms at Falcon are dark with nothing going on. P PR 2 GENERAL PROGRAMS

I live in Willow Wood and was very disappointed when the pool was taken away from our neighborhood and then paved over for a grassy field. I was under the impression that the money used to run that pool would be used elsewhere, but am P NF 2 INDOOR POOL not sure if that happened. Having visited other towns park districts I was disappointed to find that they have large facilities such as indoor pools. I would love to see a new facility that could be used in the winter time.

We need an indoor pool.Having no pool access from Late Aug to Jun is not right. So many people young and old would P NF 2 INDOOR POOL benefit from an indoor pool. Community Center improvements would be second to an indoor pool.

We need an indoor pool in Palatine. We have a tremendous age group swim team with great coaches that has to practice in multiple places (palatine, Fremd, Harper , which by the way has a creepy locker room for kids). More people train for triathalons and can't swim year round. Lap swimmers have no where to swim from Labor Day to Memorial Day. In P NF 2 INDOOR POOL summer, more early morning and evening lap swimmingg lon course at Birchwood , please. Consider keeping one outdoor pool open through September like Elk Grove does (prefer Birchwood). The stables could use some heat. P FA 2 STABLES Birchwood indoors could be so much more ‐ we need things on this side of Palatine too P FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Indoor pool is needed for a community this size. See Bartlett, IL's indoor water center for example. Community center is right behind the need for a year round indoor pool. P FA 2 INDOOR POOL

The fitness center needs updating. Some of the weight machines are unbalanced, outdated and rusting. There are many new modern pieces that can incorporate many machines into one piece and take up less space. Instead of a laying leg curl, P FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS a seated one would be better to prevent injury and take up less space. Also if personal training is going to be offered, there should be a designated area created for that so it doesn't interfere with paying members. Locker rooms at the community center are way out of date. C FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Community Park District need a facility facelift like the police station received... Outdoor fitness stations and dog park too! Perhaps a senior area with free coffe . P FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS

226 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness We need a Facility similar to Falcon on this side of Palatine ‐ with lots of time for patrons and not so much time rented out to other teams. Also more internal space for kids to move in teh winter... P FA 2 INDOOR TURF It is not easy for parents with strollers and disabled participants. The bathrooms are not accessible either. It is run down and old looking. C FA 2 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Ashwood's baseball field and Ashwood's baseball field could use some work on the base areas. The basketball nets are old, the court is ok but may need Improving our Parks bball nets/court to be redone soon. P GP 2 SPORTS FIELDS we need an indoor pool P FA 2 INDOOR POOL

We need a premier park for P GP 2 SPORTS FIELDS Improving our Parks softball Nd baseball games Scoreboards, bathrooms, concessions, batting cages We do not have a playground SW of Quentin and Illinois other than at Hunting Ridge Elementary, which is not available for New park SW of Quentin and use during school hours. While there are a number of Palatine 'parks' near our house, the closest playground is at Mallard P GP 2 PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS Improving our Parks Illinois Park ‐ a good 20 minute walk with two toddlers!

Hamilton Park needs trees P GP 2 SHADE Improving our Parks planted between the fields Hamilton Park needs trees planted between the fields Favorite Places ‐ Parks Indoor Pool We need an indoor pool facility in Palatine P NF 2 INDOOR POOL

Favorite Places ‐ Parks Family Aquatic center and park I like the family aquatic center and park. The park is a good facility for large events and the pool offers a variety of options A AQ 2 AQUATICS The passes are insanely expensive and now that my neighborhood pool is gone I don't enjoy going to the overcrowded pools. Not worth it! C PO 1 AQUATICS It's so fun and colorful! This is not the closest park to our house, but it's worth the short trip and a nice change from the Favorite Places ‐ Parks Community Park! ones we always walk to. A GP 0 Fitness Center and Walking Favorite Places ‐ Parks Track are gems I love that Palatine has these options for fitness for adults. A FA 1 ADULT PROGRAMS My kids are smaller and really enjoy the park designated to them near the pool. They are not over run by older kids and Favorite Places ‐ Parks Birchwood Parks enjoy the smaller atmosphere. A GP 1 AQUATICS

Favorite Places ‐ Parks easily accessible from my home it would be even more awesome if there was a dog park P PA 2 DOG PARK Favorite Places ‐ Parks Community park is great Love the newly renovated community park. Has a real bathroom too! A GP 1 PARK CONDITIONS Favorite Places ‐ Parks Oak Park Wide variety of amenities and activities. A GP 0 PARK CONDITIONS Also, it would be great if there were more benches/seating for parents. P GP 2 PARK IMPROVEMENTS Favorite Places ‐ Parks We love Maple Park! We can walk there from our house, and our five year old loves the playground! A GP 0 PARK CONDITIONS Adding soft surface for splash pads to make them safer & more tot friendly (rolling meadows has one like this). Also more splash pad options, especially where you can go to the splash pad without having to pay the full pool price (for parents with P PA 2 SPLASH PAD young kids). i think splash pads would be great S PA 2 SPLASH PAD Love the outdoor splash pads of olden days. Kids love to play in them and adults feel like kids again watching them. Brings community together S PA 2 SPLASH PAD

Build a new park on the empty land so the residents don't have P GP 2 DOG PARK Favorite Places ‐ Parks to cross Plum Grove to play. Or even a dog park would be welcomed!

How about a dog park at the corner of Mozart and Colfax Street instead of a fire station! Keep the parks green! P PA 2 DOG PARK Enough with stuff for Dogs! ‐ More for kids so keep them busy! R PA 2 DOG PARK I agree...Dog Park! S PA 2 DOG PARK

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 227 Comment Comment Comment Comment recurring theme Topic Name Idea Title Idea Summary type topic usefulness I love counminty park with the Favorite Places ‐ Parks Amiptheater I love the amiptheater bc I love to listen to the music in the summer!!! A GP 1 PARK CONDITIONS

Favorite Places ‐ Parks Fitness Center Even though it's small I love going to the fitness center. Staff is great and I like having a comfortable place to work out. A FA 1 Our fields are embarrassing when other teams visit and the softball girls get cheated ‐ their fields should be as nice as the baseball fields C PA 2 SPORTS FIELDS Softball fields need more attention. We pay for using them the same as boys and baseball P PA 2 SPORTS FIELDS Favorite Places ‐ Parks Sycamore Park Pickle Ball A GP 2 SPORTS COURTS

The two, new pickleball courts are an excellent addition to the park. Thank you for listening to our requests. A PA 2 SPORTS COURTS Favorite Places ‐ Parks Lindberg Park Great park, nice facility. A GP 0 PARK CONDITIONS

Favorite Places ‐ Parks Ashwood Park We are close to this park, and it has bike trail access, soccer field, basketball court, baseball field, playground. A GP 0 PARK CONDITIONS We can easily ride our bikes to play, watch sports in the fields, or access the bike path. The programs in the preschool are Favorite Places ‐ Parks Maple Park is our favorite. nice in the summer too. A GP 1 PARK CONDITIONS

Favorite Places ‐ Parks Hawthorne park is our favorite It's so close to home and lots of shade in the hot summer months! A GP 0 PARK CONDITIONS Favorite Places ‐ Parks Hawthorne Park I like the shade and the equipment is good for littler kids. A GP 0 PARK CONDITIONS Favorite Places ‐ Parks Hummingbird Park Parks within walking distance A GP 0 PARK CONDITIONS Investing in our Parks Football Fields Football Fields. A PA 1 SPORTS FIELDS

228 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6

Page 1 Page .]

below for your

months? your household?your 12 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 5 ...... to inue the inue survey recreation priorities for -49 times times 25 -49 50+ times Park District during the past

4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... When areyou finished, please

most important -24 times times 10 -24 Palatine e, please write in the letters letters the in write please e, : _____ rd 3 are 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 etermine park and reply envelope.- reply appreciateWe greatly your 3 ____ (3) No [Please discont ____ _ (3) Fair ____ _ (4) Poor ......

:_____ nd Never Never 1-9 times - paid, return 0- 15 minutes to complete. 1 ...... : _____ : _____ 2

st 1 1 ......

ppropriate number to the right of each facility. . 1 ...... overall condition of ALL the Palatine Park District parks have visited?you

1 ......

acilities from the listin Question # 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... the f 1 ......

1 ......

of 1 ...... 1 ......

1 ...... choices.] rd Recreation Center 3 ) Yes [Please answer Question #2] _____ (2) No [Please to go Question #3] Park District would like input your to help d _____ (2) Good _____ (1) Excellent and

on Gbur Fields nd your householdyour visited any of the Palatine Park District parks during the past , 2 _____ (1 as ow would you rate the Community InterestCommunity and Opinion Survey: Let voice be heard today!your st Palatine 12 months by circling 12 months by the a major parks, recreation and sports facilities operated the by Which THREE [Using the letters from the left hand column of Question #3 abov Pleaseindicate how andoftenmembers you of yourhousehold have used each of the following Community Center PalatineCourse Golf Hills Palatine Stables Parkside Preschool H

1 1. ____ (1) Yes [Please continue the with survey.] ____ (2) Not sure [Please continue with the survey.] 2. H our community. This surveywill take 1 time. The return in your survey the enclosed postage liveDo you in the Palatine Park District? 3. facilities these used household your times of Number 12 months: past the during 4. District Park Palatine for the Institute Vision/ETC ©Leisure

(A) Birchwood Recreation Center (A) (D) Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center

(O) Hamilt (C) (P) CelticTurf Park Fields (E) Falcon Park (Q) Fred Hall Amphitheater (F) (G) Maple Park Preschool (H) (J) Eagle Park Preschool (K) Birchwood Preschool (L) Family Aquatic Center (M) Eagle Park Pool (N) Birchwood Pool Clayson House Museum (B) (I)

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 229

older and years 18 Ages ____ (06) Private gymnastics facilities ____ (13) Performing Arts facilities in other communities communities other in facilities Arts Performing (13) ____ facilities gymnastics Private (06) ______7. 7. 0 to Ages 5. 5.

Palatine Park District during the past 12 months? months? 12 past the during District Park Palatine

6. 6.

©Leisure Vision/ETC Institute for the Palatine Park District

__ _ Ha your household ages 0 to 17, circle circle 0 to 17, ages your household services and # in Question

_____ (1) _____ For each of the age groups shown below, please indicate which TWO organizations listed organizations TWO which please indicate below, shown groups age of the For each indoor and outdoor recreation activities during the past 12 months. months. 12 past the during activities recreation outdoor and indoor From the following list, please check ALL the organizations that ALL the organizations list,check please From the following ______5 5 5 ) Schools Schools __ ( 01 ) ) Public schools schools Public __ ( 05 ) s b. Ho a. c.

_____ (1) Quality of instructors/coaches _____ (5) Times the program is offered offered is program (5) Times the _____ of instructors/coaches (1) Quality _____

_____ (3) Quality of the program facility _____ (7) Dates the program is offered offered program is the (7) Dates _____ facility program of the (3) Quality ______2 o3porm/ciiis 3 programs/activities to (2) 2 _____

_ ( _ ( _ ( _ ( you 02 ) Churches/Sy 07) Palatine Palatine 07) YMCA 04 ) ) Youth Youth 03 ) has list, please From the following check THREE primary why reasons ______of th _____ ( 2) Location _____ (1) 1 program/activity program/activity (1) 1 _____ has Park District Palatine How would you rate the overall quality you overall of rate the How would in which your household has participated? participated? has your household in which _____ (1) Excellent (1) Excellent ______(2) Good (2) Good _____ r household household r Yes [Please answer Questions #5a-c] #5a-c] Questions answer [Please Yes w many different many different w participated participated _ (3) 4 to 6 programs/activities programs/activities to 6 4 _ (3) _ (4) Fees charged for the program _____ (8) Disability friendly friendly (8) Disability _____ program for the charged Fees _ (4) 17 . [Use t [Use . 6 6

ye Athletic Association Athletic you your and USE household MOST programs THE for parks recreation and ars ars Park District Park participated in any participated s/Temples nagogue s/Temples he number by e number he Palatine Park District recreation programs recreation Park District in Palatine e

erain programs recreation program facility _____ (6) Friends participate in the program program the in participate (6) Friends _____ facility program

you the word

r household participated in during the past 12 months? months? 12 past the during in participated r household ______

ot Most ach organization in Question # Question in organization ach Use Use recreation programs programs recreation ‘ NONE ____ (15 ______08) Forest Preserve District Preserve District Forest __ ( 08) _____ (4 _____ 14) Other: _ Other: _ ( 14) NW _ ( 12) 9 Nihoigpr itit districts park Neighboring _ ( 09) ) Homeowners associations/apartment complex complex associations/apartment Homeowners _ ( 10 ) ) Private fitness centers centers fitness Private _ ( 11 ) ’ in the appropriate spaces provided below.] provided below.] spaces appropriate the in ____ , special events, events, special , _____ (4 _____ (3) Fair ______(5 ______(9 _____ recreation programs or recreation activities activities recreation or programs recreation Did not use any organization. use not ) Did _ (2) No [Please go to Question #6] Question to go _ [Please (2) No Special Recreation Association Recreation Special ) Poor ) Poor ) 11 or more programs/activities programs/activities or more 11 ) ) Other: ______) Other: ) 7 to 10 and/or special events offered by the by offered the events special and/or ______Use 2 Use Most Most ______

you , special events, , special programs/activities programs/activities or nd 6 activities offered offered activities

r . If you have no one in in one no you have If . household ha household

you

OE NONE or r activities. activities. s s household household

used for for used Page 2 by the

230 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6

and

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Page 3 Page 0% 0% Met ies listed on a scale

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Met 25% your household?your

Palatine to

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Met 50% recreation facilit Being Met?

and and 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 NONE Met 75% s above,please write in the letters

most important 8

: _____ If YES, How Well Are Your Needs

th 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Met 8 are 100% 100% facilities of this type in 4

No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No

: _____ rd recreation

Facility? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Need for this 3 choices, or circle ‘NONE’.] Do You HaveDo a

th left hand columnof Question #

has a for eachthe need park of :_____ nd

, and 4

rd , 3

nd

, 2

ousehold NO next to the park/facility.

st acilities from the list in Question# h

: _____ : _____ 2 st

1 your ALLthe following park and YES or

and numbers in the

if types of f isc golf -leash dog-leash parks door door basketball/volleyball courts Off Small neighborhood parks communityLarge parks Youth baseball fields Youth softball fields softballAdult fields Football/lacrosse fields Walking and biking trails tennisOutdoor courts Outdoor basketball courts Playgrounds Golf course/driving range/practice area iceOutdoor skating rinks Outdoor skateboarding parks d Outdoor Outdoor amphitheater Wildlife conservation areas Horse stables volleyballSand courts Pickleball courts Indoor cultural arts facilities Indoor fitness and exercise facilities Indoor running/walking track In Other: ______Outdoor picnic shelters picnic Outdoor Type of FacilityType Outdoor swimming pools/water parks

......

......

I J L 1 2 F T. A. B. E. K. P S V X Y C. D. H N. R U G O Q. M W Using the letters [ Which FOUR numbers below for your 1 District Park Palatine for the Institute Vision/ETC ©Leisure of 5 to 1, where 5 means “100% whereMeets of 5 to 1, “100% Needs”means “Does 5 1 meansNot Meet Needs”and of your household. If YES, please rate 9. 8. P lease indicate circling below by

Outdoor swimmOutdoor

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 231 12. 12.

©Leisure Vision/ETC Institute for the Palatine Park District 1 11. 10. L. W. M. M. Q O G. U. R Adult N. H. D. C. X. Special events Special events X. V. S. P K E. B. A. T. F. J I

. .

. . . . .

Hockey/f

write in the letters below for your 1 below for letters the in write MOST OFTEN Needs” and 1 means “Does Not Meet Needs” of Needs” Meet “Does Not means 1 and Needs” household? Which FOUR Which 3 If YES, please rate t rate YES, please If Which FOUR types of programs from the list in Question # in Question list the from programs of types FOUR Which if indicate Please by circling YES or NO next to the program. the to next YES or NO by circling Typeof Program Senior programs programs Senior Special events Inclusion programs/services Museum programs Golf lessons/clinics and leagues Tennis lessons programs Martial arts i Adult programs Water fitness programs wellness and Adult fitness programs and tumbling Gymnastics classes ceramics arts, painting, Youth instrument Youth classes wellness and fitness Youth camps summer Youth school programs after and Before Preschool programs programs Swim Learn Youth to Programs for people with disabilities disabilities with for people Programs sp Youth Adult sports programs programs Adult sports nstrument rd 1 , and 4 theatre, dance, dance, theatre, painting, arts, painting, theatre, dance, theatre, st : _____ : _____ st igure skating igure orts programs __ 2 : _____ s th classes

classes

choices, or or ‘NONE’.] circle choices, [U

at Palatine Palatine at types of programs from the list in Q in list the from programs types of

sing the letters letters the sing 2

ceramics classes classes ceramics /early childhood childhood /early singing, singing,

singing, singing,

your household he foll

musical musical nd musical

nd :_____ :_____ :_____ Park District facilities District Park owing programs programs owing in Question # Question st 3 , 2

has nd Do You Have a Do You Have 3 Need for this for this Need , 3 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Program?

rd a need of the for each

, and 4 and , rd rd 10 10 : _____ : _____ : _____

on a scale of 5 to 1 above, please write in the letters below for your 1 belowyour for in letters write the please above, No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No th your household. ?

choices, or circle ‘NONE’.] circle or choices,

4 4 [U uestion # sing the letters letters the sing 100% M 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 et

th th

__ NONE : _____ : _____ If YES, How Well Are Your Are Your Well How If YES, 0 are 10 10 10 recreation programs programs recreation 75% Met

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 Needs Being Met? Met? Being Needs do youdo participate currently , where , where

NONE NONE

in Question # in Question MOST IMPORTANT 50% Met

5 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

means “100%Meets

10 10 25% Met 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

above, please please above, listed below below listed

to youto Page4 Met 0% st 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 , 2

in in nd

r r ,

232 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6

from Page 5 Page

about Park District ed turf fields turf

Palatine

Indoor soccer/lacrosse Indoor children’s playground Other: ______Classes are canceled Other: ______does use not developing new indoor programming programming developing new indoor

4th____ NONE that household your has learn ____ (9) Don’t Know ___ (10) Facilities not well are maintained ___ (10) ___ (11) Poor customer service by staff ___ (08) From friends and neighbors ___ (08) ___ ( 09 ) ___ School fliers/newsletters ___ (10) Mobile phone applications ___ (13) None ___ (11) Conversations with Park District staff

___ (15) Lack of transportation ___ (16) Registration for programs is difficult ___ (14) Facility operating hoursnot convenient ___ (17) Lack of accessibility ___ ( 18 ) ______(19) (11) ____ Exercise facility for adults 50 years/older (12) ____ Preschool space program (13) ____ Rock climbing/bouldering wall (15) ____ (16) ____ Multi-court gymnasium/field house (17) ____ Classroom space (18) ____ Space for meetings, parties, banquets ____ (20)

n.

household ____ (19) ____ (14) Racquetball/handball courts

____ (2) Somewhat Dissatisfied ____ (1) Very Dissatisfied ___ (12) Advertisements your choices, or circle ‘NONE.’] 3rd:______(13) Use services of other agencies

th

why [Usingnumbers the in Question #14 above, please write inthe , and 4 rd offered

, 3 2nd:____ 2nd:____ is studying the possibilityis studying of not nd lease check ALL the ways lease check ALL the icts is , 2 st ’s programs and activities during the past 12 months.

for therapeutic purposes dia Park District facilities or facility

obics/fitness/dance class space 1st:____ far from residence R of the indoor spaces from the list in Question #14would or membersyou of your Weight room/cardiovascular equip. area equip. room/cardiovascular Weight Park District website I do not know what is being offered Palatine Park District __ (03)

(01) Walking and jogging track ____ Aer (03) ______(10) Deep water for diving/water polo ____ (10) (04) Space for(04) teens ____ Lanes(06) for lap swimming ____ 25 meter competition(08) pool ____ Warm water(09) ____ the Palatine Park District. Please level rate of satisfactionyour with overall the value that householdyour receives The spaces. From the following list, please check ALL the potential indoor programming spaces programming indoor potential the ALL check please list, following the From spaces. and membersyou of householdyour would use. From the followingp list, household use the MOST OFTEN? household use the MOST Which FOU Which Please CHECK ALL the reasonsALL Please CHECK parks, recreation facilities or programs more ofte __ _ (08) Fees are too high .

____ (5) Very Satisfied ____ (4) Somewhat Satisfied ____ (3) Neutral ___ (01) Use other park distr District Park Palatine for the Institute Vision/ETC ©Leisure

___ (02) Program ___ (03) Facilities do not have the right equipment ___ (12) Too busy ___ (04) ___ (05) Lack of quality programs ___ (07) Classes are full ___ (06) Too ___ (09) Program times are not convenient

13 . 14 17. Palatine Palatine Park District

16.

numbers below for your 1

___ (01) Park District Catalog ___ (06) Fliers at ___ (02) E-mail blasts _ ___ (04) Radio ___ (07) Social me ___ (05) Newspaper ____ (02) Arts and crafts room

____ (05) Leisure pool (water slides, sprays, etc.) ____ (07) 15.

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 233

Question # Question 21 .

please write in the letters below for your 1 below letters the write in please (K) Preschool Facilities (i.e. (i.e. Facilities Preschool (K) (J) (J) (P) (I) (I) Center Arts Performing Hall Cutting (H) Museum House Clayson (G) (E) Other: Other: (E) (D) Develop a new indoor leisure pool (water slides/sprays, etc.) and etc.) and (water slides/sprays, pool leisure indoor a new Develop (D) (F) Birchwood Center Center Birchwood (F) lap lanes for exercise swimming swimming for exercise lanes lap swimming facilitycompetitive for aquatic indoor a new Develop (C) (O) Skate Park Park Skate (O) (E) Park Falcon (D) indicated in Q#15 as most important to your household) your household) to important in most Q#15 as indicated (N) Fred Hall Amphitheater Hall Fred (N) (M) Eagle Park and Birchwood Pools Birchwood and Park Eagle (M) (B) Existing sports fields fields sports Existing (B) 19 . The Palatine Park Distr Palatine The Park District Palatine The (C) Existing walking and biking trails biking trails and walking Existing (C) (B) Make major upgrades to the Community Center (such as you you as (such Center to the Community upgrades major Make (B) (L) Family Aquatic Center Center Aquatic Family (L) indicated in Q#15 as most important to your household) your household) to important in most Q#15 as indicated you as (such Center to the Birchwood upgrades major Make (A) neighborhood E xisting (A) 18 . 20 . 1 ©Leisure Vision/ETC Institute for the Palatine Park District 1

Which Following Following Following Following

Which Palatine Stabl Palatine Other: ______Palatine Hills Golf Course Palatine you be most willing t willing you be most Community Center Community EXISTING FACILITIES EXISTING corresponding number to the right of the action. action. of the right the to number corresponding be you for the believe it im portant would NEW FACILIIES BUILD AND FACILIITES EXISTING be for the would the right of the action. action. the right of the

TWO actions actions TWO THREE actions actions THREE ...... st st __ 2 : _____ 2 : _____ 20 is is is is ...... Recreation Cente Recreation a list of actionsa list that the a list of actions that the that actions of list a es ove, please write in the letters below your 1 for letters the in write ab ove, please

...... ict could make MAJOR UPGRADES/BUILD NEW NEW UPGRADES/BUILD make MAJOR could ict ..... Palatine Palatine

.... hud ANANADUGAE UPGRADE: MAINTAIN AND should (soccer, baseball, softball, etc

...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 ...... 4 parks parks ...... 4 from the list in Ques list in from the o fund with fund o

. For each potential each For . Maple Park, Eagle Park, Birchwood) ...... 4 from the list list in Ques from the ......

...... nd nd Park District Park District (playgrounds,etc.) shelters, :_____ :_____ r ...... ……………. your current current your

...... 4

NONE NONE 3

...... 4 Palatine Palatine Pala st ake byt ake the action corresp circling to , 2

tine ...... nd .) Palatine Palatine tio rd

action, action, tion # tion , ...... : _____ and n # Park District can take to make to make take can Park District

Park District can take can Park District tax dollars tax

...... 20 3 18 rd . For each potential each . For

NONE NONE

Park District to District Park

choices, or circle ‘NONE’.] or choices, would you most support? you support? most would ...... 4 ...... 4 please indicate how important you believe it it believe you important how indicate please for EXISTING parks, trails and facilities facilities and trails parks, EXISTING for

...... 4 ? motn Important Important motn Important Important ..... 4 st [U and 2 Very Very Very . . 4 . . 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 sing the letters in the letters sing ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 nd Somewhat Somewhat

choices, or circle ‘NONE’.] circle or choices, ake the action by circling the action by the t ake circling

to MAINTAIN AND UPGRADE UPGRADE AND MAINTAIN to action, action, ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 ...... 2 MAJOR UPGADES TO TO UPGADES MAJOR

please indicate how how indicate please Question # Question [U Sure Sure Not Not onding number tonumber onding sing the letters in in the letters sing

...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1 ...... 1

Important Import 18 Not Not Not 1 1 Page 6 ant ab ove,

would would

234 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6

Page 7 Page ______

? additional tax revenue

you vote inyou the election? per month per month hat is the maximum hat amount of 3 to 4 to 3 $2 to $3 to $2 W

(Check all that apply) make major upgradesthe to existing , how would

? for the maximumfor of to

____ (4) $ ____ (4) Vote against ____ (3) Not sure ____ (5) ____ (6) Nothing African American/Black (2) Female ____ (3) Not sure ____ (4) Not supportive /ethnicity 6) Other: ______4) 5) Native American

make major upgrades to existing indoorfacilities and ______( ______( ______( ____

and and

you wouldyou most support and

_____ (1) Male Ages 25- ____ 34

new facilitiesindicated that you wouldyou most support No

that ______ETC Institute, 725 W. Frontier Circle, Olathe, KS 66061 KS Institute,Circle, Olathe, W. Frontier ETC 725 ______Ages 20-____ 24 Ages 45-____ 54 Ages 65+ to $ 5 per month

6 to $7 per month per $7 to 6 5 to $6 per month per $6 to 5 make MAJOR UPGRADESmakeMAJOR TO EXISTING FACILILTIES FACILITIESAND BULDNEW

Somewhat supportive - 14 Completely ConfidentialCompletely 10 This concludes the survey. Thank you for your time. Thank you concludes the survey. This ilities and develop osts to ow supportive would be you of the Palatine Park District partnering with othercommunity

additional tax revenue you would be willing wouldadditional revenuepay be to tax you fac would funded to need be through additional tax dollars. you indicatedyou would willing be you in to pay Question #21 providers in the development of indoor aquatic facilities? build new facilities Which of the following best describes your race your describes best following the of Which If a voter election held was to improve Please return your completed survey in the envelope to: enclosed returncompletedaddressed survey Please return-reply your

Ages 5-9

____ (2) Asian District Park Palatine for the Institute Vision/ETC ©Leisure Ages Under age 5 ____ Ages 15-____ 19 Ages 35-____ 44 Ages 55-64 ____ (1) $ ____ (2) $ ____ (3) $4 ____ (1) Vote in favor ____ (2) Might vote in favor

25. How people many in householdyour are: 27. What is gender? your 28 . Are or you members household of your of Hispanic or Latin ancestry? 26. What is age?your 24. 22. 22. C

23. H ____ (1) Very supportive ____ (2) ____ (3) Pacific Islander

____(1) Yes ____(2) ____ (1) White/Caucasian 29. used to help identify areas specialwith interests Your response will remain The address information on the right will be ONLY

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 235

Findings Report for a Statistically Palatine Park District Valid CommunitySurvey 725 W. CircleFrontier Olathe, KS 66061 Submitted to (913)829- February 2015 By

1215

, IL

236 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6

the Page 1 Page and returned the returned 443 households not officials

households throughout the Survey programs and facilities within within programsfacilities and %. -4.6 +/ 2,500 Community Community Opinion Surveyand Interest

Palatine Park Park Palatine District . The survey was . administered mail, by survey web and The

parks and recreation recreation and parks 4 00 ETC/Leisure Visioncompleted met thatsurveys.

Palatine Palatine Park District Palatine District Palatine Park Executive Summary Report Report Executive Summary . The survey was . The designed to resultsobtain statistically valid from in the development of the survey questionnaire. This work allowed the questionnaire. This allowed survey the work of in development the

surveys completed. The results of the random sample of of sample resultsrandom the The of completed. surveys . Approximately three daysthe . Approximately surveys mailed household were after each 443 Community Interest and Opinion and Community Interest of to help establish priorities for for priorities establish to help survey survey wasto mailed a randomof sample Palatine Park DistrictPalatine

page page - Palatine ParkPalatine District even s

the the throughout households phone. phone. survey to be tailored to issues to help plan importance the future to be tailored of strategic survey system. A survey that received a also received an themautomated voice message encouraging to complete Vision mailed were ETC/Leisure surveys the after two weeks addition, about In survey. the households Thosethey phone. contacting indicated had had b egan by who Hitchcock Design Group Design Hitchcock District Palatine Park least levelat 95% of with a precision rate of a confidence have pages summarize findings. following major The survey winter of 2014 of winter ofOverview the Methodology Visiona conducted ETC/Leisure Vision worked extensively with the ETC/Leisure phone. it optionby the were completing of given survey wasto obtain of total least at a The goal Tamarac of City the for Institute Vision/ETC ©Leisure goal with a total total with a goal

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 237

©Leisure Vision/ETC Institute for the City of Tamarac Findings:Major      

Parks and Recreation Facilities that are Most Important to Respondentare Importantto Most Households: Recreationthat and Facilities Parks (45%). Whether Respondent Whether Households andRecreation PalatineCourse Hills Center (22%), Golf (21%). Birchwood (30%), Aquatic (37%), FamilyCenter Center include:Falcon Recreation Center FalconPark (48%), households indicated they had not used anyhouseholds indicated used not theyhad parksPark Districtduring the How Respondent Households R Respondent How 12 months. Whether Whether parkparks district (21%), 7 to 10 programs or events and more (5%). events (6%), programs 11 or or ofp programs 46% indicatedmonths, they had3 programs participated 2 to in Otheror events.numbers and/oroverspecial12 recreation the last eventswho participated in households programs Have Over in Participated 12 Months: Last the special events.Forty haveany51 % in ofparticipated recreation programs respondentsnot and/or households and/or Special Events Recreation Programs Community Center Basedthreetop respondent thought choices,the of on the households sum 50% 52% us over12 months, 24 times to the who past used the recreationup orpark, sport facility Months: 12 Past OverFacilities the parks over Parks: Based of respondent on the percentage households Respondent Household Respondent Visitation LevelsofParks, Major Recreation and Sports include: fairand(1%). (43%), Excellent (2%) poor Number of Recreation Programs, of RecreationSpecialActivities Eventsor Respondent Programs, Number Households programsevents. and/or special

Community Center ed the Community Based on the percentage of respondents who have visited Palatine Park District who have Park percentage District BasedPalatine of visited on the respondents Respondent HouseholdRespondent

the articipated in include: 1 program or event programsin include:or (22%), 1 4 events articipatedprogramto 6 or past 12 months, past

that they have used over the past 12 months as past over12 months that they used have the - was the most important. Other facilities that are most important most that are facilities important.Other the most was nine percent(49%) nine that theyindicated recreation in had participated Recreation Center 54%

past12 months. Twelve percent of respondent(12%) ate the Overall ate the . Other similar visitation levels include: Family Aquatic levels include: similar visitation . Other s Have Visited Any Parks During the Past 12 Months: Past the VisitedDuring Have Parks s Any

HaveParticipated in of respondent households rate the overall quality of households rate quality overall of respondent the of

Based on the percentage of respondent households respondent percentageBased of on the P alatine Park Districts alatine (47 :

Based of respondent on the percentage Condition of All Palatine of Condition All Park District %),

,

88% ofrespondents visited

Based of respondent on the sum and

Birchwood Center Recreation Any Any

Palatine Park DistrictPalatine Park

parks during the past during past the parks good . Other ratings Other. ratings Palatine

Page 2

238 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 . % %), %), for seven Page 3 Page indoor %), and%), ) (7 ies. Other ies. Other

Eighty- participated inparticipated : Other levels levels of Other for Indoor and -17 walking and biking good . private fitness centers (17 private fitness centers %) of%) respondent households Large community parks parks (68 community Large %) of respondent households ) and indoor ) and running/walking or 17,765 households or : location of the programlocation of the facility % % the Most Ages 18 and Older

Forest PreserveForest District 27%), 27%), the Most 0 Ages have a need for have three percent (53%) of respondent (53%)of three percent

two (42 - Times program isthe offered (45%) and

Fifty- Forty :

(14%), three percent (73%)of respondent households - eight percent percent eight (28 households or 16,986 households or

for indoor and outdoor recreation activities. Other outdoor recreation indoor and for activities. Other outdoor recreation indoor and for activit recreation outdoor and indoor for Seventy

Activities:

: ). Twenty- Public schools istrict small neighborhood parks (66 small neighborhood

), Activities: seven percent (67%) of respondent households -

Sixty

: : %) respondent of 23,490 or Palatine Park D Palatine Park District Palatine Park District . Other facilities households have a need for a include have households facilities . Other Reasons Why Respondent Households Have Participated in Programs, Special Events Events Special in Programs, Participated Have Households Reasons Why Respondent trails or Activities of specialbecause events activities or programs, the Past 12 Months the Over in Participated as activities programs or of quality overall the rated households inActivities the Past 12 Months use the Outdoor Recreation use the Indoor andOutdoor Recreation use the (87 percent Organizations Households Used Respondent Have

organizations used include: Forest Preserve District (52%), schools schools (39%), District public and Preserve (52%), organizations used include: Forest (33%). schools organizations used include: Other Other reasons households participated include: program charged for the (44%). fees facilities (63% exercise fitness and Overall Rating Programs QualityOverall of of or Respondent Activities HaveHouseholds

Organizations Respondent Households Have Used for Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Recreation Outdoor Indoor for and Used Have Households Organizations Respondent quality include: Excellent (43%) and fair Excellent (4%). include: and (43%) quality 18,383 households or or (62% households 16,744 track Organizations Households Have Respondent Used YMCA (7%). YMCA (7%). Preserve District Forest include: ( organizations used Households that Have a Need Parks and Facilities a Need for Households Recreation Have that %). YMCA (14 and

      Tamarac of City the for Institute Vision/ETC ©Leisure

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 239

©Leisure Vision/ETC Institute for the City of Tamarac      

(40%), aerobics, fitness and danceand(40%),class (39%) and for(35%). aerobics,space lap lanes swimming fitness cardiovasculararea equipment facility (45%), exercise adults50 years for and older Other programs household would use respondent include: Weight room and youthspecial events and camps summer (9%). (12%) households currently the in most oftenprogramsYouth sports participate include:(18 progcurrentlyram their households often. the most Other participates in programsthat Currently that OftenHouseholds Most Participate Recreation in Programs adult sports programs (19%). exercise (30 facilities importantfacility.the most OtherIndoor importantfacilities most include: fit Recreation Programs that Are Most Important Households: Respondent that Important to Are Most Recreation Programs walking and jogging track and jogging walking Space: Programming Use Would Respondents Programs New Household if Developed Indoor a at (2%). Very (37%), neutral satisfied satisfied Park District Palatine Rating of Respondent theValue for Overallthe ofReceived Level Satisfaction from as Park District Palatine household. Other importantmost programsinclude: chose 49% choices, four top their of one chose programas the who respondents the percentage of households) andprogramsspecial events 9,272 (30% (35%or 8,117 households). or programs (58%) 15,642 ofor respondents pools/water (27 parks of sum responde Parks and RecreationAreand FacilitiesParks that Importantto Most Households: Households that Have a Need for Parks and Recreation Programs: Recreation and Have a Need that for Parks Households (26%). one of their top four choices, 13% four top of their one

with overallwith valueDistrict fromPalatine Park . Other programs respondent households haverespondent for need . Other include: a households programs adult fitnessadult and wellnessprograms nt household top four choices, 64% choices, top four nt household , large community parks (26%) and indoor running/walking indoor track (26%) and largeparks community %) ,

: : Sixty

%), Based of on the respondentspercentage who the chose program Forty percent(40

- if it were developed at a new indoor programming space. programming indoor new ata developed were it if

nine percent (69%) of respondent households would use a would use ofhouseholds respondent (69%) percent nine small neighborhood parks neighborhood small (28

(16%), somewhat dissatisfied (5%) and very dissatisfied dissatisfied (5%) and(16%), somewhat dissatisfied very

households have a need for

chose chose %) of respondenthouseholds %) of adult fitness and wellnessprograms fitness adult

as the most important program to their chose chose

Youth sports programsYouth sports (19 . Other walking and biking trails and walking respondentratings include adult fitness and wellness fitness adult %), %), outdoor swimming outdoor swimming Fifty- were

Based on the Based on the eight percent percent eight Adult sports Adult

somewhat somewhat Based on on Based ness and %), for the for the

Page 4 as the as the

and and %), %),

as as

:

240 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6

Page 5 Page . Other ways ways . Other facilities Park Palatine en if it were developed at at developed it were if en . Other . Other t either households who chose (28%), program times are not program not (28%), timesare

park district catalog the most oft said the Palatine Park District should District should said Park the Palatine

seven percent (37%) of respondent respondent of seven percent are households (37%) respondents top four choices, choices, 57% respondent top four of respondents

as the action they would be most willing to fund with with to fund most would be willing they action the as Thirty- existing walking existing and biking trails the sum walking and jogging track walking and jogging

Based on the percentage of responden of percentage on the Based

: earn about programs aboutearn activities programs and From include: neighborsfriends and of Actions Palatine Park District Can Take to Maintain and Upgrade and Upgrade Can to Maintain Palatine Take Park District Actionsof Based on Based

Based on percentage of respondent households, 92% said they on percentage households,Based of learn they said respondent 92% about

Based on theBased sum respondent householdsof top three choices, 46% chose walking a biking trails biking walking a . Other reasons that prevent respondents parks,fromfacilities using programs or

important” or “somewhat 89% or important”, important” Ways Respondent Households Learn About Palatine Park District Programs and ProgramsPalatine Park District and Respondent About Ways Learn Households

a new indoor programming space. indoor space. programshousehold new programming Other a the respondent would use Weight include: most often androom equipment cardiovascular area (34%)and exercise (30%). 50 adults older for and facility years Indoor Programming Spaces Respondent Households Would Use Most Often if if MostOften Use Would Respondent Households Spaces Indoor Programming Actions that Households Respondent Would be Most Willing to Fund with Current Tax

Importance upgrade maintain and/or more often include: Program or facility is not offered facility or Program include: often more too high fees(20%). (27%) and are convenient (86%), include: neighborhood parks Existing maintain and/orupgrade can District aquatic family (70%).center (76%),and center (71%), existing sports fields community Developed: a would use households Activities: the through activities district programs and park Often: or Programs More using parks,from facilitiesmoreprevented orthey often programs because recreation are too busy Existing Facilities “very Dollars: existing current tax dollars. Other actions respondents would be most willing to fund include: include: to tax most fund respondents Otherwould be willing actions dollars. current parks (38%),community neighborhood ParkExisting (22%), Falcon centers Recreation (19%). center family (21%) and aquatic Center Reasons thatRespondent Households Prevent Usingfrom Facilities Parks, Recreation respondents l respondents the district (35%). and park website (38%)

     Tamarac of City the for Institute Vision/ETC ©Leisure

APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 241

©Leisure Vision/ETC Institute for the City of Tamarac     

Birchwood (44 Center include: Level for of Support swimming (34%). makeupgradesthe major to Community Center (14%). vote against and (16%), sure (27%), not favor in MightOther vote include: responses favor Facilities BuildingIndoor and New Facilities not supportive Somewhatnot sure(11%). and supportive(19%), (24%), organizations to develop indoor aquaticfacilities households are Developmentof Indoor Facilitiesin Aquatic Overall (15%), (12%), (11%), $5 $3 andto $6 perto $4 per (23%). month month nothing $7 per month per (17%), $6 to month amountsof additional revenue include:$5 $4 to fund to andmajor newmonth upgradesbuild facilit facilities existing to ofthe sum respondents, 22% saidthey would be willingpay to $3 additional per $2 to New Facilities Facilities Build and Upgrades Existing Major to PayFund to ofTaxAmount Additional Revenue Respondent develop indoor a new aquatic facilitycompetitive swimming for (16%). indoor leisure(47%), pool makethe to Birchwood major upgrades and (23%),Center Center upgrademajor the to Community Facilities: households“very who either chose important New Facilities Facilities Build and Existing to Importance Level of Actions Palatine Park District can Take to Make Major Upgrades Park DistrictPalatine Major can TakeMake Importance Levelto Actions of How Respondent Respondent VoteHow HouseholdsWould Upgrades Major Regarding Existingto

of making major upg

Support of PalatinePartnering Support Park District with Other ProviderCommunity Develop a new indoor leisure pool (61 pool indoor leisure new a Develop

Basedof sum respondent on two choices,households top 49% support very supportive

%), %), Major Upgrades to Existing Facilities and Building New Building and FacilitiesExisting to Upgrades Major rades to existing indoor facilities and building new and facilities. building indoor facilities existing radesto and develop a new indoor aquatic facility for competitive for facility aquatic aindoor new and develop with . Other levels Other . Palatine Park District partnering with other ” : :

or “somewhat or

: Forty

Househol Forty Based on the percentage o percentage Based on the . Other similar levels of . Other levels of Other . levels %), -

- of support include: Develop new of support include:a three percent (43%) would percent(43%) three six percent of respondentsix (46%) make major upgrades to the the upgradesto major make ds Would be Most Would ds important,” 66% important,”

upr include: support f respondent importance

: ies. Other Willing toWilling

Based on on Based

chose to chose making vote in Page 6 s

242 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6 APPENDIX PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN 243 244 PALATINE PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN CHAPTER 6