The Park Ridge District Board recently asked eight candidates for their views on the issues facing the park district and how the park board could address them.
Carol Becker, Joan Bende, Harmony Harrington, Jim Janak, H. Robert Leach, Laurie (Pegler) Mallin, Jim O’Donnell and James Phillips were among those who responded.
Becker said the community of Park Ridge is below standard for outdoor space per capita, and because of this, the district must make the most of its parks by ensuring they better serve all age groups. Making parks safer and more affordable to maintain, she said, are gravely important.
“The scientific evidence is in to prove that chemicals applied to the landscape are harmful to people, pets and the land,” Becker said. “If we make our parks more sustainable, we can save money on maintenance and cut chemical usage. [We need to also] access new resources to offset the potential of new taxes. The parks now have two major revenue streams: taxes and user fees. The third should be private gifts, which will offset the pressure on the other two.”
Bende said the next big project should be Oakton Park. He said a "master plan will be developed with many great features to add or improve at the park."
“They all come with price tags, and the public will help us prioritize them at public meetings and discussions,” Bende said. “It is critical that the park district be transparent about this project and inform the public to get their support. Securing grants, sponsorships and donations will go a long way toward its success.”
Harrington said it is important to be creative and strategic in approaching the maintenance of facilities, parks and programs within the current budget.
“Based on the park district list of priorities, public input and master plan compiled in 2013, we need to undertake facility and park improvements to meet demand of all of our park district users,” Harrington said. “We also need to remain current with our neighboring communities as we lose in-district users to other town park district programs.”
Janak said Park Ridge isn’t keeping up with neighboring communities when it come to facilities, and other facilities are offering innovation in programming and facilities. This is leading Park Ridge residents to go out of town for many activities they could enjoy close to home.
“An example of this is toddler gymnastics," Janak said. "While the program is great, it is in a hot, cramped room in the basement of the South Park Rec Center. I feel we can connect with residents and get their feedback to optimize location of programs like this.”
Leach said park residents need a two-year strategic plan that is 20 pages or less, instead of the 331-page plan currently in motion.
“We need a smart and responsible short- and long-term plan for Oakton,” Leach said. “We have too many administrative buildings at Prospect Park with a price tag of more than $13 million. We need to improve and update the online and mobile registration process.”
The remaining three candidates responded with answers coinciding with the other candidates, agreeing that additional upgrades and funding needs to go toward the park to see improvement.
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