park district - · pdf fileand the financial activity and results of the springfield park...

2015YEAR IN REVIEW

Springfield, IL

SpringfieldPark Dis tr ic t

Where You Can Play Your W

ay, Everyday!

Leslie Sgro,President

Robin Schmidt,Trustee

Grant Hammer,Trustee

Don Evans,Trustee

C.J. Metcalf,Trustee

Gray Noll,Vice President

Tina Jannazzo,Trustee

2 SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT 2015 ANNUAL REPORT

The Springfield Park District is pleased to present the Annual Report to the Board of Trustees and interested citizens of our community. This report is intended to summarize the operational activity of the Springfield Park District through December 2015 and the financial activity and results of the Springfield Park District for period ending April 30, 2015. The Annual Report also illustrates ways in which the Park District’s strategic initiatives have helped fulfill the organization’s mission. An electronic copy of this report is available at www.springfieldparks.org. Paper copies are available at the Bunn Administrative Offices.

The Springfield Park District is governed by a publicly elected board. The governing board is composed of an elected President and six elected Trustees all serving four year terms. These men and women volunteer their time, energy and expertise because they genuinely care about providing high quality recreation programs, facilities and open space to our citizens. The Board employs an Executive Director to manage the day to day operations of the organization and meet the goals and objectives of the Board.

MissionTo provide accessible and memorable recreation opportunities that enrich the community and improve the quality of life for generations as well as conserve our natural resources.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:Introduction .......................................................................... 2

Size & Scope of Services and Organizational Highlights .............................................. 3

Serving the Springfield Community ...................................... 4

Financial ............................................................................5-7

Capital Improvements and Marketing Initiatives .................. 8

Program & Facility Highlights ............................................... 9

Parks and Natural Resources ............................................. 10

Community Support ............................................................ 11

2500 S. 11th St., Springfield, IL 62703 217-544-1751 www.springfieldparks.org

INTRODUCTION

Board ofTRUSTEES

3SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT2015 ANNUAL REPORT

ORGANIZATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS Defining our future...Developed a new Mission StatementTo provide accessible and memorable recreational opportunities that enrich the community and improve the quality of life for generations as well as conserve our natural resources.

Developed Strategic InitiativesThe following Strategic Initiatives have been developed to channel resources in a direction that yields the greatest benefit to Park District resident taxpayers and other guests, focusing efforts on what is truly important for the organization.

2015 – 2020 Strategic Initiatives Establish long-term financial stability Implement facility and maintenance upgrades Update technology Update equipment through a rotation purchase plan To achieve world-class customer service

The Annual Report illustrates ways in which the Park District’s Strategic Initiatives have helped fulfill the organization’s mission.

Develop a Master Plan for the CarillonThe Carillon Master Plan was developed through a Master Planning Task Force consisting of diverse representation from the Springfield Park District Board of Trustees, Park District administrative staff, Carillon administrative staff, Carillon Society members, Carillon Belles and community members at large. The Carillon Master Plan assesses the needs of the Carillon and the manner in which the Carillon serves the needs of the Springfield community. A copy of the plan is available at www.springfieldparks.org

Initiated Comprehensive Master Planning ProcessThe Springfield Park District has engaged a professional Park and Recreation consultant firm to develop a comprehensive master plan. This process will result in a 10-year comprehensive plan that will help guide the Park Board of Trustees and staff. The plan will include a community wide needs assessment as well as a prioritized list of improvements to insure the Springfield Park District continues to meet the ever changing recreational needs of the community.

SIZE AND SCOPE OF SERVICESServing our community for over 100 years...

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Total Area Served

Population Served

Owned/Leased Property

Parks and Amenities

Recreation Facilities

60 Square Miles (includes Springfield, parts of Grandview, Jerome, Leland Grove, Sherman, and Southern View)

Approximately 140,000 residents

The District provides public stewardship of approximately 2,500 acres of land

35 Parks, Playground Systems, 2 Splash Pads, BMX Bike track, Fishing Piers, Stocked Fishing Ponds, Outdoor Ice Skating, Sledding Hills, Outdoor Exercise Areas, Hiking Trails, Pedestrian Paths, Open Air Shelters, Picnic Areas, Restroom Facilities

4 Golf Courses, 2 Indoor Ice Rinks, 2 Outdoor Pools, Indoor Pool, 3 Dog Runs, 3 Disc Golf Courses, 2 Baseball Stadiums, 2 Preschool Facilities, 2 Historic Pavilions, Special Needs Facility, Carillon, Tennis Complex, Band Shell, Skate Park

Zoo, Botanical Garden, Nature Trails, Nature Preserves, Campgrounds, Community Gardens

60+ Baseball/Softball Fields, Basketball Courts, Soccer Fields, Football Fields, Pickleball Courts, Tennis Courts, Platform Tennis Courts, Horseshoe Pits, Bocce Ball, Shuffle Board, Cricket Field, Rugby Field

Carpenter Park 434 acres, Gurgens Park 270 acres

5 Bicycle Trails (23 miles), numerous Nature/Hiking trails

Offer over 400 programs from Pre-School to Seniors and Special Recreation

Environmental Facilities

Athletic Facilities

Nature Preserves

Trails

Recreation Programs

i.ii.iii.iv.v.


The Springfield Park District hosted

383,064unique user experiences in programs and facilities.

64,401rounds of golf

3,494 participants

in the Henson Robinson Zoo

camps. 107 field trips taken

13,415 wedding

guests enjoyed our beautiful park

vistas during Weddings

4,500 participated

in the Art Spectacular

224 weddings & events at

Erin’s Pavilion

1,527 individuals

participated in youth adult

athletic programming

1,177 participants

learned to swim through

swimming lessons

42,430 guests

recreationally swam in the Park

District’s pools this summer

7,000 participated

in the Jack-O-Lantern

Spectacular

2,449athletes at Eisenhower

pool

70,687 visitors to

the Henson Robinson

Zoo

55,425 visitors to

the Washington Park Botanical

Garden

4,693 summer camp

participants

111,642participants

and visitors to the Nelson Center Ice Rinks and Skating

Programs

SERVING THE SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITYEnriching lives...

(Not including the hundreds of thousands of people who visited parks, nature

preserves and trails).

Springfield School District 62.33%

Springfield Corporate City 11.32%

Sangamon County 9.06%

Springfield Park District 5.88%

Community College District 5.71%

Springfield Mass Transit District 1.45%

Springfield Sanitary District 1.15%

Springfield Airport Authority 1.12%

Capital Township 1.12%

Springfield Auditorium Authority 0.86%

Springfield School District 62.33%

Springfield Corporate City 11.32%

Sangamon County 9.06%

Springfield Park District 5.88%

Community College District 5.71%

Springfield Mass Transit District 1.45%

Springfield Sanitary District 1.15%

Springfield Airport Authority 1.12%

Capital Township 1.12%

Springfield Auditorium Authority 0.86%

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

Springfield Park

District

Champaign Park Distr

ict

Peoria Park

District

Decatur Park

District

Urbana Park Distr

ict

0.47

0.730.79

1.121.20


Governmental funds reported FY 2015 ending fund balances of $4.2 million as compared to $3.1 in FY 2014. This steep increase indicates the District’s commitment to improving financial stability.

The Board appointed Independent Audit Committee, consisting of local financial professionals have reviewed and concurred with the results of the FY 2015 audit.

The FY 2015 audit was completed by Eck, Schafer, and Punke with immaterial adjustments to the financial statements, supporting the accuracy of the financial statements reported to the board on a monthly basis. Full audit report is available at www.springfieldparks.org/budget.

Implemented numerous strategies to reduce worker compensation expenses resulting in net surplus for fiscal year 15 in the Workers Compensation Fund of $653,000.

Secured $1.6 million grant from FHA to replace bridges and spillway at Washington Park.

Secured a $318,000 grant from IDNR to replace the HVAC system, install path lighting, and construct an educational theater near the Botanical Garden.

Improved cost controls and streamlined operations have resulted in a $1.279 million improvement in noted negative fund balances.

FINANCIALHIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS*

*Financial reporting includes fiscal activity and results for period ending April 30, 2015.

PROPERTY TAXES

Property tax is the largest portion of the District’s revenue stream, and represents approximately 74% of total revenue. Property tax revenue is received for General, Recreation, Museum, Police, Retirement, Liability, Audit, Workers Compensation, Unemployment, Social Security, Playground and Recreation, Paving and lighting, Museum, Safety and Security, Special Recreation, and Debt Service funds. Tax revenue has increases slightly due to increased assessed value of property due to new construction, annexations, and appreciation of existing property.

Only 5% of the average Springfield resident’s total tax bill is attributed to the Springfield Park District. For a $100,000 homeowner, taxes paid to the Park District were approximately $138.

Where your tax dollars go Other Local Park District Tax Rates

The Springfield Park District’s tax rate is nearly one third of the rate assessed by other Park Districts in Central Illinois

resulting in lower taxes for property owners.

Fund Name 04/30/2014 04/30/2015 Improvement Police (321,000) (173,000) 148,000 Workers Comp (780,000) (127,000) 653,000 Liability (283,000) (197,000) 86,000 61 Rink Fund (1,237,000) (847,000) 391,000 (2,621,000) (1,343,000) 1,279,000

0

5000000

10000000

15000000

20000000

Actual

Budgeted

15,986,000

15,787,000



How the Park District is Funded

Governmental Funds – The Springfield Park District collected 99% of budgeted revenue. Springfield Park District’s actual revenue and other financing sources for fiscal year 2015 totaled $15.8 Million.

FINANCIALREVENUE AND OTHER FINANCING SOURCES*

FINANCING SOURCE 2015

Property TaxesReal estate taxes received from property owners based upon the equalized assessed valuation and District tax rate.

User FeesRevenue collected from services provided to the public. Includes greens fees, admission fees, memberships, facility rentals, program registrations, etc...

Other TaxesCorporate personal property replacement taxes received from the State of Illinois.

GrantsResources collected from grant reimbursements.

Contributions/Interest/OtherRevenue received from contributions, interest, and other sources.

$11,620,00

$3,028,000

$670,000

$312,000

$157,000

TOTAL REVENUE $15,787,000

0

5000000

10000000

15000000

20000000

Actual

Budgeted

14,656,000

16,860,000



Community’s Return on Investment

Over $2.2 million in savings were realized in Fiscal Year 2015 primarily due to implementation of operational efficiencies, adjusted bond project timelines, reductions in insurance expenses, and a TIF District reimbursement. Springfield Park District’s actual expenses for Fiscal Year 2015 totaled $14.7 Million.

Only 78% of budgeted expenses were actually expended.

FINANCIALE X P E N D I T U R E S*

EXPENDITURES 2015

General OperationsIncludes costs of Park District support to all areas throughout the organization and a pass through of property taxes collected on their behalf.

Park MaintenanceThe District provides public stewardship of approximately 2,500 acres of land, including 35 parks, 700 acres of nature preserve, and five bicycle trails for the public to enjoy.

RecreationIncludes costs for the diverse facilities and recreation programming offered by the Park District.

Debt ServicePrincipal and interest payments toward capital financing sources.

Capital ImprovementsCosts incurred to make capital improvements to our parks and facilities.

PoliceCosts incurred to insure safety and security in your parks and facilities.

$5,938,000

$3,968,000

$2,180,000

$1,691,000

$562,000

$318,000

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $14,657,000


The Springfield Park District is committed to caring for its existing properties and keeping them in good repair. For that reason, 95% of funds allocated in the 2012 and 2014 Capital Improvement budget were devoted to repair and replace existing assets.

• Pasfield Golf Course mower replacement Toro 3150

• Bunn Golf Course mower replacement 4000-d

• Lincoln Greens Golf Course mower replacement Toro 6700d

• Bunn Golf Course mower replacement Toro 4500d

• Park Area Maintenance replace three 10’ mowers

• Park Area Maintenance replace five 72” 4 w/d mowers

• Park Area Maintenance replace four 3/4 ton trucks

• Zamboni replacement at the Nelson Center

• Carillon roof repairs

• Bergen Pro Shop roof repair

• Eisenhower Pool boiler replacement

• Bunn Park playground equipment

• Botanical Gardens HVAC system

• Zoo Quarantine Building

• Zoo Penguin Exhibit Improvements

• Veteran’s Memorial Pool diving board and platform replacement

• Washington Park Tennis court resurfacing and fencing

• Nelson Center pump filtration for slide

• Nelson Center radiant heat in rink two

• Nelson Center boilers and hot water tank replacement

• Southwind Park Wind Turbine repairs

• Bunn Pro Shop carpet replacement

Equipment Replacements

Facility Improvements

CapitalImprovements

Focusing capital resources on existing assets

MarketingInitiatives

Dynamically changing the brand of the Springfield Park District.

19 Hosted and facilitated a variety of ribbon cuttings throughout the District.

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Created a reciprocal golf program with Central Illinois Park Districts including Decatur, Pekin, Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield and Jacksonville.

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Increased golf memberships through “refer a friend” program.

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Developed and marketed various golf specials including special programs and holiday packages.

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Strengthened our local media partnership with Capitol Radio Group and Midwest Family Broadcasting by co-hosting multiple events.

Focused marketing efforts on new program initiatives such as Lacrosse which grew to 115 players.

Expanded cross promotional efforts throughout the district.

Ran monthly ads with the Illinois Times and quarterly ads with the State Journal Register to inform the public about upcoming events, programs and facilities.

Developed and ran commercial on Comcast and Channel 20 to promote Park District programs and facilities.

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Significantly increased photo library to commemorate special events, facility upgrades, ribbon cuttings, and new exhibits at the Zoo to share moments with the broader community through Social Media.

Developed marketing plan to streamline promotion of special events and program announcements including Facebook, Constant Contact, Press Releases, Seasonal Program Brochures and Website.

Visited several summer camps and schools as guest speakers to promote programs and services.

Grew Facebook to 6,000 followers. The Henson Robinson Zoo has 4,822 followers and Erin’s Pavilion has 2,909 followers.

Implemented “Passport to Summer Fun” to encourage families to take advantage of programs and services. This campaign was viral on Social Media as well as a weekly promotion on News Channel 20.

Achieved 33% open rate on Constant Contact e-news blasts and special event announcements. Surpasses the industry standard of 20%.

Increased internal communications through a series of all staff meetings, employee surveys, and end-of-season employee picnic.

Established membership newsletters for Henson Robinson Zoo and the Botanical Garden.

Hired a full-time Marketing, Graphic Design and Special Events Coordinator.

Improved brand by implementing in-house design standards on all publications.


PROGRAM & FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS

New Programs & Events

Facility Highlights

Facility Highlights (continued)

Where You Can Play Your Way, Everyday!

The Springfield Park District strives to provide high quality programs, special events, and facilities to meet the diverse recreational needs of the Springfield community. In keeping with the mission to provide memorable recreation opportunities to enrich the lives of the Park District’s users, listed below are a few highlights from the past year.

• Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp• Girls Lacrosse Clinic• Learn to Dive• Pumpkins, Bats & Spiders Oh My!• Cooking Class• Science Class• Cabin Fever • Adult Skills Development• Ballet• Intro to Power Skating• Ice Hockey Skills Clinic

• Lincoln Park hosted a Civil War encampment that drew thousands of civil war re-enactors during the 150th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Funeral. • The Rees Carillon participated in a concert series featuring “Lincoln and the Music He Loved.”

• The Rees Carillon played theme music before the movie Annie was shown as part of the summer Movie in the Park series.

• Valentine’s Day Vintage Carriage Rides were offered in Washington Park.

• Provided eight Movie & Music in the Park events serving thousands of families.

• Expanded Touch-A-Truck event to over 1,000 participants by partnering with the Springfield Police Department’s K-9 Training Operation.

• Held free introductory golf clinics for school aged students, Jr. Golf Camp, Parent/Child golf Tournament, and Drysdale Jr. Tournament with 275 participants.

• Hosted second annual Capital City Pickleball Classic that drew over 200 players from throughout the Country.

• Facilitated competitive swimming programs that resulted in 26 IHSA State Qualifiers and one Olympic Trails Qualifier.

• Accomplished the following projects at the Henson Robinson Zoo: Constructed Train Depot, Kitchen/ Quarantine Building, Monarch Way Station, received state award for the Children’s Garden at the Zoo, created African Dog Research Area, recipient of the St Joseph’s Home City Ornament, and completed conceptual design of a new Penguin Exhibit.

• Held the Annual Carve for the Carillon and Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular which brought around 7,000 visitors to the Botanical Garden and Carillon Grounds.

• Figure Skating High Spins• Figure Skating Low Jumps• Yoga for Figure Skaters• Nature Buddies• Animal Play Days• Teddy Bear Clinic• Orchid Basics• Repotting Workshop• Rose Workshop• The Great Pumpkin Grab • Adult Prom• Snag Golf• Golf Clinics


PARKS & NATURAL R E S O U R C E S Preserving our Green spaces...

Beyond routine maintenance of our parks, facilities, trails, and forest preserves, the Springfield Park District utilized the skills and talents of staff to save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by completing numerous in-house projects.

• Barker Park – Developed 6 acres of agricultural land into a new park to further serve the community.

• Train Depot – Constructed themed train depot facility at the zoo.

• Picnic Tables – Constructed dozens of picnic tables to be used for special events.

• Heating and Air Conditioning – Installed new central air units in various park facilities.

• Painting Projects – Painted countless, benches, dugouts, fences, shelters, satellite bathrooms, and facilities through the park system.

• Roofing Projects - installed numerous metal and shingle roofs on Park District facilities.

• Franklin Ground Squirrel – Completed Habitat restoration project at Centennial Park to protect the endangered Franklin Ground Squirrel.

• Washington Park Lagoon – Partnered with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to minimize and remediate environmental impacts after fire at a local business released contaminants into the Washington Park lagoon.

• Tool Wagon – facilitated over 30 volunteer park cleanup projects.

• Tree Plantings – planted 132 trees in our parks.

• Prescribed burns – Managed prescribed burn on over 40 acres of public land to safely reduce excessive amounts of brush, shrubs, and trees, encourage the new growth of native vegetation, to maintain the many plant and animal species whose habitats depend on periodic fire.

• Pickleball Lights – Installed lights at the Iles Park Pickleball Courts.

• Sign Replacement – Replaced entrance and directional signs at various parks.

• Hat and Helmet Racks – Constructed and installed dozens of bat and helmet racks in dugouts near baseball fields.

• Warming Hut – Rebuilt warming hut at the Velasco Tennis Center.

• Paddle Ball Court Repair – Repaired paddle ball courts damaged by a fallen tree.

• Park Lighting – Replaced 480 Volt transformer for park lighting near Washington Park playground.

Natural Resource Conservation & Wildlife Restoration Efforts


Barker Park – In close connection with the Franklin Park Neighborhood Association, the SPD began development of phase one of Barker Park. Work included topographical engineering, site grading, and instillation of storm sewer,

parking lot, plantings, entrance sign, and picnic shelter. The park opened in the spring of 2015.

Gift of Hope Memorial – Partnered with the Organ and Tissue Donor Network to fully funded the development of a memorial at Southwind Park where families can remember the loss of loved ones who have given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.

Carillon Reflecting Pool, Compass and Westminster Chime – Partnered with the Rees Carillon Society to fully fund the repair and replacement of the reflecting pool and compass at the base of the Carillon and the Westminster Chime.

Lanphier Pickleball Court – partnered with All Weather Courts to fully fund the resurfacing and creation of a premier Pickleball court at Lanphier Park.

Bike Repair Stations – partnered with the Springfield Bicycle Club to install six bicycle repair stations throughout our bicycle trail system and within parks.

Iron Springs Pergola lighting – partnered with local resident to fulfill Eagle Scout project by installing lights at the Pergola.

Baseball Diamond Improvements – Partnered with SSBA to fund numerous improvements to multiple baseball fields throughout the community including announcers’ decks, bat & helmet racks, and sod on the infields.

Train Depot – Partnered with Springfield Zoological Society to fund a train depot.

Wind Turbine repairs – partnered with the Springfield Parks Foundation to partially fund the repair of the wind turbine at Southwind Park.

Babbling Brook – partnered with the Springfield Parks Foundation to fund the construction of a babbling brook at Southwind Park.

Pickleball Courts Lighting - Partnered with the Springfield Pickleball Association and the Springfield Parks Foundation to fund the purchase and installation of lights at the Iles Park Pickleball Courts.

Kennedy and Stuart Park – Established ongoing partnership with the Springfield Airport Authority to lease Kennedy and Stuart Parks.

IDNR – Partnered with IDNR to stock nearly 3,000 pounds of trout in Southwind and Washington Park ponds.

Projects

COMMUNITY SUPPORTImproving our parks and facilities through broad based community support efforts.

Brew at the Zoo – Partnered with the Central IL Assoc. of Zookeepers and the Springfield Parks

Foundation to host a fundraising event at the zoo

Carter’s Drive – Golf outing in memory of Carter Selinger that provides funding for general youth program Initiatives

Senior Services Center – Illinois Senior Olympics program

Capital Radio Group – Music & Movie in the Park

Springfield Pickleball Assoc. – Skill development programs and pickleball leagues

Springfield Youth Hockey Assoc. – Youth Hockey programs

Lincoln Land High School Hockey League – High School Hockey Programs

Springfield Figure Skating Club – Figure Skating programs

Capital Radio Group – Zoolie Ghoulie

Midwest Family Broadcasting – Trick-or-Treat Street

Academy Bullets – Youth Swim Team

Fairview, Southwest, Kids First – Baseball & Softball leagues

Springfield BMX Club – Bicycle Dirt Track Racing

Springfield Youth Football Assoc. – Youth Football

IL Dept. Natural Resources – Aquatic life management and fishing clinics

Ferzow LLC – Jr. Blues Hockey Program

Springfield Sliders Baseball Group LLC – Collegiate level baseball league

Programs

The Springfield Park District actively recruits volunteers to participate in programs and projects such as mulching, planting, weeding, painting, invasive plant removal, trash pick-up on bike trails and nature preserves. In 2015, the District was served by over 600 volunteers who gave countless hours of their time to help make improvements in the parks, programs and facilities. We can’t say “thank you” enough to the Park District’s volunteers. They help make our community better through their time and talents. To participate contact the volunteer coordinator at 217-753-6212.

The Springfield Park District has developed numerous partnerships, affiliations, and agreements with

individuals, business and organizations that help to make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a

family. The Springfield Park District would like to extend a warm thank you to all of our community partners who

have dedicated time resources and expertise to make improvements in our parks and facilities.

Thank You Volunteers! Partnerships & Affiliations

Springfield Park District217-544-1751

To learn more about the Springfield Park District, Programs, Event Alerts and more, sign up for our electronic email -

GO TO:www.springfieldparks.org

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