Blue Island Park District Invites Residents to Help Shape Future of Parks, Programs

BLUE ISLAND -- Residents will have an opportunity next month to help guide the future of parks, recreation programs and community services in Blue Island as the Blue Island Park District hosts a public community feedback session as part of its new Comprehensive Master Plan.

The free meeting will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave., and is open to residents of all ages, families, neighborhood groups and anyone with an interest in the future of the Park District.

Officials say the meeting is designed to gather ideas directly from the community before finalizing a long-term blueprint that will help prioritize park improvements, recreational programming, capital investments and community services over the next five years and beyond.

Executive Director Ted Ruthenberg said the District wants to hear from as many voices as possible—not just those who regularly participate in Park District activities.

"Our parks belong to everyone, and so should the planning process," Ruthenberg said. "This community feedback session gives residents the opportunity to sit down with us, share their ideas and help shape the future of the Blue Island Park District. This is about listening to the community and incorporating their feedback into our long-term plans to better serve our residents."

Participants will be asked to discuss what they enjoy most about Blue Island's parks and recreation offerings while identifying areas where improvements could be made. The session will also encourage residents to share ideas for future programs, special events, recreational amenities and facility upgrades that could better serve neighborhoods across the community.

Park District officials said they are particularly interested in hearing from residents who do not frequently visit local parks or participate in District programs.

"In fact, we especially want to hear from people who may not currently participate in our programs or visit our parks very often," Ruthenberg said. "Understanding what barriers exist and what would encourage greater participation will in the end help us become a better organization providing better programs and services for our residents."

The discussion will also include ways the Park District can improve communication with residents so more families, seniors and young adults are aware of the programs, events and recreational opportunities available throughout the year.

Community feedback from the meeting will be combined with results from a public survey, stakeholder interviews and technical assessments to help consultants complete the Comprehensive Master Plan.

"The stronger the community participation, the stronger our roadmap for the future will be," Ruthenberg said. "Whether your ideas are big or small, they deserve to be heard. We hope you'll join us on Aug. 17 and help create a vision that reflects the entire Blue Island community."

The Aug. 17 meeting is free to attend, and no registration is required. Additional information about the Comprehensive Master Plan is available at blueislandparks.org or by calling the Blue Island Park District at 708-385-3304.