Blue Island Park District Invites Public to Help Shape Future of Parks and Recreation

BLUE ISLAND -- The Blue Island Park District is encouraging residents and community stakeholders to help shape the future of local parks, recreation programs and community services during a public feedback session on Monday, Aug. 17.

The free meeting, part of the District's Comprehensive Master Plan process, will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave., in Blue Island. Officials say community participation will play an important role in developing a long-term vision for parks, facilities and recreational opportunities throughout the community.

The Comprehensive Master Plan will guide the Park District's priorities over the next five years and beyond, helping determine future investments in parks, capital improvements, programming and community services.

Executive Director Ted Ruthenberg said residents' ideas are critical to ensuring the plan reflects the needs of the entire community.

"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 invited to discuss what they value most about the Park District, identify areas for improvement and suggest ideas for future recreation programs, park amenities, facilities and community events. The meeting will also examine changing recreation trends, neighborhood priorities and ways the District can continue serving residents of every age and ability.

Park District officials say they are especially interested in hearing from people who may not currently participate in District programs or regularly visit local parks.

"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."

Another topic of discussion will be how the Park District communicates with residents and how information about programs, special events and recreational opportunities can be shared more effectively across the community.

Community input gathered during the meeting will be combined with results from a public survey, stakeholder interviews and technical analysis to help consultants prepare 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 community feedback session is free and open to the public. Residents interested in learning more about the Comprehensive Master Plan or the Aug. 17 meeting can visit blueislandparks.org or call the Blue Island Park District at 708-385-3304.