Park district outlines master-plan priorities, capital work and calls for scholarship and transportation help

Mike Spielman, executive director of the Gurney Park District, updated the Village of Gurney board on Sept. 29 about the district’s strategic master plan, recent capital work and two initiatives the district hopes to advance: increased scholarship funding and transportation for children to attend programs.

Spielman said the Park District completed a comprehensive master plan in May 2004 (presenter’s stated date) and identified six themes: maintaining and enhancing parks, improving user experience, elevating operational excellence, fiscal responsibility and creative funding, inclusive programming for all ages and abilities, and outreach to Gurney’s diverse community.

He reported nearly 56,000 visits to the aquatic center this year, more than 5,500 fitness members, 925 summer campers and 293 before-and-after-school participants. Recent capital work included a full playground overhaul at Hunt Club Park Community Center, a repaved Fit Nation parking lot, purchase of the Marcus property, and planned upgrades (neighborhood playground with a zip line and pathway repaving at Vicki Paddock Park). Spielman said the playground and pathway projects are being paid for through grants.

Spielman said the Park District’s largest revenue source is fees for services (program registrations, passes), with taxes second. He asked for collaborative help to increase scholarship funding — the district’s longstanding $40,000 scholarship allocation has been insufficient in recent years — and to explore transportation options so children can reach programs.

He described numerous collaborative events with village and community partners, including expanded summer concerts, community gatherings, trainings in parks with police and fire, Bonfire and Brews events and Gurney Days.

The presentation was informational; Spielman did not request a specific village appropriation during the update but asked for partner collaboration on scholarships and transportation.