Sycamore Park District Executive Director and Rotarian Jonelle Bailey gave an update on what is happening with the Park District at this week’s meeting. Bailey, who is completing her first year on the job, expressed excitement for projects under development and the adoption of new mission, vision, and core values statements to guide the Park District going forward.
Bailey highlighted several high impact investments being made to enhance wellness, recreation, and green space for residents. Expansion of the Great Western Trail is one of these initiatives. An extension from the Sycamore Forest Preserve to Page Street is now under construction with a Phase 2 extension to Old Mill Park planned. The eastern terminus of the trail is St. Charles. Bailey said an agreement has just been finalized with the developer of the Reston Ponds subdivision that will see parks created by 2023. She called putting this in place “…a labor of love.” She noted the new Riverside Sports Complex is being actively used, including being the site for a “Junk in Your Trunk” sale on September 11. For Pumpkin Fest, plans call for a pumpkin roll down the sled hill on October 23.
Bailey acknowledged the future of the 38-year-old community pool represents a major challenge for the district. Maintenance and operational costs keep rising (the pool’s heater failed two days before the end of the summer season) and current rules prohibit expansion because the pool is built in a floodplain. A committee is being formed to determine a long-term pool plan.
Bailey said the new mission, vision, and core values statements adopted by the district help it focus on how best to serve the community. Its mission states it will connect Sycamore residents to wellness, nature, and each other. The vision speaks to enhancing the community through wellness, recreation, and greenspace. Core values center around equity, transparency, sustainability, and connections. Bailey said these principles will shape the future of the Sycamore Park District as it prepares to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of its founding in 2023.