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Welcome to News Snippets! Get the most current announcements, events, and press releases for the Geneva Park District right here. Check back weekly for news and updates delivered directly your desktop!
Geneva Park District Receives National Ranking
Geneva – IL, The Geneva Park District is proud to announce it is ranked in the top 5% of Parks and Recreation Agencies in the nation according to the results of their 2010 community survey.
The Geneva Park District’s mission is to provide recreational programs, facilities, and open space that will enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities. “Our Board of Commissioners and staff are committed to serving the community and offering a wide array of recreational options at affordable prices, backed by strong customer service, which is reflected in these results, placing us in this prestigious category among park and recreation agencies nationwide,” said Sheavoun Lambillotte, Executive Director of the Geneva Park District.
This survey is a proven tool that will help guide the future direction of the District. “It has provided us with valuable feedback regarding the community’s satisfaction with the quality of our parks, programs and facilities,” said Lambillotte.
According to Leisure Vision, Inc., who has surveyed over 400 Park and Recreation agencies across 47 states, 72% of the national population utilize neighborhood and local parks. In Geneva, over 90% of our total population enjoy the 50+ parks that the Geneva Park District manages. Additionally, public park and playground usage has increased 30% by families and children during the current economic state of our country. Recreational facilities and activities have become more popular than ever, as people continue to turn to their local Park Districts for affordable options. According to Jay Kelly, Superintendent of Recreation, “the Geneva Park District offers over 3,300 programs annually and has increased annual program participation to over 200,000 since 1991.”
“Being ranked in the top 5% nationally is a tremendous honor and we are proud to provide innovative recreational programming and quality parks and facilities that make us a leader in the park and recreation field,” said Lambillotte.
For more information, please visit www.genevaparks.org or call (630) 232-4542.
Geneva Park District’s Finances earn high marks
The Geneva Park District’s bond rating was recently upgraded from a AA to a AA+ by Standard & Poor’s while affirming the stable outlook. The rating agency has raised the rating after a routine surveillance process whereby they periodically review the District’s audits and other disclosure documents, as well as interview management.
The upgrade from Standard & Poor’s notes the district’s strong economic outlook despite statewide financial or economic difficulties. They cited management’s response to these difficulties as particularly important in the analysis. Standard & Poor’s upgrade was based on the Geneva Park District’s ability to maintain structural balance and clearly communicate what they have done, or will do, to maintain structural balance. Superintendent of Finance & Personnel Christy Powell, stated, “an increase in the District’s credit rating will mean lower borrowing costs in the future, and a brighter financial outlook for the future.” She went on to state that “the Geneva Park District’s financial condition is strong despite the economic downturn and is largely due to the district’s conservative fiscal policies.”
Geneva Park District garners prestigious national awards
The Geneva Park District has achieved the distinction of receiving two national awards from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wildness for its conservation efforts and commitment to open space.
On Thursday, December 10, 2009, the Geneva Park District was recognized with the Leadership in Conservation Award for their commitment to obtaining, preserving and enhancing open space, as well as, developing it into crucial habitat for plants and animals. The Geneva Park District competed against 45 other agencies nationwide for this honor.
Secondly, the District’s Mill Creek Community Park was honored with the Conservation and Native Landscape Award. This award recognizes sites that are exemplary in terms of native landscaping, ecosystem restoration and protection, and/or conservation design.
The Park District's Mill Creek Community Park was recognized for the well-established prairies that have been integrated into the park along with the active recreation area. The native prairie plantings also serve as watershed protection for the Mill Creek Neighborhood. This natural prairie has provided habitat and a nesting area for state threatened wildlife including: the Illinois chorus frog, smooth soft-shell turtle and the black crowned night heron.
Geneva Park District owns and maintains approximately 700 acres of open space. Of those acres, 400 acres are maintained as natural areas providing safe habitat for native plants and animals to live and breed, as well as, open space for the community to enjoy. In addition, these natural areas provide outdoor education and allow children and adults to experience and learn about biodiversity, reconnecting them with the land.
The Geneva Park District is proud to be an innovator and a leader in our commitment to preserving and maintaining open space in our community.
New Campfire/Amphitheater Added to Peck Farm Park Interpretive Center – Grand opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - August 29th
Families and individuals are invited to enjoy a night of songs, skits and stories by professional story teller, Andy Talley at the Grand Opening of George’s Circle on Saturday, August 29th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. This is a FREE event that is fun for all ages.
This beautiful addition utilized the foundation of the old Peck Family stone barn and will be used for campfire and nature programs. George’s Circle will also be available for private rentals.
George’s Circle is ADA accessible in the center row, with three rows of available seating, which can accommodate up to 140 people.
For more information, please call (630) 262-8244.
Geneva Park District’s Executive Director Retires
Stephen D. Persinger retired June 30, 2009 from the Geneva Park District Stephen D. Persinger Retired after 30 years of service to the Geneva Park Districtafter 30 years of dedicated service.
Under Persinger’s direction, the Geneva Park District has provided quality recreational programs, facilities, and open space that have enhanced the quality of life for residents of all age groups and abilities. With his guidance, the park district has expanded its green space to over 700 acres. Over the years, he has been responsible for the development of bike/pedestrian trails, playgrounds and parks, athletic fields, an outdoor aquatic center & water sprayground, a community center, a recreation center, two fitness centers, and a skate park.
He is most proud of the acquisition, restoration and development of the Geneva Park District’s Peck Farm Park. Since the early 1990’s, he has spent countless days ambitiously working to turn the Park District’s dream into a reality. Currently just under 400 acres, this park provides something for everyone. Offering acres of natural prairie, pedestrian trails and athletic fields, as well as unique facilities such as an observation silo, orientation barn, history museum, butterfly house and a newly constructed recreation center, this park stands as a tribute to our past and serves as a green oasis in the heart of the suburban sprawl.
During his time at the Geneva Park District, he has committed himself to both the local community as well as the professional community. He has served on numerous community and professional boards. He has also been honored with several personal awards and worked to achieve awards for the Geneva Park District as well. The Geneva Park District Board of Commissioners and staff wish Stephen D. Persinger all the best in his retirement.
Geneva Park District Welcomes New Executive Director & Superintendent of Recreation
Sheavoun Lambillotte – Geneva Park District’s New Executive Director
The Geneva Park District Board has named Sheavoun Lambillotte as the new Executive Director for the Geneva Park District. Sheavoun has achieved numerous accomplishments for the District in her role as Superintendent of Recreation for the past ten years and brings over 23 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation to Geneva.
She looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that has been established within the District. "Her vision, expertise and commitment to parks and recreation makes her an asset to the Geneva Park District," said past Park Board President Charles Emma.
Jay Kelly – Geneva Park District’s New Superintendent of Recreation
The Geneva Park District hired Jay Kelly as the Superintendent of Recreation Jay Kelly, Superintendent of Recreationn May 2009. As Superintendent, he oversees all aspects of the recreation department, including recreational programs and facilities.
He brings a great level of expertise and enthusiasm and looks forward to offering innovative and exciting programs, along with enhancing the facilities of the Geneva Park District. In addition to continuing the successes of the district, he is excited to maintain and strengthen the relationships with the District and partners throughout the community.
Geneva Park District Enhances Landscape with Recreational Statue
On Wednesday, June 17, a bronze statue of children playing on a teeter totter was installed at the new Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center. This SPRC Bronze Statuestatue is a symbol of Geneva Park District’s commitment to enhance the quality parks and open space for our residents, said Sheavoun Lambillotte, incoming Executive Director for the District.
Another bronze statue was installed at Sandholm Woods Park. This statue features children sitting on a park bench which, compliments the natural beauty as well as serves as a symbol of our ongoing dedication to providing beautiful parks.
The Geneva Park District maintains close to 50 parks over 700 acres of parks and open space.
As you take a stroll through one our beautiful parks and utilize our facilities this summer, please stop and take notice of these lovely pieces of art that truly symbolize the importance we place on parks and recreation in the Geneva Community.
Geneva Park District Invites Residents to Sandholm Woods Park Ribbon Cutting Celebration July 12
On Sunday July 12th at 11am The Geneva Park district will host a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the addition of Sandholm Woods Park to the more than 700 acres of open space preserved for the enjoyment and quality of life of Geneva Park District residents.
Park enhancements include a maze constructed of natural elements, a quarter mile concrete walking path, a contemplative garden area with sittings walls, beautiful vine tunnels and a variety of climbing rocks that are perfect for children to play on. At the entrance to the park, there is also a set of iron gates that have been refurbished from the original construction at Island Park.
Additionally, a bronze statue was installed that features children sitting on a park bench which compliments the natural beauty of the park as well as serves as a symbol of our ongoing dedication to providing beautiful parks for the community to enjoy.
The park land was funded through the open space referendum that passed in 2000 with over 80% of the voters voting “yes” to preserving and protecting open space in Geneva.
