October Birthdays | October Anniversaries

Congratulations to Jessica Marquez (Recreation) and Mike Stramel (Information Technology) who were recognized this week as 2 of 6 randomly selected winners of the 2023 second triannual Values Recognition Program Award. These Values Champions were appreciated by their coworkers for living the District’s Values of Community Focused, Customer Service Excellence, Integrity, and Fun. They were presented their Award and a $50 check by Jim Rogers, Executive Director, their supervisors, Values Card writers, and coworkers. On their Values Cards, Jessica and Mike were described in many ways for having Customer Service Excellence and Integrity along with being Community Focused.

Some of Jessica’s Card writers said, “Jessica did an excellent job of helping Program Supervisors start entering programs in Active…It would have been very difficult for staff to do this by just following the how to guide. Jessica's patience and experience with Active helped everyone.” and  “Just want to say thank you once again for helping me with balloon decorations …I cannot express how much I appreciate her taking the time to help...”

Some of Mike’s Card writers said, “We are super grateful that he was following EPD on Twitter and took the right steps to "say something" when he saw suspicious activity (especially outside of work hours).” and “I am so appreciative that Mike was willing to cover the front desk…Thanks for being so flexible!”

Kudos to the many employees who completed Values Cards to appreciate their coworkers! Please continue to share your appreciation by clicking here to submit an online Values Card or complete a paper card available at all District facilities.

Park Board Updates

Elevate Elmhurst Parks - Visioning Workshop

At the October 9 Park Board meeting, Board members participated in a workshop to review the District’s mission, vision, and organizational values and develop high level strategic priorities. This kicked-off the Elevate Elmhurst Parks (EEP) Visioning Phase, when Board members can think creatively and boldly about how the District’s future is shaped. 

The outcomes from all the visioning workshops will lead to the creation of the District’s long-term vision, strategies, and action plan. In early November 2023, the community will have the opportunity to share feedback on draft EEP priorities. 

Tax Levy Resolution R-03-23

The Board approved Tax Levy Resolution R-03-23 including a $476,476 (6.18%) increase in tax dollars in the aggregate extension and a decrease of $99,435 (12.67%) in the SRA Fund. The Tax Levy Ordinance levies and assesses the taxes of the Elmhurst Park District. The tax levy is developed through establishing District priorities through its strategic plan and the constraints of the applicable State statutes. This increase will assist in funding the following operating expenditures to be proposed in the 2024 budget:

• adherence to the continued State mandated increase in the minimum wage
• increased contractual services - mowing of select park sites along with natural area management, pump room/mechanical operations at both outdoor aquatic facilities and seasonal brochure production
• a 10% increase in District contributions to employee health care premiums in order to remain competitive in the employment market for both retention and recruitment
• expanded full-time park maintenance and facilities project management and operations
• expanded full-time recreation programming staffing in order to address community demand
• inflationary cost increases that continue to affect many budget lines with inflation for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022 at 6.5% and having spiked higher in August 2023 than in any of the prior twelve months
• adequate funds for current and future required preventive maintenance of the District’s capital assets (projected at nearly $30 million over the next 10 years) 

View more information on the Tax Resolution.

Customer Service Training Event

District-wide customer service training is Wednesday, November 8, Noon-3 pm.

To help determine the number of chairs and tables needed, please RSVP using the link below.

All current full-time and part-time staff are required to view the training. The recording will be available in the weeks following the training for those unable to attend in person. The training will be held in the Normandy Room at the American Legion, 310 W. Butterfield Road.

National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month

Program & Lunch on October 24

In recognition of National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month in October, join your coworkers Tuesday, October 24 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The Hub in Berens Park for a Lunch & Learn with the Ray Graham Association (RGA). Lunch will be provided. Our guest speakers will share how RGA supports people with disabilities through their employment program; how to support people in the workforce with disabilities; and the benefits of hiring a diverse population. 

RGA ensures people with disabilities feel heard, welcome, and supported so they can reach their potential, grow their future, and achieve their goals (to learn more, click here).

Click the link below to sign up. Questions? Contact Laura Guttman at lguttman@epd.org.

Family Fall Fest

The community joined us at Wild Meadows Trace last weekend for trick-or-treating, inflatable mazes, carnival games and more! Thank-you to all the staff who contributed to making this a fun and smooth running event!

Staff Pumpkin Painting Event

Thursday, October 19

All staff are invited to an afternoon of fun fall pumpkin painting at Sugar Creek Golf Course (500 E. Van Buren, Villa Park). Hot dogs and chips will be served. There will also be a contest for Funniest, Scariest, and Most Creative pumpkin paintings! Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 17.  

Date and Time: Thursday, October 19, 11:30 am-1:30 pm

Location: Sugar Creek Golf Course

Do you have questions or ideas for the Park District? Submit feedback anonymously or if you provide your name and email address, receive a response within three business days.