Retaining summer programming and special events were a big topic of discussion for the Peotone Park Board. Although spring programming is going well, with many popular events like the Matter of Balance class and Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt, summer events are in question, and decisions must be made soon.
Citing low participation and high costs, the board decided to eliminate movies in the park this summer. Parks Manager Kelly LaMore said the licensing required to show movies has increased to more than $500 per movie, not counting other costs and staffing.
LaMore reported summer events historically have had low participation due to too much competition. Coupled with too little staff and not enough of a return to continue hosting events like concerts and movies in the park, LaMore recommended they reduce summer programming.
Some discussion occurred on whether they could continue holding some events, like concerts, and plan for Thursday evenings instead of a weekend. LaMore said weekday evening events were more successful than weekend ones.
Both Saari and Trustee Lindsey Schwiesow expressed their enjoyment of the concerts in the park and hoped they could find a way to offer one.
Schwiesow recalled one successful concert event, but the board thought it was one the Chamber of Commerce offered. They will see if they can work together on an event.
The Park District also plans to bring back more consistent summer camp programming, which Treasurer Aimee Saari added that her son enjoyed.
LaMore thanked Saari for her open gym basketball success, with 25 kids attending. Saari wasn’t expecting a large turnout, with all of the St. Patrick’s festivities in the area but was pleased with the attendance. She also noted the kids were all very well-behaved, and it was a great drop-in program.
Schwiesow mentioned the homeschooling population creates opportunities to host events that complement their programming or simply provide rental opportunities for things like a science club or co-op events. She was going to look into how they can bring that to fruition.
In discussing rental opportunities, the park board complemented the freshly painted building. Acoustic tiles would be installed next. Sim reported the acoustic tile project came in significantly under budget, from an estimated $3,000 to just under $2,000.
IPARKS visited the park district for an inspection and reported being pleased with the progress. However, one climber needs additional mulch to bury support straps.
The Park District still is looking into park lighting for the park off Division Street. Maintenance Supervisor Jeff Eschbach confirmed they are not eligible for free lighting through ComEd, and he received a quote from Heritage Electric. He felt it was expensive but noted it would include the light poles and boring.
Board President Barbara Sim and Vice President Shawn Ziems felt the cost would not be prohibitive considering what was included. Eschbach will come up with pricing for handling the work internally so the board can compare and decide at the next meeting.
Eschbach reported the east softball field needs significant maintenance to rebuild the field after rainwater washed out the sand. He estimated the cost to improve the field at $3,300.
With no signed contract from PBSA, the board expressed reservations about making costly repairs to the field, especially not having any guarantees the field would be used. However, if the field will be used, the board wants to address the field maintenance before the spring season starts.
Board member Schwiesow noted it would be unlikely the association would go elsewhere. The board tabled the item to repair the ball field and collectively decided to continue pursuing a contract with PBSA, with LaMore stating she would reach out again.
Outside of programming, the district still is reviewing capital improvements that can be made and included in the upcoming budget.
The board discussed attending the upcoming IAPD Legislative conference and building relationships with representatives. The goal is to learn about and pursue grant funding for projects and improvements. Schwiesow said she would like to attend.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.