The Peotone Park District is planning a golf outing for this fall to provide residents with something fun to do while also generating revenue for the district.
Board members discussed the idea proposed by Commissioner Chris Miller at the May 12 meeting.
A date for the golf outing has not been finalized, though commissioners are hoping to secure one in September or potentially October, depending on availability. The golf outing is planned to take place at the Green Garden Country Club.
Commissioners discussed sponsorships, potential prizes, and what would be included with a ticket. They plan to begin advertising as soon as they have a date finalized.
The event could generate considerable revenue for the district, providing much-needed funding for improvements and maintenance to parks, commissioners said.
“Everyone was really excited and interested in giving this a shot,” Parks Manager Kelly LaMore said.
New Legislation Could Mean Increased State Oversight, License Fees
LaMore reported to the board that a new bill, SB3907, is being proposed by legislators that would require park districts to obtain licensure and comply with state regulations for child care facilities. The bill would change “day care” to “child care” and broaden the applicable agencies. If approved, changes would take place beginning July 1.
“I understand they’re trying to keep kids safe – and they consider themselves the people who are supposed to protect children in the State of Illinois – but parks and rec are the people who provide recreational opportunities,” LaMore said.
“We’re not childcare or daycare, and the park districts that do have daycare do have licenses but now they’re trying to regulate even a little program,” LaMore explained.
LaMore said she has been in contact with legislators and hopes they will vote against the bill unless revised IAPD language is included.
Commissioners Settling in to New Roles
New President Shaun Ziems led the meeting, with Vice President Aimee Saari sitting beside him. Everyone thanked Barb Sim for her service as the outgoing president. She reaffirmed her commitment to the park district and was excited to serve in a different capacity, allowing others to take on the leadership roles.
Other News
There were no major changes to the budget, which was reviewed in detail at the meeting prior to the one held on May 12. The public budget hearing is set for June 9, at 6:15 p.m., which is ahead of the regularly scheduled meeting that begins at 6:30 p.m.
LaMore reported to the board the program guide has been mailed out to residents, with several programs already seeing a positive response. One of the programs, Youth Sports Performance Training, which is funded by the PowerPlay Grant, already is seeing solid enrollment, she explained.
Other program highlights include preschool camps, outdoor adventure camp, robotics camp and, of course, athletics, such as T-ball and soccer, which are becoming popular.
The Peotone Parks Cleanup day went well, LaMore reported.
“The people who were here were awesome and worked so hard, really, in picking up leaves and sticks and garbage and fluffing the mulch, redistributing it around the swings and playground. It was a lot of work landscaping around the building, including planting flowers. Very thankful for the people who came out, including the mayor, and gave us three hours of really hard work and appreciated that so much,” LaMore said.