Residents of Chicago Ridge and Worth will have more opportunities to take part in recreational programs and activities through a new partnership between the two communities’ park districts.
The Chicago Ridge Park District and Worth Park District have entered into a three-year intergovernmental agreement that allows residents of both communities to receive resident rates for eligible recreational programs, memberships, camps, classes, leagues, special events, admissions and other offerings, regardless of which district provides the program.
The Chicago Ridge Park District Board of Commissioners approved the agreement unanimously Sept. 9, followed by unanimous approval from the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners Sept. 17.
The partnership is intended to expand access to recreation, encourage community engagement and strengthen cooperation between the neighboring park districts.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to providing residents with greater access to high-quality parks and recreation services,” said Rob Pratl, president of the Chicago Ridge Park District Board of Commissioners. “By working together, we are creating more opportunities for families, children, and adults to participate in programs that enrich their lives and strengthen our communities.”
Donald Dambek, president of the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners, also welcomed the agreement.
“This agreement is a win for residents in both communities,” Dambek said. “By working together and sharing the benefits of resident pricing, we are expanding access to recreation while demonstrating the value of cooperation between local governmental agencies.”
The reciprocal resident rates are effective immediately. Residents of Chicago Ridge and Worth can register for eligible programs through either park district at the resident rate.
Residents can review upcoming offerings through the Chicago Ridge Park District Fall Program Guide and Worth Park District Fall Program Guide.
Under the agreement, each park district will continue to verify residency according to its established procedures and maintain its own registration policies.
The agreement has an initial three-year term and will automatically renew for successive one-year periods unless either district terminates the agreement in accordance with its provisions.