Freedom of Information Act

The District will disclose public records as required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120. The District can deny a request for records that are specifically exempt from coverage under the Act, including information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or a compromise of security. For additional information, please see the District’s FOIA policy at the end of this page.

The Elmhurst Park District Board appointed FOIA Officers are the Executive Director and Administrative Office Supervisor. Their responsibilities include receiving information requests from the public and sending responses in compliance with FOIA.

Submitting a FOIA Request

To review a record, a person must submit a request in writing in person or by mail, email, or facsimile. All requests must be to the attention of the Freedom of Information Act Officer. Applicants may use the Elmhurst Park District FOIA Request Form located at the end of this page, or may submit their own written request for records. Applicants choosing not to use the provided form must provide their full name, current address, phone number, a detailed account of the documents they are requesting and whether or not they are requesting the documents for commercial use (for the sale, resale or solicitation or advertisement for sales or services).

Requests can be submitted via the following means:

Drop-off or Mail:
Elmhurst Park District
FOIA Request
Administration Office
375 W. First St.
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Email:
FOIAOfficeratepd.org (FOIAOfficer[at]epd[dot]org)

Response Time for FOIA Requests

Within five business days after the date the District receives the request, one of the designated FOIA officers reviews and responds to the request. Beyond the five business days, the FOIA Officer can extend the response time for no more than five additional business days. Requests made for commercial purposes can be extended for no more than twenty-one additional business days. The time period can only be extended if the requested information:

  • Is stored at a different location;
  • Requires the collection of a substantial number of documents or an extensive search;
  • has not been located;
  • needs to be reviewed further by staff to determine whether the information is exempt from FOIA;
  • cannot be produced without unduly burdening the public body or interfering with its operations;
  • requires the public body to consult with another public body that has substantial interest in the requested subject matter; or
  • both parties agree in writing to an extension specifying when the request will be filled.

When additional time is required for any of the reasons above, the Officer must, within 5 business days after the receipt of the request, notify the person making the request of the reason(s) for the extension and the date by which the response will be forthcoming. If the request is unduly burdensome for the District to complete, the Officer will work with the person making the request in an attempt to reduce the request to manageable proportions.

Formats and Costs of Requested Records

If a public record is available on the District’s website(s), the Officer directs the requestor to the website location where the records can be reasonably accessed.  If a public record is not available online, the Officer provides it in an electronic format or hard copies as follows:

  • No charge for the first fifty (50) black and white pages (letter or legal size)
  • After the first fifty (50) black and white pages, $0.15 per page additional charge
  • Actual per page cost for color and/or abnormally sized copies
  • Cost of the electronic medium