Innovative programming to meet community needs

• Goal 1: Remain aware of and responsive to trends.
• Goal 2: Regularly engage the community to understand program needs.
• Goal 3: Provide sustainable, high quality and inclusive program offerings.

Tactic 1: Invest in and provide core offerings virtually and in outdoor settings that are adaptable to pandemic restrictions (Completed-Fall 2021)

Progress Update

• During Restore Illinois Plan Tier 3 mitigation restrictions (including no in-person programs), some Winter 2021 session programs were offered virtually such as dance programs and gymnastics private lessons and team workouts, along with Courts Plus group exercise programs (January 2021)
• Later in January 2021, the State moved Region 8 (includes DuPage County) into Tier 2 and then Tier 1 mitigation restrictions and the District resumed some rentals and indoor recreation and Courts Plus programming with capacity limits (January 2021)
• Held three winter Pop-up Party in the Park events with games and activities (Winter 2021)
• Held Find Frosty, a six-week scavenger hunt in the parks (Winter 2021)
• Offered Fancy Family Friday program with DiLeo’s Pizzeria, including a meal and activities (Late Winter 2021)
• Continued to offer virtual group exercise programs along with indoor/outdoor options (Winter & Spring 2021)
• Offered at-home egg hunt pre-registration event called You’ve Been Egged! (over 3,000 eggs spread at nearly 175 homes) (Spring 2021)
• Hosted a modified version of the District’s annual egg hunt for ages 2-8, requiring registration for three time slots offered on three ball fields at Berens Park (approximately 400 participants) (Spring 2021)
• Live streamed the spring dance recital in front of a limited capacity, masked, and socially distanced audience (Spring 2021)
• Reimagined the summer Junior Golf Camp to adapt to pandemic guidelines, including staying outdoors and reducing contact time among campers while maximizing social distancing (Summer 2021)
• Continued to offer virtual group exercise and outdoor classes as an option for those opting out of indoor exercising even after group exercise capacity limits were lifted in June 2021 (Summer and Fall 2021)
• Expanded the "Get Grinched” winter program offering, which is outside of participants' homes (175 homes visited) (Fall 2021)

Tactic 2: Work with other organizations to gain priority access to their programming spaces (Completed-Fall 2021)

Progress Update

• Worked with Elmhurst School District #205 staff to secure the use of School District facilities for Park District summer programs to assist in expanding programming and address wait lists while helping the School District address their greater need for outdoor athletic spaces due to altered sports schedules (Winter 2021)
• Began discussions with Timothy Christian schools regarding mutually beneficial opportunities for cooperative use of each agency’s spaces (Winter 2021)
• Offered summer youth sports and theater programs at District #205 schools (Summer 2021)
• Began offering adult open gym program at Timothy Christian Elementary School (Fall 2021) 
• Continued working with School District #205 to accommodate the Rec Station program at all eight (8) elementary schools (according to updated CDC and IDPH COVID 19 Guidelines for Schools), including relocated students from Lincoln School. The guidelines (such as social distancing) significantly impact available spaces for large motor activities, snacks, crafts and games. (Fall 2021)