The Board of Park Commissioners has approved engaging The Lakota Group to conduct a community needs assessment to be completed in fall of 2016 and the development of a comprehensive and strategic plan with completion by late May 2017. Using a qualifications based selection process, the Board interviewed two professional service firms with experience conducting surveys and facilitating Comprehensive and Strategic Plan processes. Staff was directed to review the top firm’s project budget and scope of the services and negotiate with the firm to reach an agreement on an appropriate fee for the project, which the Board approved on September 12, 2016.
To develop the District’s next strategic and comprehensive plan, the process will include an in-depth customer needs assessment, to be completed in fall of 2016, and the compilation and assessment of quantitative and qualitative data about the District’s parks, facilities, finances and operations. In addition, community envisioning sessions and resident and staff vision and input will be translated into the District’s vision for the future and accompanying action plans.
The District’s current five-year strategic plan and ten-year comprehensive plan conclude in December of 2017. According to James Rogers, Executive Director of the Park District, “The combination of the feasibility study, resident survey, and comprehensive plan will help set the direction for the District for the next five-plus years. This new plan will help the Park Board determine the District’s future direction and priorities given the continued challenges of limited tax revenues and the District’s desire to meet the ever changing recreation demands of the residents of Elmhurst.”
