What is
a Park District?
The first park
districts in Illinois were formed in 1869 when the Illinois General
Assembly enacted legislation that created three park districts in
the City of Chicago as units of local governments separate from the
city government. In 1934, the individual park districts located within
the City of Chicago merged and formed the Chicago Park District. Legislation
to permit the formation of park districts outside of Chicago was enacted
in 1893. In 1951, the numerous laws relating to park districts and
recreational programs outside of Chicago were codified into "The Park
District Code" (70 ILCS 1205/1-1 through 13-9e).
There are 322
park districts in Illinois covering over 152,000 acres of land. A
park district is established by the will of the community through
referendum. State authority creating park districts as corporate entities
also recognized the districts as separate and distinct local units
of government. Their boundaries are independent from those of other
units of local government, and may even incorporate more than one
community, but does not include any portion of another incorporated
park district.
Some parks are
designed for aesthetic purposes and the preservation of natural resources.
Other parks are developed to provide opportunities to the public to
participate in structured recreational programs and sports activities.
Facilities and activities offered in these parks can include: field
houses, gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beaches, skating
rinks, lagoons, conservatories, golf courses, tennis courts, arts
and crafts classes, dance classes, band shelters, exercise classes,
baseball and softball diamonds, playgrounds, ski areas, trails for
biking and hiking, zoos, botanical gardens and activities in the performing
and fine arts - literally thousands of leisure activities and recreational
facilities.
Specialized programs
and facilities are offered for groups such as preschoolers, senior
citizens and the handicapped. No one is excluded from participating
in park district activities and services and persons from around the
state can share in the recreational experience park districts provide
in other communities.
A park district
is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners who reside in the
district. Most boards are comprised of five commissioners (seven-member
boards are optional). The commissioners receive no salary or other
compensation and serve six year terms. As local elected community
leaders, they are able to respond to the recreational needs of the
community on a person-to-person basis.
How does
my park district acquire open land?
Donations of land
and purchasing land are the options available to the BTPD.
The Board of Commissioners understand the value of planning for the
future of the community and its residents' needs. With limited finances
and escalating land values, cooperation is the key to new land acquisitions.
Why are
volunteers important to the Park District?
Volunteers are
imperative to the community as well as the Park District. Volunteer
workers save you money, but more importantly, by recruiting volunteers,
we are involving the community in our operation. Individuals, sports
organizations, advisory councils and civic organizations give the
park district the input and capability to improve and enhance programming
that may have otherwise not been possible. Without volunteers, the
cost of programming would not be reasonable enough for many in the
community to take advantage programs.
How does
the Park District help real estate value and investments?
When attracting
people to the Bourbonnais Township, realtors and developers focus
on quality education, land values, progress and commitment to growth
and quality recreational opportunities. Realtors are proud to feature
BTPD brochures to prospective buyers as well as giving tours to showcase
just one of the valuable assets that the Bourbonnais Township community
has to offer to a new resident. The Perry Farm Park exemplifies the
beauty and commitment of our community.
How
does the Park District work to keep costs down?
By diligently
seeking available grants, utilizing volunteer services, maximizing
investments, as well as participating in the cooperative efforts in
purchasing and programming, the Park District commits itself to keeping
costs down. The staff and the Commissioners at the Park District are
continuously seeking new ways to keep operating costs at a minimum
without sacrificing the quality of its services. Many operations that
would otherwise be contracted out by many organizations are completed
in-house by our dedicated and knowledgeable staff.
Why must
I pay a program fee?
Fees are necessary
to provide a wide variety of activities and recreation programs. By
the use of tax money alone, the Park District could not serve the
recreational needs of the community. Many of the tax revenues are
spent for the acquisition of land, development and improvement of
parks and facilities. The program fee covers the direct costs of the
program such as: supplies, building use, rental fees, better instructors
or equipment.
How are
my tax dollars calculated?
The property taxes
paid to the Park District are a small portion of your tax bill. These
taxes are based on the assessed value of your property. The Township
Assessor is responsible for determining a value on all property within
the Township. Taxes paid are computed on that assessed value at the
tax rate extended by all the taxing bodies.
Who makes
up the Park District?
Park Districts,
like villages, school districts and townships, are separate municipal
entities and, therefore, have different corporate boundaries. The
BTPD includes Bradley, Bourbonnais and the rural Bourbonnais Township
areas. The Board of Commissioners, who are elected by the community,
govern the Park District. Commissioners serve six-year terms as volunteers.
They receive no monetary compensation, no insurance and no retirement
benefits. They are the only Board within the Bourbonnais Township
boundaries to serve without any financial or benefit compensation.
The Board of Commissioners meet on the fourth Monday of each month
in the Exploration Station® at 5:00 p.m. The public is invited and
encourage to attend board meetings. The public is also encouraged
to contact Park District staff and Commissioners at any time with
ideas and questions which will help to improve services.
Does the
Park District service special needs?
In cooperation
with Limestone Park District and the Kankakee Valley Park District,
the Bourbonnais Township Park District funds the River Valley Special
Recreation Association (RVSVA) which serves to provide specifically
designed recreation programs for individuals with disabilities or
special needs. For more information on program offerings call the
RVSVA office at (815) 933-7336.
How can
I learn more about the Park District?
Members of or
staff would be happy to help you learn more about the Bourbonnais
Township Park District. Presentations can be made to groups about
the operations of the Park District. Participating in BTPD programming
is also a way to learn more about the Park District. Please call 815/933-9905
if you are interested in a presentation or wish to obtain information
about park activities or pending park projects. We hope to hear from
you. An interested public is an informed public.
