Park Pulse
The Park Pulse is a monthly newsletter distributed to the 157-C schools. The newsletter features upcoming events, programs and announcments from the Park District. Click here to view the May 2013 edition.
Park Perks - Summer 2013
Park Improvement News
Indian Boundary Playground Updates
The new playground and addition surrounding landscaping at Indian Boundary is complete! The old playground was donated to a non-for-profit group, “Kids Around the World”. Their volunteers removed and restored it, and it is currently on its way to be installed in the Dominican Republic. The new play area will be officially open in the spring of 2013. Look for our upcoming opening celebration date to be posted on our website www.frankfortparks.org. Drop by the festivities to see the new playground.
Michele Bingham Memorial Park
The Michele Bingham Memorial Park property ownership was officially conveyed over to the Frankfort Park District on Monday, January 7, 2012. The park district has a three part fiscal year plan laid out for the development of this site which will include a new playground.
The first year plans begin this fiscal year 2012-2013 with the Park District’s plans to replace the Bingham Memorial Park sign. In addition, new trees will be planted at the park.
During the second fiscal year, which starts after June 1, 2013 plans are underway to purchase and install a playground at the park. Additional landscaping will also be added to the surrounding park. This phase of the plan is scheduled for work to start in the fall of 2013.
The third and final phase of the plan is to develop the parking site and will begin in the fall of 2014. The gravel parking lot will be converted to asphalt on the north side of the road with a turnaround at the end of the parking lot. These improvements will add 40 parking spots at the Park.
Natural Area’s Management Plan Progress
The Natural Area’s Management Plan for the District to promote environmental stewardship by establishing, managing, and restoring natural areas to many of the parks is completed. This past summer the process of rebuilding the heavily eroded shoreline around the Kohlhagen Park pond by converting it from a turf buffer to a naturalized (prairie) buffer began. Using a native shoreline, plants that have deep root structures which help stabilize the soil and drastically reduce erosion from wind and water has been incorporated. The natural area also provides a habitat for birds and beneficial insects while reducing sediment deposition at the bottom of the pond which occurs with erosion. Scouts helped remove unwanted invasive shoreline weeds as well as plant emergent wetland species along the water’s edge. These plants will provide additional cover for fish and amphibians when established. The summer plan is to add some natural prairie elements to Commissioners Park.
Paul Shaffer 28 Years of Service
Park Commissioner Paul Shaffer has announced his retirement. He has been an outstanding Park Commissioner for 28 years. In his 7 terms of service he has served in all capacities on the Park Board; President, Vice President, Treasurer and as Secretary. Commissioner Shaffer also served as a Lincoln-Way Special Recreation Association Board member for 18 years. His leadership and knowledge will be missed.
Lions Club Donation
The Frankfort Lions Club has donated $3,000 to the Park District for 135 new chairs for the Founders Community Center. The chairs will replace the current metal folding chairs which were also funded by the Lions Club approximately 16 years ago. Thank you Frankfort Lions Club!
Operation Playground
Over the past 6 months the Operation Playground Foundation has provided the Park District funding to purchase 3 table tennis tables, 2 megaphones, a portable sound system, camera and portable mirrors for the group exercise classes. These additions have enhanced the program offerings and marketing/communications methods. Thank you Operation Playground!
Open Table Tennis Play
Did you know the Frankfort Park District has 3 brand new table tennis tables? Come to the Founders Community Center to challenge a partner to a game or two! It is available on Tuesdays from 12:00-5:30 pm for ages 9-16 and on Thursday s from 7:00-9:00 pm for ages 16 & older. An ID is required for use of paddle and ping pong balls. It’s FREE!
Splash Park
Get ready for summer fun at the Splash Park! The Splash Park, located at Commissioners Park, will open for the season on Saturday, May 25th. Join us opening weekend for free admission on May 25th & 26th.
The splash park will be open daily (weather permitting) and is also available for rental. Please visit the Park District website at www.frankfortparks.org and click on Parks & Facilities for additional information or see page 46 in the brochure for more Splash Park details.
Hold your next party at the Frankfort Park District!
If you are looking for an affordable site to hold your party or event, the Founders Community Center is available for rental. Parties, weddings, showers or meetings can be held in our classrooms, gymnasium or the Founders Room. For more information, including rental rates and availability, please call the park district office at 815-469-9400.
Thank you from the Frankfort Park District
The Frankfort Park District would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have volunteered at our events throughout the year. A lot of time and work goes into putting on a successful event, and we could not have done it without our volunteers! We appreciate your continued support!
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you need Community Service hours for school? Or do you just enjoy helping others? The Frankfort Park District is always looking for volunteers to help with various Special Events and other programs. If you are interested in volunteering your time, please contact Special Events Coordinator, Cali DeBella at 815-469-9400 or visit www.frankfortparks.org for a complete listing of volunteer opportunities.
Customer Service Statement
The Frankfort Park District is committed to providing responsive, friendly, courteous and excellent service to our customers.