Newsletters
The Park Pulse is a monthly newsletter distributed to the 157-C schools. The newsletter features upcoming events, programs and announcements from the Park District.
Click here to view the March 2023 Edition of Park Pulse
Click here to view the February 2023 Edition of Park Pulse
Click here to view the January 2023 Edition of Park Pulse
Click here to view the December 2022 Edition of Park Pulse
Click here to view the November 2022 Edition of Park Pulse
Click here to view the October 2022 Edition of Park Pulse
Click here to view the September 2022 Edition of Park Pulse
Click here to view the TEEN – Fall 2022 Edition of Park Pulse
Park Perks – Winter/Spring 2023
Park District News
Thank you for Voting
The Park District Board and staff would like to thank the supporters of the Frankfort Park District Park Preservation referendum. Unfortunately, we did not receive the votes necessary to pass the referendum to fund our parks. The Park District is aware that voters do not want increased taxes. However, additional funding is necessary to maintain our existing assets. This outcome indicates that Voters do not support funding our parks at this time. The Park District has not had a tax increase in over 30 years.
Staff worked to educate the community on the current funding of the park district and that there is $5.5 million in capital maintenance projects that are unfunded. These are not new projects but areas that need to be addressed that includes roof replacements, asphalt resurfacing and playground replacements along with updating Fort Frankfort. We wish the referendum would have gone the other way because under the current funding, the district will have to make some difficult choices.
In the coming months, the staff and Board will be working to evaluate areas of the operating budget that can be reallocated to capital maintenance. The funds that will be redirected to capital projects will reduce the frequency of mowing the parks, eliminate weed control and pond maintenance, and reduce or eliminate free community events. The replacement of playgrounds will be pushed from 20 years to a 25-30-year replacement cycle. At this time, recreation programming will not be affected as program fees are increased incrementally to cover direct costs of programs. The power point regarding the Park Preservation Referendum and the funding of the district remains available at https://www.frankfortparks.org/park-referendum/
The park district will communicate changes to the residents as we establish a plan to fund the maintenance and capital needs of the park district. Thank you again to the supporters of the Park Preservation Referendum.
Your Park District Board & Staff
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AED’s in the Parks
This spring, the Park District tested a pilot program that provided an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at Commissioners Park. The AED was mounted in cabinet outside the concession area near the ballfields making it available at all times. Access to an AED during a Sudden Cardiac Arrest is critical to survival.
With the help of a grant and community partners, the Park District will be expanding the number of park locations that will have AED’s. The Sudden Cardiac Awareness Research Foundation (SCARF) awarded a grant to the Park District that will fund an AED for Main Park. In addition, the Frankfort Falcon Athletic Association, Frankfort Baseball and Frankfort Girls Softball program are sharing in the cost of AED’s that will be posted at Commissioners, Main and Jackson Park. The parks locations have organized athletic activities with a significant volume of players and spectators in attendance. The hopes is that the AED’s are never needed but should they be park users will have access. The AED’s will be pulled inside in the winter as the outdoor temperatures are not suitable for the units or the pads.
Pours for Parks – Thank You Donors & Sponsors
Operation Playground Foundation hosted the 6th Annual Pours for Parks event on October 22nd at the Founders Community Center. The 21 & over event featured tastings from local wine, beer, and spirits vendors. The attendance this year was over 200 guests and was supported by numerous donors and vendors.
The event raised $10,000; the monies raised by Operation Playground Foundation will be invested in the Frankfort parks. Most recently the Foundation renovated the skate park pad into Pickleball courts. Other projects funded by the OPF include the fitness equipment along Old Plank Trial, basketball courts at Main Park and the Judy Herder Pump track.
To learn more about Operation Playground Foundation or to join the Foundation Board, or if you would like to make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.opfrankfort.org.
Phil Simmons Honored
Making A Difference in the Frankfort Community
The Frankfort community had a need and Phil Simmons wanted to help. In 1999, the residents of Frankfort had a vision to build a playground at Commissioners Park. The community established Operation Playground Foundation to raise the funds for the project. Phil served as the Fundraising Chair and helped to raise $120,000 for the project. With their hands and spirit, the residents of Frankfort built Fort Frankfort Playground at Commissioners Park.
Phil was a charter member of Operation Playground Foundation and went on to serve as the President for 22 years. The Foundation continues to manage the annual maintenance of the Fort Frankfort playground.
As Frankfort grew, the Foundation continued to meet the additional needs. During his time on the Foundation, Phil spearheaded raising over a half million dollars to fund numerous park projects. In 2007, the Foundation planned and funded the award-winning Bark Park at Commissioners Park. Additional projects funded with Phil’s leadership include the construction of the 3-on-3 basketball courts at Main Park, fitness equipment at Michelle Bingham Park, the Judy Herder Pump Track and the repurposing of the Commissioner Park skate park pad into pickleball courts.
For 20+ years, Phil raised money for the Foundation by parking cars during Fall Fest weekend. Phil also volunteered at the annual golf outing and the Pours for Parks event.
During his years of serving on the Foundation Board, Phil found time to serve as Park District Commissioner for the Frankfort Park District.
The Foundation is grateful for the years of service that Phil and his family have given to the Frankfort Park District and the residents of Frankfort. To learn more about Operation Playground Foundation and how to serve your community, visit the website.
Photo Left to Right: Elmer Gentry, Tom Ruvoli,Gina Hassett, Phil Simmons, Tom Barz and Michael McCarey.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Frankfort Park District is looking to build partnerships with local businesses, foundations or individuals interested in supporting the District’s events and programs through sponsorship opportunities. Becoming a sponsor is an excellent way to show your support for the community while increasing your visibility throughout the Frankfort area. Please contact Julie Sullivan, Fundraising & Community Outreach Coordinator, at jsullivan@frankfortparks.org or call 815.469.9400 for more information.
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. Interested in volunteering?
Contact Cali DeBella our Recreation Supervisor at 815.469.9400 or email her at cdebella@frankfortparks.org.
Interested in Volunteering?
Contact Cali DeBella our Recreation Supervisor at 815.469.9400 or email her at cdebella@frankfortparks.org.
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!
2023 Volunteer Opportunities:
Click on the Event name to Sign-up Online for Volunteer Opportunities:
Donuts with Bunny – Saturday, April 1 / 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Super Dog Egg Hunt – Saturday, April 1 / 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Family Fun Fly – Tuesday, April 4 / 10:45 am – 12:15 pm
Fort Frankfort Maintenance Day – Saturday, May 13 / 8:30 am – 12:00 pm / Commissioners Park
Dance Recital – Saturday, May 20 / 11:15 am – 1:00 pm
After-Hours Drop Box
For your convenience, the Frankfort Park District has an after-hours drop box located outside of the main entrance of the Founders Community Center, 140 Oak Street. Registrations placed in the drop box will be processed the following business day.
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.
Customer Service Statement
The Frankfort Park District is committed to providing responsive, friendly, courteous and excellent service to our customers.
