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 below to view Issues:
December 2024 Edition of Park Pulse
November 2024 Edition of Park Pulse
October 2024 Edition of Park Pulse
September 2024 Edition of Park Pulse
Park Perks – Winter/Spring 2025
Park District News
Fort Frankfort Playground – Replacement Update
The Park District was awarded $1.7 million in Funding to replace the Fort Frankfort Playground at Commissioners Park. The design component for the playground is to include play features allowing for inclusive play. It is anticipated that the final design will be completed this fall, and the project put out to bid in the winter months. The Park District anticipates the playground will be closed for use in December with the re-opening in the early summer months.
The pickets and bricks that were sold as a fundraiser to construct the current Fort Frankfort will be salvaged. Park District staff does not have a current plan to reuse them in the new design. Once the items are removed from the “Fort” they will be inventoried, and staff will work to get them to families that may want them. The new playground is possible because of DCEO Grant funding Senator Michael Hastings secured for the project.
Recognition of Tom Barz for 25 Years of Service
At the annual “Best of the Best” event organized by the Illinois Association of Park Districts, Tom Barz was acknowledged for his exemplary 25 years of volunteer service as a Commissioner for the Frankfort Park District.
During his tenure on the Board, Mr. Barz has held the position of Board President, witnessing the Park District’s expansion from serving 7,000 residents to over 20,000 residents today. In addition to his contributions to the Frankfort community, he was elected to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Association
of Park Districts (IAPD). Throughout his time on the Board, Mr. Barz has provided valuable leadership, aiding in the negotiation of land acquisitions and assisted in securing OSLAD grant funding, which has contributed to the enhancement of new parks and facilities.
Mr. Barz expressed his pride in the Park District’s accomplishments, particularly in light of its limited funding compared to neighboring districts with greater financial resources. He acknowledged with gratitude the unwavering support of his family, especially his wife, Lois, and their daughters, Melissa, Katy, and Amy, who understood his
absences from family events due to Park District responsibilities. The Park District extends its heartfelt appreciation for the 25 years of dedicated service that Tom Barz has provided to both the Park District and the community of Frankfort.
It is important to note that Park District Commissioners are elected at the local level and serve four-year terms; they do not receive compensation for their service.
Phil Simmons Legacy
August 6, 1947 – September 24, 2024
Phil Simmons was one of the founding members of the Operation Playground Foundation and served as its President for over twenty years. He also held the position of Park District Commissioner. Phil passed away this past fall, leaving behind a significant legacy.
Phil Simmons was a man of great passion. While many individuals may possess passion, Phil translated his enthusiasm into action. His initial role in serving the Park District involved participating in the group that successfully raised funds for and constructed Fort Frankfort at Commissioners Park, where he served as the Fundraising Chair. Following the completion of the Fort, Phil established the Operation Playground Foundation, which was created to maintain and manage the Fort. He took the lead in
collaborating with others to manage the Fort’s upkeep during the annual Maintenance Days and raised additional funds to support various park projects for the Frankfort Park District. Under Phil’s leadership, the Operation Playground Foundation successfully raised funds for the construction of several notable projects, including the award-winning Bark Park, the 3-on-3 basketball courts, fitness equipment along the Old Plank Trail, the Judy Herder Pump Track, and the pickleball courts.
Phil cherished his family and his community. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy remains firmly entrenched in the community of Frankfort.
Pours for Parks – Thank You Donors & Sponsors
The Operation Playground Foundation hosted its 8th Annual Pours for Parks event on October 19th at the Founders Community Center. This event highlighted tastings of craft beers, wines, spirits and cocktails from local restaurants. This year, we welcomed approximately 400 attendees, supported by numerous donors and vendors. The event is made possible by the numerous sponsors and the vendors that generously donate tastings for the event.
The Foundation is pleased to report that the event raised over $15,500. Funds raised by the Operation Playground Foundation will be allocated towards enhancing the Frankfort parks. This year the Foundation contributed $30,000 to the Park District, which will be utilized for the renovation of Fort Frankfort. The Foundation remains committed to identifying projects within the Park District to provide financial assistance that will enrich recreational and play opportunities for the Frankfort Community.
For more information about Operation Playground Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.opfrankfort.org.
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!
2024 Volunteer Opportunities:
Click on the Event name to Sign-up Online for Volunteer Opportunities:
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.
