The Carol Stream Park District is taking proactive steps to help control the potential spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). While the risk of contracting the illness remains low, we are increasing our efforts to disinfect areas including doorknobs, railings, equipment and high-traffic areas and surfaces at all District facilities. Hand sanitizer will be made available at registration/service desks and inside program rooms. You can be proactive too. We ask that patrons follow CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of illness. This includes staying home if you are sick and washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to Carol Stream Park District by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States for its comprehensive 2018 annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. A medallion for 2018 has been placed on the award plaque. This is our 19th consecutive year achieving this award thanks to the diligent work of our accounting and business office employees.
Moving on to the 2019 Audit and our next GFOA award!
We did this video about leashing your dog on our paths, but our actor dog Kody was too well behaved. He didn’t even go for the dog treats in the baby stroller! But we had fun taping! Thanks to Christy Greninger for bringing out Kody, and thanks to Sue Rini, our director of finance & administration for taking a break from her beloved budget to be an actress for a day!
Remember to leash your dog(s) when walking our paths – Be a Good Human Today!
We told you about our Be A Good Human campaign back in December.
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Until further notice, the path lights that are normally on from dusk to dawn are out due to damage to a post that interconnects with all the other lights. We are working to repair the post, but it might take a little time. Thank you for your patience. If you’re going for an evening walk, we suggest you bring a flashlight.
The Heritage Lake path adjacent to Bierman Park, Kent Park and Heritage Lakes Elementary School is a popular path to walk, jog, bicycle and walk a dog. If you’re a resident around Bierman Park and walk the Heritage Lake path, you may have seen this message stenciled at the entrances to the path:
The message is a result of our hearing from residents about dogs on that path not being leashed, which is potentially dangerous for other path-goers and especially children should you have an easily agitated dog.
Did you know there are government ordinances in Carol Stream that require your dog to have a Village license and to be leashed on walks? And there’s a fine if you’re caught for not picking up your dog’s poop. You can read these ordinances in great legal detail at VILLAGE ORDINANCES. Search for: ARTICLE 3: REGULATION OF DOGS AND ANIMALS.
The Carol Stream Park District’s “Be a Good Human Today” campaign arose from a video we saw from the Forest Preserve District of Will County, entitled “Don’t Be A Jerk – Dog Owner Edition.” They did a terrific and humorous job to communicate their message about dog ordinances.
Forest Preserve District of Will County
“Don’t Be A Jerk! Dog Owner Edition”
Building a Community: The Story of Carolshire Park
The construction fence was just removed. The kids were looking out their windows and getting excited! It was October 15, 2019. The weather was uncertain a couple of hours earlier with some rain drizzle, wind and overcast skies. However, nothing could stop the evening’s celebration of the opening of Carolshire Park . . . A grand success!
Many children and their families were welcomed by Park District commissioners and staff, the Village Mayor, Village staff and trustees; local dignitaries, community partners, and representatives of the properties around the park. Speeches were made. People and parents listened, standing on the soft synthetic turf surface of the landscaped playground while the kids were busy testing features of the park – the Twist, the Weevos, swings, slides and more!
Then all the kids were called up for the ribbon cutting by Park Board President Brenda Gramann. Park District Commissioner Brian Sokolowski gave the scissors to a young man who cut the ribbon, officially opening Carolshire Park.
We are Carol Stream! We are a town of visionary and passionate leaders and citizens. When we see a challenge that could become an opportunity for our residents, especially our children, we are relentless in our pursuits. This is the story of a suburban pocket park, Carolshire Park, a 0.83 acre plot of land located at the Carolshire Commons condominium complex, adjacent to Klein Creek condominiums in Carol Stream.
History
Built in 1977, Carolshire Commons Condominium Association was in shambles in 2010. With disrepair and an impending $3 million fine for code violations, there was a resounding call for change. A couple dozen dedicated condo owners stepped up in 2016, obtained some industry professionals and the support of the Village of Carol Stream, and Carolshire has since undergone a remarkable transformation in just three years.
Much work had to be done. Roofs were failing. Condo canopies (or decks) were removed because one had crashed to the ground in the very early morning hours. Removing the canopies exposed unsightly cinder block construction. Saying the parking lot was laden with potholes was an understatement – the parking lot was laden with craters. Abandoned cars littered the crumbling lot. Inside the buildings there was damaged drywall, inoperable light fixtures and peeling paint.
The condo association was $300,000 in debt, had very little money in the bank, and faced over 600 code violations. A court-ordered Consent Decree mandated that the association correct the violations or pay a $3 million fine. This also incurred $70,000 in legal fees that the association was required to pay. Units in the complex, if they were able to be sold, were valued as low as $20,000 to $25,000 in 2010. Some owners didn’t pay assessments for many years, owing the condo association $700,000.
Aside from the association being in ruins, the Carol Stream Police Department reported a moderate rate of theft, simple assault and criminal damage.
The Carolshire association is comprised of 18 three-story buildings with a total of 216 units. The community is host not only to condo owners but many renters. A variety of languages are spoken in the community. In a demographics study done in September of 2017, the Carolshire area is comprised of many Hispanic, Asian Indian and African American families. According to the Village’s social services department in 2017, there is a large concentration of preschool and elementary school age children of families who work multiple jobs, possibly with older children watching over the younger children.
Meanwhile, the kids were playing in the parking lot, outside retention areas, or hallways of the buildings because there was nowhere else to go. With the nearest park being about a 10-15 minute walk away, what are young children to do if they don’t have an adult to drive or walk them over to the park to play?
The Transformation
In a special Open Meeting attended by more than 100 Carolshire homeowners, the Carol Stream Mayor and Village officials, the existing Board members of Carolshire were removed and five new Board members were installed. The meeting was civil and supportive of the homeowners and condo association, but the new Board inherited a mess.
The first challenge was to acquire financial records, bank accounts, contracts and policies, most of which were in disarray or nonexistent. Delinquent accounts were turned over for collection, and the Carolshire condo association was able to take possession of about a dozen units to rent. The Carolshire Board members worked tirelessly to collect all rents and get the money into the association’s account, so owners would not lose their investments.
Working with professionals from ACM Community Management, bids were sought for the repairs and remediation projects required by the Consent Decree. Lenders were sought, and after several turned down the association, Itasca Bank and Trust saw beyond their past weaknesses and believed in their new business plan. In addition, the association was able to accumulate $200,000 in cash reserves within six months. After a comprehensive review of records, confidence in the reputation of the management company, knowledge of the Village’s support, and Carolshire’s location in Itasca’s Community Reinvestment Act, the bank advanced Carolshire $1.25 million in the form of a one-year line of credit that converted to a 10-year term loan.
The Carolshire team started to tackle a massive to-do list. Over a two-year period, the 665 code violations were corrected. Aesthetic improvements were made as well. The costliest project the association faced was the replacement of the parking lot at $900,000. However, recycling the existing stone and asphalt reduced the project cost by $250,000. The lot was done in three phases because of weather delays and storm water pipe replacement.
After the parking lot was finished, the Carolshire association issued resident parking permits and implemented a towing policy, eliminating abandoned vehicles and those belonging to nonresidents. This also reduced crime in the area.
Since March of 2016, when the Consent Decree was handed down, Carolshire’s accomplishments have been impressive:
In January of 2019, the Village returned to the Courts and dismissed the Consent Decree and potential $3 million fine. In addition the Village issued a Proclamation that read in part, “The Carolshire Commons Condominium Association Board is hereby recognized for its efforts in developing a positive relationship with the Village, for improving the quality of life for its residents, and for becoming a good neighbor and an asset to the Village of Carol Stream.”
The Village also transferred a small parcel of open space adjacent land to the Park District.
Planning for a Park
While the Carolshire association was working to overcome its many obstacles, the Carol Stream Park District saw an opportunity to bring activities to the area, at the time a low-to-moderate income area located along the Gary Avenue Corridor, a busy arterial street in Carol Stream, where cars travel at 45 miles per hour.
Prior to the park’s opening, the Park District used the open space as a base camp for a summer program called “After Hours”, created to engage the youth of Carolshire and surrounding complexes to play some sports, games and interact with Park District staff.
Given the popularity of the program, the Park District soon envisioned a “pocket park” accessible to the nearby condo communities. In 2015 the Park District held a public meeting for residents. Bilingual flyers and door-to-door communication encouraged families to come out. The Park District presented imagery of possible activities and playground structures. A concept plan for Carolshire Park was derived from the residents’ feedback.
The Park District applied for a Community Development Block Grant through DuPage County to obtain funding to develop the park. In the fall of 2017, an award of $200,000 was granted. The Park District matched funds. Groundbreaking took place in May of 2019, and the official opening of the Carolshire Park was held on October 15, 2019.
“The opening of Carolshire Park is the icing on the cake following the successful conclusion of the property maintenance initiative that saw Carolshire Commons Condominiums evolve from one of Carol Stream’s most challenged neighborhoods into one of the best managed multi-family complexes in the Village,” says Don Bastian, Community Development Director, Village of Carol Stream.
The Carolshire Park playground is a creative play area for ages 2-12 years old. The surface is a soft synthetic turf. It features “The Twist”, an arched ladder apparatus that changes angles in different directions, and “The Weevos”, a structure designed to meet the physical, cognitive and social needs of young children, sparking their imaginations as they explore. A swing set has two belt swings, one bucket swing and a molded ADA swing. The playground sports a transportation theme, with a trike track, street signs and two “make believe” gas and electric stations, where kids can fuel up or charge up their trikes.
Carolshire Park has open green space for activities and sports, a grill, and plenty of seating for picnicking or watching kids at play. Three LED light posts keep the park lit in the evening, and a small shelter contains electricity and solar lighting. Asphalt walking paths have accessible connections to parking lots and to the future Gary Avenue bike path. An ornamental fence prevents balls and kids from running out onto Gary Avenue.
“It is clear that the park meets a real need for safe playground space for the numerous families and young people who live nearby,” says Bastian. “Perhaps more importantly, it provides a space that they can be proud of in their own backyards, and should give them a sense of belonging and the knowledge that their community is actively working to improve their quality of life.”
Many Carol Stream leaders spoke to the crowd of neighbors the evening of October 15. Carolshire association Board member and advocate of the park, Sunil Jain, announced at the grand opening, “The wait is over and neighbors can enjoy this beautiful park. The park is attracting many buyers to purchase property in the neighborhood. Carolshire residents are super excited. Carolshire Park will not only provide a playground for kids but also an opportunity for adults and neighbors to come together and build a stronger community.”
Carol Stream Park Board President Brenda Gramann summed it all up: “The parks in Carol Stream are about the kids, the families and the neighbors. They’re a big part of what makes Carol Stream such a great place to live. We’re grateful to be able to bring a park to this deserving and underserved area. While the name is Carolshire Park today, make no mistake, this park is for everyone in the community – especially the kids!”
When the opening was winding down, Jim Reuter, Executive Director of the Carol Stream Park District stood back and reflected on his thoughts. “This is why we do what we do. Building a park in this area transforms the community through increased property values, quality of life and allows children and adults just the same, from two different condo associations, to come together and PLAY together. What is better than bringing the community together?”
Debbie Trueblood, Executive Director of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, attended the opening. “I see parks, playgrounds, and facilities all over the state, but I have yet to see one anywhere that has brought together a community like this one has. Already children from these neighborhoods are coming together and through their parents, they are creating a new community with a well-earned sense of pride. Parks are never just about land, slides, swings or walking trails. They are about community, families, health and wellness. We strive for parks to create social equity. The Carol Stream Park District has succeeded in all these areas and that is no easy task.”
As the Carolshire Commons condominium association continues on its successful journey, Carolshire Park stands as the pinnacle of the accomplishments achieved by a larger community working together to make a neighborhood strong and to take care of its children.
We are Carol Stream!
View the Carol Stream Park District’s PARK PAGE for Carolshire Park to see photos.
Resources
Bastian, Don – Community Development Director, Village of Carol Stream. Quoted from email sent October 31, 2019 to Jim Reuter, Executive Director, Carol Stream Park District.
Dittmer McKuen, Pamela. Condo Lifestyles, “The Transformation of Carolshire Commons,” July 2019, Volume 14, Number 2.
Firm of GreenbergFarrow (landscape, architecture), “Carolshire Park Development: Master Plan and Community Development Block Grant”, October 4, 2017.
Gramann, Brenda – Board President, Carol Stream Park District Board of Commissioners. Quoted from email sent November 5, 2019 to Carolyn Mondlock, Marketing Manager.
Jain, Sunil – Carolshire Commons Condominium Association. Quoted from email sent
October 16, 2019 to Jim Reuter, Executive Director, Carol Stream Park District.
Mondlock, Carolyn. “Park District to hold Grand Opening of Carolshire Park October 15, 2019, 5:30 pm”. Press release sent to media September 30, 2019.
Reuter, Jim – Executive Director, Carol Stream Park District. Quote provided October 24, 2019.
Trueblood, Debbie – Executive Director, Illinois Park and Recreation Association. Quoted from email sent October 30, 2019 to Jim Reuter, Executive Director, Carol Stream Park District.
This story is authored by Carolyn Mondlock, Marketing Manager, Carol Stream Park District. November 6, 2019.
Work out on our new turf! We’ll show you all the things you can do. Training on a turf surface is ideal for developing endurance, speed, agility, strength, power and coordination through a multitude of exercises. The slightly padded surface assists athletes in maintaining their positioning during precision movements like pivots and planting their feet for lifts, as well as stretching. It also allows them to maintain their rhythm and balance while focusing more on technique and strength.
So what do you do on turf? It’s perfect for sled drags, tire flips, broad jumps, medicine ball slams, prowlers, box jumps, battle ropes and more. Learning to use these various types of equipment allows full freedom of movement that can mimic life activities and tasks. This is called functional training – training your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work or in sports.
Published and copy written by the National Recreation and Park Association
The reasons that draw people to their local parks demonstrate park and recreation agencies’ broad mission to be the centerpiece of healthy, thriving, connected-to-nature communities. Whether spending time with friends and family, improving their health or reconnecting with nature after a hectic week, the reasons people visit their local park and recreation facilities are as diverse as they are.
In 2016, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) launched an annual survey that investigates how people engage with their local park and recreation agencies. Each year, the study examines the importance of public parks in people’s lives, including how parks compare to other local government services and offerings. Now in its fourth year, the 2019 Engagement with Parks Report looks at how people interact with parks, the key reasons driving this interaction and the greatest challenges that prevent increased usage. Additionally, this year’s study takes a closer look at people’s favorite outdoor activities as well as their support of local governments expanding open space in their jurisdictions for the protection of natural resources in the community.
From left to right: Officer Seth Berlin, Jason Anderson, Office Joe Jennings.
At last night’s Park District Board meeting, President Brenda Gramann recognized two police officers: Hoffman Estates Police Officer Joe Jennings and Hanover Park Police Officer Seth Berlin. The officers were off duty participating in our adult floor hockey league when they came upon Jason Anderson who had lost consciousness at the site. The officers performed CPR and saved Mr. Anderson’s life. What a great story! Thank you all for your service and we’re glad you’re okay Jason!
Thank you for your cooperation and patience when we closed the facility last week. To make the facility better for you, we did a bit of cleaning – a thorough “nook & cranny” cleaning and a little feng shui! Here’s a few of our projects:
