Huntley Park District Looks Toward the Future

Faced with serving a community that has dramatically changed over the last two decades, the Huntley Park District is working with a local firm to create a comprehensive plan that identifies the kind of programs and services residents want, as well as how to prioritize the community wish list.

The master plan, expected to be unveiled next year, will guide the park district through the next five years. The findings, recommendations and priorities, though, will offer long-term suggestions and become a guide the district could follow for decades.

"We're very excited to see what the opinion is out there, and we're excited to see the new things that will come from (the plan,)" said Thom Palmer, executive director of the Huntley Park District.

The park district, like much of the area, reacted to a growth spurt that doubled the local population, changing the kind and scope of recreational services offered.  With a sour economy slowing residential growth across the country, Palmer said, the park district is using the down time to map its future.

Bonestroo – a St. Paul, Minn. , based company with a Libertyville office – is conducting research for the comprehensive plan, which is expected to cost $45,000. The firm beat out three others that competed for the contract.

"Right now, we're in the fact-finding and opinion-gathering stage," said Debbie Kraus, recreation director. "We're taking a look at what is out there and what the park district can do better for the community."

Recently, surveys were mailed to 2,000 residents. The questionnaires are designed to gather information about how people use district resources and determine ways to improve how the district operates.

The goal is to get responses from as many people as possible, said Richard Twitchell, senior planner for Bonestroo. The information gathered will help shape programs, parks and other district offerings.

Those surveys will need to be returned by mid-November. (People who respond will receive a buy one meal-get one free coupon for Pinecrest, the restaurant at the park's golf course club. They will have a chance to fill out a form and return it for a chance to win $100 as well.)

Last month, two public meetings were held to get input from residents. Meetings with stakeholders – the village, school district, business organizations, athletic groups and others who actively use park district services – built on some of the discussions that happened in the initial meetings.

Combined, all of the information collected will be used for a comprehensive plan that will likely include everything from capital improvement projects to land acquisition and recommendations for programming and other upgrades.

Some of the wish list items already mentioned include additional golf facilities, an expansion of and indoor facilities, such as an ice skating rink, pool and sports complex.

But each of these options could be costly, and it's unclear how passionate residents are about the possible additions.

"We'll see from the survey how people respond," Twitchell said. "We know in this economy, it's tough to be able to assume you're going to be able to do the things that people want. People may say they want something, but are they really willing to fund it?"

That is something the firm will consider as it puts together recommendations that "meet wants and needs, but are also feasible and viable."

The plan will also prioritize each of the suggestions.

A draft is expected to be finished and presented to park commissioners early next year. The plan could be up for approval at a public meeting by March, Twitchell said.