NOTICE OF MEETING TUESDAY, November 18, :00 p.m.

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1 NOTICE OF MEETING TUESDAY, November 18, :00 p.m. Park District of Highland Park Board of Park Commissioners West Ridge Center 636 Ridge Rd. Highland Park, IL I. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR MEETING AGENDA II. III. IV. ROLL CALL ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON AGENDA V. CONSENT AGENDA A. Minutes from the October 28 Board Meeting B. Resolution IMRF Appointment C Board Meeting Calendar D. Bills and Payroll in the amount of $1,353, VI. VII. VIII. IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Resolution Truth in Taxation B. Approval of Hidden Creek AquaPark Splash Pad Improvements TREASURER S REPORT NEW BUSINESS A. Treasurer Appointment B. Director Report OPEN TO PUBLIC TO ADDRESS BOARD X. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT: Section 2(c)1 the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline of the District including legal counsel for the District; Section 2(c)5 the purchase or lease of real estate including discussion on whether a certain parcel of property should be acquired; Section 2(c)6 the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the District; Section 2(c)8 security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property; Section 2(c) 11 litigation against or on behalf of the District or where the District finds that an action is probable or imminent; Section 2(c) 21 the discussion of minutes lawfully closed under the Act, whether for the purposes of approval of said minutes or for conducting the semi-annual review of the minutes as set forth in section 2.06 of the Act.; Section 2(c) 29 - for discussions between internal or external auditors and the Board. Possible action by the Board on items discussed in closed session. XI. XII. ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION IF ANY ADJOURNMENT Persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting should contact the Park District s ADA Compliance Officer, Liza McElroy, at the Park District s Administrative Office, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Requests for a qualified ASL interpreter require five (5) working days advance notice. Telephone number ; fax number

2 PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 28, 2014 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of Highland Park, was held in the Board Room at the West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by President Meyers. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Staff Present: Guests : Commissioner Bernstein, Commissioner Kaplan, Vice-President Ruttenberg, Commissioner Flores Weisskopf, President Meyers None Executive Director McElroy, Director Stumpf, Director Donahue, Director Gogola, Director Baker, Asst. Director Malartsik, Asst. Director Romes, Manager Curtis, Manage Naatz, Supervisor Fiore, Manager Meo, Assistant Manager Rivi Janet Bernstein ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA None PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS ON AGENDA None CONSENT AGENDA Minutes from August 26 Board Meeting; Minutes from September 9 Workshop Meeting; Minutes from September 23 Board Meeting; Minutes from September 29 Special Meeting; Minutes from October 14 Workshop Meeting; IAPD/IPRA Credentials Certification; Millard Park Rock Garden / Geologic Display Donation; Bills and Payroll in the amount of $2,598,758,79 Motion was made by Vice President Ruttenberg, seconded by Commissioner Kaplan, to accept the Consent Agenda. Roll Call: Aye: Nay: Absent: Abstain: Commissioner Bernstein, Commissioner Kaplan, Vice-President Ruttenberg, Commissioner Flores Weisskopf, President Meyers None None None Motion carried. 1

3 Board Meeting Minutes October 28, 2014 UNFINISHED BUSINESS Travel Sports Program Policy Assistant Director Romes presented the following policy to the board for consideration. For the purpose of this policy, Travel Sports are defined as any sport that requires a tryout in order to be selected to a team. Travel Teams are any team that requires a tryout in order to be selected to that team. If a child attends any travel sport tryout, is selected to a travel team and following the posting of that team voluntarily withdraws, quits, or is removed by Park District management for any reason other than family emergency or specific medical problem, that player will not receive any refund. Additionally, that player will be prohibited from participating in any travel team tryouts for the 12 months following the withdrawal date for all travel sports, including tryouts for the travel sport in which they withdrew, quit or were removed from for the following season. He indicated that this is a procedure that has been in place but has not been formally approved by the Park Board. Commissioner Kaplan stated the importance of the policy and that the policy is not to punish the children that leave the program but to protect the children that want to stay. Commissioner Bernstein recommended that all parents sign a form of acknowledgement of receipt. Commissioner Flores Weisskopf added that the form should be signed by both parent and child. Staff recommends the approval of the Travel Sports Program Policy. Motion was made by Commissioner Kaplan, seconded by Vice President Ruttenberg, to accept the Travel Sports Program Policy. Roll Call: Aye: Nay: Absent: Abstain: Commissioner Bernstein, Commissioner Kaplan, Vice-President Ruttenberg, Commissioner Flores Weisskopf, President Meyers None None None Motion carried. TREASURER S REPORT Manager Curtis reported on the month of September financials. Executive Director McElroy mentioned that the Rosewood expenditures are less because not all the bills have been received. Vice President Ruttenberg asked about investment and interest schedule. NEW BUSINESS 2

4 Board Meeting Minutes October 28, 2014 Hidden Creek AquaPark Year-End Report Manager Meo presented an overview of the 2014 Hidden Creek AquaPark season. Summer Camp Year-End Report Manager Naatz and Supervisor Fiori gave overview of 2014 Summer Camp season. Director Report Executive Director McElroy reported on the successful football season for both the Park District and Highland Park High School teams. Executive Director McElroy also shared information about the Park District Halloween happenings. Commissioner Bernstein complemented the Athletics Staff on the great job that they do with programs and leagues as well as being fiscally responsible. COMMISSIONER/COMMITTEE REPORT OPEN TO PUBLIC TO ADDRESS BOARD President Meyers asked if there was anyone from the public that would like to address the Board. Janet Bernstein asked about the attendance for Pickleball at the Recreation Center. She thought the summer camps sounded like fun and asked if a summer camp for Seniors could be researched. CLOSED SESSION Motion was made by Vice President Ruttenberg, seconded by Commissioner Bernstein, to adjourn into Closed Session for discussion of Section 2(c)(1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline of the District including legal counsel for the District; Section 2(c)5 the purchase or lease of real estate including discussion on whether a certain parcel of property should be acquired; Section 2(c)6 the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the District; Section 2(c)8 security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property; Section 2(c)11 litigation against or on behalf of the District or where the District finds that an action is probable or imminent; Section 2(c)21 the discussion of minutes lawfully closed under the Act, whether for the purposes of approval of said minutes or for conducting the semi-annual review of the minutes as set forth in Section 2.06 of the Act; Section 2(c)29 for discussions between internal or external auditors and the Board. Roll Call: Aye: Nay: Absent: Abstain: Commissioner Bernstein, Commissioner Kaplan, Vice-President Ruttenberg, Commissioner Flores Weisskopf, President Meyers None None None 3

5 Board Meeting Minutes October 28, 2014 Meeting was adjourned into Closed Session at 6:53 p.m. Meeting reconvened to Open Session at 7:55 p.m. ACTION FROM CLOSED SESSION President Meyers reported that the Board met in Closed Session under Section 2(c)5 the purchase or lease of real estate including discussion on whether a certain parcel of property should be acquired; Section 2(c)6 the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the District. No action needs to be taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Bernstein, seconded by Commissioner Kaplan and approved by unanimous voice vote. The Board Meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Liza McElroy, Secretary 4

6 MEMORANDUM To: Board of Park Commissioners From: Executive Director McElroy Date: November 14, 2014 Re: RESOLUTION ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND (IMRF) APPOINTMENT It is recommended that the Park Board appoint Annette Curtis, Director of Finance, to serve as the authorized agent for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) by adopting Resolution No

7 PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK RESOLUTION NO A RESOLUTION APPOINTING ANNETTE CURTIS AS THE PARK DISTRICT'S AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRANSACTING BUSINESS WITH THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND (IMRF) WHEREAS, the Park District of Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois ("Park District") is a participating municipality in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund ("IMRF"); and WHEREAS, each participating municipality in IMRF is required by Section of the Illinois Pension Code to appoint an authorized agent who shall have the powers and perform the duties set forth in that section (40 ILCS 5/7-135); and WHEREAS, the Park District s Board of Park Commissioners ("Board") previously has appointed Liza McElroy as the Park District s authorized agent effective on June 24, 2014; and WHEREAS, the Board has determined that it is in the best interest of the Park District for Annette Curtis to become the Park District's new authorized agent for the purpose of transacting business with IMRF on and after November 18, 2014; and NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, AS FOLLOWS: SECTION ONE: The Board finds all of the recitals contained in the preamble to this Resolution are true and correct, hereby incorporates them in this Resolution by this reference. SECTION TWO: The Board appoints Annette Curtis as the Park District's authorized agent to exercise the powers and perform the duties set forth in Section of the Illinois Pension Code, effective November 14, SECTION THREE: This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption as provided by law. ADOPTED THIS 18 th day of November AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Attest: President Board of Park Commissioners Liza McElroy, Secretary Board of Park Commissioners

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9 MEMORANDUM Date: November 13, 2014 To: Park Board From: Liza McElroy Re: 2015 Board Meeting Calendar Attached is the proposed PDHP Park Board meeting calendar for 2015, with meetings held on Tuesday evenings. The meetings are currently scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. Staff recommends approval of the 2015 Board Meeting Calendar.

10 PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK 2015 Workshop and Regular Meeting Dates West Ridge Center 636 Ridge Road Highland Park, IL All Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. Meetings are held at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL unless otherwise indicated. TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 TUESDAY, MARCH 10 TUESDAY, MARCH 24 TUESDAY, APRIL 14 TUESDAY, APRIL 28 TUESDAY, MAY 12 TUESDAY, MAY 26 TUESDAY, JUNE 9 TUESDAY, JUNE 23 TUESDAY, JULY 14 TUESDAY, JULY 28 TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting Workshop Meeting Regular Meeting

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29 MEMORANDUM To: Board of Commissioners From: Annette Curtis, Director of Finance C: Liza McElroy, Executive Director Date: November 18, 2014 Re: Resolution Truth in Taxation Resolution As was explained at the Board Workshop on November 11, 2014, the Park District must prepare, at least 20 days prior to the tax levy ordinance approval, an estimate of the tax levy. This estimate, known as Truth in Taxation, must be approved by the Board of Commissioners. The deadline for filing the levy ordinance is the final Tuesday of the month. In 2014 that is December 28. At the November 11 meeting, the Board accepted the recommendation of the Finance Committee for a levy increase of 2.34% -based on a 1.5% CPI increase in its "capped funds," and levying four cents of EAV for the Special Recreation Fund. Since the levy increase is less than 5%, the District does not have to hold a truth in taxation hearing. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Board of Commissioners approve Resolution 14-08, Truth In Taxation, indicating that the tax levy for 2015 (2014 tax year) will be $10, (ten million, six hundred twenty-eight thousand, three hundred and eighty dollars), an increase of $243,041.

30 PARK DISTRICT OF HIGHLAND PARK TRUTH IN TAXATION LAW RESOLUTION #14-08 RESOLVED, by the Board of Park Commissioners of the Park District of Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois that based upon the most recently ascertainable information, the following determinations are hereby made in accordance with the Truth in Taxation Law. 1. The amount of real estate taxes, exclusive of the election costs and debt service levies, extended by the Park District, plus any amount abated by the Park District prior to such extension, upon the final 2013 real estate tax levy of the Park District (2014 tax bill) is $10,385, The amount of real estate taxes, exclusive of election costs, public commission leases and debt service levies, proposed to be levied by the Park District for 2014 (2015 tax bill) is $10,628, Based on the foregoing, the estimated percentage increase in the proposed 2014 aggregate levy over the amount of real estate taxes extended upon the final 2013 aggregate levy is 2.34%. Passed this 18 th day of November, 2014 AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Attested and filed this 18 th day of November, 2014: Liza McElroy, Secretary Board of Park Commissioners Scott Meyers, President Board of Park Commissioners

31 MEMORANDUM To: From: Board of Park Commissioners Assistant Director Malartsik Date: November 13, 2014 Re: RECOMMENDATION: ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2015 HIDDEN CREEK AQUAPARK SPLASH PAD BASE BID INCLUDING ALTERNATE #1, #2, and #3 FROM CLAUSS BROTHERS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $459, C: Liza McElroy, Executive Director SUMMARY The Park District of Highland Park received five (5) qualified sealed bids on November 6, 2014 for the 2015 Hidden Creek AquaPark Splash Pad Project. This project is identified in our 2015 Capital Program. The Hidden Creek AquaPark Project was designed incorporating community survey results that was completed in 2012, public input from Hidden Creek Advisory Committee Meetings, and with direct feedback from the Park Board of Commissioners. The Hidden Creek Splash Pad is a themed water play environment intended to be used by families and children of all ages. The Splash Pad has a variety of exciting interactive features, offering users a unique experience and multiple splash opportunities each time they visit the park. Some highlights of the design elements are: Specialty paving colors and patterns representing the Hidden Creek running through the splash pad, linking the new elements with the existing water play structure Overhead spray features resembling elements found in nature, such as flowers, leaves, trees, and giant frogs provide various water experiences. Ground spray features in the form of critters found around creeks and streams, such as frogs, lizards, snakes, and ants provide elements of surprise. Various Interactive spray features that allow users to dictate the timing, force, and direction of water flow.

32 Additional shade structures and seating will allow parents or sunbathers the opportunity to observe children without getting wet. This project will also address the facility s ongoing drainage issues, the sand play area, and other systematic pool maintenance issues. All of the aforementioned is included in the base bid. Additionally, there were five (5) alternates that were included in the bid packet. Alternate #1: Add safety surface around the perimeter of the water play feature. Alternate #2: Add a new slide and renovate the tub on the existing water play feature. Alternate #3: Add additional water spray feature (spinning tray) Alternate #4: Deduct the cost of the color concrete included in the base bid Alternate #5: Address the no longer compliant piping, circulation pumps, and replace controller Request for Bid packets were sent directly to eight (8) Illinois Department of Public Health Department pre-qualified swimming pool contractors. Attached is the bid tabulation prepared by Hitchcock Design Group. After reviewing the bid tabulation, staff is recommending acceptance of the base bid along with alternate #1, #2, and #3. Alternate #4 was included in the bid to give an overall deduction option if the project came in over the budgeted amount. This deduction is not needed. Alternate #5 must be addressed and was added to this project as an alternate due to the efficiencies. In carefully reviewing the bid tabulation however, staff recommends not accepting Alternate #5 and rebidding this project in January for a couple reasons. There is an $81,000 spread in the Alternate #5 bid tabulation numbers from low to high. The overall delta by accepting the lowest bidder with alternate #1, #2, and #3 is $75, Staff and the engineering team believes this project to be in the $45,000 - $65,000 range. Bidding this separately will attract swimming pool companies directly rather than bidding through a general contract as they did with this project due to the overall scope. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends acceptance of the low total base bid including alternates #1, #2, and #3 from Clauss Brothers, Inc. in the total amount of $459, BUDGET IMPACT Total Available Budgeted Capital Funds this project $550, Base Bid including Alternates #1, 2, and #3 Recommendation $459,638.75

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43 MEMORANDUM To: From: Board of Park Commissioners Executive Director McElroy Date: November 14, 2014 Re: APPOINTMENT OF TREASURER Annette Curtis was recently appointed as Director of Finance. Executive Director McElroy consulted with Cal Bernstein and Scott Meyers, both members of the Finance Committee, regarding the appointment of Annette Curtis as Treasurer. All were in agreement with this appointment. Executive Director McElroy would recommend that the Park Board approve the appointment of Annette Curtis as Treasurer, effective November 18, 2014

44 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S MONTHLY NOVEMBER 14, 2014 UPCOMING MEETINGS AND DATES Tuesday November 18 / 6:00 p.m. / West Ridge Center / Regular Meeting Tuesday, December 2 / 6:00 p.m. / West Ridge Center / Workshop Meeting Tentatively Thursday, December 11 / 6:00 p.m. / West Ridge Center / Regular Meeting Monday, December 15 / 6:30 p.m. / Recreation Center of Highland Park / 50+ Active Adults Program Advisory Committee Meeting FACILITIES DEER CREEK COURTS DEER CREEK COURTS Fall Registration Adult Junior Total Memberships News & Events The Park District s Monster Bash party, which was held at Deer Creek Courts on October 25, was the cover story in Highland Park s Landmark Newspaper. There were 22 junior players who were dressed up in their favorite costume and played tennis, etc. Over 30 member players are participating in our two Women s Travel teams. There are 10 teams in each division, comprised of local Park Districts. Our A/B team is in 2 nd place and our new B team is just above the basement. Deer Creek Courts Mom s Day Out drop-in programs have attracted on average campers. TRX Cardio Tennis, which meets very Thursday at noon, is a program where participants join our Head Pro and rotate between tennis drills and TRX exercises every 5 minutes. TRX is taught by the Recreation Center of Highland Park s Armando Valerio. HIDDEN CREEK AQUAPARK News & Events Bids for the new Splash Pad have been received and are being reviewed by staff. 1

45 CENTENNIAL ICE ARENA CENTENNIAL ICE ARENA * Late Fall Skating Adult Parent & Tot Preschool Youth Hockey Total Late Fall Gymnastics Parent & Tot Preschool Youth Total *Session began November 3, registration is still being taken News & Events Late fall session began Monday, November 3 and goes until Sunday, January 18. The World Invitational Hockey Tournament held hockey games at Centennial Ice Arena on Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8. Teams from across the US and other countries participated in the tournament, which was held at several Chicago area arenas. Thanksgiving weekend will have public skate hours on Thursday, November 27, from 7:30-9pm; Friday, November 28, from 2-3:20pm; and Saturday, November 29, from 1-2:20pm. Registration for the 2015 Annual Ice Show Pop will be held November 29-December 12. SUNSET VALLEY GOLF COURSE & GOLF MAINTENANCE SUNSET VALLEY GOLF COURSE Total Rounds April 1,678 1,489 1,173 May 4,399 3,550 3,252 June 5,796 4,545 3,930 July 5,304 5,487 4,823 2

46 August 5,559 6,007 5,112 September 4,063 4,060 3,840 October 2,061 2,048 1,752 November 1, December January February 0 0 March Totals 31,633 27,875 23,882 Pass Holder Rounds April May 1,498 1,196 1,101 June 1,843 1,441 1,307 July 1,520 1,555 1,440 August 1,941 1,972 1,850 September 1,514 1,337 1,377 October November December 0 0 January 0 0 February 0 0 March Totals 10,505 9,126 8,347 Greens Fee Players April May 2,901 2,354 2,151 June 3,953 3,104 2,623 3

47 July 3,784 3,932 3,383 August 3,618 4,035 3,262 September 2,549 2,723 2,463 October 1,218 1,238 1,011 November December January February 0 0 March Totals 21,127 18,749 15,535 News & Events Sunset Valley held the Girl s Conference Tournament. Staff attended PDRMA Risk Institute Day. Golf Maintenance Leaf removal, winter preparations, and tree removals are in full swing. Seasonal crew is done for the year. RECREATION CENTER OF HIGHLAND PARK RECREATION CENTER OF HIGHLAND PARK Memberships Annual Non-Annual NorthShore Grant Total Memberships New Annual Memberships Kid Fit Memberships Active Members Annual Non-Annual NorthShore Grant

48 Active Members Total Members Kid Fit Members Punch Pass/Day Pass Fitness/Aquatics Punch Open Gym Punch Kid Fit Punch Pass Facility Day Pass Aquatics Day Pass Punch Pass/Day Pass Open Gym Day Pass Kid Fit Day Pass Kid Fit Time Out Day Pass Facility Usage Fitness Aquatics Kid Fit Group Exercise (per class) Water Aerobics (Per class) Personal Training/Programs Personal Training Units Sold Personal Training Usage Masters Swim Units Sold Learn to Swim Private Swim Lessons Rental Bookings News & Events There was an 11.3% increase in group exercise per class attendance versus In addition, we are offering more group exercise classes, so overall attendance in group exercise is up as well. 5

49 Membership growth continues to be strong with a 10% overall growth from October 2013 to October 2014 and up 1% from September The strongest growth is in Student Memberships which is up 45%, Limited Memberships is up 27% and Individual Memberships which is up 14%. A 23.8% increase in open gym day passes attributed to having both lobby and fitness desks fully staffed. Personal Training sales/units sold increased 3.5%. With the addition of a new personal training coordinator in October, we anticipate a steady increase in units sold versus 2013 for the months of November and December. HELLER HELLER NATURE CENTER School Programs In-District Schools Out-of-District Schools TOTAL In-District school programs continue to decline due to limitations District 112 classes have on field trips, as well as a decrease in the number of classes per grade. Adult and Family Programs Number of Programs Number of Participants Three programs were canceled due to low enrollment and one program was canceled due to rain. There has been increased participation in Movies in Nature documentary series for adults when the program is offered in conjunction with another organization (e.g., Highland Park Environmental Commission, Emily Oaks Nature Center, Friends of Ryerson Woods). Teams Course Programs Number of Programs Number of Participants Custom and Scout Programs Number of Programs Number of Participants

50 News & Events Heller staff is currently working on the spring brochure copy. Programs targeted at Seniors and Tweens are continuing to be offered. Several new programs are being offered for children and families during Spring Break. Heller staff worked with Registration and Parks to make registration for the Off-Leash Dog Exercise Areas available online. Online registration will begin on November 19. Heller staff is currently preparing for the cross-country ski rental season. Changes are being implemented to make the rental process run more smoothly for both customer and staff. Heller staff continues to work on the educational components of the Rosewood Beach project, preparing for the completion of the interpretive panels in winter and implementation of new education programs for School District 112 in spring. GENERAL West Ridge Center Fall Registration as of September 30, Variance Art Dance Early Childhood Martial Arts Music Variety Kinder Express Total Registration News & Events In order to increase participation in our dance program, we have introduced a new marketing campaign, Take More Chances, Dance More Dances this month. Next month all of our ballet classes will be participating in our first Nutcracker showcase, complete with costumes and props for parents and friends during the last 10 minutes of each class. For the winter and spring session, we will offer a new Friday night workshop series for dancers of all levels. The Highland Park Strings held their first concert of the season on Sunday, October 26 at Highland Park High School. Over 1,000 people attended. The concert included a performance of Robert Schumann s Piano Concerto in A Minor by Steinway Artist, Susan Merdinger. Their next concert will be December 7,

51 The new 2015 Grant-in-Aid scholarship applications have been mailed to past participants. Facilities are given 2015 applications in both Spanish and English for any new participants. Spooktacular and X-FEARience on Sunday, October 12 brought in over $4,000 and over 400 children and their families attended the event. In 2013, we received $1,100 in revenue with 223 children and their families. The event offered new and unique carnival rides and inflatables, a spooky walk, story-teller, DJ, creepy ghouls roaming the park, and a flash mob. October Art Events included: Parent/Child Pumpkin Luminaries with 7 couples and a Mom & Mom Halloween Cupcake Decorating that had 6 couples. Throughout the month of October, Registration has worked collaboratively with Deer Creek, Business and IT staff to develop and implement a live registration process. During this time: o Deer Creek is currently entering 100% of their own program registrations. o Next Steps: A PCI compliant process for memberships and rentals will be implemented in mid-to-late November. ATHLETICS ATHLETICS All Star Sports Boys Elite Basketball Wrestling Total News & Events Boys Elite Basketball is down one team from last year. Wrestling numbers are up due to the coaching staff handing out fliers at various schools and throughout the summer. The program start date was moved up a week, which made the program more attractive. The Heavyweight Football team finished the regular season at 6-1 and made it to the championship game of the CSYFL. They lost 26-8 to a very good Evanston team. This is the second time in 3 years that the heavyweight team has made it to championship. They won the championship back in The Lightweight Football team finished the season undefeated and made it to the championship game of the CSYFL. They beat Wilmette 7-6. This is the first championship the Lightweight team has won in the last 15 years. The Middleweight Football team finished the regular season with a 5-2 record and beat Winnetka in the 5 th place game. This is the best record a middleweight team has had in the last 5 years. PARKS 8

52 Renovation of the Danny Cunniff baseball infield is completed. Fall fertilizing continues and is on-going. The last aerating operations are being completed this week. Unusually cold weather may hinder the final aeration for the season. Tree contractors have been working on removals at May T. Watts Park near Ravinia School. Replacement trees have been arriving and planting is underway at Larry Fink Park. Sod work has been completed at the Debbie Gottlieb Beitler Dog Park, Cloverdale Park, Fink Park, and Danny Cunniff. New trucks have been received and set up for winter plowing. Seasonal set-up for the sled hill and outdoor ice has been started. Worked on repairs at Park Ave Boating Beach. Performed several repairs at the facilities. Seasonal buildings are being winterized and secured for winter. MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DASHBOARD (results for October) Facebook New Followers: 30 Reach: 13,299 up 2,423% Total Engagement: 618 up 218% Twitter Tweets: 124 Followers: 372 Pinterest NEW!!! Boards: 10 Followers: 8 YouTube Views: 713 Most Popular: Rosewood Aerial Video Pdhp.org Visitors: 4,748 Visits: 12,136 Pageviews: 33,801 Blasts Total Database: 14,610 s Sent: 16 Average Open Rate: 31.7% Media Relations Press Releases: 4 Articles: 11 Reach: 106,600 New Website Design Our pdhp.org website is now three years old and ready for a make-over. A recent audit showed that the site is not searchable by modern search engine algorithms; the site can not automatically adjust itself for variable screen sizes (tablets, phones, etc); design is based on older narrow model screen sizes and is not optimizing real estate as effectively as it could; the site s content management system is propriety and is difficult for staff to update and does not offer flexibility for adding photos, videos or many other new features. 9

53 As a result of the audit, the marketing team is undertaking a redesign of the website. The new site is targeted to launch in spring 2015 and will include the following features: - Clean modern design - Responsive architecture (site will adjust automatically to varying screen sizes) - Site design will be wider to maximize real estate - URLs will be optimized for search engines - Navigation will be based on historical analytic information from current site and from staff input - Structure of the site will be streamlined for easier updating by staff - Content will be refreshed - Homepage will include Quick Links to popular sections of the site - Internal Pages will include dynamic elements such as sliders, videos and event feeds - WordPress Content Management System (CMS) this system has been on the market for over 10 years and runs about 25% of the Internet. It is consistently rated as a top CMS year after year. It is an open platform system that allows new updates and feature plug-ins. The system is intuitively designed to be user friendly Brochures Seasonal Brochures A new seasonal brochure cover design premiered with this year s winter brochure. The new cover masthead highlights the words Park District of Highland Park at the top. The brochure highlights key cross-facility programs for winter including Winter Break Activities and the launch of the new teen program Middle Ground. The Deer Creek Courts section of the brochure was also redesigned to include new brand copy for the facility and its programs; membership and class information tables for easier reading; and a better use of color. Marketing will continue working with each facility to incorporate similar changes. Camp Brochure The camp brochure was redesigned to give it a fresher modern feel. Content was reworked to highlight key elements/benefits of our camp program that sets us apart from competing camps. Specific camp content was also streamlined to allow for more photos. Photography was carefully selected to capture the scope and essence of what makes our camps so special. Promotions Halloween Bundled all of our Halloween events under the theme Hang out with us. This strategy allowed us to cross-market all of our great Halloween events in a fun and creative way. Camps Launched a teaser campaign We set the Bar & We are Out of the Box for camps. The campaign begins a few weeks before the camp brochure will mail. Once the camp brochure is out in November, we will have a follow-up cross-marketing campaign for each camp category based on the same premise. Middle Ground Launched the new teen programming category brand Middle Ground. Creative for the brand has a fun edgy feel to attract teens. Brand This past month, we launched a new customer-focused approach to our marketing. Here are some highlights: 10

54 - Benefit-oriented content that differentiates Park District programs, events, facilities, when possible - Simple & creative messaging that is thought-provoking, clever, relatable, and gives a call to action - Clean fresh graphics that tell a story - Deliver consistent messaging across all media outlets (website, flyers, posters, banners, s, advertising, etc) - Photography compose photos to capture a personal slice of life. This would include people enjoying themselves, family and friends at park district programs and events or individuals focused on a sport or activity at one of our facilities. - New moveable sign frames allow facilities to get marketing messages out into public areas and corridors so they are seen more easily by customers. 11