Ask Your Park District

The Oswegoland Park District Board of Commissioners and staff welcome the opportunity to address residents' questions. Below is a list of inquiries received through email, phone calls, letters to the editor, or conversations on the street.

If you have a question, or would like more information on these or any park district related topic, feel free to contact info@oswegolandpd.org or call 630.554.1010.

"Has the Oswegoland Park District considered building a dog park?"
The Park District has received several such inquiries, and we know that there is a need for a leash-free dog park in our community. The staff is currently researching the feasibility in regard to maintenance, cost, liability, and location. Location is our main concern. At this time, the Park District simply does not have a park to exclusively designate for this use, but we are continuing to search and explore possibilities. In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy the parks and trails currently available to all our resident dogs and their owners.

 

"Why haven't I read about the Park District making budget cuts during the economic downturn?"
The Park District has had to make the same difficult decisions as other public agencies. The reason that there hasn't been as much publicity about it is that the management team began preparing for the financial strain early on by requiring across the board expense reductions, cutting one full time employee, and not replacing a full time vacancy. In addition, a wage freeze has been and continues to be in effect for all employees. These measures taken almost a year ago have helped position the district against budget shortfalls avoiding a publicized budget crisis.

"Why is the Park District purchasing riverfront property and how did the sales come about?"
It has always been the policy of the Oswegoland Park District to listen to and respond to the needs and requests of our residents. The 2006 Needs Assessment Survey and the 2008 phone survey, both conducted by independent research firms, indicated the following:

• 89% agree that our land, water, and wildlife are our natural heritage and that we have a stewardship responsibility to protect and preserve them.
  
• 76% indicated that with land and property prices stabilized or falling, this is an ideal time to purchase natural areas and parkland.
  
• 71% approved the Park District purchasing land along the Fox River. 
  

The Park Board is listening. Since 2002, six properties along the river, including the site of Hudson Crossing Park, have been purchased. In each case, the property owner approached the Park District to sell, never the reverse, and each land negotiation was individualized based on timing, perceived needs, and fair market value.

We thank you, our residents, for your input, and invite you to visit Hudson Crossing Park in the heart of our downtown any day of the week to witness first hand how your recommendation has resulted in the enjoyment of our beautiful natural resource which is the Fox River.

 

"What is being constructed along Plainfield Road behind Prairie Point?"
A new skate park! The 7900 square foot concrete park is nearing completion and was funded in part by a state grant. Construction is scheduled to be done this fall.