Park District Commissioners are responsible for overseeing the management, development, and maintenance of local parks, recreation programs, and community facilities. They set policies, approve budgets, and ensure that park district resources are used effectively to benefit residents. Commissioners work to expand recreational opportunities, maintain green spaces, and promote public engagement in community activities. This is a nonpartisan position focused on enhancing the quality of life through parks and recreation services.
I am a retired Pk-8 Chicago Public School Principal. My husband and I raised our family in Berkeley and over the last 38 years, I have participated in countless park district programs and have volunteered at many events. My passion for park conservation and recreation motivate me to run. I have also consistently attended park board meetings for the last 4 years and see a great need to increase community engagement. Berkeley is a diverse community and our residents need to be heard in order to provide programs/events and park upgrades that best reflect their needs. I will be part of the solution to hear more voices and use data to drive strategic planning. I will use my skills as an educator to promote open communication and transparency.
A park commissioner oversees the management, development, and maintenance of parks, recreation programs, and facilities. She ensures park resources benefit the residents, promotes fiscal responsibility, as well as community engagement. A commissioner is the face of the park district and should participate in programs and events as she is able. She represents the voice of the community. It is important that a commissioner remain unbiased and open minded because she serves all the people in her community.
Berkeley Park District is unique in size and budget requiring creative solutions to programming as well as park and building improvements and staffing. The biggest challenge is aligning a small budget with a strategic plan the best meets the needs of our diverse community. We need to live within our means and continue partnership opportunities with the library, Memorial Park District, and the Village of Berkeley. I would look for different grants to address park, building, and program needs. Creative staffing models that support programming and events would also be addressed.
I would begin reviewing the strategic plan for guidance as well as the current budget and prioritize spending. I would look for grants to address facility improvements. I would also network with other park districts for possible ideas and solutions. Another idea would be to reach out to people in the community and create a network of community members with specific expertise and request in kind donations to support the park district.
Besides surveys and needs assessments gathered at the end of programs and events, I would volunteer time to meet with program participants and request face to face feedback. I would also create small focus groups to gather feedback for specific age groups. Another idea is to host drop in "chat sessions" with residents to make them feel welcome and encourage collaboration for future board decisions.
Commissioners should strive to collaborate with one another and create a positive team culture. They should promote mutual respect, shared decision making and open communication. They should strive for consensus especially when they don't agree on a specific point. During board meetings, commissioners should provide clear information to the public regarding agenda items and when providing reports. During public comment at board meetings, commissioners should strive to provide clear responses within a reasonable amount of time. Besides agenda and minutes, monthly financial statements that include expenditures should be posted on the park website. This will promote transparency and accountability.
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