A three to five year Phased Plan considered for the Athletic Field Project.
October 15, 2012
The Athletic Field Project has been chosen by the Board as the first project from the Master Plan to be addressed. As we, the Board and Staff, address the development of the Athletic Field, several considerations have been discussed and analyzed.
Recent conversations have included a proposed Phased Plan for improvements to the existing elements at the Athletic Field over approximately three to five years. There is an eminent need to take action as the surfaces at the Athletic Field are deteriorating and do not meet ADA standards. The current conditions of amenities were rated “fair” or "poor" by up to 71% of survey respondents. A Phased Plan such as this would allow us to move forward with needed improvements at the Athletic Field and to begin work on the Outdoor Pool project simultaneously. (Below is a copy of the concept plan for the proposed resurfacing of the existing elements at the Athletic Field).
Funding for the Athletic Field Project in the proposed Phased Plan will not impact the current tax rate.
Funding for this proposed project will be through the operational budget.
We will work to offset our costs by partnering with other agencies/organizations and searching out grant opportunities. Upon completion of these improvements, the proposed Phased Plan then calls for consideration of the addition of amenities in future years.
In the survey, 53% of the respondents indicate that improving the Athletic Field is important or very important. A newly renovated Athletic Field will continue to provide recreational opportunities to all residents whether they are members of 
the Community Center or not.
We appreciate and value all of the comments that we have received and urge you to continue sharing ideas with us. It is always our goal to meet the needs of our community.
The following article was featured in The Republic August 31, 2012
The Board of Commissioners of the Geneseo Park District is committed to planning for the future.
During recent years we have been working to develop a master plan for our Park District. Based on recent survey results and citizen input, the Board had chosen the Athletic Field as the first project to be completed. This Park would offer free services to all residents. The Outdoor Pool project would soon follow, upon completion of the Athletic Field. Funding for the Athletic Field would come from issuing new bonds at a low interest rate. The District has an existing bond obligation that will be paid off in January 2013. Application has also been made for a state grant to offset the cost of the project. This funding for the Athletic Field project would not impact the current tax rate.
Since the announcement of the Athletic Field renovation, we the Board, along with the staff, have received many positive and negative comments concerning this project. In response to these comments, we have decided to reevaluate our next steps, and gather more citizen input.
We would like to provide you with a brief outline of the data that has lead our Board to where we are in the planning process. Two statistically valid community-wide surveys were done of over 825 households in 2011 and 2012. It is important to note that over half of survey respondents were not members of the Community Center. Public meetings were offered and stakeholder interviews were also conducted. Upon evaluation of the information, a five year master plan was developed. Goals and objectives are the cornerstone of the master plan and fall into three categories: administration, recreation, and parks and facilities. Three major projects emerged as priorities of the parks and facilities section: renovation of the Community Center, renovation of the Athletic Field, and renovation of the Outdoor Pool.
The survey results indicate that 56% of all respondents believe that adding amenities to the Community Center is important or very important. With 44% of park district residents holding memberships to the Community Center, the Board felt that basic needs are being met through the current facilities and that the Athletic Field and Outdoor Pool would take priority over the Community Center improvements at this time.
In the survey, 53% of the respondents indicate that improving the Athletic Field is important or very important. A newly renovated Athletic Field would provide a variety of recreational opportunities to all residents whether they are members to the Community Center or not. Free access to a park that provides walking trails, fitness equipment, splash pad for water play, family shelters, and a children’s garden brings quality of life opportunities to people of all ages.
The Outdoor Pool is in need of renovation. With a bathhouse that was built in 1953, and a 33 year old filtration system, it is reaching the end of its useful life. Survey results indicate that 63% of the respondents believe improvements to the Outdoor Pool and Bathhouse are important and very important. The Outdoor Pool provides important aquatic recreation to many residents. Swimmers access use of the Outdoor Pool through a seasonal membership or a daily use fee.
We appreciate and value all of the comments that we have received and urge you to continue sharing ideas with us. It is always our goal to meet the needs of our community.
Click here email your thoughts to a Board member.
Geneseo Park District Master Plan includes Athletic Field Project...
July 13, 2012
The Geneseo Park District has engaged in a two year process to complete a Comprehensive Master Plan for the agency. Approved in June, the plan outlines a road map for the next five years. The process included staff and board visioning sessions, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, public meetings, two statistically valid and reliable surveys of the residents, an aquatic technical evaluation and a cost of service assessment. The survey results are an important component of the plan as the District has a primary interest in ensuring that the recreational services we provide align with the community needs.
An exciting project that has emerged as a top priority is the renovation of the Athletic Field. This redevelopment will provide park experiences such as a resurfaced running track, multi-purpose trail, fitness stations, a kid’s fitness playground, splash pad for interactive water play, multi-court gaming complex with basketball and in-line hockey, bean bag toss, and ice skating for winter months. These elements are geared toward active living and a healthy community. Enhancing the environment is also a consideration with open space, bio-swales, naturalized storm water basin with wetland plantings, native landscaping, and a nature based children’s garden with an interactive music theme. The Athletic Field has wonderful potential as an outdoor resource. With construction planned to begin in the spring/summer of 2013, the redesign will allow the community to maximize use of this familiar park.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Athletic Field Project...
July 13, 2012
Click Here to download a printable copy.
Why this project now? The survey results show that walking paths are the number one requested amenity from our community. We meet many recreational needs of our Community Center members through the programs, facilities and pools, however our non members were asking for services. This project brings free recreational opportunities to the entire community with unique park elements not offered anywhere else in our city. Also, the recent ADA audit (Americans with Disabilities Act) revealed deficits with the current structures at the Athletic Field. The new facility design will meet state and federal ADA accessibility guidelines.
Improvements to the Outdoor Pool also ranked high with our community. Beginning with the Athletic Field will offer free recreational services to all. Research is underway and an Aquatic Advisory Committee will be formed to begin to address the call for updates to the Outdoor Pool.
How will it be paid for? Bonds will be issued to pay for the project. Previously issued bonds will be paid creating an opportunity to issue a bond to finance the project without affecting the tax rate. A grant application has also been submitted to the State of Illinois. If received, OSLAD grant funds will help offset the cost of the project.
Will this construction affect my tax rate? Residents’ tax rates will not be affected by this project. Not sure if you are in the Park District Boundaries? See our Boundary Map online or at the Community Center.
How much will it cost? The total cost of the project is estimated to be less than $2 million.
When will it be done? It is expected that construction will begin in the spring/summer of 2013 with completion projected for the spring of 2014.
Are there any partners on the project? In addition to seeking public input, the Park District is working with the City of Geneseo and Youth Football throughout the planning process.
Where can I see a conceptual plan? Plans are posted at the Community Center or click here to download the plans. Did you see the 3D representation below?
What if I have more questions? Call Molly Hamer at the Community Center at 944-5695.
3-Dimensional Preview of the Athletic Field Project
What do you know about the current Athletic Field?
The Athletic Field became part of the Geneseo Park District on June 1, 2000. For many, the Old Athletic Field was a quick jog down from the Junior High under the direction of Elmer Reedy and/or JoAnne Gernant during P.E. class. Many Geneseo Football alumni vividly remember moments from their legendary youth football days on the Athletic Field gridiron
The Athletic Field is located on East North Street (1 block west of Community Center). The Geneseo Park District runs youth sports programs such as flag football, tennis, and golf at the Athletic Field. The Athletic Field currently serves as the host to Geneseo Youth Football, Geneseo Middle School (GMS) 8th grade football, and Geneseo High School (GHS) Freshman-Sophomore tennis.
The Athletic Field is open to all residents for a variety of uses such as; basketball, tennis, sand volleyball, skateboarding, running/walking on the cinder track or just lounging on the grass.
Thank You For Your Generous Donations...
Lights donated by Edwards
Scoreboard donated by Hanford Insurance Co.
Tennis windscreen donated in memory of Les Shafer
Geneseo Youth Football and Geneseo Park District for general turf management.