Project Parks and Play survey on the way

Wilmette Park District community survey hitting mailboxes soon

Wilmette residents should keep their eyes open for a Wilmette Park District survey invitation arriving in their mailboxes the week of January 30. Every household will receive either a printed survey or a postcard invitation with a website and a specific pin code. All feedback is anonymous.

The survey provides an in-depth look into resident’s feelings on Park District facilities and programs, impressions of efforts surrounding sustainability, recreation, accessibility and inclusion, safety, innovation and more.

“We are committed to serving the needs of our community and want to hear viewpoints from all our residents – regardless of age, gender, ability and whether or not they use Park District parks, facilities or programs,” said Wilmette Park District Executive Director Steve Wilson. “This is an important opportunity for community members to share their thoughts and help shape how the District serves the community over the next decade.”

The survey can be completed on paper, online or via phone, and will be available for approximately one month. The survey is the next step in gathering community feedback as part of the Project Parks and Play: Explore the Possibilities Comprehensive and Strategic Planning initiative. During November and December, residents provided feedback on all aspects of the Park District and shared ideas for future improvements through open houses, focus groups and the project’s website.

Through two open houses, three community pop-up sessions, six focus groups, four feedback stations and the website feedback, we’ve had significant community response. On the Project Parks and Play website alone, there were more than 2,280 unique visitors and 413 comments provided. More than 200 of those ideas were for future Park District offerings.

There was also a lot of feedback regarding parks and greenspaces. “Howard Park is my favorite park in Wilmette,” one resident shared on the website. “I enjoy it because it is just open fields and baseball diamonds; It’s the major green space in the area.” Another resident shared feedback about the Keay Nature Center. “Keep the Nature Center as is – such a wonderful place. Please continue to work on removing invasive species and add more native plants.”

Comments and ideas such as these will truly help as leadership plans for the next several decades.

“The feedback we have received has been tremendous,” said Mike Murdock, President of the Wilmette Park District Board of Park Commissioners. “The Board is so grateful for the time and thoughtful input folks have shared with us.”

If you don’t receive a survey by mid-February, adults in the household have varying opinions or you want to complete the survey by phone, please call our research partner aQity Research & Insights at 866-900-8555 or email aqity@aquityresearch.org..

For more information on the Project Parks and Play initiative:
Click Here to go to our Project Parks and Play website

In the meantime, you can always contact us with ideas, suggestions, questions and concerns:

Contact Us to share feedback, ask questions and be a part of the conversation