OREGON — The Oregon Park District Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, Feb. 11 for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Executive Director Erin Folk updated the board on the district’s January financials, participation milestones, and the Board of Commissioners approved the monthly treasurer’s report.
Folk shared an update on the board packet format and impressed upon the importance of consistent and concise reporting. Commissioner Engelkes and Commissioner Messenger were complimentary of the updated reporting format.
The Board of Commissioners approved the Budget & Appropriate Ordinance for fiscal year 2025. Director Folk said, “the year end fund balance is projected to be $1,934,111. Additionally, the district will spend $1,920,000 in capital improvement projects and is set to meet all fund balance goals with the exception of the liability fund. The liability fund took a hit in 2024 with an increase in insurance costs.”
Director Folk reminded the board that all fund balance goals are set by board-approved policy and thanked staff for their hard work during the budgeting process.
The Board of Commissioners awarded the Park East construction bid to Midwest Excavators following a bid opening held on Feb. 4. The district received bids from four contractors and approved the lowest provided bid. The total cost of the bid award was approved at $1,228,451.25. The project will be partly funded by Illinois Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $600,000. The remainder of the project will be funded through park improvement funds. Improvements will include the addition of a parking lot, new playground, walking trail, disc golf course, basketball court, and a lighted baseball field. The bid award also included an upgrade to the playground to include artificial turf in place of engineered wood fiber. Director Folk recommended the addition of artificial turf to create a fully-accessible play surface.
Ms. Folk added, “Installation of artificial turf will provide a fully-accessible playground on both the west and east side of our community. We are committed to improving our parks and creating space for all to gather and enjoy our amenities.” Construction is anticipated to begin in the spring when weather permits and will conclude in early August.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners will be held on March 11 at 6 p.m.
