Mitch Bowlin

The Park District of Park plays a vital role in enhancing people’s lives, building strong families and a more connected community. We protect and preserve our environment and positively impact our local economy. The Park District owns and operates 23 facilities that occupy 84 acres of parkland within the Village including: •7 neighborhood recreation centers •18 parks including the unique urban forest Austin Gardens and our village green Scoville Park •3 historic properties (Cheney Mansion, Pleasant Home, and the Oak Park Conservatory) •2 outdoor swimming pools (Rehm and Ridgeland Common) •1 indoor, year-round ice rink (Paul Hruby Ice Arena at Ridgeland Common) •1 Gymnastics and Recreation Center •1 Environmental Education Center in Austin Gardens •8 special facilities including the Elsie Jacobsen Discovery Garden, Stevenson Park basketball courts and skate park, Longfellow Park basketball courts, Barrie Park sports court, Rehm Trains, Hedges Administrative Center. We offer over 3,000 recreation programs annually for all ages and abilities. The District is also a member of the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. In 2015, the Park District was recognized with the most prestigious award in the parks and recreation field, the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The Park District is only one of four park and recreation agencies in the State of Illinois to win the Gold Medal and earn both State (2014) and National Accreditation (2015). Our mission: In partnership with the community, we enrich lives by providing meaningful experiences through programs, parks, and facilities. The Park Board and staff are guided by 5 Strategic Initiatives including: 1) Organizational Excellence 2) Customer and Community Focus 3) Financial Strength 4) Staff Excellence and 5) Quality Infrastructure Management.