The River Forest Parks Foundation is an independent group of River Forest residents and business representatives who support the need of parks and recreation for their community. The Parks Foundation was created to enhance the quality of life for all River Forest residents by helping provide, through volunteerism and contributions, the best in parks, facilities and recreation opportunities. All donations to the Parks Foundation are tax deductible, as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Parks Foundation augments the established direction of the Park District by funding the following programs:
- Land Acquisition. This program solicits endowment of land and funds to help the Park District acquire more open space for the enjoyment of the community.
- Capital Improvements. This beautification program provides “extra” park facilities and amenities that are not funded in the Park District budget to promote an enjoyable setting for community use.
- Special Events
- River Forest Memorial Day Parade (May). A partnership with the Park District and the River Forest Service Club to organize and solicit funding to support the largest community event of the year.
- Community Bank 5K Run Walk (September). A partnership with the Park District to organize and solicit funding to support this community event, with all net proceeds donated to individuals/families for special recreation need - Recreation Assistance Program. This program provides assistance to local families in financial need to participate in River Forest Park District or affiliated programs.
The (7) seven member Parks Foundation Board of Directors is be made up of (6) six River Forest residents and business representatives and (1) one River Forest Park District Board of Commissioner. The Park District Executive Director serves as a staff liaison to the Park Foundation Board. The term for each Board of Director shall be (3) three years. The Board meets on the third Monday of each month from 7:00-8:00pm in the months of May, July, September, November, January, and March at The Depot, 401 Thatcher Avenue, River Forest.
Current Park Foundation Board Members
Susan Crothers Gee, President
Gina Latinovich, Treasurer
Chung Lee
Susan Lucci
Anyone interested in serving on the River Forest Parks Foundation Board, view the bylaws, or have any questions, should contact Michael Sletten at 708-366-6660x101.
Parks Foundation Initiatives
1. Triple Header Campaign
All Heads In Helmets
Did you know? Biking is the sport most likely to crash-land you in a hospital emergency room. Every day, about 1,000 biker children ages 6-14 end up in the hospital emergency room, with injuries ranging from broken bones to brain concussions. More than half of the injured bikers suffer brain damage! Non-helmeted bikers are 14 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
These are preventable injuries with an inexpensive and easy solution: Helmets reduce the risk of brain injuries by almost 90%! It is time for us to take action now instead of waiting for tragedy to strike one of our youngsters.
Village of River Forest Ordinance 9-4-8 requires that every child under 16 wear a protective helmet when riding a bicycle. Penalties include ticketing, attending a bicycle safety education program and public service, however, our police officers cannot and should not be alone in enforcing this ordinance.
Now is the time for all our residents to join together and support this initiative. Our target is educating our middle school children, who believe helmet-wearing is “uncool”, using a variety of incentives to encourage and increase helmet use. During the months of June, July, August, and September, police officers and public officials will reward helmeted bikers with raffle tickets. The raffle tickets can be deposited at drop boxes at The Depot (River Forest Park District) and the River Forest Public Library to enter for prizes. Each month, a drawing will be held with the winning ticket holders receiving a prize, such as helmets, biking gear, theater tickets, restaurant vouchers, and even a brand new bike! The initiative has the enthusiastic support from the River Forest Park District, The Village of River Forest, School District 90, The River Forest Public Library, and The Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation.
If you would like to join in with the campaign or have any questions, please contact Sue Crothers Gee at suebillgee@comcast.net or Susan Lucci at smlucci@sbcglobal.net.
2. Thoughtful Living Series
Bi-monthly community discussion during 2011-2012 school year sponsored by the River Forest Parks Foundation and the River Forest Public library.
Click here for the October Thoughtful Living Flyer
Location: River Forest Public Library
- October: PERMACULTURE. Wednesday, October 26, 7:00pm
- December: VOLUNTEER FAIR. Saturday, December 3, 10:00am-2:00pm
- February: ALL ABOUT TREES. Tuesday, February 28, 7:00pm
- April: GREEN BLOCK PARTY LAUNCH. Saturday, April 28, 2:00pm
3. Green Block Party Initiative
Beginning next spring, with the start of block party season, River Forest residents will have the option of checking "yes" to host a Green Block Party when filling out their party permit application. Green block parties will receive party kits which include a free Earth Machine compost bin along with instructions on how to use the bin and suggestions for green block party activities. The compost bin is a gift to the block, and residents can decide who keeps it and how it will be used. The program is sponsored by the River Forest Parks Foundation as part of a PlanItGreen initiative and funded by a grant from Communityworks.