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
Vito Claps
Susan Lucci
Dale Rider
Molly Hague, Park Board Representative
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.
Raffle Drawing Dates/Times:
- June 30th Raffle Winners
- Harry Engoren - iPod
- Tommy Lucci - $10 iTunes card
- Calvin Woolley - Annies Ice Cream Certificate
- Miles Toppen - Shuttlecock game
- July 31, 2010, at the River Forest Public Library
- August 31, 2010, at the River Forest Public Library
- September 13, 2010, at the Clear Sky Festival, Keystone ParkIf 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. Green Tuesdays
More information to come.