Strategic Master Plan
2011 - 2015
Adopted by the Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners: 4/28/2011
2011-2015 Strategic Master Plan (PDF)
Mission Statement
The Winnetka Park District's mission is to provide a balance of quality recreation and leisure opportunities while protecting assets, natural resources and open space for the benefit of present and future generations.
Vision Statement
We help build an active, vibrant community identity and a sustainable environment by promoting healthy lifestyles for residents of all ages and abilities through quality recreation services, parks, facilities, programs and partnerships that meet the highest standards of excellence.
By 2014, the Winnetka Park District will be known for being the nexus for promoting healthy lifestyles, having become the hub for the best recreation and leisure opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. The following four goals and their associated initiatives will help us accomplish this internal vision:
The strategies and tactics that address these Goals, objectives and initiatives are written to ensure a plan is in place to address the completion of the Initiatives in this plan.
Goal 1
improve our programming reach and frequency of use in a way that aligns with community feedback and fiscal stewardship.
Objective 1
Expand options for sites/land to support a full range of offerings
Initiative 1a: Strategically acquire/divest land to secure more options for programming and open space
Initiative 1b: Complete the Skokie playfields master plan to secure all options for programming and open space
Initiative 1c: Improve the utilization of our business district parks through intergovernmental collaboration
- Create a destination park
- Consider future access
Objective 2
Improve current offerings to broaden and deepen our reach to all ages and abilities
Initiative 2a: Find solutions to the aquatic needs of our community in a way that aligns with our mission and with fiscal stewardship
Initiative 2b: Explore options for bike-walk trails across our geography
- East/ West
- Skokie playfield / golf course
- Use of intergov’t collaborations with the village and forest preserve district
Initiative 2c: Improve our outdoor ice offerings
Goal 2
Upgrade our assets to fully leverage our strengths and opportunities for balance across program breadth and environmental sustainability
Objective 1
Improve the quality of our natural resources/assets
Initiative 1a: Improve the lakefront so that residents can fully utilize our beaches
- Improve water quality
- Upgrade physical plant and parking access
- Consider revenue options / free access
- Explore options for activities and comfort (chairs/food)
- Explore land trade-offs / buy/sell for planning
- Consider integration / linkages
Initiative 1b: Improve ground surfaces to increase utilization on our playfields and golf course, subject to improving water mgt through intergovernmental collaboration
Initiative 1c: Re-design the golf service center / finish improvements on Morrow property
Initiative 1d: Expand tennis/golf/ice facilities
Objective 2
Improve our fiscal position with productive partnerships and alternative revenue streams
Initiative 2a: Secure viable partnerships that improve and expand programming and the quality of our natural resources
- Corporate / non-profit / governmental entities
- Secure landfill usage rights
Initiative 2b: Create alternative revenue streams that build sustainable improvements to our programs and natural resources
- Legacy gifts
- Corporate sponsorships
- Naming rights
- Grants
- Foundation support
Goal 3
Improve our standards for program/site excellence in ways that increase community awareness, satisfaction and utilization
Objective 1
Increase the ratio of programs offered to executed
Initiative 1a: Plan and market program expansions and improvements to capture a wider range and frequency of participation, including the use of data-driven participant analysis
Initiative 1b: Leverage our assets consistent with our standards for enterprise management (For example, complimentary scheduling to allow for access across programs)
Objective 2
Improve our capacity to monitor the effectiveness of our strategic initiatives and investments
Initiative 2a: Employ a comprehensive set of metrics/monitoring tools to allow for better board and staff decision-making
Initiative 2b: Train board and staff on monitoring tools and techniques to ensure effective and efficient utilization
Goal 4
Upgrade park district leadership capacity to make and execute against timely, informed, mission-centric decisions
Objective 1
Attract and retain the best staff to secure our strategic goals and desired outcomes
Initiative 1a: Develop policies and procedures for hiring, orienting and retaining the best staff
Initiative 1b: Ensure our compensation package is aligned with competitive benchmarks and our strategic plans
Objective 2
Develop board policies and procedures to promote the most promising governance and meeting practices
Initiative 2a: Develop and adher to meeting operating principles to ensure effectiveness and efficiency
Initiative 2b: Develop a board/director evaluation process that aligns with the most promising practices to ensure leadership accountability
Additional Resources
Want To Receive Updates?
Stay connected to the Strategic Plan process by getting on our strategic plan email list. To receive strategic plan email updates contact mcherveny@winpark.org.
To get on our general, recreation, paddle, ice, golf, or tennis email lists, Join Our Email List: