The Winnetka Park District is proud to announce it has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
The esteemed award recognizes the district’s commitment to transparency and excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The report, reviewed by an impartial panel of experts, was found to meet the high standards of the GFOA program, which demonstrates a “spirit of full disclosure” and clearly communicates the Winnetka Park District’s financial story. The panel emphasized the importance of the report in motivating potential users and user groups to engage with the financial details of the Winnetka Park District.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition and awarded only to those governments that meet the rigorous criteria established by the GFOA in governmental accounting and financial reporting. By earning this distinction, the Winnetka Park District has demonstrated significant dedication to financial transparency and accountability. In 2023, Moody’s Investors Service awarded the district a Aaa bond rating, the highest possible rating, recognizing the district’s strong financial position. However, Moody’s has since discontinued assigning Aaa ratings to agencies with less than $250 million in outstanding debt, a policy change that impacts smaller governmental entities like the Winnetka Park District. This recognition, along with the GFOA award, reflects the district’s commitment to prudent financial management and clear, comprehensive reporting.
“Receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is a testament to our ongoing commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability,” said Shannon Nazzal, Executive Director of the Winnetka Park District. “This honor reflects the dedication of our entire team to ensure that our financial operations are clear, accessible, and aligned with the best practices in government finance. We are proud to provide our community with a comprehensive, transparent financial report that helps foster trust and support for the important work we do every day.”
The Winnetka Park District serves the entire Village of Winnetka and portions of neighboring communities, including sections of Glencoe to the north, Kenilworth to the south, and Northfield to the west. The Winnetka Park District’s population is estimated at 14,759.