Message from the Executive Director
This year we headed to new horizons at the River Trails Park District and autumn is the perfect time to remind us of all the changes that have taken place this past year.
In January we begun construction and the redevelopment of The Zone. We created nearly 13,000 square feet of interior play that includes turf fields and parkour. The Zone amenities include; 7,000 square feet of artificial turf, foam pit, vertical and horizontal climbing wall, warp wall, jump boxes, climbing rope, slant walking beams, new benches and seating area, new office space and rooms. In the springtime, Maple Trails Park was officially reopened. The redesign park allows the community to participate in unique recreational activities for all ages and abilities through ADA complaint playground equipment. The district designed these plans from scratch in a way that would be perfect for a middle sized basketball court, caged rail system for futsal with built-in goals and a volleyball court with new artificial turf.
This past year we unveiled a lot of new looks with our brochure, website and district logo. As we transformed our look we kept the community and you in mind! Our brochure and website is easy to navigate, read and has all the current information on our programs, events and district news. Our logo truly symbolizes and embodies the River Trails Park District community. The trees and river have always been the staple of our identity since the park district was first established in 1965 and our new logo really builds upon the next 50 years of greatness.
The district has finished developing its Comprehensive Master Plan for 2017-2021. This Plan will help give us direction as we identify future capital projects, park improvement and organizational directives. We thank you the community for all the various inputs we received through meetings, surveys and websites. The River Trails Park District is always looking for community input; we feel it is essential in the methods we use to enrich your life. RTPD has several opportunities if you want to share your thoughts and insights as we continue to grow. We are still looking to expand our Foundation membership if you are interested. Also, we have the Resident Advisory Committee which meets several times annually and discusses direction for the district. If you are interested please email me at bfahnstrom@rtpd.org.
Our parks and playgrounds seem to take on a whole new landscape in autumn and it reminds us how beautiful Mother Nature can be. The trees begin to change colors, the air turns into a cooler breeze and we are holding on to a few of those warmer days that are left. Now is a perfect time to walk the paths of Woodland Trails or visit one of our parks and enjoy the transition of all the foliage. Wow! The RTPD Team is working like crazy bringing you the best possible program opportunities and outstanding parks and facilities. Come check out the benefits of reconnecting with your park district after all, The Benefits of Recreation are Endless.
