The Glenview Park District was created by a vote of its citizens in 1927 as a separate, distinct governmental unit for the purpose of acquiring open space for parks and developing recreational opportunities for its residents. At that time, the population of the park district was 1,886. The park district was overseen by five park board commissioners who not only established policy, but did most of the day-to-day work at the park district---cutting the grass, collecting admissions at ball games and so forth. (At that time the Park District phone number was 177.)

Today the park district serves over 50,000 residents and includes all of Glenview and Golf, small portions of Niles, Northbrook, Northfield and Skokie, and unincorporated areas beyond village limits.

During its first few years, the Glenview Park District offered only one program, ice skating on the

river between temporary dams at Glenview Road and Waukegan Road. Today, over 400 different

recreation programs are offered.

How is the Park District Governed?
The park district is governed by a seven-member Board of Park Commissioners, who are elected by the voting public, serve without compensation and are directly responsible to the electorate. Day to day operations are handled by a professional staff led by the Executive Director.

What recreation resources does the Glenview Park District offer?
The park district is currently responsible for maintaining over 700 acres of land, including more than 586 acres owned by the District and 147 acres of leased school grounds. Park amenities on this property include 37 playgrounds, 38 outdoor tennis courts, 49 ball fields, 25 basketball courts,

24 soccer fields, 3 football fields, 2 sled hills, 2 skate parks and a mini-arboretum. Some of these facilities are lighted for night use. There are 13 fieldhouses located in parks throughout the district that are available for rental by the public. For rental information, call (847) 724-5670.

The park district also owns and operates an 18-hole golf club, a nine-hole golf club, two brand new outdoor swimming pools (opening in summer 2005), an eight-court indoor tennis club, an ice center with two indoor skating rinks, a community center with a fitness club and indoor aquatic center, a senior citizen center, The Grove National Historic Landmark, Wagner Farm, the Schram Memorial Chapel. The district also maintains and operates the Air Station Prairie and Tyner Interpretive Center under a cooperative agreement with the Village of Glenview.

The Glenview Park District has long enjoyed a fine cooperative relationship with the Village, Library and various school districts in the delivery of services to its residents. The park district coordinates Glenview’s annual 4th of July parade and fireworks which is supported by contributions from citizens, organizations and businesses. The park district also relies heavily on volunteers of such affiliated sports organizations as Glenview Youth Soccer Association (GYSA), American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Glenview Youth Baseball, and Glenview Titans Fastpitch Girls’ Softball to provide Glenview youth with expanded sports participation opportunities.

How is the Park District funded?
Approximately 7.5% of your property tax is paid to the Glenview Park District, which is a separate taxing entity. Taxes provide about 46% of the Park District’s annual operating budget of more than $16 million. The balance of income is derived from user fees, admissions, rentals, sales and so forth. Grants, donations and endowments for special projects provide another source of revenue.

Special-interest facilities such as Glenview Ice Center, Flick and Roosevelt outdoor swimming pools, Glenview Tennis Club, Glenview Park Golf Club, Glenview National 9 Golf Club, Park Center Health & Fitness and Splash Landings Indoor Aquatic Center charge memberships, user fees and admissions. Taxes are not utilized to

support the golf courses, Tennis Club or Ice Center.