The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District staff is considering projects large and small, inexpensive to very expensive, for their 2026-27 goals.

Staff members met with park commissioners on Tuesday, Feb. 3, for two-hours giving suggestions. The proposals brought to the meeting will be considered for inclusion in the next budget. Commissioners will open that discussion at their March 3 meeting.

This session focused on six goals – everything from maintaining facilities and park areas to promoting sustainability, fiscal responsibility, presenting diverse and inclusive programming, making certain staff have safe environments to work and collaborate in, and building customer loyalty.

Suggestions that could make the job easier included a parks maintenance staff ask for new computer software for digitizing its tree inventory and playground inspections. This effort would reduce paper and be an easier way to maintain records. Also, efforts can be taken to increase native gardens in the parks.

Another initiative would be improving the parks’ efforts for surveying patrons on their experiences and interactions with staff. Feedback helps staff make changes to current offerings and plan new programs. 

The district is going through a rebranding effort now and hopes to roll out the new logo and other materials later this year. There was some discussion on how to make it easier to register for programs online.

Some parks facilities have specific goals. The H-F Ice Arena is going to investigate changes to concession options. Staff also is considering shutting down the smaller rink and moving all activities to the main rink this summer as a way to reduce energy costs that are between $12,000 and $15,000 each month. The facility also proposes switching out manual faucets to timed ones and installing sensor lights that would automatically shut off lights.

The most expensive item that needs immediate attention is Lions Club Pool in Homewood. The wear-and-tear at the pool means it should be resurfaced and the grates need to be replaced. The pool is being examined by an engineer who will give commissioners suggestions for what work is immediate and what additional work would improve the pool and baby pool.

Irons Oaks could use a permanent pavilion to replace the outdoor tent it has now. A new pavilion would increase rentals, as would an expanded Vollmer Road parking lot for Irons Oaks. 

Another proposal calls for security cameras at Irons Oaks and Coyote Run Golf Course.

Parks Executive Director Doug Boehm said each year there are between $3 million and $4 million in construction/repair proposals, but the park district’s budget only allows for about $1.5 million annually, leaving the park commissioners to make tradeoffs.