Hard Lessons, Better Plans

 

January 2025 – February 2026

Over the past year, the Freeburg Recreation Park District Park Board has focused on strengthening governance, improving park facilities, and positioning the District for long-term stability. This update is intended to provide the community with a clear overview of what has been accomplished and how the District is planning responsibly for the future.

Governance, Structure, and Legal Stability

One of the Board’s primary priorities has been establishing a strong, legally sound foundation for the Park District.

During this period, the Park Board created and formally adopted new Park District By-laws, providing clear structure for board operations, officer roles, financial oversight, ethics, conflicts of interest, staff authority, and accountability. These bylaws replace outdated or informal practices and ensure the District is operating transparently and in full compliance with public requirements.

Since 2025, the Board has welcomed new Board Members and new Board leadership, bringing fresh perspectives while maintaining continuity. The District is now supported by professional accounting and legal services, with updated public records and policies in place.

As a result, the Freeburg Recreation Park District is now operating with a clear structure, documented policies, and proper oversight — positioning the District to move forward confidently and responsibly.

Major Capital Improvements

The Park Board approved and advanced several significant capital projects designed to modernize facilities and improve community access.

  • The Board is nearing completion of a $300,000 LED ball field lighting project, which will make April 2026 the first season of use under the new lights. This project improves safety, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance while supporting consistent use of the fields. This project was also funded in part by the Metro East Park and Recreation District Grant that covered 40% of the cost of the project.
  • The Board is currently working toward approval of a General Obligation (GO) bond to fund additional long-term improvements, including:
    • Renovation and reconstruction of park restroom facilities
    • Complete reconstruction of the basketball court area
  • The redesigned court area is planned to include:
    • Two basketball courts
    • One tennis court
    • Multiple pickleball courts

These projects are intended to modernize park amenities and better serve the evolving recreational needs of the community.

Facilities & Grounds Improvements

In addition to large capital projects, the Board has approved and initiated multiple improvements to existing park assets, including:

  • Projects to lift and repaint all park pavilions, extending the life of existing structures and improving appearance and safety
  • Ongoing resurfacing and repairs to the crushed limestone walking trail, including filling low or worn areas to improve accessibility
  • Updates to park maintenance equipment to support safe, reliable,and efficient day-to-day operations

Safety, Policies, and Asset Protection

The Board has taken steps to improve safety, sustainability, and asset protection across the park:

  • Installation of new park signage, including updated park-use rules
  • Adoption of Catch-and-Release Only fishing policies for the park pond to promote long-term sustainability
  • Installation of security cameras and monitoring equipment to help deter vandalism, which remains an ongoing challenge, especially in the restroom area.
    •  The Park Board continues to coordinate with local law enforcement to promote safety and protect park assets.
  • Continued coverage through IPARKS insurance, along with ongoing work toward establishing a retirement plan for the Park Administrator to support long-term staff stability

Grants, Funding, and Financial Stewardship

The Park Board has prioritized responsible financial management and external funding opportunities:

  • Receipt of a St. Clair County grant totaling approximately $40,000 annually, with funds reinvested directly into park operations and improvements
  • Adoption of clearer purchasing and spending controls to ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility
  • Continued focus on identifying and preparing grant opportunities, particularly during off-season periods

Community Partnerships & Volunteerism

The Park District continues to benefit from strong community partnerships and volunteer support:

  • The Board organizes and supports three (3) volunteer work days annually, bringing together residents, board members, and community partners to assist with park maintenance and improvement efforts
  • The District maintains productive facility-use partnerships that ensure park assets remain active and well-maintained
  • The Park Board extends sincere appreciation to the Village of Freeburg and the Mayor for their continued cooperation and support on shared community needs

These partnerships and volunteer efforts play an important role in keeping the park active, accessible, and well-used.

Looking Ahead

With major capital projects underway or in planning, the Park District is entering a phase focused on completion, preservation, and long-term maintenance rather than constant expansion.

In addition to current projects, the Park Board recognizes the importance of responsibly planning for District-owned buildings, including:

  • The Park Cottage, which serves as the meeting and administrative space and is a historic structure dating back to the early 1900s; and
  • The District-owned residence provided to the Park Administrator as part of compensation.

Both properties are aging and will require future evaluation, maintenance, and long-term planning to ensure safety, functionality, and responsible stewardship of District assets. No immediate action is planned, and these considerations will be addressed thoughtfully as resources and timing allow.

Longer-term ideas, such as future use of the former roller skating rink, will also be evaluated carefully after current priorities are completed and stabilized.

Moving Forward

The Freeburg Recreation Park District is in a strong position moving forward — with clear governance, solid partnerships, improved facilities, and a focus on responsible planning.

The Park Board remains committed to maintaining safe, accessible, and well-managed park facilities while planning thoughtfully for the future needs of the Freeburg community.

Thank you to our residents, volunteers, community partners, and supporters for their continued involvement and support.

What’s Next: 2026–2030**

With major governance and infrastructure improvements underway, the Freeburg Recreation Park District Park Board is focused on a thoughtful, sustainable path forward. The following outlines key priorities guiding planning efforts over the next several years.

This is not a construction schedule or funding commitment, but a roadmap to help residents understand how the District is thinking about the future.

1. Complete Current Capital Projects

The Board’s immediate priority is the successful completion of projects already approved or in progress, including:

  • Completion and full operation of the LED ball field lighting system
  • Advancement of plans for restroom renovations and reconstruction
  • Redevelopment of the basketball, tennis, and multi-use court area

Ensuring these projects are completed properly and responsibly remains the top focus.

2. Transition to a Maintenance & Preservation Phase

Once major capital projects are completed, the District anticipates shifting into a maintenance-focused phase, prioritizing:

  • Preservation of new and existing improvements
  • Preventative maintenance of park assets
  • Efficient use of District resources
  • Avoiding unnecessary large-scale construction

This approach is intended to protect taxpayer investment and extend the life of park facilities.

3. Long-Term Planning for District-Owned Buildings

The Park Board recognizes the need to plan responsibly for aging District-owned properties, including:

  • The Park Cottage, which serves as the District’s meeting and administrative space and dates back to the early 1900s
  • The District-owned residence associated with the Park Administrator position

Over the next several years, the Board will evaluate options for maintenance, renovation, or long-term use of these properties, with no immediate action planned.

4. Equipment & Operational Needs

The Board will continue to assess long-term operational needs, including:

  • Replacement or upgrading of aging maintenance equipment
  • Ensuring staff and volunteers have safe, reliable tools to maintain park grounds
  • Aligning equipment purchases with budget capacity and long-term planning

Equipment needs will be addressed separately from long-term construction projects.

5. Continued Focus on Safety & Risk Management

Safety will remain a priority through:

  • Ongoing review of park rules and signage
  • Continued evaluation of security measures to address vandalism
  • Maintaining appropriate insurance coverage and risk management practices

6. Community Use, Partnerships & Programming

The Park District will continue to support:

  • Strong facility-use partnerships that keep park assets active and well-maintained
  • Community events and volunteer involvement
  • Collaboration with the Village of Freeburg and other local partners

The goal is to ensure the park remains a welcoming and well-used space for residents and visitors.

7. Thoughtful Evaluation of Future Opportunities

Looking further ahead, the Park Board will evaluate long-term opportunities such as:

  • Potential future use of underutilized areas, including the former roller skating rink
  • Enhancements driven by community interest, available funding, and timing

These ideas will be considered carefully and only after current priorities are completed and stabilized.

A Measured, Responsible Approach

Between 2026 and 2030, the Park Board’s approach will remain focused on:

  • Completing what has already been started
  • Maintaining and protecting park assets
  • Planning carefully rather than rushing expansion
  • Being transparent with the community

The Park Board remains committed to responsible stewardship of the Freeburg Recreation Park District for current and future generations.

Community Involvement & Staying Connected

The Freeburg Recreation Park District Park Board is committed to transparency, responsible planning, and open communication with the community.

Residents are encouraged to attend Park Board meetings, share feedback, and stay informed about ongoing projects and future planning. Public input and community involvement play an important role in shaping the park’s future and ensuring it continues to serve the needs of Freeburg residents.

Meeting dates, agendas, and contact information are available through the District’s website and social media pages. Community members are always welcome to reach out with questions, ideas, or concerns.

Thank you for your continued interest, support, and involvement in the Freeburg Recreation Park District.

Best Regards,

The Freeburg Park District

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