Agency Profile and Mission Statement

The North Berwyn Park District is an autonomous governmental entity established by the residents in 1976 to provide outdoor recreational areas and leisure service opportunities which foster community growth, family values, and enhance the quality of life.

The agency is comprised of a professional full-time and part-time staff, with volunteers, under the supervision of an executive director who is responsible to an elected five member board of commissioners.


Agency Roots
The agency was established in 1976, at which time there were inadequate recreational services provided within the current agency boundaries. At the time, programs and facilities were provided by the Berwyn Park District, whose boundaries did not cover the north end of Berwyn; and the Berwyn Playground & Recreation Commission, which was operated by the City of Berwyn.

Upon learning of the intent not to commit resources to the residents of North Berwyn, the residents then decided to run a petition declaring the intent to create a park district. The referendum passed successfully and established the North Berwyn Park District.

The early years did not reap instant benefits as much work was needed to develop facilities, staff, and resources to provide services. These developments have continued to progress and the agency now affords the ability to provide top-notch leisure services to the residents.


Agency Tidbits
Did you know…

  • The agency started out in a storefront building?
  • The agency provides over 300 activities per year?
  • The agency has one of the lowest tax rates in the state?
  • The agency services over 20,000 residents?
  • The agency has received an excellence award in providing risk management?
  • The agency has received numerous awards through the Illinois Park & Recreation Association?
Come and see what we have to offer!
Discover the benefits by calling 749-4900.





General Services and Facilities

The North Berwyn Park District offers quality services, which cover a wide variety of activities for all age groups.
Different program areas include:
  • Preschool
  • Trips
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Senior Services
  • Health & First Aid
  • General Interest
  • Dance & Modeling
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Day Camps
  • Before & After School Care
  • Teen Club
  • Aquatics
    Parks
  • Berwyn Gardens Grove through Maple
  • Pyrce Park 16th & Wesley
  • Unity Park 1227 Kenilworth
    Facilities
  • Community Center, 1619 Wesley
  • Prairie Oak Gym, 15th & Oak Park
  • Havlicek School, 15th & Ridgeland
  • Jefferson School, 16th & Wisconsin
  • Lincoln School, 16th & Gunderson
  • Morton West HS, 2400 Home Avenue
Professionalism
The North Berwyn Park District is operated by professionally trained staff. The executive director, as well as full-time program supervisors, have received advanced degrees, at minimum, in recreation administration or related fields from accredited universities.

Full-time staff oversee all agency operations and train part-time program staff in specific areas of responsibility. All agency staff receive continuing education within their field of expertise.


Community Planning
The agency determines future planning through several different methods.

Strategic Planning retreats are undertaken every three years which provides the opportunity for residents, board members, and staff to brainstorm ideas and develop a three year blueprint which guides agency operations. Opportunities and threats created by the internal and external environment are considered when developing the plan.

Surveys are distributed to residents of all ages to assist in determining what activities and services the community desires.

Evaluations are performed at the conclusion of activity sessions, which provide feedback on customer satisfaction levels.

Customer comment boxes and suggestion forms are made available which provides general feedback on agency operations.

Telemarketing strategies are randomly initiated and cover a broad range of agency services. These forms of assessment identify general needs and feedback from customers.

One on one conversations with customers are initiated every day of operations and are, of course, the best method of feedback which allow the agency to determine how we may better serve our customers.


Leisure Service Administration
The primary services offered by the agency involve the planning, implementation, and evaluation of leisure service activities for all age groups. These activities are administered by professionally trained staff and are designed to enhance the quality of life for participants. The agency offers over 320 programs per year, spread into four separate seasonal program sessions. For a closer look at these services, visit current programs.

Park Services

Along with leisure service administration, park services are maintained at various agency facilities. These services include lawn care, trimming, debris removal, safety inspections, and equipment maintenance. For information on park locations, visit facilities and parks.

Facility Rentals
The agency provides rental facilities to residents throughout the year. Room rentals are available throughout the year, wading pool rentals are available during the summer months when the pool is in operation, and park permits are available on a seasonal basis. For access to a rental or permit application, visit registration procedures and general forms. Please call 708-749-4900x10 for current rates.

Party Packages
Agency staff provides a great boost to your youngster's birthday party, graduation party, or other special event. For two hours the agency will provide a party room, staff leader, name tags, party banner, balloons, and room set-up. Users are responsible for providing refreshments, decorations, and clean-up. To register for a party package reservation, call 708-749-4900 and provide requested date and time, number of children, and contact information.

Picnic Packages
Are you in need of a volleyball, court lines, softballs, whiffle balls, bats, bases, and horseshoes for your party? To secure a picnic package, call 708-749-4900 and provide requested date of usage.

Risk Management
The agency is a provider of public services and for this reason is determined to maintain high standards of risk management principles. A preventive loss control program allows agency staff to adhere to safety principles at all times.

This program includes ongoing park inspections, facility inspections, program evaluations, safety meetings, and policy initiatives. The agency is insured through the Park District Risk Management Association (PDRMA), which is a self-insured pool made up of over 100 park districts throughout Illinois. The agency is currently accredited through this association, which indicates that the agency has scored in the upper 95% category on field inspections and safety analysis that have conducted over the past three years.


Employment Opportunities
The agency has a wide variety of seasonal employment opportunities available for program supervision positions, facility supervision, and general assistance. Persons with a special interest or talent are also encouraged to talk with program supervisors (visit meet the board and staff) to discuss possible program implementation. For general employment opportunities, visit registration procedures and general forms or stop by the Community Center and request an employment application.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering one's time is one of the highest, most respectable forms of public service that one can enter into. The agency has a variety of task that patrons may desire to volunteer services for including office tasks, outdoor work, and general assistance. Volunteers are recognized at a luncheon each year with certificates and a volunteer of the year recognition. Patrons interested in sharing their time are asked to fill out an employment application and submit
to 1619 Wesley Ave, Berwyn IL.


General Assistance
Agency staff is always prepared to provide patrons with information on agency activities as well as outside recreational programs and facilities such as campground facilities, state & national parks, ski resorts, canoe and boat rentals, mountain climbing, fishing areas, sky diving, travel agencies, etc. You name the adventure and staff will respond with specific information. Visit a respective staff contact at meet the commissioners and staff and file your request.




Benefits of Recreation

The benefits of recreation are endless. Recreational activity promotes a blend of cognitive, social, and physical development that no other institution may duplicate. Recreation has existed since the beginning of mankind and certainly has made its mark on human development.

In today’s society, recreation continues to make an impact on the economy, community development, and most importantly, people.

Come discover recreation at the North Berwyn Park District and you, too, will see – the benefits are endless…


Did You Know?
It costs approximately $30,000 to incarcerate a juvenile offender for one year. If that money were available to NBPD we could:
  • Let the child attend a five day per week, eight week day camp program
  • Go swimming twice a week for eight weeks
  • Go on eight adventure trips during the summer
  • Go on nine out of school trips during the school year
  • Attend a before school activity program five days a week for thirty six weeks
  • Attend an after school care activity program five days a week for thirty six weeks
  • Participate in two eight week session inline hockey leagues
  • Attend a golf outing and dinner
  • Utilize 40 hours of computer lab time
  • Learn how to bowl one day per week for eight weeks
  • Attend holiday special events
  • Play basketball once a week for twenty four weeks
  • Participate in a magic class
  • Participate in three art classes
  • After which we could return to the taxpayers $26,613 and one happy kid!




Americans with Disabilities Act

Notice Of Compliance
The North Berwyn Park District is subject to and will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability against persons who meet essential eligibility requirements for services. Procedures are being developed to continue to implement the provisions of the ADA. If you have any questions regarding the ADA, please contact Joseph C. Vallez, Executive Director at 708. 749.4900.17 or jvallez@nbpd4fun.org .




Rates Refunds Credits

Same Fee Established For All Berwyn Residents
The North Berwyn Park District board of commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Berwyn Park District that eliminates non-resident fees for residents serviced by each respective agency. This means that residents of each district may participate in activities offered by the other district without incurring an additional out of district fee. Respective residents may also rent facilities through each agency without incurring an extra fee.
North Berwyn residents will receive registration priority for the first two weeks of each session. After this date, registration will be accepted at large. Per agency policy, any participant that lives outside the City of Berwyn boundaries will be charged an additional 15% fee over the established resident rate.


Refunds and Credits
The North Berwyn Park District will grant refunds/credits for activities as follows. (Unless indicated for a specific program.)
  • Prior to the first scheduled meeting.Total Fee
  • Before the second scheduled meeting.75% of Fee
  • Before the third scheduled meeting.50% of Fee
  • After the third scheduled meeting - No refunds or credits.
No refunds/credits will be given for special events or trips after the registration deadline unless a replacement can be found. The supervisor reserves the right to deduct any fees for supplies that might have been purchased for your participation in the class. You may apply your credit to a household balance or choose a refund. Please note that a $2 administrative fee will be deducted from your check and our refund process takes at least 15 days. Household balances and gift certificates may be used toward any of the North Berwyn Park District’s programs. They cannot be cashed in for money.








Facilities and Equipment Rental

    INFORMATION
  1. All Berwyn Residents Are Eligible to participate in the rental program.
  2. All renters must fill out an application
  3. A valid driver's license or state I.D. is required to rent a facility or equipment.
  4. All rental deposits may be paid with a check or cash. Checks must have preprinted address that matches address of the driver's license or state I.D. No starter checks may be used for the deposit.
  5. All rental fees and deposits must be paid at the time rental application is processed. No dates will be reserved until the application is processed.
  6. All renters must be 18 years of age.
  7. Rental applications must be processed at least ten days in advance for facility rentals, and five days in advance for equipment rentals.
  8. All rented facilities or equipment must be in reason able condition after use, determination of the condi tion of the facility or equipment will be determined by the North Berwyn Park District. All renters agree to these terms by completing the application form for consideration of renting a facility or equipment from the North Berwyn Park District. Potential renters that do not agree to these terms should not submit a rental application.
  9. The North Berwyn Park District reserves the right to deny any request for rental of a facility or equipment for reasons that may remain confidential. All park programs take precedence over any other event.
  10. Rentals may be denied or cancelled at the discretion of the Executive Director without reason or explana tion.
  11. Any rules not specifically mentioned may be insti tuted at any time for the good of the North Berwyn Park District.
Picnic Kits
Our picnic kits include a softball, bat, bases, Frisbee, football, bean bag toss, and other fun items for your picnic.
Fee: $15
Refundable Security Deposit: $25


Barbecue Grills
Our 2 X 5 ft. grills are on wheels and come with 40 lbs of charcoal; the grills will be delivered on Friday or Saturday
and must be picked up on Monday.
Fee: $65
Refundable Security Deposit: $200

Birthday Parties
Book your child’s party today, we provide the room, food, decorations, refreshments, and even the cake. Our parties include a party room for three hours, pizza, refreshments, plates, napkins, and cake for fifteen guests. So relax, we’ll do all the work. Reserve a party today.
Fee: $125
Refundable Security Deposit: $50

Birthday Party with Spray Pool
Include the spray pool for your child’s party and you’ll have private use of the facility for your group of guests. All guests must be eight years of age and younger. All guests must adhere to the spray pools rules. Spray pool rental is for one or two hours.
Additional Fee: $100 per hour, two maximum.

Room Rentals
Reserve a room for your special event, rooms include tables, chairs, and clean-up. Make arrangements to come in add your own personal touch by decorating the room as you please. Room rentals are for four hours on Saturday
and Sundays only.
Fee: $100 Resident/$125 Non-Resident
Refundable Security Deposit: $50

Skate Park Party
Reserve our skate park for your party today; you’ll get exclusive use of this facility for two hours for you and your guests. This party rental includes four pizzas, a case of soda, and a park supervisor.
Fee: $200
Refundable Security Deposit: $50

Carnival Booths with Games
Want to make your special event a hit with the kids? Reserve your own carnival games with booths. This added touch will make your special event look and feel like a carnival. Call today for additional information.
Fee: $50 per booth with game



Community Center
and Board Meetings


NORTH BERWYN PARK DISTRICT
COMMUNITY CENTER
1619 Wesley Avenue
Berwyn IL 60402
(708) 749-4900

Office Hours
Mon thru Thursday...9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

Maintenance Building
2134 Wenonah Avenue
Berwyn, IL 60402
708.795.5145


Parking Spaces At Sokol Tabor Lot
The North Berwyn Park District and Sokol Tabor Organization have an inter-organizational agreement that allows patrons who participate in park district activities to utilize the south end of the Sokol Tabor parking lot. North Berwyn Park District sincerely thanks the Sokol Tabor Organization for their cooperation in securing this arrangement. Residents are asked to utilize this area prior to accessing parallel street parking areas.

Snow Removal / Street Cleaning Policy
Wesley Avenue
Odd Days - East Side
Even Days - West Side
WATCH STREET SIGNS!


Elected Board of Commissioners
Ann Mackin...............Commissioner
Mark Sladek..............Commissioner
Michael Phelan.............Commissioner
Rafael Avila.........Commissioner
Jeanmarie Hajer............Commissioner


Appointed by the Board
Gerald Sebesta Jr......Treasurer
Joseph C Vallez.....Board Secretary


Board Meeting Schedule
Regular meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 7:00pm and are held at the Community Center, 1619 Wesley Avenue. Meetings are open to the public. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend these meetings. Persons desiring to make public comment at meetings are to register with the Board Secretary at least 15 minutes prior to the start of a meeting. Such comments will be addressed during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.




Regulations and Policies

Photograph Policy
We are always looking for great smiles to appear on all sorts of North Berwyn Park District publications. Participation in district events and programs implies consent for the district to use photos for promotional purposes. If you do not want a picture taken, please tell the photographer. If the picture was already taken, please call the park district office at 708-749-4900 x11, and let us know it should not be used.

Residential Courtesy — Respect The Residents
The residential and business neighbors who surround the community center, facilities and parks are very supportive and patient with the activities of the park district. Please acknowledge this tolerance by respecting their privacy and property. Also, dispose of trash in appropriate containers, not on the street. Thank you for your cooperation.

Pyrce Park
Pyrce Park is intended to be utilized by children ten years and younger. Please refer to all rules and regulations when patronizing the park area. Park closes at dusk.

Berwyn Gardens
Residents are asked to respect the property at the Berwyn Gardens and report any unsafe conditions or suspicious acts to the North Berwyn Park District at (708) 749-4900.

Please be aware of the following general use guidelines.
  • All areas close at dusk.
  • No glass container allowed.
  • No alcoholic beverages.
  • Pets are to be leashed at all times.
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
  • Inline skating and skateboards are prohibited in all areas except skating courts.
  • Skating allowed during posted hours only.
  • Skating area access is allowed only with approved protective equipment.
  • Playground equipment is designed for youth under eleven years of age.
  • No loitering.
Persons violating rules will be prohibited from using facilities and may be subject to fine and/or arrest.

Participation Guidelines
Our goal at the North Berwyn Park District is to provide a positive leisure experience for all participants. To ensure this, certain rules and procedures are required to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for participation.
  1. Respect must be given to staff, fellow participants, facilities, and equipment at all times.
  2. Aggressive behavior, which endangers the safety of fellow participants, will not be tolerated.
  3. Inappropriate behavior, which is deemed to be offensive, will not be tolerated.
  4. Smoking is prohibited in all park district and school district facilities.
  5. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in all park district facilities and parks.
Park District officials and staff reserve the right to dismiss persons from a program or facility that are not in compliance with set rules and regulations.

Vandalism Policy
The North Berwyn Park District will pursue prosecution to the fullest extent of the law against all persons who vandalize or commit other acts of criminal damage to North Berwyn Park District property, and require restitution for the amount of damage and for any reward paid pursuant to this policy.
Persons who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of such offenders, or to full restitution by the offender, may receive a reward of up to $100, based on the amount of damage. Persons eligible for a reward are expected to cooperate with all law enforcement authorities responsible for the arrest and prosecution of an alleged offender. A review committee made up of park district personnel will decide rewards.




Important Information

Residency
Please note that, persons residing outside of the North Berwyn Park District have different registration dates. North Berwyn boundaries are: north of Cermak between Harlem and Lombard. You are an in-district resident of the Park District if you live in Berwyn. Everyone is welcome to participate in our programs, although sometimes higher fees may apply to people living outside of Berwyn.

Parking
Park district participants must utilize the south end of the Sokol Tabor parking lot. The lot is located directly behind (east) of the Community Center. Please note that Wesley Ave is reserved for resident parking only. NBPD has 15 minute parking as well as handicap parking directly in front of the building on Wesley Ave, however, cars parked on Wesley Ave for more than 15 minutes will be ticketed.

Board Meetings
We value your opinions and suggestions. Berwyn residents are invited to attend board meetings held every second Thursday of the month at the Community Center at 7pm.

Pets
Take your dog for a walk through the dog-friendly, Berwyn Gardens. Don’t forget to keep him/her leash. No pets allowed at all other North Berwyn Park District parks.

No Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all park district facilities, parks and buses.

Lost & Found
The North Berwyn Park District is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Lost and found items are kept for a limited time only. If you have lost something please contact the front desk immediately.

Equal Access
No participants shall, on the basis of race, sex, creed, national origin or disability, be denied equal access to programs, activities, services or benefits, or be limited in the exercise of any right, privilege, advantage or opportunity. For special accommodations on a trip, please inform NBPD before the trip’s registration deadline.

Waiting List
We encourage you to get on the waiting list for a program or trip with no more open spaces because we will always try our very best to accommodate a larger group if possible. Payment will not be taken to register on to the waiting list.

Bad Weather?
Programs may be cancelled due to severe or prohibitive weather. If a program is cancelled, all participants will be notified and a maximum of one session per program will be rescheduled if possible. Note that for special events a rain date may or may not be scheduled. If you have any questions please contact us at (708) 749-4900.

Volunteer Opportunities
We’re always looking for volunteers! If you love working with people then we want you! Take fun trips or lead a social group! For more information on how you can be a volunteer, please contact (708) 749-4900.

Gift Certificates Available
We encourage you to get on the waiting list for a program or trip with no more open spaces because we will always try our very best to accommodate a larger group if possible. Payment will not be taken to register on to the waiting list.




Closure to Consolodation Study

As many residents are aware, a study addressing the issue of consolidating the North Berwyn Park District, Berwyn Park District, and City of Berwyn Recreation Department into a single agency was commissioned early in the spring of 1999, which concluded it would not be financially feasible for the North Berwyn Park District to enter into such consolidation.

A meeting was held on January 31, 2000 with officials from each entity, which provided closure to the issue. While consolidation is not appropriate at this time, mutual cooperation will be pursued so that each entity may work together and maximize resources for the benefit of our constituents.

Persons wanting additional information on this issue are asked to contact Joe Vallez at 708.749.4900.17


You can read the study in its entirety here.