June 4, 2020

Zion Park District Hopes to Postpone Fireworks Display, As Fourth of July Festivities Are Cancelled

Fourth of July festivities have been a tradition in Shiloh Park for many decades. Family and friends bring their blankets, chairs, and picnics to celebrate together as they listen to music and enjoy the fireworks at dusk, which are co-sponsored by the City of Zion and the Zion Park District.

Unfortunately, these unprecedented times are challenging our traditions for the greater good of keeping our community safe. The coronavirus pandemic has altered how we celebrate major events and holidays, Fourth of July is no exception. Even if our region is permitted to enter Phase 4, the ‘Revitalization’ phase in the Restore Illinois Plan, only gatherings of 50 people or fewer are advised and social distancing with face coverings remains in effect. After much discussion, the City of Zion and the Zion Park District have come to an agreement to cancel Fourth of July festivities with hopes to display the fireworks at a later date to be determined.

The Zion Park District continues to work closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the rapidly moving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation. As always, the health and safety of our community and our staff is our top priority. We thank you for your understanding!

Should you have any questions, please email info@zionparkdistrict.org.

May 4, 2020

Dear Residents, Pass Holders and Patrons of Port Shiloh Pool –

After careful thought and consideration of all related factors, the Zion Park District board and administration have reached the disappointing conclusion that we cannot safely open Port Shiloh Pool for the 2020 swim season. We understand that this is as difficult to hear as the decision was to make. However, at this time, there are just too many concerns and unknown situations that could occur over the next few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across our country.

The decision to cancel the pool season that has been enjoyed by Zion residents for decades has not been taken lightly. We had many factors to consider to reach this decision. The health and welfare of the residents and staff were our first priority.

The training regimen required to provide the level of safety our community relies on at Port Shiloh Pool is lagging due to the shortage of available programs to train staff in a timely manner. These are skills that are not learned online, they are very hands on and necessary for safe operations. We also do not want to offer the youth of our community a job at the pool, only to have the science prove that opening pool facilities is not feasible for the summer of 2020. Further, the Illinois Department of Public Health has given no indication as to when it would even begin conducting pool inspections or give guidance on pool openings.

The Zion Park District is very committed to providing opportunities for our community to learn to swim and we are saddened that we will have to forego that mission for this summer. As disappointing as this news may be, we feel it is the right decision for the health and safety of the general public as we cope with this unprecedented pandemic and how to meet the challenges it presents not just for the swimming pool but for all activities conducted by the Park District.

The Zion Park District continues to work closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the rapidly moving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation. As always, the health and safety of our community and our staff is our top priority. We thank you for your understanding!

Should you have any questions, please email info@zionparkdistrict.org.

March 31, 2020

As a result of Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order issued on March 31, 2020 all Zion Park District facilities will be closed through Thursday, April 30, 2020.  This includes all playground equipment and outdoor restrooms. 

Our parks will remain open for walking, running and biking however we ask that you follow CDC guidelines while using our parks:

• Refrain from using parks if you are exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
• While on trails, warn other users of your presence as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
• Outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts are not allowed in the parks.
• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location.

Once we know the extent of our closure, staff will determine class rescheduling or refunds/credits for cancelled programs.  We will process refunds/credits once the Park District re-opens.

The Zion Park District continues to work closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the rapidly moving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation. As always, the health and safety of our community and our staff is our top priority. We thank you for your understanding and patience!

Should you have any questions, please email info@zionparkdistrict.org.

Effective Saturday, March 14th, all Zion Park District programs are cancelled and facilities are closed through Saturday, March 28th. The situation will be re-evaluated continuously throughout the two-week closure.

However, due to the commitment that we made to our community, our facilities will be open for voting on Tuesday, March 17th from 6:00am – 7:00pm.

The Zion Park District is continuing to work closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the rapidly moving COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation. As always, the health and safety of our community and our staff is our top priority. After evaluating our district’s programs and services and coordinating with local agencies, we are taking the necessary steps to facilitate social distancing in public places.

While regrettable, we feel this is the most responsible course of action based on the need to consider the health and well-being of our children, families and the community-at-large. We want you to know that this is not a decision we made lightly and hope we have your understanding. We believe, although an inconvenience, these closures will ultimately benefit the health and welfare of our community. We thank you for your understanding.

For persons registered in a cancelled program, you will receive a refund. Some programs and memberships may be extended to accommodate for the closure(s). We will also issue a refund upon your request for the pro-rated amount.

Please understand that this is a quickly evolving situation and we will be posting updates on our website and Facebook page as changes occur.

Should you have any questions, please email info@zionparkdistrict.org.

Back: Carolyn Rivers, Bill Hartmann, Sheryl Goodwin Magiera, Deborah Isaacs, Eric Bradley Front: Jesse Pye

ZION PARK DISTRICT AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
For the 26th consecutive year, the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to Zion Park District by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to the individual designated by Zion Park District as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR. This has been presented to Eric Bradley, CPA, Superintendent of Administrative Services. Finance and Personnel Specialist, Deborah Isaacs, assisted in achieving the award.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 19,000 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL and Washington, D.C.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Zion Park District have found infestations of Gypsy Moths throughout Shiloh Park. The Gypsy Moth is an insect that in caterpillar stage can do tremendous damage to Oak Trees by feeding on their leaves. If uncontrolled, they can destroy all the Oaks in the park.

It has been determined that an aerial spray by helicopter will help control the Gypsy Moth. Spraying will take place in May or June, depending on weather conditions.

Two seats on the Zion Park District Board of Commissioners will be up for election during the Consolidated Election to be held on April 2, 2019.

Beginning on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 petition packets for the open seats will be available during normal business hours on weekdays at the Zion Park District office located at 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL.

The first date for filing is Monday, December 10, 2018.
Filing will continue until Monday, December 17, 2018.

If necessary, a simultaneous filer’s lottery will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at 4:00pm at the Zion Park office located at 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL.

Park Board Commissioners are elected for a six year term. There is no primary election for Park Board Commissioners. For additional information, please call the Zion Park District at 847-746-5500.