Restoration and genetic preservation of one of Illinois’ tiny but high quality – and most threatened – natural areas. Presented by Kathleen Marie Garness, The Field Museum and The Morton Arboretum

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsmqKBpVyx0

Upcoming Election Information – Commissioner Petition Packets Available

Commissioner petition packets are available for distribution to the public for the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election. Petition packets are available for pick up at the Zion Park District Leisure Center Office, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Following are the offices for which petitions are available:
Zion Park District Leisure Center Office: Petitions are available for the position of one Zion Park District Commissioner, six year term, 2021-2027.

The first day to circulate petitions is Tuesday, September 22, 2020.

The first day to file the nomination papers with the local election official is Monday, December 14 and the last day to file is Monday, December 21. Filing ends at 5 p.m. on December 21.

The Park District Leisure Center Office will be open for petition filing between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., December 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. The Leisure Center office will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 19 and closed on Sunday, December 20. Filing on Monday, December 21 is between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Per Illinois State Statutes, in the event two or more petitions of candidacy are simultaneously filed for the same office, the order of filing will be determined by means of a lottery approved by the State Board of Elections. If necessary, a public lottery is to be held within nine days after the last day of petition-filing period, and is open to the public. In the event that multiple candidates file for the position of Zion Park District Commissioner at 8 a.m. on the first day of filing, December 14, a Simultaneous Petition Filing Public Lottery will be held on Wednesday, December 23, at 10 a.m. in the Executive Director’s office at the Zion Park District Leisure Center, 2400 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion.

Marilyn Krieger, Local Election Official, Zion Park District

Hosah Park is a secluded, small ecological sanctuary located at the southern tip of Illinois State Beach Park

Hosah Park is open for walking, bird watching, enjoying the flora and fauna and the cooling lake breeze. Even though it borders Lake Michigan, Hosah Park is not a swimming beach, the water is not tested by the Lake County Health Department for safe swimming conditions. The waters of Lake Michigan have many risks due to rip currents, unstable sand bottom with drop offs that are not measured and fluctuate with the movement of the lake level, sand flow and current.  We ask that you kindly obey the no swimming signage at Hosah Park and enjoy spending time in nature.

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

Zion Park District receives 35 acres of donated land dedicated to open space

You may notice a new sign for the Zion Park District on Lewis Ave near the corner of Champart St. This is the newest addition to the park land that the District holds and cares for. Thank you to the DeVito family who have generously donated 35 acres at the southwest corner of Rte. 173 and Lewis Ave. Mr. DeVito is a local businessman, owner of Dynacoil, just down the road. This property has a history of development ideas but now has new life as a conservancy for open space for the community of Zion. The name you will see on the new sign, “Kellogg Creek Conservancy”, identifies that it will be held as green open space in perpetuity for the community. The addition of limited site amenities is on a long range capital list as the District has spent the last year creating a strategic plan. We will be keeping this beautiful area in the plans to create access in the long term. The Zion Park District would like to extend a big ‘thank you’ to the DeVito family for sharing this piece of land with the community of Zion.

The Zion Park District will be conducting weed control measures while the playgrounds remain closed. Playgrounds and turf areas within the Zion Park District will be treated. The application areas are marked with white flags and are safe to enter once the product has dried.

In addition, a single broadleaf weed application will be applied at several park sites. These sites include the Leisure Center, Sportsman Park, David Park, Hermon Park, Salem Boulevard, Bethesda Boulevard, Shiloh Boulevard, and Bethel Boulevard. The application will be completed June 15 through June 30, 2020, depending on weather.

The fertilizer applications, spot spraying, and broadleaf weed control are completed by state-licensed Zion Park District staff. All applications are dependent on staff availability and weather. For further information regarding pesticide and fertilizer applications please contact Superintendent of Parks, Todd Peck, 847-746-5500 Ext 1421.

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.