The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, approved a major planning expenditure, authorizing $131,500 for agreements with Design Perspectives. The funds will be used for parking lot construction at Lincoln Meadows and Windy Park, as well as master plan updates for Commissioners Park and other sites, all tied to a state grant. For more on this, see the full story.

The board also approved a compensation increase for Executive Director Gina Hassett following a closed session. A separate article provides more information on this action. In other business, the board approved over $1 million in bills and received updates on summer events and park projects.

President Considers Forming Citizen Committees
Board President Michael McCarey announced that he and Executive Director Gina Hassett have been approached by several individuals about forming citizen committees. He suggested the committees could focus on the Community Center or other topics the board decides are important. Hassett will provide commissioners with information on how they can properly interact with the public through such committees.

District to Utilize Remaining COVID-19 Funds
The park district plans to utilize the remaining $25,000 of its Will County ARPA grant allocation. The HVAC replacement at the Founders Gym, which cost $72,500, was already reimbursed from the grant. Staff are now working to submit quotes for other qualifying purchases, such as computers, air purifier filters, water stations, and tables. The funds must be spent and reimbursed by December 2025.

Recreation Programs in Full Swing
The first “Party in the Park” event at Windy Hill Park was a success, drawing over 200 attendees. The next event on July 14 at Stone Creek Park will be a Foam Party. The “Short Run on a Long Day 5k” on June 18 saw 318 runners finish despite the rain. Recreation staff also reported that the Splash Park has been very busy, and Day Camp is halfway through its session, which ends August 1.

Staffing and Park Project Updates
Dave Gow, the district’s Mechanic/Crew Worker, retired on July 1 after 10 years of service. The district is actively seeking a qualified replacement. In the parks, Superintendent of Building and Grounds Edward Newton reported that work at Fort Frankfort is “moving along” and a new swing set has been installed in concrete at Butternut Woods Park, with the swings to be added once the concrete cures.

Bills Approved for Over $1 Million
The board unanimously approved the accounts payable and payroll for the period ending June 30, 2025, in the amount of $1,049,554.88.