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Politics & Government

Rain Dampens Niles Park District Revenues, But Sunny Areas Compensate

Youth programs drive up revenues.

Despite an especially rainy spring, staff members have managed to keep spending in line and earned praise from the district's board members at their meeting Tuesday.

“It’s been a horrible year,” said Executive Director Joseph LoVerde of this spring’s weather.

The was closed eight days this spring due to flooding, including Memorial Day weekend, said Tam Golf Course Manager Peter Dubs. More teens have signed up for the Junior Golf League and staff members are considering offering weekend tee times for weekday prices to make up for lost revenues, Dubs said.

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All outdoor facilities have been especially affected by the bad weather, said Tom Elenz, Director of Finance for Niles Park District.

Youth camp registrations have maintained the numbers they had last year, and revenue from youth programs could reach record levels this year, said Paul Nielsen, Athletic Administrator for the district.

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Preschool registrations have been up, sparking demand for another classroom, said Kathy Mahoney, a staff member at the Howard Leisure Center.    

will reopen August 21, LoVerde said. Construction workers did discover a corroded pipe underground, which had to be rerouted, but overall, things are going smoothly. Plumbing and electrical inspections will occur this week, and dry wall work will begin once those are complete, LoVerde said.

Board members praised department and facility heads for their hard work in tough economic times. 

“This has been an outstanding year,” because of the district’s staff members, LoVerde said.  “We have proven that we can operate in difficult times.”

In addition, 2010 audit numbers show that the park district had a net income of more than $500,000.  Revenues increased and expenses decreased compared to 2009, Elenz said.

The park district saw increased participation and more facility users, which helped bring in more revenue.  There were fewer expenses due to staff cuts and the closure of Iceland pool, Elenz said. 

Park officials note that no program fees were raised last year and that the district maintained its A1 bond rating with Moody’s.

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