CREATIVITY & INNOVATION
Lombard Park District National Gold Medal Award Application
7
Park and recreation agencies have long been known for
creativity and innovation. One of the desirable outcomes of the
Gold Medal program is to identify these valuable efforts and
approaches. Please identify and briefly explain 3 innovations
implemented by your agency within the last 3 years.
ACCESSIBLE SENSORY GARDEN: In collaboration with the
Lombard Historical Society the District created and contributed
$10,000+ for a sensory garden focused on ADA accessibility for
green thumb enthusiasts with physical and sensory disabilities.
This therapeutic garden was visited by 1,920 guests during 2018,
its first year of operation. The garden is located at the Sheldon
Peck Homestead, a verified site of the Underground Railroad. The
homestead and garden provides participants with special needs
hands-on educational opportunities for an increased connection
with nature.
EYE IN THE SKY: Drone technology was initially used to provide
updates to our residents and elected officials during the 2017/18
construction of our new athletic facility. Drone use quickly evolved
at the District and has become a creative tool frequently used
in our park system. Added benefits of drone footage include
marketing of services, assessing erosion at our golf course
along the DuPage River, evaluating storm damage to parks and
facilities, and inspecting/monitoring other turf and forestry areas
Districtwide. Since April of 2017, our licensed drone pilot has
logged 127 hours of total flight time.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS: Looking to decrease the
$25,500+ cost associated with water usage for our aquatic facility,
the Village of Lombard provides an annual grant to the Park District
of $12,000 from their Hotel/Motel Tax proceeds. In return, the Park
District opens our award winning water park to any guest staying at
any hotel in the community at NO COST.
