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As 2019 draws to a close, we say goodbye to the Year of the Park.

According to the 2018 Community Attitude & Opinion Survey , 100% of respondents spent time in District parks with top marks for cleanliness, safety, accessibility and maintenance. A park was featured in each of the seasonal brochure covers. From the fresh face of spring to summer concerts in the bandshell, stunning fall colors and the serenity of winter, District parks create their own magic and residents loved the cover photos. A new colorful park map debuted in June encouraging all to get out and play.

The District celebrated Pop Up Park Day on July 13 coinciding with both National Parks and Recreation month and Unplug Illinois Day. Over 30 staffers volunteered their time to visit 15 parks with refreshments and giveaways. The goal was simple; to engage residents on their impressions of not just parks but the District as a whole. The sunny day inspired great conversations and we are committed to carrying those comments and suggestions into our plans for 2020 and beyond. The Year of the Park culminated with the October Grand Opening of the newly renovated Busse Playground with a unique poured in place surface and many accessible features for children with special needs.

So much fun happens in our parks over the course of a year. Thousands participated in the Summer Concert and Event Series with over 3,000 in attendance for the ABBA Salute concert on a gorgeous summer evening. The bandshell is also home to the Memorial Day Ceremony and the Mt. Prospect Community Band seven week Summer Series as well as the Brass Band Bash in July. In August, The District played host to National Night Out in conjunction with the Mount Prospect Police Department and the first 56 Artisan Fix where music played all day and over 25 artisans sold their handmade wares.

In September, RecPlex was the host site for the Village of Mount Prospect’s 2nd Celebration of Cultures. Lions Park hosted its annual Fall Fest with a record number in attendance. We wrap the year at Friendship Park Conservatory for the annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7 from 11 am to 3 pm.

Whether featuring our amazing parks or highlighting one of over a thousand quarterly programs and special events, the Mt. Prospect Park District is committed to the mission of providing exceptional parks and recreation experiences that enrich the quality of life for present and future generations.