Schaumburg Park District — Attraction in Schaumburg Township

As a whole, the park district maintains their parks beautifully. However COVID-19 resulted in massive layoffs - about 700 people deep. The cracks in its management show.

In 2019 it fumbled ownership and what-to-do with Wintrust Field (at the time, Boomers Stadium). As the people who owned the Boomers Stadium, they let it fall into disrepair as the large property required maintenance they just couldn't do with property taxes alone. They ended up selling their portion to the Village of Schaumburg who's been running it far better.

Back in winter, I slipped and fell at Sarah's Grove Park, one of the Park District's properties. I called 311 which directed me to Schaumburg Park District, since it's their property. I called the administration center intending to ask someone to salt the walkways, and was put on the phone with somebody at Meineke Recreation Center. He had to have been no older than 20 years old. Unsurprisingly he couldn't help me - because he didn't have the authority to address the problem. The park walkway remained unsalted. I expect the Park District's incompetence to continue into Winter 2021, except the next person who slips and falls on unmaintained Park District property might end up with more than a sore back.

The point of the matter is that the problem was raised, and it was never addressed - that's bad governance. More people probably slipped and complained. Sarah's Grove Park is not even on the Park District website, though it has a sign out in front that indicates its a part of the Park District.

Then you've got the "reservation system", which is probably the biggest joke on the planet, except nobody laughs but them. Doors to all the recreation centers are locked and you can't even use the PAID membership that you paid with your property tax dollars and then your post-tax dollars. No problem going maskless and having people close together in the crowded pools though!

Long story short - I love the parks, but REALLY dislike the Park District. They need to do better. Or we're going to have to pick better people in the...

My kids have particiated in many classes, summer camps, and special events for the last 3 or 4 years and I've had hit or miss experiences here. Some have been really terrific (preschool, everyone at Spring Valley Nature Center, Coach Amy for gymnastics, Ms. Nicole for a paleontology class, Coach Jacob for soccer). I've had a few instructors that I was so unimpressed with that I would not recommend the class. It's frustrating to pay for camps and the kids don't like it because of poor quality instructors. 2 instructors for a summer soccer camp did very little and spent a good portion of the time on their phone. I think instructors should not be on their phones during class. I would expect to see them engaged in the students in the few minutes before class, during class, and after class as well. Perhaps you can set up a tighter feedback/review process (maybe even day 2 or 3 of a 5 day camp?) and bring in experienced coach/teachers if necessary. And give more guidance on how to be an enthusiastic coach to make the summer camp fun for the kids. Maybe even pair up with preschool teachers on how to best engage with all the kids? I've talked to several other parents and they all said the same...that each class has been a hit or miss, depending on the instructor. I love the park district! It's just that some of the instructors could really use some additional training on working with children. Or even just simply putting their cell phones away and talking to the kids would be...

I must say I love this Park District! I love the people that work here which are super friendly and helpful when needed. Tons and tons of great classes for kids, dance company, gymnastics etc. A lot of variety! A true family feel!

That being said there are things that should be improved. One of them is the women's locker room and the changing rooms in particular. The plastic curtains are old, became more narrow and they do not close all the way. So I am seeing remainders of some old tape on them. People are desperately trying to attach that remaining tape to the curtains and the walls. We are trying to do whatever works to close them up so we can have privacy. I pay 40 bucks per month, so I think the park district can handle that really small improvement. Buy new drapes, that's all: Target, Ross etc. for a few bucks. That would really improve the comfort of members.

Another thing: with the flu season, viruses, Ebola and whatever else is going on.... a box of tissues by the white rugs would be great! There were placed there for sometime and somehow they are no longer placed there.

Minor changes..... but it would help in a big way!!!

This note only reflect the gym on Springinsguth Rd. in...