WHAT'S NEW

May 2023
aQity Shares Statewide Survey Results to IAPD Legislative Conference
In early May, Jeff Andreasen presented aQity’s findings from its statewide survey of 2,000+ Illinois residents regarding opinions, usage, satisfaction, and importance of parks, open space and recreation at the 2023 Illinois Association of Park District’s Legislative Conference in Springfield.

Over 200 executive directors, board members, and staff from park and forest preserve/conservation districts statewide attended the presentation. The findings included trending from prior statewide surveys conducted by aQity in 2002 and 2013, and identified several new key insights, including:
  • Despite declining trust in public agencies overall, residents continue to hold their local park and forest preserve/conservation districts in the highest regard with very favorable esteem scores.
  • The vast majority recognize the positive impact that parks and open space have on property values (88% agree), and two thirds feel that their park district is a good steward of their tax dollars.
  • Strong satisfaction with the availability of local parks, open space, and recreational options are all highly correlated with resident’s quality-of-life ratings for their community. In fact, recreational opportunities and open space are at least as or more strongly associated with quality of life in a community as having good local schools.
  • Nearly nine out of ten (87%) feel that their local park district is representative and inclusive of all groups within their community.

Additional findings and trending results from previous surveys can be found here, and these results provide valuable benchmarking comparisons for agencies statewide.
May 2023
Congratulations to the New Park District of Oak Park’s Grand Opening of its Community Recreation Center
On Sunday May 21st, the Park District of Oak Park (PDOP) introduced its new Community Rec Center to the public. Hundreds attended the ceremony and were excited to see the new 42,000 square foot, net-zero facility which includes:
  • An indoor track above an ample gym space for basketball (12 hoops), pickleball, volleyball and badminton (free to the public)
  • A fitness facility and exercise studio
  • Fully accessible and gender-neutral restrooms and locker rooms
  • Childcare, e-sports, after-school programming, and homework help facilities
  • Office space for the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township, providing access to social workers and other support professionals.

A district-wide resident survey conducted by aQity in 2019 showed overwhelming public support for this concept. The survey identified widespread recognition that there was a critical need for a facility offering fitness and wellness options for all Oak Park residents, and a safe place for after-school activities for middle- and high-school students.

Our survey also showed strong willingness-to-donate among residents to help pay for the facility. The strong survey response helped the District and the Parks Foundation of Oak Park cover over 70% of the construction cost through donations from individuals, foundations and grants (with the District’s capital budget covering the rest).

We are very happy to have shared in the excitement of the CRC’s grand opening and we wish continued success to the Park District of Oak Park!
June 2022
aQity Research Helps Glen Ellyn Park District Pass Significant Bond Referendum
Community and voter surveys conducted by aQity in late 2021 and early 2022 helped the Glen Ellyn Park District place a successful $15.9 million bond referendum on the June, 2022 primary ballot. 
 
Our customized research identified residents’ opinions about the District, the value it represents, and gauged initial levels of support for capital improvement options being considered. The surveys also identified the pro-referendum arguments that resonated most with voters, which helped inform the District’s community outreach and information efforts. 
 
The referendum passed with 62% support, closely aligning with aQity’s pre-election survey results. We congratulate the Park District for a well-executed referendum effort and its upcoming improvements! ​​