Freedom of Information Act

Purpose:
The Long Grove Park District (LGPD) is a non-taxing local government agency established to preserve open lands, protect natural habitats, and provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community. The District maintains and manages public parks, woodlands, trails, and natural areas for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

 

Functional Subdivisions:

  • Board of Commissioners: Governing authority responsible for policy and oversight.

  • Operations and Programs: Management of properties, business operations, events, programs, and volunteers.

  • Administration and Finance: Record-keeping, office management, and correspondence.

  • Stewardship and Maintenance: Ecological restoration, land care, and facility upkeep.

 

Operating Budget:
Approximate annual operating budget: ($87,622)

  • Total Income: $286,750 (non-taxing revenue supported by program fees, sponsorships, donations, cell tower rental fee and bank interest).

  • Total Expenses: $374,372

  • Budgeted spend based on utilizing bank reserves

Offices and Facilities:

  • Main Office: Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Center, 3849 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove, IL 60047
    (Administrative office and primary public meeting location)

 

Employees:

  • Full-time employees: 1 (sub 40 hours)

  • Part-time employees/contracted staff: 2

  • Volunteers and seasonal assistants: Varies by program

Board of Commissioners:
The Long Grove Park District is governed by a seven-member elected Board of Commissioners who serve four-year terms without compensation.

  • President/Commissioner: Jim Southwell

  • Vice President/Commissioner: Janet Healy

  • Treasurer/Commissioner: Angie Underwood

  • Secretary/Commissioner: Roy Skillicorn

  • Other Commissioners: Richard Federer, Nadia Shah, Steven Wernikoff

The Board meets monthly at the Reed-Turner Woodland Nature Center. Meetings are open to the public and posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

 

Methods for Requesting Public Records

Public records may be requested under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140).
Requests should be made in writing and should clearly describe the records sought. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by email.

When submitting your written request, please be as specific as possible.  The Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect public records and/or to be provided with copies of public records. It is not designed to require a public body to answer questions.

When a written request for records has been submitted, the Park District must provide access to those records and/or copies within five (5) business days. Under certain circumstances, this time limit may be extended for five (5) more business days. Notice of this five-day extension must be sent to the person requesting the records.

Please indicate if your request is for a commercial purpose in which case the Park District will provide access to the records and/or copies within twenty-one (21) business days. (It is a violation of the Act for a person to knowingly obtain a public record for a commercial purpose without disclosing that it is for a commercial purpose.)

There is no fee for the first 50 pages of standard paper copies. For more than 50 copies, there is a fee of .15 cents per page. You are permitted to ask for a waiver of copying fees. You must include a specific explanation as to why your request for information merits a fee waiver and include the following statement on your written request, “I request a waiver of all fees associated with this request.”

Please include your full name, phone number(s), mailing address, and e-mail with your request. 

 

Methods of submission:

  • Written letter or email identifying the records requested

 

Freedom of Information Act Officers

Designated FOIA Officers:

  • Primary FOIA Officer: Janet Healy, Board Vice President

  • Secondary FOIA Officer: Jim Southwell, Board President

Address for FOIA Requests

 Mail or Deliver to:
Long Grove Park District
Attn: Freedom of Information Officer
3849 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL 60047

 Email: info@lgparks.org
Phone (for general inquiries): (847) 438-4743