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Mission, Vision & Values

Learn about the mission, vision, and values driving the work we do every day.

Our Mission

In partnership with the community, we enrich lives by providing meaningful experiences through programs, parks, and facilities.

Park District of Oak Park logo

Our Vision

We strive for excellence in serving the well-being and recreation needs of our diverse community through a collaborative, innovative, and sustainable approach.

Values

Participants in a community running event

Community Engagement

We will actively work to foster ongoing dialogue, relationships, collaborations, and partnerships with and within the community.
  • Engaged nearly 13,000 households through registered programs
  • Welcomed over 32,000 visitors to Oak Park Conservatory
  • Hosted three Park Master Plan reviews (Cheney Mansion, Barrie, and Andersen Parks)
  • Engaged local youth in Field Park playground and splashpad design
  • Gathered community feedback through qualitative and quantitative research on programs, parks, facilities, and staff
  • Engaged with residents at community-wide events including Day in Our Village, Juneteenth, and National Night Out
An adult coaching a child during a baseball practice

Responsible Leadership

We will maintain a high performing, engaged, and accountable organization.
  • Awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management
  • Earned Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award
  • Launched annual Value Champion Awards, honoring one full time and two part-time staff
  • Signed OSLAD grant agreement for Longfellow Park renovation
  • Secured Illinois Finance Authority grant for EV chargers
  • Entered into an IGA with the Oak Park Township for youth scholarship support
  • Maintained a nearly 50-year partnership with Festival Theatre
A child gently touching flowers in a garden

Integrity

We will adhere to moral, honest, and ethical principles with a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and transparency.
  • Maintained CAPRA accreditation by meeting 154 rigorous standards
  • Maintained Illinois Distinguished Accreditation through our commitment to exceptional programs, facilities, and services
  • Abated additional tax income from Cook County’s fund recapture from assessment appeals
  • Continued investment in staff and Board training to uphold high professional standards
A mobile pop-up park setup on a bicycle in a park

Innovation

We will continuously try new methods and ideas, adapt services according to trends, and continually improve processes.
  • Implemented 21 new ideas from employee-led innovation idea platform
  • Implemented three Big Ideas from our employee-led innovation contest
  • Added translation-support software at Guest Services to improve access
  • Created interactive virtual tours for our Historic Properties and CRC
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Sustainability

We will thrive through renewal, maintenance, and stewardship in all aspects of operation.
  • Earned Best Green Practices Award – 10th year in a row
  • Installed 16 geothermal wells at Cheney Mansion
  • Constructing Field Center with sustainable, energy-conscious design
  • Converted tennis court lights to LED
  • Replaced Pleasant Home oven with an electric version
  • Installed two additional EV chargers
  • Developed Climate Action Plan
  • Added battery-powered ride-on mower and electric vehicle to our fleet
  • Planted 62 trees and more than 3,300 daffodils and tulips in our parks
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Children of diverse backgrounds enjoying time together in a park

Inclusivity

We will actively and intentionally value multiple layers of human characteristics and view such differences as strengths, while striving for equity among all identities to be authentic, feel safe and be respected in our programs, parks, and facilities.
  • Surpassed $331,000 in financial assistance for the first time; awarded $159,082 in scholarships and $172,260 in Childcare Discount Memberships
  • Provided 3,500 free walking track memberships at the CRC
  • Hosted 25+ free community events in our parks
  • Continued partnership with D97 providing free summer camp to Summer Launch students
  • Collaborated with OPPL to provide four free passes to Cubhouse, pools, and ice rink
  • Received a $100,000 anonymous grant to fully fund the CRC Youth Afterschool Program