The Butterfield Park District continues to move forward under the direction of Dr. Larry Reiner. Larry was hired this past September as our new Executive Director. Prior to Butterfield, Larry served as the Executive Director of Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association and had served in the position since the organization was formed. Larry is also an elected Park District Commissioner for the Buffalo Grove Park District. He has served as president of their Board for four years and is starting his twenty sixth year in office. Larry is an advocate for the Park District system and believes in "Recreation for all". Larry has also worked with and knows the Butterfield Park District through many cooperative experiences. It's a time of change and a time of opportunity for our Park District to take the next step forward in our evolution. If you have not had the opportunity- please take a moment to introduce yourself to Larry.

A continuing focus of the District is the renovation and improvement of all our properties. With the recent completion of the Kensington Park project the Park District turned it attention to the renovation of the Brentwood Walking Trail. The work on the trail was completed this past fall and provides a scenic and improved 1400 foot long (by 8 feet wide) walking trail that gives our residents the opportunity for a pleasant stroll through a passive natural setting. The Park District has 'fine tuned' the master plan for Hoffman Park. This plan includes: a re-application for an OSLAD grant for improvements the park and finalizing the preliminary design in anticipation of receiving the grant. This preliminary design includes improvements at Hoffman Park to include multi-purpose athletic fields, basketball court, picnic shelter restrooms, natural area, and a walk/run path. Also as part of the master plan for improvement the Park District has completed an intergovernmental agreement with Lombard School District 44 to build a new playground at Hoffman Park/Butterfield School. Our goal is to have the new playground completed in the spring of 2012. Lastly, the Park District has completed a lease agreement with Commonwealth Edison to access more usable space within the Hoffman Park area.

Another area we were focused on is our programming. We continue to expand our offerings in the early childhood/preschool category, teen programs, active adults, and fitness categories. Early childhood/preschool age has expended to offer an Early Drop Off program, a Stay N Play extended day, and Wee Care after school care. We have added a Discovery Fridays class that expands the schedule for children to attend the preschool Monday through Friday. We have expanded our teen programs which includes additional trips, in-house activities, and programs. The active adult senior club meets on a regular basis and has trips planned every month. We are fortunate to be able to offer a diverse offering of fitness activities. We have Zumba, Men's Only Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Kids Yoga, Family Yoga, Personal Fitness Training, Tai Chi, and Karate for all ages. This spring/summer we will also be providing a 1-day table tennis clinic as well as table tennis equipment at our pavilion and on the pool deck. We are hoping that if there is enough interest in this fast growing activity- that a group will come forward to 'take ownership of this activity/opportunity' and help foster a full time program offering for our Park District patrons.

We would like to thank you for your continued support and look forward to serving you in the future. We encourage you to share your ideas, suggestions, and comments. Please contact us our staff at (630)858-2229.

Michael J. Kryger
Board of Park Commissioners - President