Batavia Park District Seeks Resident Feedback for Strategic Master Plan

BATAVIA, IL – As Batavia Park District plans its future goals, members of the community will have a say in shaping those plans. The park district is embarking on a strategic master plan that will direct its resources to enhancing parks, programs and spaces to serve current residents and future generations.

On March 25 and 26, community members are invited to attend one of two community input meetings to help guide the park district’s master plan. Meetings will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Shannon Hall, 14 N. Van Buren St. A crowdsourcing website, YourFunisOurBusiness.com, will be the hub for project updates, meeting details, online surveys and key findings.

The planning process will actively involve the community, gathering feedback through surveys, public forums and stakeholder meetings to ensure resident priorities and concerns are included, said Batavia Park District Executive Director Alison Niemela.

This strategic master plan will integrate cutting-edge technology, sustainability and inclusivity into the district’s parks, programs and facilities. “It will help the park district anticipate the spaces and programs Batavia needs as it grows,” Niemela said, “while crafting a shared vision for how to develop and enhance these spaces over the long term.”

As the community continues to evolve, the park district remains committed to adapting its offerings to meet the changing needs of residents, she added. “Your voice is more important than ever as we plan a roadmap for the next five years, and everyone is invited to give input, whether you’re a frequent park district patron or not.”

The park district is collaborating with Next Practice Partners LLC, a national firm specializing in developing innovative, inclusive and actionable plans. The firm will ensure everyone who wants to contribute will be heard.

“Whether you're exploring nature as a child, staying active as an adult, or soaking up quality time with family, we're here to support your journey,” Niemela said. “Our parks and programs are designed to enrich your life, foster community, and create lasting memories, ensuring that no matter where you are in life, you always have a place to belong. Together, we will Engage, Inspire and Elevate Batavia.”

For more information on our Batavia Park District programs and events, call (630) 879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.

Info sheet: Batavia Park District master plan community input

Who is responsible for this master and strategic plan?
Batavia Park District staff is leading this work internally and are collaborating externally with lead consultant Next Practice Partners, a national leader in inclusive and innovative planning. The team also includes Engineering and Planning Consultants, Kimley-Horn and survey firm, ETC Institute for site assessments and statistically reliable surveys respectively.
 
How does this affect me?
Through this plan, we’ll prioritize what matters most to you – whether it’s new programs, improved facilities or accessible green spaces, laying the groundwork for a parks system that grows and adapts alongside our community for years to come. It’s about creating spaces that bring people together, promote well-being, and enrich daily life. From property values to economic impact and rebuilding a sense of community pride, parks and recreation provide a tremendous benefit to our community. The value proposition is priceless.
 
What are the plan’s goals?

1. Engage the community in shaping a shared vision for the future of parks and recreation in Batavia.

2. Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of existing park and recreation assets to identify opportunities for innovation and areas for improvement.

3. Identify critical gaps in services and amenities, ensuring that residents needs are addressed and prioritize initiatives that will address those needs.

4. Develop actionable recommendations and data-driven strategies that ensure sustainable growth, operational efficiency and unparalleled service delivery.

5. Champion community well-being by creating dynamic, inclusive parks, programs and facilities that inspire a vibrant, connected and healthy population.