GPD protects the environment with wetland, prairie, and woodland restoration and implements and measures efficient energy use. GPD was the first to ban the use of coal tar and supported legislation, now law, for a statewide ban. The Illinois Association of Park Districts recognized GPD for its partnerships developed to protect The Grove, and designating 90-acres as an Illinois Nature Preserve and National Historic Landmark.
GPD converted 7.4 acres to native areas, hosted 24 zero-waste events, and decreased electric and fuel use by over 1% annually. Furthermore, GPD provides education to further historical stewardship. Overall, 98% of community members reported visiting a park or facility within the last year, of which 50% visited The Grove or Historic Wagner Farm. The Grove reported 55,890 program visits, 7,274 tour visits and 35,000 visitors to the Nature Center. Wagner Farm boasted 36,313 program visits, 6,265 tour visits and 69,908 general visits, a 7% increase in three years. These two facilities educate over 1,000 school groups annually.
GPD developed an Urban Forestry Management Plan (UFMP) to provide data-driven solutions, goals, and milestones. GPD is leading in the inventory and diversity of its trees in Illinois. GPD exceeds the “20-10-5” rule, a best urban forestry management practice that states a tree population should ideally have no more than 20% of any single family, 10% of any single genus, and 5% of any single species. “Undesirable” trees decreased annually from 483 to 451, with the District managing over 22,300 trees. GPD planted 835 trees in the last three years, surpassing the plan’s targets.
Guided by Strategic/Comprehensive Plans, our environmental team recommends and implements actions for conservation, energy efficiency, and preservation. Highlights of success across the park district include:
- Only Illinois park district powered by 100% wind-generated electricity.
- Built a solar-powered trailer to charge all battery-operated landscaping tools.
- Converted pathway and parking lot lighting fixtures in parks and facilities to LED and changed court lighting from halogen to LED bulbs.
- Reduced water consumption by 30% by replacing 44 regular flush toilets with dual flush valves; replaced the domestic water booster system with an efficient system to generate 20% energy savings.
- Facilities built/renovated designed using LEED principles and with ComED incentives.
- Replaced 86 wall sconces and 175 can lights with LED lights, saving 9,906 watts annually.
- Ice center changed procedures to eliminate nightly purging of 30 gallons of water.
- Expanded use of propane and electric mowers.
- “No Mow Until Mother’s Day” promotion reduces mowing.