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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/parkrecreationplOOuniv 
 
5 58 
 
 A PARK AND RECREATION PLAN 
 
 for the 
 
 VILLAGE OF STEGER 
 
 ILLINOIS 
 
 Prepared by 
 
 Recreation and Parks Field Service 
 
 Department of Recreation 
 University of Illinois 
 
 1961 
 
Recreation and Parks Field Service 
 Department of Recreation 
 University of Illinois 
 Urbana, Illinois 
 
 The Recreation and Parks Field Service was established by the 
 Department of Recreation for the purpose of assisting Illinois communities 
 and their organizations to develop their park resources and opportunities 
 for recreation. This purpose is fulfilled by (1) providing technical and 
 professional assistance and counsel, (2) preparing and disseminating ^'iifor- 
 mation on various phases of recreation and park services, (3) promuigaiuing 
 acceptable standards, and (4) cooperating with other University, State, mJ 
 community interests. 
 
 Examples of the kinds of services which are provided are: 
 
 Organizing and helping establish recreation systems, park districts, 
 and the like. 
 
 Advising on problems related to legislational legal aspects, financing, 
 budgeting, and the like . 
 
 Preparation of surveys, appraisals and studies. 
 
 Assistance on personnel practices including recruiting, selecting 
 and training professional and volunteer personnel. 
 
 Developing agency and departmental coordination and relationships. 
 
 Planning public relations (including referenda campaigns). 
 
 Advising on problems related to the developnnent and nnaintenance of 
 recreation and park facilities. 
 
 Advising on the development of programs and services. 
 
 As the need arises, other resources of the University, including 
 personnel, may be drawn upon to supplement the efforts of the Departnaent 
 of Recreation. 
 
/,' . S b ^ i-'=-'^"rC~>t^BLE OF CONTENTS 
 
 Part I 
 
 Background for Planning 1 
 
 Introduction 1 
 
 Methods of Planning 2 
 
 Standards for Public Park and Recreation Areas 
 
 and Facilities 4 
 
 Functional Design 9 
 
 Part II 
 
 Existing Community Factors 11 
 
 Social and Economic Conditions 11 
 
 Governmental Pattern 15 
 
 Existing Recreation Programs 17 
 
 Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities . 21 
 
 Neighborhood Patterns , 25 
 
 Part III 
 
 Proposed Park and Recreation Area and Facility Developments .... 28 
 
 Neighborhoods 28 
 
 Community Parks 30 
 
 City Wide Parks 30 
 
 Regional Parks 31 
 
 Special Facilities , 31 
 
Page 
 Part IV 
 
 Recommended Recreation Program Developments 33 
 
 Part V 
 
 Administration, Finance, and Personnel 35 
 
 APPENDIXES 
 
 Appendix A - Some Basic Provisions of the Park District Code .... 40 
 
 Appendix B - Superintendent of Parks and Recreation 44 
 
 Appendix C - Park District Board Duties, Policies, and Procedures . 48 
 
 Appendix D - Park-School Cooperation 53 
 
 Appendix E - Sample Lease of Space and Grounds Around School 
 
 Building 58 
 
 11 
 
COLLEGE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION / UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA 
 
 Department of 
 
 February, 1961 
 
 To the President and Trustees of the 
 Village of Steger, Illinois 
 
 Gentlemen: 
 
 We are pleased to transmit herewith our report on recreation and 
 park services in Steger. 
 
 The appraisal of these services has indicated the need for decisive 
 action to bring these services in Steger up to a desirable standard. 
 Recommendations have been made, which, if carried out, should ensure 
 reasonably adequate recreation and park services in the near future, and 
 long range objectives are also set forth. 
 
 The cooperation of Mr. Robert Enzweiler, School Superintendent 
 S. P. Montieth, members of the Village Board, Playground and Recreation 
 Board, and School Board,is acknowledged with appreciation. 
 
 Respectfully submitted. 
 
 Edward H. Storey, Consultant 
 Recreation and Parks Field 
 Service 
 
 111 
 
BACKGROUND FOR PLANNING 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 The modern American city exists to provide for the general welfare 
 of all its residents. Where needs exist that normally cannot be met by 
 individual or family resources, people pool their resources by payment of 
 taxes to a public purse, to enable a common authority to render the services 
 needed. In this manner, municipal governments provide sidewalks and 
 streets, storm and sanitary sewers, police and fire protection, health 
 services, schools, public parks and increasingly, basic recreation programs 
 and services . 
 
 The years since World War II have revealed a strong awareness that 
 recreation is a vital and significant part of community life and that it has an 
 essential place in our democratic society. With increased leisure has conne 
 the need for increased recreation opportunities, not only for children, but 
 for all age groups. Year 'round programs designed to serve basic recreation 
 needs of all people regardless of age, sex, race, creed or color are now 
 provided under public auspices in most communities. 
 
 Recreation programs have proven their worth through benefits 
 derived, including improved physical and mental health, personality develop- 
 ment, social adjustment, and increased safety. Recreation programs, 
 properly established and guided by qualified leaders, have been a powerful 
 positive force in the prevention of delinquency. Recreation programs con- 
 tribute to enriched community life and foster sound human values. In so 
 doing they support the prosperity and general well-being of the comraunity. 
 
 Recreation opportunities can be found in a variety of settings, pro- 
 vided by various non-government groups. Churches, service clubs, youth- 
 serving agencies, special interest groups and commercial enterprises 
 conduct worthwhile recreation activities, and their roles are destined to be 
 expanded in future years. Libraries and schools make significant recreation 
 contributions. The home, of course, has a fundamental responsibility for 
 the provision, guidance, and sharing of recreation activities which strengthen 
 the family as a unit, and contribute to the personal development of indi- 
 vidual members of the family. 
 
 Experience has shown that local government organization is necessary 
 to meet recreation needs adequately and to assure proper attention to, and 
 planning for, recreation and park services. Public provision of recreation 
 services makes them comparatively inexpensive, and provides the only 
 practical means of nnaking recreation opportunities available to all the 
 people. Only through government can park lands and recreation facilities 
 be secured at minimum cost and in a way that assures continued public 
 ownership. A well designed and skillfully managed park system beautifies 
 the community and helps to protect and enhance property values. 
 
- 2 - 
 
 Community parks and other recreation facilities should be provided 
 in keeping with all the factors involved in the total conamunity plan of land- 
 use and property development. In the same sense, public recreation 
 organization must be effected in relation to programs provided by non- 
 government groups. It is a function of public recreation to support and 
 strengthen these programs without detracting from the independence of the 
 sponsoring groups in any way. At the same time, it is the responsibility of 
 the public recreation system to provide programs which assure all residents 
 of an opportunity to participate in a suitable recreation activity. In this 
 manner adequate coverage is assured and duplication of effort is avoided. 
 
 If a community's park and recreation services are to be adequate 
 and are to give assurance of continuing effectiveness from year to year, 
 certain elements have been found through experience to be essential. These 
 elements are: 
 
 (a) a public park and recreation managing authority established 
 according to state enabling legislation; 
 
 (b) a board of representative and interested citizens, appointed 
 or elected, to whom the provision of park and recreation 
 services is a primary concern; 
 
 (c) competent, well-qualified professional leadership and capable 
 well-trained volunteers; 
 
 (d) a dependable, continuous source of adequate funds to establish, 
 operate, and maintain programs, services and facilities; 
 
 (e) a suitable variety of outdoor and indoor areas and facilities; 
 
 (f) intelligent and comprehensive planning procedures. 
 
 These elements are given full consideration in the recommendations 
 which form the framework of this long-range plan. 
 
 METHODS OF PLANNING 
 
 In order to provide a frame of reference to guide the formulation of 
 recommendations for sound community development, a set of guiding 
 principles was adopted by the Playground and Recreation Board. These 
 principles, as listed below, reflect the previous experiences of communities 
 in the planning and provision of park and recreation services. They are 
 comLmonly accepted as authoritative guidelines for action. 
 
3 - 
 
 1. Recreation opportunities should be available to all the people 
 of the community, regardless of race, creed, color, age, sex or 
 economic status . 
 
 2. Planning for recreation and park services should be undertaken 
 with representative citizens to assure that plans reflect broad 
 community thinking. 
 
 3. In developing park and recreation plans, consideration should be 
 given to widely accepted principles and standards. 
 
 4. Recreation and park facilities and services should be planned on 
 a neighborhood, community and city-wide basis as related parts 
 of a unified, well-balanced system, to provide maximum 
 opportunities for all the people in the area of jurisdiction. 
 
 5. A park and playground should be provided in each neighborhood, 
 preferably adjacent to the elementary school. 
 
 6. Each recreation area and facility should be located conveniently 
 within the area it is to serve, and should have safe access for 
 all the residents of that area. 
 
 7. Land for park and recreation areas and facilities should be 
 acquired or reserved well in advance of the development of an 
 area, in the same manner that it is reserved for other public 
 purposes . 
 
 8. Space standards for park and recreation areas should be met, 
 and the land acquired even if the limited financial resources of 
 the public park and recreation agency oblige it to delay complete 
 development. 
 
 9. Planning for parks and recreation facilities should encompass 
 areas beyond the city, to insure adequate recreation opportunities 
 for the people of the entire metropolitan area. 
 
 10. Selection or acceptance of sites for park and recreation develop- 
 ment should be based on their suitability for the intended purpose, 
 as indicated in the overall plan. 
 
 11. Parks and recreation lands should be dedicated and held in 
 perpetuity, protected by law against diversion to non-recreation 
 purposes and against invasion by inappropriate uses. 
 
- 4 - 
 
 12. The park and recreation plan must consider the requirements 
 for management, leadership and maintenance, and the costs 
 of these requirements. 
 
 13. Beauty and functional efficiency should complement each other 
 in parks and recreation facilities, and should be considered 
 equally important goals of planning. 
 
 14. Maximum effort should be directed towards the development of 
 public understanding of plans for recreation and park services. 
 
 It is felt that the physical phase of this long-range plan will serve 
 its purpose if it provides a general guide for the selection of areas and their 
 development. The physical plan is primarily concerned, therefore, with the 
 development of an ultimate system of park and recreation areas and 
 facilities. It must be kept in mind that there is, at the time of writing this 
 report, no comprehensive physical development plan for the Village. If 
 and when such a plan is prepared, certain changes in the location of park and 
 recreation areas may be found necessary in the interest of total community 
 development. Any such changes should be made in accordance with the 
 principles which are set forth in this report. The need for a comprehensive 
 plan is evident and in the best interests of the Steger community such a 
 plan should be prepared. 
 
 General recommendations are presented for developing each type 
 of area, and the principles of functional design are stated for guidance in 
 individual site planning. Actual development plans and specifications 
 should be prepared by qualified consulting engineers, landscape architects 
 and architects as the need arises and funds become available. 
 
 STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATION AREAS AND 
 FACILITIES 
 
 The standards set forth have been used as a guide for determining 
 the land space and facility requirements for the various neighborhood, 
 community and city-wide purposes. It should be understood that these are 
 minimum requirements, and that a number of progressive cities have found 
 it desirable to exceed them. The adoption of standards such as these is a 
 matter for local determination, based on experience obtained in other 
 communities. The basis for these standards may be found in the publication 
 of the International City Manager's Association. They are consistent with 
 standards prepared by the National Recreation Association. 
 
 Local Planning Administration, International City Manager's Association, 
 Chicago, 1959. 
 
- 5 - 
 
 1. Gross Recreation Acreage . 
 
 The gross total of all public park and recreation-use 
 lands should provide one acre of such land for each 100 of 
 the population. The total land should be well distributed 
 throughout the city area, and should be developed to meet 
 widely varying recreation needs in accordance with the 
 standards for specific types of areas and facilities which 
 are set forth below. 
 
 2. Neighborhood Parks and Playgrounds. 
 
 Just as elementary schools are located within walking 
 distance of the homes they serve, so should neighborhood 
 parks and playgrounds be located conveniently to the people 
 in each residential neighborhood. Where possible, it is 
 desirable to provide parks and playgrounds adjacent to 
 elementary schools, thus enabling the joint use of school, 
 park and playground areas for both school and general 
 community purposes . This "park-school concept" represents 
 a wise use of tax funds, as it provides a combined functional 
 unit for education, recreation and other community purposes. 
 It enhances planning for maximuna efficiency in the use of 
 public lands. 
 
 There should be a neighborhood park and playground 
 within walking distance of every honne . The actual service 
 radius in each neighborhood should be determined primarily 
 by factors of population density, residential lot sizes, and 
 safety of access. Generally, where lot sizes are less than 
 1/4 acre, the maximum service radius should be l/4 mile. 
 As lot sizes increase, if other conditions are equally favorable, 
 the service radius may be extended to as much as one-half 
 mile . 
 
 The minimum desirable size is five acres, and three acres 
 is the mininnum size in which essential functions can be fitted 
 with adequate separation between areas for different age 
 groups . 
 
 In the overall city allotnnent of neighborhood parks, there 
 should be one acre for each 1,000 persons, and in the allotment 
 for neighborhood playgrounds, there should be one acre for 
 each 800 persons. This provides a standard for combined 
 parks and playgrounds of one acre per each 450 of population 
 in the neighborhood. 
 
- 6 - 
 
 Desirable facilities of a neighborhood park include: 
 
 Shelter building with games room, meeting room, 
 storage and toilet facilities, with small kitchen, 
 or access to comparable facilities in the elementary- 
 school building. 
 
 Grassed open area for informal games. 
 
 Multi-purpose all-weather courts area with games 
 standards and basketball goals, night-lighted for 
 play of older children. 
 
 Spray basin or wading pool. 
 
 Landscaped neighborhood park area for passive 
 recreation and nature study. 
 
 Family picnic area. 
 
 It is emphasized that the neighborhood park-playground 
 should be so located that children do not have to cross mecjor street, 
 highway, or business areas to get to it frora their homes. 
 
 3. Comraunity Playfields . 
 
 A community playfield is an area serving a group of 
 neighborhoods within a city. There should be 1.25 acres of 
 community playfield space per 1,000 of the population. The 
 minimum desirable size for a community park is 10 acres. 
 
 Desirable facilities of a community park include: 
 
 Area for game courts. 
 Field for women's sports. 
 Open turfed lawn area. 
 Picnic area. 
 Landscaped park area. 
 Children's play area. 
 Fieldhouse . 
 Parking area. 
 
 The service radius for a community playfield should not 
 be greater than one mile. 
 
- 7 - 
 
 4. City - Wide Parks. 
 
 A city-wide park is regarded as a large area serving 
 all the residents of an urban municipal jurisdiction. It should 
 provide a beautiful natural setting that invites enjoyment of 
 both active and passive recreation interests. Major recreation 
 facilities not usually duplicated in other parks should be 
 included here. These might include a golf course, woods, 
 winter sports center, picnic areas, athletic fields, ornamental 
 gardens, outdoor theater, bandshell, and adequate off-street 
 parking. The city-wide community center is often located 
 in such a setting. 
 
 The standards for such parks are flexible, and depend upon 
 the need for providing balance to the entire park and recreation 
 s ys te m . 
 
 5. Regional Parks and Reservations. 
 
 A regional park is a large land and forest reservation, 
 preferably with unique scenic character. It serves one or 
 more cities, or part of a large metropolitan region. It is 
 usually located outside the corporate boundaries of cities » 
 Its purpose can be threefold: To preserve a portion of natural 
 landscape; to supplement the recreation facilities available in 
 urban areas; and to act as a greenbelt separating cities in a 
 large, highly developed metropolitan region. 
 
 6. Specialized Recreation Areas and Facilities. 
 
 The facilities previously described are generally termed 
 as multiple-use. Certain other facilities are highly specialized. 
 They may be developed on special tracts of land, or inte- 
 grated into other park and recreation areas. 
 
 Golf Courses . There should be one hole of publicly-owned 
 golf courses for each 3,000 of the population, where private 
 courses are also present. Where there is no private course 
 in or immediately adjacent to a city, public provision for golf 
 should be sharply increased. 
 
 Swimming Pools . Such facilities should be sufficient to 
 serve three to five per cent of the population at one time. 
 The minimum standard is 2.1 square feet of water surface per 
 swimmer, with deck space provided on a ratio of two square 
 feet of deck area for each square foot of water area. 
 
- 8 - 
 
 Athletic Field or Stadium. This facility is intended for 
 specialized sports, and is usually located at the High School. 
 The athletic field usually provides a football field, running 
 track, and space for field events. This area should be 
 floodlighted for evening use. Including parking space and 
 seating accommodations, 10 to 20 acres may be required for 
 this facility. 
 
 Baseball Diamonds and Softball Diamonds. There should 
 be at least one baseball diamond and one softball diamond per 
 3,000 of the population. 
 
 Public Tennis Courts. There should be one tennis court 
 for each 2,000 people. Tennis courts should be built in batteries 
 of two or more courts per location. 
 
 Recreation Building. The public provision of indoor 
 recreation facilities should include consideration of the availa- 
 bility and use of indoor public school facilities. Where such 
 school facilities are available, public provision of other indoor 
 recreation facilities can be less extensive. The following 
 facilities should be available for indoor recreation purposes, 
 regardless of where they are provided: 
 
 A multiple-use room for each 4,000 or less. 
 
 A gymnasium for each 10,000 of the population or less. 
 
 An auditorium or assembly hall for each 20,000 or less. 
 
 A social room or play room for each 10,000 or less. 
 
 An informal reading and quiet game roona for each 10,000 
 or less. 
 
 An indoor game room for each 10,000 or less. 
 
 An arts and crafts room for each 10,000 or less. 
 
 An indoor swimming pool for each 50,000 or less. 
 
- 9 - 
 
 FUNCTIONAL DESIGN 
 
 Careful design of recreation and park areas for functional use is 
 vital to the efficient programming, operation and maintenance of the entire 
 systenn. Each site has its individual peculiarities which must be considered 
 in its development. The following are some of the principles which apply to 
 the design of any recreation area. 
 
 1. Efficient Use of Space. 
 
 A general site plan for each area should be prepared 
 in advance of the location or development of any specific 
 area or facility. This will ensure that all the required areas 
 and facilities are provided to best advantage in the amount of 
 space available. 
 
 2. Adequate Space for Each Facility. 
 
 It is important that standard dimensions be used for play 
 areas, to ensure safety and satisfying participation. 
 
 3. Efficiency of Supervision. 
 
 Those activity areas requiring considerable supervision 
 should be located near a central point of control. Those 
 areas requiring less supervision may be located farther away 
 from the central point of control. 
 
 4. Accessibility and Relationship of Activity Areas. 
 
 Those areas and facilities having close activity relation- 
 ship, or used by the same age group, should be placed close 
 to one another. Facilities involving spectator attendance or 
 mass participation should be close to approach streets and 
 parking areas. Facilities for small children should be placed 
 near the side of the park with the largest number of homes, 
 and close to the entrance. 
 
 5. Safety. 
 
 This is best obtained by placing apparatus areas away from 
 lines of foot traffic, and by arranging playing fields so that 
 fly balls or other equipment will not enter other activity areas. 
 Similarly, parking areas should be located and drives controlled 
 to avoid crossing foot traffic lines and other activity areas. 
 
- 10 - 
 
 6. Economy of Construction and Maintenance. 
 
 The use of permanent types of court surfacing, durable 
 building materials, and hardy plant materials will help ensure 
 low maintenance costs. Careful location of specialized 
 facilities will reduce grading, draining, plumbing, and paving 
 costs. Careful planning of location of trees, shrubbery, and 
 plant materials, coupled with careful design of walkways and 
 the like will maximize the use of large mowing equipment and 
 minimize the costly use of hand operated equipraent. 
 
 7. Public Accommodations. 
 
 Adequate and convenient toilet facilities, parking areas, 
 walks, seating accommodations, shade and drinking fountains 
 may determine the usability of a recreation area. 
 
 8. Utilization of Natural Features. 
 
 Comparatively level terrain should be devoted to active 
 game areas and courts. Natural slopes are best adapted to 
 an outdoor theater, or winter sports, and tree growth should 
 be saved for its aesthetic value, or for picnicking, hiking, 
 and nature study. 
 
 9. Aesthetic Quality . 
 
 An attractive recreation area provides the right 
 environment for recreation enjoyment and enhances the 
 economic value of adjacent property. This quality can be 
 achieved even on the smallest area by the judicious and 
 artistic use of trees, shrubs, vines and lawn surfaces, and 
 by good architectural design and building materials. A 
 dreary unattractive play area is a detriment to the community. 
 
- 11 - 
 
 Part II 
 
 EXISTING COMMUNITY FACTORS 
 
 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS 
 
 At the time of writing this report, only the preliminary population 
 estimates for Illinois cities and villages were available. The distributions 
 and percentages given are, of necessity, derived mainly from tracts of the 
 1950 census. The ratios implied are, however, assumed to be reasonably 
 representative of current conditions. 
 
 1. Population Growth. 
 
 Steger is located 30 miles south of the Chicago Loop, at 
 the southern edge of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The county 
 line dividing Cook and Will counties bisects the community. 
 Its population is nearly equally divided between the two counties. 
 Census information shows that Steger has experienced an 
 accelerated period of population growth during the past two 
 decades . 
 
 Census Chart Showing Population Percentage Increase 1940 - I960 
 
 Year Population Increase 
 
 1940 3,366 
 
 1950 4,358 29.4% 
 
 I960 6,390 46.6% 
 
 By comparison, the population of the neighboring 
 community of Crete (I960 population - 3,459) has increased 
 by 50.5% during the past decade, and that of Chicago Heights 
 (i960 population - 4,046) by 90%. During this same period, 
 the population of Will County has increased by 41.8%. It 
 appears reasonable to expect that population in the Steger 
 area will continue to increase at a rate of 40%> to 50% or 
 more per decade. 
 
 This continued rate of growth would result in a Steger 
 population of from 9,000 to 10,000 by 1970, and approximately 
 15,000 by 1980. 
 
- 12 - 
 
 The present incorporated area encompasses 1.75 square 
 miles. Present growth potential beyond the corporate limits 
 is limited to two areas. On the eastern border there is a 
 substantial area east of State Street, extending from 30th 
 Street (Sauk Trail) on the north to 34th Street (County Line 
 Road) on the South. The western border is partially bounded 
 by the Cook County Forest Preserve District as far south as 
 the county line, leaving a large unincorporated area to the 
 west and south-west. Both of these areas are within the legal 
 platting control limits of Steger. To the north, Steger is 
 bounded by the village of South Chicago Heights. To the south 
 is the Village of Crete. While there is no present plan for 
 annexation of these areas, they should be given consideration 
 in planning for the future park and recreation system of the 
 Village. 
 
 2. Racial Composition of the Population. 
 
 The great majority (93%) of the population of Steger is 
 native-born. The 7% foreign-born are composed almost 
 entirely of people of European origin, with Italians (2%), 
 Germans (1.3%), Polish (0.7%), and Swedish (0.5%) being 
 the predominant nationalities represented. Less than one- 
 half of one per cent (0.43%) of the population is non-white. 
 
 3. Population Distribution by Age and Sex. 
 
 There is a very close distribution of the population 
 between males and females. The population distribution by 
 age groups is not appreciably different from that of other 
 Illinois communities of its type. 
 
- 13 - 
 
 1950 POPULATION DISTRIBUTION BY AGE AND SEX 
 WITH PROJECTED ESTDvLATES FOR I960 
 
 Age Male Female 
 
 14 and under 667 640 
 
 15 to 19 131 145 
 20 to 35 519 616 
 35 to 49 476 410 
 50 to 64 250 267 
 65 and over 
 
 r 
 
 114 
 2,157 
 
 2, 
 
 123 
 
 201 
 
 H 
 
 ousing Cc 
 
 >nditic 
 
 »ns . 
 
 Total 
 
 Total 
 
 Percentage 
 
 1950 
 
 1960 
 1,916 
 
 of Total 
 
 1,307 
 
 30.0% 
 
 276 
 
 406 
 
 6.3% 
 
 1,135 
 
 1,664 
 
 26.0% 
 
 886 
 
 1,299 
 
 20.3% 
 
 517 
 
 758 
 
 1 1 .9 % 
 
 237 
 
 347 
 
 5.5% 
 
 Total 2,157 2,201 4,358 6,390 100.0% 
 
 In 1950, there were 1,170 households, with a total of 
 1,193 dwelling units in the Village. Nearly 70% of all 
 dwelling units were owner occupied, and a high degree of 
 home ownership with relatively low population mobility was 
 indicated. Sixty-eight per cent of all dwelling units were 
 the single family type, and this characteristic is still 
 evident in Steger. The average number of persons per 
 dwelling unit was 3.4. The median value of the dwelling 
 units in Steger was $7115 in the Cook County sector and 
 $7789 in the Will County sector. This is well below the 
 average for suburban communities in the Chicago Metro- 
 politan Area. Much of the present-day housing, while 
 unpretentious, is neat and well-kept. There is, however, 
 a surprising amount of poorly maintained residential 
 property considering the high degree of home ownership. 
 
 5. Occupation and Employment. 
 
 The labor force is predominantly (75%) male, with the 
 bulk of the workers being wage and salary workers. The 
 nnajority are craftsmen, skilled laborers, machine operators, 
 and the like, while laborers make up a significant part of 
 the work force. There are very few professional and 
 managerial persons. The median income in the Cook County 
 sector was $3225, and in the Will County sector was $3663. 
 
- 14 - 
 
 6. Educational Level. 
 
 The educational level of the population of Steger is 
 indicated in the following chart derived from 1950 Census 
 tracts . 
 
 YEARS OF SCHOOL COMPLETED BY 2,500 STEGER RESIDENTS 
 
 (25 Years of Age and Over) 
 
 No schooling 45 1.8% 
 
 1 to 4 years 115 4.6% 
 
 5 and 6 years 225 9-0% 
 
 7 years 220 8.8% 
 
 8 years 890 35.6% 
 1 to 3 years High School 455 18.2% 
 4 years High School 400 16.0% 
 1 to 3 years College 55 Z .Z'^o 
 4 years College 45 1.8% 
 Did not report 50 2.0% 
 
 Total 2,500 100.0% 
 
 The nmedian education level attained was 8.7 years of 
 school completed. 
 
 7. Trade and Commerce. 
 
 Steger is not a strong industrial center, although the 
 presence of available industrial sites with good access to 
 both rail and highway transportation arteries holds promise 
 of future industrial development. The business area does 
 not attract heavy trading. It is generally unattractive, and 
 does not fare well in the competition with other nearby 
 trading centers, judging by the low sales tax revenues 
 received by the Village. 
 
- 15 - 
 
 GOVERNMENTAL PATTERN 
 
 1. Village Government and Finance. 
 
 Steger has the Village forna of government. Municipal 
 services include police and fire protection, street and park 
 maintenance, public waterworks, sewage system, and general 
 welfare. Taxes are levied for playgrounds and for the support 
 of a municipal band. The assessed valuation of the Village 
 was $7,824,000 in 1959. The I960 assessed valuation is 
 $8,800,000. This is a low assessed valuation for the population 
 of the Village, in comparison with other cities and villages of 
 comparable size in the metropolitan area. The following chart 
 indicates Steger 's position in this regard. 
 
 Assessed Valuation 
 Municipality Population per capita 
 
 Geneva 7,562 $3,920 
 
 West Chicago 6,839 $2,780 
 
 Lockport 7,514 $1,950 
 
 Wheeling 7,149 $1,850 
 
 Tinley Park 6,954 $1,400 
 
 Steger 6,390 $1,200 
 
 This low assessed valuation factor imposes serious 
 problems on the adequate provision of governmental 
 services. It results in a relatively high tax rate for a 
 minimum amount of governmental services. The total 
 1959 Village tax rate of .907% was comprised as follows 
 
- 16 - 
 
 Corporate Fund 
 
 Public Benefit 
 
 Fire Protection 
 
 Playground 
 
 Police Pension 
 
 Street 
 
 Retirement Fund 
 
 Band 
 
 Bond Reduction 
 
 .196% 
 
 .05 % 
 
 .059% 
 
 .067% 
 
 .032% 
 
 .048% 
 
 .104% 
 
 .02 % 
 
 .331% 
 
 Total 
 
 .907% 
 
 Sources of Revenue for 1959 were as follows 
 
 
 Actual 
 
 % of 
 
 Source 
 
 Revenue 
 
 Total 
 
 Property Tax 
 
 67,822 
 
 47.8% 
 
 Sales Tax 
 
 16,121 
 
 11.3% 
 
 Motor Fuel Tax 
 
 6,373 
 
 4.5% 
 
 Liquor Licenses 
 
 
 
 and Wheel Tax 
 
 12,774 
 
 9.0% 
 
 Other 
 
 38,599 
 
 27.4% 
 
 Illinois Average 
 % of Total 
 
 42 . 1 1 % 
 
 15.73% 
 
 12.33% 
 
 7.0% 
 22.83% 
 
 Totals 
 
 141,689 
 
 100.0% 
 
 100.0% 
 
 2. Schools 
 
 The Steger elementary and junior high schools are under 
 the jurisdiction of School District 194. The Board of this 
 District has taken progressive action in recent years to 
 improve the school facilities. Steger schools under this 
 jurisdiction include Central Junior High School, Eastview 
 Elementary School and Parkview Elementary School. 
 
- 17 - 
 
 Recreation. 
 
 The Village has a public Playground and Recreation 
 Board which was established by referendum on June 14, 
 1949. As previously indicated, the Village levies a tax of 
 .0667% for recreation as provided under Chapter 24, Article 
 57 of the Cities and Villages Act, Illinois Revised Statutes. 
 This tax has been used primarily for land acquisition and 
 maintenance. Very little recreation programming is carried 
 out by the Recreation Board. The Village also levies a 
 Municipal Band Tax of ,02%, which is used to provide musical 
 instruction for children and youth during the summer. 
 
 Steger is spending less than $1.00 per capita of tax 
 funds for recreation and park services. The nationally 
 recommended expenditure for these purposes is $6.00 per 
 capita, and actual practice in Illinois comniunities is to 
 spend from $3.00 to 4.00 per capita for public park and 
 recreation services. 
 
 EXISTING RECREATION PROGRAMS 
 
 PUBLIC 
 
 1. Playground and Recreation Board 
 
 There is very limited provision of public recreation 
 services. The limited funds for this purpose are being 
 used for playground maintenance and facility development, 
 and the balance is not sufficient to enable the provision of 
 an adequate year-round recreation program. The play- 
 grounds are not supervised or staffed during the summer. 
 Summer activity is limited to boys' baseball, while winter 
 activity includes a basketball league, some arts and crafts, 
 and holiday parties. 
 
 2. Public Schools. 
 
 The public schools have a number of activities which 
 contribute to the recreation of the children. These are mostly 
 after -school activities and include softball, track, basket- 
 ball, dramatics and music. The school library at Central 
 School is also available to the children after school hours. 
 
- 18 - 
 
 The summer band program is under the joint sponsor- 
 ship of the Village, through its Band Fund, and School 
 District #194. The Village fund provides for the salary of 
 the Director of the program, and for the music sheets. The 
 School District provides the use of the school band room, 
 music from the school library, music equipment and 
 instruments. Bloom Township High School also makes 
 some of its music instruments available. The program 
 attracts sonne 90 children and youth, and is well-directed. 
 
 ORGAN IZAT lONAL 
 
 1. Kiwanis Club. 
 
 The Kiwanis Club makes a substantial contribution to 
 recreation programs in the Village. Its major program is 
 the baseball program for boys. This club contributes funds 
 plus a good deal of volunteer leadership, in an effort to 
 provide needed recreation programs in the Village. 
 
 2. American Legion Post 261. 
 
 The American Legion sponsors the Teen Club. This club 
 holds dances every Friday evening during the winter season 
 at the American Legion Hall. It is the only youth club in the 
 Village other than church youth groups. 
 
 The American Legion also organizes bowling leagues for 
 boys 10 to 13 years of age, and for boys and girls 14 to 17 
 years of age . 
 
 The Legion Hall serves as a center of social activities 
 for its adult members, and enables a very active bowling 
 program for adults. Bowling is open to non-members. 
 
 3. Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Eleven Post 8283. 
 
 The V.F.W. Hall provides an attractive social center for 
 its members, and it is also available to community groups. 
 Private parties may use the facility for a rental fee. 
 
 4. Church Activities . 
 
 The various church activities are summarized in the 
 program service chart on page 19. Church activities play 
 an important role in the lives of Steger residents generally, 
 
- 19 - 
 
 PROGRAM SERVICES OF ORGANIZATIONS, CLUBS, AND CHURCHES 
 
 Name 
 
 Cost of 
 Program 
 
 No. of Par 
 ticipants 
 
 Age Groups Types of 
 
 Served Program Services 
 
 Recreation Board $4,669 
 
 510 
 
 9-14 Male Basketball 
 9-25 Male Baseball 
 6-10 Mixed Arts & Crafts 
 
 Municipal Band $1,250 
 
 Program 
 
 Public Schools 
 
 $1,410 
 
 90 
 
 Not re- 
 corded 
 
 12-17 Mixed Concert Band 
 11-12 Mixed Training Bank 
 10-11 Mixed Beginners 
 
 12-15 Mixed Dramatics 
 Intramurals 
 Music 
 
 Parent Teacher 
 Association 
 
 None 
 
 900 
 
 12-15 Mixed Dances 
 
 Kiwanis Club 
 
 $ 350 
 
 American Legion $2,500 
 
 Not re- 
 corded 
 
 608 
 
 9-11 Male 
 12-15 Male 
 
 Baseball 
 Baseball 
 
 6-17 Mixed Happy Day School 
 13-16 Mixed Teen Club 
 Any Age Mixed Halloween Party 
 9-13 Male Little League 
 14-17 Male Bowling 
 10-13 Female Bowling 
 12-15 Male Boy Scouts 
 9-12 Female Brownie Scouts 
 
 V.F.W. 
 
 No limit Not re- 
 Established corded 
 
 Lutheran Church $ 300 
 
 Congregational Ch. None 
 
 St. Liborius 
 Church 
 
 None 
 
 Adams ' Heights None 
 Improvement 
 Association 
 
 800 
 
 500 
 
 65 
 
 380 
 
 20 
 
 Adults Social Parties 
 
 9-13 Male Little League 
 12-15 Male Boy Scouts 
 12-15 Female Girl Scouts 
 12-16 Male Explorers 
 
 13-26 Mixed Social & Educational 
 
 5-85 Mixed Family Activities 
 
 10-14 Male Boy Scouts 
 7-10 Male Cub Scouts 
 7-11 Female Brownies 
 
 Adults Halloween Party 
 
 4-12 Mixed Halloween Party 
 
 Adults Turkey Shoot 
 
 Adults Spring Dance 
 
 Scouts 14 Explorer Troop 
 & over 
 
- 20 - 
 
 but the youth programs serve only a small part of the 
 recreation needs of the youth. The churches cannot be 
 expected to provide the broad range of recreation services 
 that are needed. 
 
 5. Parent-Teacher Association. 
 
 The P.T.A. conducts dances for the 12 to 15 year age 
 group, using school facilities. P.T.A. merabers serve as 
 volunteer chaperones and leaders. 
 
 6. Adams' Heights Improvenaent Association. 
 
 This is the only organized neighborhood recreation group 
 in the Village. Through use of their community hall, the 
 association provides scout activities, neighborhood social 
 gatherings, and fund-raising dances. 
 
 In general, the recreation programs are hampered by a 
 lack of indoor and outdoor facilities. More important, Tiow- 
 ever, is the lack of professional leadership to organize, 
 administer, and give skilled direction to programs. The 
 adult needs are met to some degree by the social activities 
 of the churches, service clubs, women's card clubs and the 
 veterans' organizations. There is a surprisingly low number 
 of adult special interest groups. Youth recreation needs are 
 not being met to any satisfactory degree. The teenagers in 
 the community feel that there is little for them to do 
 recreationally, and many adults express concern over the 
 fact that the teenagers are left to ''hang around" the down- 
 town section with no place where they can meet, lounge, and 
 participate in positive forms of recreation activity in a 
 desirable environment. There is a real need for a youth 
 recreation center which would be open and staffed with 
 qualified leadership during those hours when the youth of 
 the community have free time. 
 
 Recreation programs for young children are almost totally 
 lacking during the summer months, when they are needed the 
 most. A well organized summer program under qualified 
 leaders using the playgrounds, forest preserve district, and 
 other facilities should be implemented without delay. 
 
 While more than 5 % of the people of Steger are over 65 
 years of age, practically no attention is given to the recreation 
 needs of this age group. One church makes its facilities 
 available to the Senior Citizens for meetings and quiet games, 
 but no special activities are held, and there is no organized 
 Senior Citizen group. 
 
- 21 - 
 
 It must be emphasized that the failure to provide adequate 
 recreation programs can be attributed directly to the lack 
 of professional leadership. Even though recreation facilities 
 are lacking to some degree, much can be done to stimulate 
 recreation interests and to establish positive recreation 
 programs through the provision of qualified leadership. To 
 accomplish this, the financial resources available for recre- 
 ation must be increased. 
 
 EXISTING PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES 
 
 In determining the status of recreation in a city, consideration must 
 be given to the amount, types, and distribution of existing recreation 
 facilities. Any type of recreational activity demands some amount of either 
 indoor or outdoor space. With this in mind the following comments are 
 concerned with evaluating existing facilities within the Village and in its 
 immediate vicinity. 
 
 PUBLIC 
 
 1. Village . 
 
 Within the corporate limits Steger has two tracts of 
 land designated as playgrounds or parks. One of these, 
 Fireman's Park, with the exception of three lots, is owned 
 by the Village. Condemnation proceedings are underway at 
 the present time to obtain the three lots and apparently it is 
 just a nnatter of time until the complete tract is acquired. 
 
 Fireman's Park has a new shelter house, a little league 
 baseball diamond, a graveled area which is flooded for ice 
 skating in the winter, and an apparatus for the traditional 
 water fights held by the local fire department. Little 
 progress has been nnade toward developing this area into 
 a first-class playground and park. It is unattractive in 
 appearance and should be developed according to a carefully 
 prepared site plan. 
 
 The second tract of land in the Eastview neighborhood 
 is under condemnation proceedings but it is not expected 
 that the Will County Courts will rule in favor of the Village 
 for some time to come. This tract of land has good potential 
 for development as a community park and efforts should be 
 continued to obtain it. 
 
- 22 - 
 
 As there are baseball diamonds and playing fields avail- 
 able at this site it seems practical to continue maintaining 
 and using it as a community playfield, but no major develop- 
 ment should be undertaken until full ownership is achieved. 
 
 The addition of Adams' Heights Subdivision to the corporate 
 limits of the Village has gained five (5) acres of land set 
 aside for playground purposes. It is located between Adams' 
 Heights and the Village proper and is mostly marginal 
 swanmpy land which has been drained by the Village. Even 
 though this land was donated for playground purposes and 
 accepted as such by the Village, it holds little value for 
 recreation as it stands. Indications are that in extreme wet 
 weather it may flood thus rendering it useless for a period 
 of time. It might be possible to use this area as a flood 
 water basin and to develop it as a small scenic park and 
 picnic area, with a natural water basin to provide ice skating 
 during the winter season. 
 
 Schools . 
 
 Outdoor recreational areas on school properties, though 
 still limited, are being expanded at an encouraging rate. 
 The Village Playground and Recreation Board and the Board 
 of School District #194 are working toward the establishment 
 of joint school and community play areas. This action is to 
 be highly commended, and should be continued wherever a 
 new school site is planned. Joint planning, use and maintenance 
 agreements will provide for the maximum benefit from tax 
 dollars available for these purposes. Considerations important 
 in such agreements are outlined in Appendix D of this report. 
 
 (a). Central Junior High School is situated on approximately 
 four acres and is located at Emerald and 33rd Street. 
 The building features a medium sized gymnasium with 
 a stage and a modern music room. Outside facilities 
 consist of a 120' x 80' multiple-use area equipped with 
 four (4) basketball backboards Although the site is 
 not well-developed it is centrally located and should play 
 an important part in the long range recreation plan. Site 
 design should be carefully prepared to enable maximum 
 use of the land as it is sub-standard in acreage for both 
 school and recreation purposes. 
 
 (b). Eastview Elementary School is located on East 34th 
 Street. It is situated on a five -acre tract and there 
 is a possibility of adding three more acres by condem- 
 nation. Little has been done to develop this area into 
 
- 23 - 
 
 a playground. However, this area holds good potential 
 as a neighborhood park-playground area. 
 
 (c). Parkview Elementary School, located at Richton Road and 
 
 Park Avenue, includes seven acres and there is a possibility 
 of adding more land to its southern boundaries. The 
 grounds are undeveloped. The old Steger Schoolhouse 
 stands on a small plot of land directly across the street 
 from Parkview School. It has some playground apparatus 
 and a multiple -purpose area. 
 
 An additional school site containing seven (7) acres 
 lies within School District #194 but is outside the cor- 
 porate limits of Steger, 
 
 Future plans call for a school site to be secured in 
 the Northeast section of Steger. The site is not pin- 
 pointed at the present time. The new housing develop- 
 ment now being planned for this area will lead to the 
 need for a new school to serve the neighborhood. 
 
 OTHER PUBLIC AREAS 
 
 1. Sewage Disposal Plant Site. 
 
 This contains 6 acres of land owned by the Village. It is 
 located in the approximate center of the Northeast section of 
 Steger. The plot is not suited at present for recreation, as 
 it is marginal land. It could be developed as a scenic park 
 area with limited potential for recreation use. 
 
 2. The Cook County Forest Preserve borders Steger on the west 
 from 34th Street to South Chicago Heights and occupies many 
 square miles between Steger and Park Forest. This area is 
 designed to retain some natural forest land for the use and 
 enjoyment of the public. Within the Preserve are many family 
 picnic areas which have been developed. Sauk Lake, located 
 in the northern section of the Preserve may provide a boating 
 and fishing area, but it is drained at the present time. The 
 close proximity of the Preserve to Steger is used to advantage 
 by many Steger residents. 
 
 The section of undeveloped Forest Preserve land bordering 
 Steger, located between Ashland Avenue, 34th Street, Steger 
 Village limits, and South Chicago Heights has particular 
 potential usefulness to the residents of Steger. Action has 
 been taken to secure a long-term lease for the use of this land 
 as a Village park. 
 
24 - 
 
 PRIVATE 
 
 1. Clubs. 
 
 (a), Steger American Legion Post 521. The American Legion 
 has a new and very attractive building. The recreation 
 area is a hall 42' x 100' with a kitchen area attached. 
 A small stage is located at one end and the dance floor 
 is spacious and well designed. Chairs and tables are 
 available for suppers or other purposes. Attached to 
 the Hall and Legion Home is a new ten-lane bowling alley- 
 owned by the Ex-Service Men's Club. 
 
 (b). V.F.W. Steger Honor Eleven Post 8283 . The Veterans of 
 Foreign Wars are also housed in a relatively new building. 
 The recreation area is a hall approximately 95' x 40' 
 with kitchen facilities attached. The dance area is quite 
 spacious and there is a stage equipped for dramatic 
 events at one end of the hall. 
 
 (c). The Adams' Heights Improvement Association. This is 
 an organization designed to work for improving their 
 community and to maintain a community hall. The hall 
 is 20' X 40' and capacity is around 100 persons. It is 
 used for scout activities, neighborhood gatherings, fund 
 raising dances, and other civic activities. 
 
 Churches. 
 
 (a). The Immanuel Lutheran Church is located on Emerald 
 Avenue and W. 34th Place. Its facilities include an 
 indoor hall 30' x 60' and a play area 200' x250'. 
 
 These facilities are used primarily for family 
 outings, suppers, social and religious gatherings and 
 free play by the younger members of the congregation. 
 
 (b). The First Congregational Church on W. 34th Street has 
 a large fellowship hall 50' x 60' and a small meeting 
 room 20' x 30'. 
 
 Church recreation activities are largely family 
 oriented such as family picnics, social gatherings, and 
 a few teenage parties. 
 
- 25 - 
 
 (c). The St. Liborius Church has a general recreation room 
 60' X 70' and a school playground lOO' x 150' with very- 
 limited play apparatus. The outdoor recreation facili- 
 ties were greatly decreased when a new addition was 
 built. 
 
 The only organized groups using their facilities 
 are the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. 
 
 COMMERCIAL 
 
 1. Taverns - (13) 
 
 2. Bowling Alleys - (2) 
 
 3. Billiard Hall - (1) 
 
 NEIGHBORHOOD PATTERNS 
 
 Reference has been made in previous sections to neighborhood 
 recreation parks and recreation facilities. Each neighborhood has 
 characteristics peculiar to it, and is set off or limited by natural boundaries 
 or barriers such as rivers, traffic arteries, or railroads. 
 
 Experience has shown that each neighborhood should have recreation 
 facilities to meet the needs and interests of its inhabitants. This raeans 
 that certain facilities must be close to the homes for convenience of 
 children and families. With this basic principle in mind, the following 
 areas are regarded as neighborhoods for planning the long-range development 
 of parks and recreation facilities. 
 
 Steger is divided into four nearly equal physical neighborhoods by 
 traffic and rail arteries. Dixie Highway and the Eastern Illinois Railroad 
 serve to divide the Village while 34th Street (Steger Road) divides it fronn 
 east to west. Thus there are four quarters of the Village which have been 
 designated as neighborhoods. 
 
 Neighborhood No. 1. The northwest quarter of Steger contains a 
 mixture of old and new homes with several open building sites scattered 
 throughout. This area will not expand in size due to the presence of the 
 Cook County Forest Preserve to the west and South Chicago Heights to the 
 north. 
 
 Neighborhood No. 2. is the Southwest section of Steger. The greater 
 portion of the neighborhood is made up of older dwellings of the two-story 
 type, but the fringe area and two relatively new subdivisions are of the low 
 
- 26 - 
 
 ranch-house type. The older type dwellings are in the town proper while 
 the newer houses are mostly the fringe areas outside the corporate limits. 
 The homes are in good repair and this constitutes one of the more attractive 
 sections of town. 
 
 The two subdivisions in this area are called Adams' Heights and 
 Johnson's. Johnson's will remain part of this neighborhood in the future, 
 but Adams' Heights will probably become part of a new neighborhood which 
 may be formed by the housing development located west of Kings Road and 
 the residential area on the south side of Richton Road. 
 
 This neighborhood is served by the Parkview Elementary School. 
 
 Neighborhood No. 3. is the southeast quarter of Steger. Population 
 density is greatest along the south side of East 34th Street extending to 
 Dorsetshire Drive and in a new housing development on the extreme south- 
 east section of the neighborhood. There is much undeveloped land in this 
 area but the lack of city services has slowed development. The Village of 
 Crete to the south has annexed up much of the desirable land. 
 
 The homes in this area are mostly of older architectural design 
 having two stories and basements. The newer subdivision homes are 
 modern ranch type housing in the lower middle income classification. This 
 neighborhood appears to be spread out over a large area but should eventually 
 comprise a compact residential area. 
 
 The neighborhood is served by the new Eastview Eleraentary School 
 located on East 34th Street. 
 
 Neighborhood No. 4. is comprised of the northeast section of town. 
 It is a sparsely settled area, but a proposed three -hundred and fifty home 
 development may change this in the near future. The present home sites 
 are concentrated near the center of town with a few homes scattered 
 throughout the area. The sewage disposal plant occupies a plot of land 
 which is roughly in the middle of the area. 
 
 A school site has been considered but no definite site has yet been 
 secured. The future should see a heavy population of children in this 
 neighborhood and steps should be taken to secure a suitable park-school site. 
 
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 O 
 
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 Si 
 
 3 
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- 28 - 
 
 Part III 
 
 PROPOSED PARK AND RECREATION AREA 
 AND FACILITY DEVELOPMENTS 
 
 NEIGHBORHOODS 
 
 The physical division of the Village into four neighborhoods, and the 
 major characteristics of these neighborhoods, have been described. The 
 following proposals are in keeping with the principles which have been 
 adopted by the Playground and Recreation Board for neighborhood park and 
 recreation development. 
 
 1 . North-West Neighborhood (# 1 on map) . 
 
 This neighborhood is already restricted from further 
 physical expansion due to its existing boundaries. Population 
 growth will continue, however, and it is estimated that this 
 neighborhood will contain up to 2,500 persons when all 
 available residential sites are developed. 
 
 Neither the school (Central Junior High) nor Fireman's 
 Park is centrally located within the neighborhood. For this 
 reason, development of each site should be, at least in part, 
 for neighborhood use. The Junior High School's outdoor 
 area is inadequate for school needs, and plans are already 
 under way to acquire lands adjacent to the school property 
 which will increase the size of outdoor areas available to the 
 school to nearly 3 l/2 acres. A desirable amount of land 
 adjacent to a Junior High School is regarded as 10 acres 
 minimum. 
 
 The available land should therefore be developed according 
 to a carefully prepared site plan, which would take into account 
 the most important uses to which the space should be put for 
 school purposes, and with a view to further space acquisition 
 through condemnation of needed areas. It is recomnaended that 
 the area north of the school be black-topped and equipped with 
 games' standards such as basketball goals, volleyball standards, 
 and tetherball poles. Play apparatus should be located directly 
 north of the new school auditorium. Emerald Avenue between 
 32nd and 33rd Streets should be vacated, and lots numbered 
 12 through 24 secured and developed as open playfield space. 
 Further acquisition to the west of this area will be necessary 
 to enable adequate development of ball diamonds. The areas 
 
- 29 - 
 
 now being acquired on the south-west corner of 33rd Street 
 and Emerald Avenue should be used to provide a second 
 hard-top area for multiple-use. It should be useable for 
 tennis, volleyball, basketball, and other games. The present 
 apparatus area on the south-east corner of Emerald Avenue 
 and 33rd Street should be completely redesigned to provide 
 a well-landscaped park with rest area and games courts 
 (giant checkerboard, shuffleboard) for older citizens. This 
 is the only park in or near the central business district. 
 
 Fireman's park should be developed as the major neighbor- 
 hood recreation-park area. Its present use is linnited because 
 of its unattractive appearance, and the lack of an organized 
 program of activities. Those features previously reconnmended 
 for neighborhood park-playground development should be de- 
 veloped on this site, but actual design should be held in abeyance 
 until definite arrangements are made concerning the future use 
 of the land to the west of Fireman's Park which is now held 
 by the Cook County Forest Preserve District. This will be 
 dealt with in more detail in the section of the report concerned 
 with city-wide park developments. 
 
 2. South -West Neighborhood (#2 on map). 
 
 The two recreation-use areas in this neighborhood are 
 Adams' Heights Park (5 acres), and Parkview School grounds. 
 The Adams' Heights property is marginal land, and should be 
 developed as a minimum maintenance park site with expectation 
 of only limited recreation use. The school grounds (approximately 
 7 acres) are at present undeveloped and should be designed for 
 neighborhood park-school use. Additional adjacent land to the 
 south should be acquired for park use and designed with the 
 school grounds to provide a continuity of appearance and function. 
 
 The park-like boulevard on Halsted between 34th and 
 37th Streets could also be developed for very linnited recre- 
 ation use by providing shuffleboard, badminton, volleyball, 
 and horseshoe courts, and tetherball poles. Some play 
 apparatus for small children could be placed here as well, 
 such as painted drainage pipes, climbing apparatus and the like. 
 
 3. South-East Neighborhood (#3 on map). 
 
 This neighborhood also has two potential recreation-use 
 areas. They are Eastview School grounds (5 acres), located 
 at the northern edge of the neighborhood on 34th Street, and 
 the park-playfield which is centrally located within the 
 neighborhood at Phillips and 35th Streets. Since ownership of 
 
- 30 - 
 
 this park is uncertain, no development should be undertaken 
 until ownership is secured. The Eastview School grounds 
 should therefore be developed as the major neighborhood 
 park-playground facility. Additional lands (approximately 3 
 acres) adjacent to and south of the school grounds should be 
 secured for park-school development, and the street running 
 north to south through this property should be vacated. 
 
 Efforts should be continued to secure ownership of the 
 park-playfield at 35th and Phillips. 
 
 4. North-East Neighborhood (#4 on map). 
 
 At the present time the population in this area is low, and 
 Eastview School serves this neighborhood as well as the 
 south-east neighborhood. As the population increases in this 
 neighborhood as previously indicated, there will be a need for 
 a park-school development. Consideration is now being given 
 to the selection of a school site and it is recommended that a 
 park-school site totalling 12 to 15 acres be secured for joint 
 development by park and school authorities. 
 
 The plot of land adjacent to the sewage disposal unit 
 should be developed primarily as a scenic park. 
 
 COMMUNITY PARKS 
 
 The Village is not large enough, nor does it have the financial means, 
 to be concerned with the development of parks serving groups of neighbor- 
 hoods, even though it is divided by the central business district and 
 industrial area which splits the Village into eastern and western community 
 divisions. The major emphasis in Steger should be placed on strong neighbor' 
 hood developments and on city-wide facilities. Larger facilities such as 
 playfields and baseball diamonds may be developed at the two larger 
 neighborhood parks. Fireman's Park and Athletic park on 35th Street 
 respectively, when ownership to these lands is fully secured. 
 
 City- Wide Parks. 
 
 Steger has need of large park facilities which will provide space 
 for picnic grounds, playfields, a teen-center, swimming pool and other 
 major facilities. It should be noted that South Chicago Heights has similar 
 needs in this regard, and since the provision of such facilities is costly, 
 these two villages with small population and low assessed valuations would 
 do well to combine their resources to enable the development of areas and 
 facilities which would be designed to meet their mutual needs and interests. 
 The method of achieving this joint action will be described in the section of 
 
31 - 
 
 the report dealing with administration and finance. Since joint ownership 
 and use of this large area is a major consideration, its location should be 
 conveniently accessible from both villages. A logical site for this purpose 
 would be the tract of land presently owned by the Cook County Forest 
 Preserve District located east of Ashland Avenue between 34th Street and 
 Steger Road. This land is suitably located between the two communities. 
 If this site is unavailable, a comparable site should be sought at the eastern 
 side of the two villages. 
 
 It should be noted that the neighborhood plan of development described 
 in this report could be extended to South Chicago Heights to enable a con- 
 sistent development of recreation and park areas and facilities throughout 
 the urban area extending from the southern boundary of the City of Chicago 
 Heights to the northern boundary of the Village of Crete. 
 
 Regional Parks . 
 
 The need for regional parks is met at present by the very large 
 forested areas held by the Cook County Forest Preserve District. A large 
 natural forested area is enclosed by the corporate limits of Park Forest on 
 the west, Chicago Heights on the north, South Chicago Heights and Steger 
 on the East, and the Cook County Line on the south. This area includes 
 picnic grounds and shelters, riding trails, nature walks, and limited fishing 
 opportunities . 
 
 Steger park and recreation officials should work actively with the 
 officials of the Will County Forest Preserve District to ensure similar pro- 
 tection and development of natural areas in Will County. 
 
 Special Facilities. 
 
 Golf Courses. There should be one nine-hole public course to serve 
 the present combined population of Steger and South Chicago Heights, with 
 sufficient land set aside to allow future expansion to an eighteen hole course. 
 This golf course should be located in the city-wide park previously 
 described, or at a location conveniently accessible to both villages. It 
 should be kept in mind that private golf clubs give no assurance that they 
 will continue as golf courses. In fact, the need for public action to preserve 
 golf acreage is receiving increased attention due to the sale of a number of 
 private golf courses to residential developers. 
 
 Swimraing Pool. There is a need and strongly expressed desire for 
 an outdoor swimming pool in Steger. A similar need exists in South Chicago 
 Heights. The two villages should therefore join resources to finance the 
 construction of such a pool. Their combined population would ensure 
 sufficient attendance to enable a sound financial operation of the facility. 
 
32 - 
 
 The proposed pool should be designed for multiple use, with large 
 shallow-water (3' to 5') swimming area, diving well, and junior instruction 
 pool. The cost of the facility would depend on its design and other factors, 
 but would likely approximate $100,000 to $125,000 or more. 
 
 Publ ic Tennis Courts. There should be one public tennis court for 
 each 2000 people. It is recoramended that tennis courts be located in the 
 proposed "city-wide" park to serve both villages and that an initial 
 installation of 4 courts in a battery be planned. Coin-meter ed night lighting 
 should be provided. Additional tennis facilities should be located at the i 
 
 Junior High School. 
 
 Baseball Diamonds and Softball Diamonds. These should be 
 distributed throughout the neighborhoods. There should be at least one 
 Softball diamond and one hardball diamond in each of the four Steger 
 neighborhoods . 
 
 Recreation Building. There should be a recreation building to serve 
 Steger and South Chicago Heights. While it would be designed to serve 
 primarily as a teen-center, it should also serve other age groups, particularly 
 the older citizens. The present halls of the American Legion and the V.F.W. 
 serve the miajor needs of naany of the adults for this type of facility. Teen- 
 agers, however, are in dire need of a suitable building where they may 
 center their leisure interests and activities. This need is increasing as 
 great numbers of children are entering the teen-age bracket. 
 
 The proposed building should provide the following facilities; 
 
 large assembly hall-auditoriuna with stage 
 
 games room 
 
 street-shoe playroom-gym 
 
 4 or 5 meeting rooms 
 
 arts and crafts room 
 
 library 
 
 kitchen 
 
 lounge 
 
 offices 
 
 adequate storage 
 
 The cost for such a facility is from $12 to $18 per square foot 
 depending upon the design and materials used in construction. 
 
 i 
 
- 33 - 
 
 Part IV 
 
 RECOMMENDED RECREATION PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTS 
 
 The written responses by organizations to questionnaires and the 
 responses from teen-agers and adults who were questioned directly indicate 
 the deficiencies in program services, and indicate the need for a year- 
 round, well-balanced prograra of activities. Emphasis should be placed on 
 the needs of children, teen-agers, and older citizens. 
 
 The following evaluation of the quantity of program services in 
 Steger is based on seven general activity categories: 
 
 Sports and Athletics - 
 
 The major sports program is the baseball program. There is little 
 opportunity for girls in this area. Public programs should be established 
 in archery, badminton, swimming, touch football, soccer, tennis, ice 
 skating and the like. 
 
 Dancing - 
 
 The Teen Club provides limited dance opportunities for teen-agers, 
 and adult dances are held in the American Legion and V.F.W. halls. 
 Increased opportunities should be provided for teen-agers to participate in 
 social, square, and folk dancing activities. 
 
 Social Activities - 
 
 Opportunities for social activities in Steger are provided through 
 various organizations, clubs, churches, and other interest groups. The 
 major need in this area is for a public recreation building which could 
 serve as a base for a variety of social activities for all age groups. Special 
 effort should be made to provide increased social opportunities for teen- 
 agers and for older citizens. 
 
 Drannatics - 
 
 The schools have a limited program of dramatics, but little else is 
 done to enable local participation in dramatics by adults. Increased 
 opportunity is needed in this area for all age groups. 
 
 Mus ic - 
 
 Steger has a very fine nnusic program for youth through the school 
 and summer band program, but community participation is limited. This 
 
- 34 - 
 
 program should be expanded and enriched to ensure that adults have 
 opportunities to share in music activities and that school children have 
 something to look forward to in this area of skill after school graduation. 
 
 Arts and Crafts - 
 
 A program of arts and crafts with qualified instruction should be 
 established. Although there are a number of gifted craftsmen in wood- 
 working in Steger, little is being done to perpetuate skill in this craft. 
 Programs should provide opportunity for children, teen-agers, adults and 
 older adults . 
 
 Nature Activities - 
 
 The only existing nature program offerings are being provided by 
 the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Public camping and hiking opportunities 
 exist in the Cook County Forest Preserve but are not being used to advantage 
 by Steger residents. Day camping, overnight camping, hiking, and outdoor 
 education classes should be a part of the public recreation program. 
 
 It is not the purpose of this section to evaluate the quality of existing 
 program services in Steger. The valuable services that these existing 
 programs are providing cannot and should not be underestimated. It is 
 evident, however, that adequate program services are not available, and 
 will likely not be provided until professional recreation leadership is pro- 
 vided. Voluntary and private organizations cannot and should not be 
 expected to shoulder the responsibility of providing the total range of 
 community recreation services. A public recreation agency must accept 
 the responsibility for providing the basic floor of facilities and services. 
 Experience has shown that qualified leadership is of utmost importance if 
 program offerings are to be successful. 
 
 It should again be noted that the program needs of South Chicago 
 Heights are similar and that by a pooling of resources, adequate leadership 
 could eventually be provided to serve the urban area represented by both 
 Steger and South Chicago Heights. 
 
- 35 - 
 
 Part V 
 
 ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, AND PERSONNEL 
 
 The present administrative body for recreation in Steger is the 
 Playground and Recreation Board which operates under the authority 
 granted to cities and villages in the Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 24, 
 Article 57. Organized by referendum in 1949, the Board levies a tax of 
 .0667% on the assessed valuation of property within the corporate limits. 
 This produces a tax revenue for recreation purposes of less than $6,000 
 per year. An additional revenue of approximately $1,250 is realized from 
 the band tax and is administered by the Playground and Recreation Board. 
 Up to the present time no general obligation or revenue bonds have been 
 issued to provide for the needed capital improvements. The Village has 
 outstanding bonds for other purposes, but has further borrowing power 
 within its legal limitations for approximately $150,000 in general 
 obligation bonds. 
 
 It is evident that the tax revenue is not adequate to provide even a 
 basic year-round recreation program under the direction of a paid full-time 
 recreation director. At the same time, available funds are inadequate to 
 provide adequate maintenance and development of existing areas and 
 facilities. While the Village could levy a village park tax with consent of 
 the voters, even this additional revenue would be inadequate to provide the 
 services needed. The tax base is too small, and the assessed valuation is 
 too low. 
 
 The logical solution is to expand the tax base, and to include areas 
 in the expanded base which include potential for increasing the assessed 
 valuation per capita. The apparent need for similar services in South 
 Chicago Heights leads to the conclusion that the interests of both communities 
 could best be served by mobilizing the resources of both in a common 
 endeavor. The Illinois Revised Statutes provide two major ways of 
 accomplishing such a united effort. 
 
 Method #1 . 
 
 The first method is found in the Cities and Villages Act, Chapter 57. 
 It is stated therein that "Any two or more municipalities miay jointly 
 establish, maintain and conduct a recreation system and acquire property 
 for and establish and maintain playgrounds and recreation centers." 
 
 To achieve this union, it would first be necessary for the Village of 
 South Chicago Heights to hold a referendum to authorize the Village to 
 establish a playground and recreation system. Following favorable passage 
 of such a referendum, the trustees of the two villages could act to fornn a 
 
- 36 - 
 
 joint recreation board to serve both villages This would produce a tax 
 base of approximately $15, 000,000 assessed valuation at the present time. 
 Assessed valuation would average $1,300 per capita. Tax revenue for 
 recreation purposes would be approximately $10,000 to serve a population 
 of slightly over 11,000 persons. 
 
 The tax base under this method would be limited to the corporate 
 linaits of the two villages. Similarly, borrowing power would be limited to 
 the capacity of the two villages and subject to separate referendums in each 
 jurisdiction. 
 
 Method #2 . 
 
 The second method is found in Chapter 105, the Park District Code. 
 This provides for the incorporation, establishment, maintenance and develop- 
 ment of a park district. A park district, it should be pointed out, is a 
 separate municipal government, similar in nature to a school district, which 
 derives its powers directly from the statutes enacted by the State 
 Legislature. It is not a branch of city or village government. 
 
 A more detailed description of the provisions of the Park District 
 Code are given in Appendix A of this report. 
 
 It is important to note that the boundaries of a park district need not 
 be restricted to coincide with any other area of governmental jurisdiction. 
 They may not, however, trespass upon the boundaries of an existing park 
 district. The boundaries of the nearest park districts are those of Crete 
 to the south and Chicago Heights to the north. This leaves a potential park 
 district area which includes: 
 
 the Village of Steger . 
 
 the Village of South Chicago Heights. 
 
 unincorporated area to the east of Steger and South Chicago Heights 
 
 unincorporated area to the south-west of Steger. 
 
 The tax revenue derived from the successful organization of a Park 
 District embracing the two village areas, at a rate of .08% would be 
 approximately $12,000 and would be increased according to the assessed 
 valuation of any additional area included. As the population of the proposed 
 district increased, so would the assessed valuation. Additional tax revenues 
 could be obtained with the approval of the voters of the district, at the rate 
 of .04% additional for corporate purposes and .05% for recreation purposes . 
 
 It can readily be seen therefore, that with favorable response from 
 the public, the proposed district would be in a position to provide a more 
 adequate year-round recreation program and park nnaintenance operation 
 than would be possible under method #1. Similarly the district would 
 control its own borrowing power, always, of course, subject to approval by 
 the voters . 
 
- 37 - 
 
 It is recommended that method #2 (park district organization) be 
 adopted as the most suitable way of providing recreation and park areas, 
 facilities, leadership and programs in Steger, its neighboring community- 
 South Chicago and their environs . 
 
 Park district organization is recommended for these major reasons: 
 
 1. Steger has insufficient population and financial resources to 
 provide adequately those recreation and park areas, facilities and programs 
 which are needed. 
 
 2. South Chicago's situation in this regard is similar to Steger 's. 
 
 3. By combining resources under a special district it is potentially 
 possible to provide the residents of both villages with the needed areas, 
 facilities and services. 
 
 4. The tax base is not limited to presently incorporated areas but 
 may be extended to include those areas which would be served by the pro- 
 posed facilities. 
 
 5. Borrowing by using general obligation bonds could be accomplished 
 more simply, through a single referendum per issue. 
 
 6. Additional taxes can be levied throughout the proposed district 
 for any purpose only if the voters approve the increase by referendum. 
 
 7. The governing board of the proposed park district would be 
 composed of 5 elected commissioners whose primary concern would be for 
 the provision, operation and maintenance of park and recreation areas, 
 facilities and services. The commissioners serve without pay. 
 
 8. The present trend in Illinois communities is towards this method 
 of providing park and recreation areas, facilities and services. It has been 
 noted that Crete to the south and Chicago Heights to the north have already 
 taken this step. 
 
 It is recomnnended that Steger officials meet with representative 
 interests in South Chicago Heights to explore the possibility of the two 
 communities taking joint action at an early date. It is furttier recommended 
 that such action by Steger be taken with the understanding that the Village 
 would stop levying the recreation tax upon the successful passage of a park 
 district organizational referendum at the time that funds become available 
 to the proposed park district. 
 
- 38 - 
 
 Leadership. 
 
 The responsibilities of the proposed park district for facility 
 development, manageinent and maintenance indicate the desirability of 
 enaploying a person well qualified to give executive direction. At the same 
 time there will be a need for qualified leadership and direction of the 
 recreation program of the district. It is recommended, therefore, that 
 when funds become available, a qualified Superintendent of Parks and 
 Recreation be employed. 
 
 The recommended starting salary range for the position is $5,500 
 to $6,500 depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful 
 applicant. A detailed description of the position, duties, and responsibilities 
 of a Superintendent of Parks and Recreation are included in this report as 
 Appendix B . 
 
 Alternative Administrative Proposals. 
 
 It is strongly recommended that park district organization be under- 
 taken as described. The following alternatives are presented in case park 
 district organization is not acceptable to the two municipalities. 
 
 Alternative # 1 . 
 
 By organizing under the provisions of the Cities and Villages Act, 
 the Villages of Steger and South Chicago Heights could organize jointly to 
 pool their resources and provide recreation program services, as described 
 in Method #1 on page 35. This would be the most desirable alternative to 
 park district organization. It would enable the employment of a recreation 
 director and the development of a year-round recreation program. 
 
 Alternative #2. 
 
 Should it be preferable for Steger to continue to attempt to provide 
 its own park and recreation services independent of cooperative action with 
 the Village of South Chicago Heights, it will be necessary to levy additional 
 taxes, using the provisions of the Cities and Villages Act (Chapter 24, 
 Article 52, Illinois Revised Statutes), which require a referendum. This 
 article of the Act provides for a levy of a tax of up to one mill on the 
 assessed valuation of property within the corporate limits and would result 
 in a revenue of over $8,000 per year for park purposes. This would free 
 the funds obtained under the Playgrounds and Recreation Centers Act for 
 leadership and program purposes, and enable the establishnnent of a Park 
 and Recreation Department as an arm of the Village Government, 
 
 In conclusion, it is again emphasized that park district organization 
 of the combined Steger -South Chicago Heights community would be the most 
 effective way of providing public park and recreation services to the total 
 area, and represents the most economical method of so doing to the citizens 
 of each community. 
 
- 39 - 
 
 APPENDIXES 
 
- 40 - 
 
 APPENDIX A 
 
 SOME BASIC PROVISIONS OF THE PARK DISTRICT CODE 
 
 The following is a brief description of sections of the Park District 
 Code which are pertinent to the establishment and operation of a park 
 district. 
 
 The purpose of the Park District Code is to provide for the 
 incorporation, establishment, maintenance, and development of park 
 districts in the State of Illinois. 
 
 A park district must be in one connected area, no part of which may- 
 be in an existing incorporated park district. The boundaries of the district 
 need not coincide with the boundaries of any other municipal corporation. 
 
 A park district may be formed through the following procedures: 
 
 1. A petition must be signed by at least 100 of the legal voters who 
 live within the proposed district. It should be addressed to the county judge 
 and filed with the clerk of the county court. The petition should include 
 
 the following: 
 
 A. A statement saying the persons signing the petition wish 
 to hold an election to determine whether or not a park 
 district should be created. 
 
 B. A clear definition of the area to be included in the proposed 
 district. 
 
 C. The name of the proposed district. 
 
 2. An election to decide on the question raised by the petition and 
 to elect five commissioners shall be called by the county judge. The clerk 
 of the county court shall publish a notice of the election twenty days before 
 it is to occur . 
 
 3. The election returns shall be canvassed by the county judge. If 
 a majority of the votes cast are in favor of creating the district, the 
 district will then be deemed organized. 
 
 The governing body of the park district is organized as follows: 
 
 1. A board of five commissioners is elected. 
 
- 41 - 
 
 2. The five commissioners who are elected at the time the district 
 is created will arrange their terms, by lot, so that two of them will serve 
 for six years, two of them for four years, and one of them for two years. 
 This is done to stagger the terms of office so that no board, except the 
 first, will have five new members all at one time. 
 
 3. Thereafter, the regular term of office will be six years. 
 
 4. Elections will be held on the first Tuesday in April of odd years 
 unless the board changes them to the third Tuesday by ordinance. 
 
 The park district is authorized to provide the following: 
 
 1. recreation buildings, areas, and programs 
 
 2. musical concerts 
 
 3. airports 
 
 4. armories 
 
 5. museums and aquariums 
 
 6. swimming pools 
 
 7. In general any other facilities, equipment, and programs which 
 are appropriate for park purposes in any part of the park district. 
 
 A park district may acquire real or personal property as follows: 
 
 1. Lands within the district may be acquired by any of the 
 following means : 
 
 A. condemnation 
 
 B. gift, devise, or grant 
 
 C . purchase 
 
 D. transfer from another municipality. 
 
 2. Lands outside of the district may be acquired by any means 
 except condemnation. 
 
 3. Personal property necessary for corporate purposes may be 
 acquired by any means except condemnation. 
 
42 - 
 
 4. Lands may be acquired by any means for airport purposes. 
 
 5, Park districts may lease land from public or private sources 
 under certain circunastances for park or playground purposes. 
 
 The boundaries of a park district can be changed after they have 
 been legally established. Areas may be added by annexation and subtracted 
 by disconnection. Several methods of annexation and certain limitations 
 and conditions concerning annexation are provided in the Park District 
 Code. Methods and conditions for disconnection are also provided. 
 
 The taxing power of a park district is as follows: 
 
 1. A general operating tax for corporate purposes, not to exceed 
 l/lO of 1% (1 mill) per dollar valuation, maybe levied upon a favorable 
 organization referendum. This is subject to a 20% redviction as provided 
 in the Illinois Revenue Law. In other words, the park district may, upon 
 favorable organizational referendum, levy a tax of eight cents per $100.00 
 assessed valuation. 
 
 2. An additional operating tax for corporate purposes, not to exceed 
 five cents per $100.00 assessed valuation, may be levied with specific 
 referendum approval. This is also subject to a 20% reduction as provided 
 in the Illinois Revenue Law. 
 
 3. In addition to the taxes levied for corporate purposes, a recreation 
 program tax of five cents per $100.00 assessed valuation may be levied 
 
 with specific referendum approval. This tax is for the planning, establishing, 
 and maintaining of recreation programs carried on by a park district. 
 
 The park district may borrow money for certain purposes as follows: 
 
 1. A park district may issue bonds on the credit of the district for 
 park, boulevard, or armory purposes. 
 
 2. The bonds must be authorized by ordinance, and require specific 
 referendum except as follows: 
 
 A. in general park districts with a population of more than 
 
 45,000 
 
 B. for refunding bonds. (Bonds issued to pay the principal and 
 interest due on existing bonds.) 
 
 3. The total outstanding indebtedness of a park district is linaited 
 to 2.5%> of the last assessed valuation. 
 
- 43 - 
 
 4. The outstanding indebtedness maybe increased to 5% upon the 
 petition of 2% of the legal voters who voted in the last general election, 
 and a successful referendum. 
 
 More detailed information concerning the establishment and operation 
 of park districts may be found in the pamphlet: The Park District Code 
 (revised), compiled by Charles F. Carpentier, Secretary of State (and 
 available from that office) and in: Illinois Revised Statutes, 1959 , Chapter 
 105. 
 
- 44 - 
 
 APPENDIX B 
 
 SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION 
 
 The superintendent of parks and recreation is the chief executive 
 officer in charge of a parks and recreation department and its personnel. 
 He is responsible for the administration of a comprehensive recreation 
 program for the entire community and for the administrative management 
 of the public parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities. The 
 superintendent serves as technical adviser and consultant to the Park 
 District Board and administers the policies laid down by that authority. 
 The superintendent of parks and recreation has executive responsibility 
 for both the recreation and the park functions, and for the maintenance of 
 a high level of recreation service through the efficient administration of 
 both. 
 
 DUTIES 
 
 Administration. 
 
 1. Supervises the work of the Park District Board in accordance 
 with the general policies established by the Board. 
 
 2. Organizes and superintends an efficient administration for the 
 Board. 
 
 3. Establishes, reviews, and coordinates procedures to the end that 
 maximum service may be provided at reasonable cost. 
 
 Program. 
 
 1. Develops a broad diversified program of recreation activities 
 and services to meet the needs of the public. 
 
 2. Supervises the organization and conduct of the community 
 recreation program, including both those activities under active leadership 
 and others which primarily require provision of space, facilities, and 
 general administrative service. 
 
 Staff . 
 
 1. Recruits, selects, and employs or recommends the employment 
 of department personnel. 
 
- 45 - 
 
 2. Organizes, assigns, and trains department personnel; develops 
 and maintains good work relationships among staff members. 
 
 3. Establishes and develops a program for continuing use of 
 volunteers in the recreation prograrn. 
 
 Areas and facilities. 
 
 1. Superintends the acquisition, planning, design, and construction 
 of recreation and park facilities under the control of the Park Board. 
 
 2. Operates and maintains all areas and facilities under Board 
 control for optimum use in support of the community recreation program. 
 
 3. Establishes close working relationships with and serves ex - 
 officio as consultant on recreation and park matters to public and voluntary- 
 community agencies concerned with city planning, housing, public welfare, 
 education, and other subjects closely related to community recreation. 
 
 Planning and research. 
 
 1. Studies and analyzes the effectiveness of the Park Board's 
 services, 
 
 2. Studies conditions, needs, and trends affecting the recreation 
 and park requirements of the community. 
 
 3. Prepares and recommends adoption of long range and immediate 
 plans to meet community needs for adequate recreation space, facilities, 
 program and personnel. 
 
 4. Studies and keeps informed of developments in the park and 
 recreation fields. 
 
 Finance . 
 
 1. Directs, controls, and accounts for the expenditure of Board 
 funds in accordance with budget appropriations. 
 
 2. Prepares and justifies budget estimates, work programs, and 
 supporting data for the recreation and park functions. 
 
 3. Supervises the keeping of complete financial records for the 
 Board. 
 
 4. Recommends establishment of necessary fees and charges for 
 various department services, and supervises their use. 
 
- 46 - 
 
 Public and community relations. 
 
 1. Interprets to the public the community recreation program and 
 its philosophy and objectives through all suitable naeans including the use 
 of volunteers and staff members as well as news media. 
 
 2. Promotes the public use of recreation facilities, areas, and 
 equipment for group and individual play, recreation, and relaxation through 
 a continuing program of public education. 
 
 3. Establishes and maintains cooperative planning and working 
 relationships with other local community agencies, governmental, voluntary, 
 and private and with state, regional, and national agencies concerned with 
 recreation, parks, conservation, and related fields. 
 
 4. Organizes, proraotes, and cooperates with neighborhood or 
 community wide recreation councils or similar groups identified with 
 recreation and parks. 
 
 Records and reports. 
 
 1. Maintains systematic, complete, and accurate records of the 
 Board activities, services, personnel, and property. 
 
 2. Prepares and issues regular and special reports for use by 
 staff, Board, community officials, and others, and for the information of 
 the community. 
 
 SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS 
 
 1. Understanding of the function, design, and maintenance of parks 
 and recreation areas and facilities; and ability to superintend a program of 
 acquisition, construction, and maintenance of park and recreation areas 
 and facilities . 
 
 2. Professional administrative skill in the supervision of technically 
 trained personnel from such fields as landscape architecture, forestry, 
 
 and horticulture, in the planning and operation of parks and recreation areas 
 and facilities . 
 
 3. Thorough knowledge of the theory and philosophy of recreation, 
 and ability to interpret this philosophy to others. 
 
 4. Understanding of the problems of a community in relation to 
 recreation, and ability to formulate and administer recreation programs to 
 meet specific community needs. 
 
- 47 - 
 
 5. Professional administrative skill in the organization, develop- 
 ment and maintenance of a comprehensive community recreation program 
 involving the operation of areas and facilities and the recruitment, selection, 
 training, and supervision of personnel. 
 
 6. Professional understanding of the varied activities which make 
 up a community recreation program, and technical competence in directing 
 their optimum use to meet the needs of people of all ages and interests. 
 
 7. Capacity for cooperating with and interpreting parks and recre- 
 ation to related public, voluntary and private organizations, and the public. 
 
 8. Skill in communication through speech and writing. 
 
 9. Executive capacity for decision making and implementation of 
 policy, coupled with extensive knowledge of principles and techniques of 
 management as applied to parks and recreation. 
 
 10. Initiative, creativity, perseverance, and the ability to inspire 
 the continuing best efforts of others. 
 
 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 
 
 1. Completion of the requirements for a Bachelor's degree in 
 recreation with specialized courses in park management, including studies 
 in landscape architecture, forestry, horticulture, and conservation. 
 
 Plus 
 
 2. Proven successful and progressive experience in supervisory or 
 executive work combining park and recreation responsibilities and duties. 
 
 Recommended starting salary range $5500 to $6500. 
 
- 48 - 
 
 APPENDIX C 
 
 PARK DISTRICT BOARD DUTIES, POLICIES, 
 AND PROCEDURES 
 
 Procedure. 
 
 1. Adopts by-laws governing the organization of the Board and the 
 calling and conduct of its meetings . 
 
 2. Elects officers annually as prescribed in the by-laws. 
 
 3. Provides for appointment of the chairman of standing committees 
 on all nnajor continuing functions such as Finance, Personnel, Buildings and 
 Grounds, and Program. 
 
 4. Restricts committee action to the making of recommendations 
 and the performing of duties specifically authorized by the Board. 
 
 Meetings . 
 
 1. Holds regular meetings (at least monthly) that are open to the 
 public . 
 
 2. Provides for notices of all meetings to be sent to Board members 
 
 3. Requires a quorum for formal official actions. 
 
 4. Keeps a complete record of all Board meetings. 
 
 5. Minutes of each meeting are submitted to Board members before 
 the next regular meeting and are formally approved by the Board at the 
 next meeting. 
 
 6. Conducts its meetings in accordance with procedure prescribed 
 in the by-laws and reaches decisions only after full consideration and 
 debate on the issues in question. 
 
 Finances. 
 
 1. Adopts specific procedure for the efficient handling, spending, 
 and accounting of Board funds. 
 
 2. Each month requires and reviews a written financial statement of 
 appropriations, expenditures, and balances. 
 
- 49 - 
 
 3. Analyzes the financial needs of the department and prepares a 
 budget well in advance of the adoption date. 
 
 Relation to superintendent. 
 
 1. Selects and employs the best superintendent available in ac- 
 cordance with nationally recommended standards. 
 
 2. Requires the superintendent to submit a written monthly report. 
 
 3. Adopts a policy that individual Board members shall not give 
 instructions to the superintendent, except as related to specific committee 
 assignments . 
 
 4. Requests the superintendent to submit recommendations on all 
 problems (relating to programs, facilities, and the like) for which pro- 
 fessional advice is needed. 
 
 5. Upon adoption of a policy or approval of a course of action, the 
 Board gives the superintendent full authority and responsibility for 
 administering the policy or seeing that the action is taken. 
 
 6. Encourages the superintendent to initiate suggestions which will 
 increase the effectiveness of the department and to bring to the attention of 
 the Board matters requiring policy decisions. 
 
 7. Holds the superintendent ultimately responsible for the success 
 or failure of the program, within the limitations in which he must work. 
 
 8. Encourages its superintendent and other staff workers to attend 
 state and national meetings of recreation workers, take an active part in 
 professional organizations, attend institutes and training courses and in 
 other ways advance in their profession. 
 
 Relation to staff. 
 
 1. Assures for the employees of its department the same consider- 
 ation with respect to working hours, sick leave, vacations, holidays, 
 accident compensation, job security, and retirement benefits as apply to 
 connparable workers in other city departments. 
 
 2. Adopts an official personnel policy that insures the employment 
 of competent leaders, a sound division of duties and responsibilities, a 
 fair salary schedule and satisfactory working conditions. 
 
 3. Both the Board and its members deal officially with the recreation 
 staff only through the superintendent. 
 
- 50 - 
 
 4. Arranges for appeals from staff members to be submitted to the 
 Board and heard in closed session, if desired. 
 
 5. Through the superintendent invites merabers of the supervisory- 
 staff to meet with the Board when problems relating to their part in the 
 program are under consideration. 
 
 Relation to work of department. 
 
 1. Makes periodic inspections of recreation areas and facilities 
 to make sure that they are operated and maintained in a satisfactory- 
 condition. 
 
 2. Makes periodic observations of program. 
 
 3. Participates actively in the interpretation of the department's 
 prograra, objectives, and needs. 
 
 4. Becomes familiar with the characteristics of a well balanced 
 community recreation program and gives the superintendent suggestions 
 for planning the program of the department. 
 
 5. Arranges for a city-wide analysis of existing recreation areas 
 and facilities, adopts a long range program for the acquisition and im- 
 provement of recreation areas, and reviews this program at least every two 
 years . 
 
 6. Makes a comprehensive appraisal of the department at least 
 every five years. 
 
 Relation to other agencies. 
 
 1. Consults with the local school authorities in regard to pre- 
 liminary plans for new school sites or buildings and the design of indoor 
 and outdoor facilities that might be suitable for community recreation use. 
 
 2. Consults with the local planning authorities with respect to any 
 proposals or plans that relate to recreation areas or facilities. 
 
 3. Shares the credit with other departments and organizations that 
 cooperate in its program, 
 
 4. Takes the initiative, if necessary, in forming a recreation council 
 or in bringing together periodically an informal group representing the local 
 agencies concerned with recreation for a discussion of rautual problems and 
 as an aid in cooperative planning. 
 
- 51 - 
 
 5. Meets annually, either as a whole or through a committee, with 
 the Board of Education to consider problems of mutual interest. 
 
 6. Through its superintendent, or otherwise, keeps in close touch 
 with city departments and private agencies concerned with recreation and 
 the use of leisure time. 
 
 Relation to the public. 
 
 1. Makes it clear to the public that all suggestions and criticisms 
 will be welconne and will receive thoughtful consideration. 
 
 2. Conducts its affairs in a manner that wins public respect and 
 support for the department and guarantees its integrity to the community. 
 
 3. Is ready to listen to criticism and quick to discern and remedy 
 situations that require correction, either by the Board or staff members. 
 
 4. In addition to submitting an annual report as required, main- 
 tains a public relations program throughout the year, utilizing the press, 
 radio, speeches, movies, exhibits, come-and-see tours, and other 
 appropriate media. 
 
 5. Represents the interests of the entire community and not the 
 interests with which individual members may be affiliated. 
 
 6. Encourages citizen interest and participation in the work of 
 the department by the enlistment of volunteers, the appointnnent of com- 
 nnittees for special projects, and in other ways. 
 
 Others . 
 
 1. Keeps in touch with recreation developments by having its members 
 read such magazines as Recreation and other publications especially 
 applicable to its work. 
 
 2. Arranges each year to have at least one Board member attend the 
 National Recreation Congress or some other national or state meeting 
 related to recreation. 
 
 3. Arranges for each Board member to speak about the work of the 
 department at least once a year. 
 
 4. Recognizes that individual members have no right to speak for 
 the Board unless specifically authorized to do so by Board action. 
 
 
- 52 - 
 
 5. Uses its influence to assure the appointment to the Board of 
 competent, public spirited individuals. 
 
 6. Adopts specific procedures for helping new members assume 
 their responsibilities. 
 
- 53 - 
 
 APPENDIX D 
 
 PARK-SCHOOL COOPERATION 
 
 Schools, parks and recreation programs result from the American 
 public's desire for educational and recreational facilities and opportunities. 
 Increased urban growth, coupled with increasing population pressures, is 
 leading to intensified demands on public park, recreation and school agencies 
 for an increasing variety of services. The need to use the facilities of 
 these agencies for the greatest public good is heightened by the heavy 
 demands on tax dollars available for these purposes. 
 
 School, park and recreation authorities throughout the country are 
 exploring ways and means of working cooperatively for mutual advantage 
 and increased service to the communities they serve. Through joint 
 efforts, each agency can contribute to greater public service without giving 
 up any of its legitimate responsibilities. 
 
 It is desirable that a working relationship, as expressed in a written 
 joint agreement, be established before either the park and recreation or 
 school agency nnakes extensive use of the other's resources. Failure to 
 establish such a working relationship may result in misuse or misunder- 
 standings concerning the use of the facilities- Unfortunate occurrences 
 of this nature have, in the past, hindered the provision of programs and 
 services which make the best possible use of public facilities. 
 
 A park-school agreement should provide a sound arrangement for 
 cooperative planning and action and should include the following elements: 
 
 (a) A declaration of intent by both boards to accept cooperative 
 responsibility in the provision of such areas, facilities and 
 supervision as may be required to meet the recreational needs 
 of the constituency, consistent with the legal authority granted 
 to each through enabling state legislation; 
 
 (b) Agreement by the school district that its areas and facilities 
 may be considered available for recreation uses by citizens 
 within such limitations as may have to be placed upon their 
 use by reason of the suitability of the area or facility involved, 
 and prior claims of established or planned school activities, 
 or by reason of other logical considerations; 
 
 (c) Agreement by the recreation/park agency that its areas and 
 facilities may be considered available to the school district 
 under conditions corresponding to those set forth above for the 
 use of school property; 
 
- 54 - 
 
 (d) In view of the recognition of the cooperative responsibility of 
 the respective boards to render the largest possible recreation 
 service to the citizens of the city, each board should express 
 its willingness to grant the other the use of its facilities and 
 areas generally in preference to non-public agencies, consistent 
 with such rules and exceptions as may be considered necessary 
 and desirable ; 
 
 (e) Land acquisition policies should be set forth with due con- 
 sideration for location, size, influence area, site design and 
 development cost. Site acquisition should precede, wherever 
 possible, the urban development of the area it is to serve; 
 
 (f) Area and facility development responsibility agreennent in 
 keeping with the principle that in general the recreation/park 
 agency is better equipped to develop recreation areas and 
 facilities, and the school district is better equipped to construct 
 educational facilities; 
 
 (g) Area and facility maintenance responsibility agreement in 
 keeping with the principle that in general the recreation/park 
 agency is better equipped to maintain outdoor areas and 
 facilities, and the school district is better equipped to maintain 
 its own indoor facilities; 
 
 (h) Supervision responsibility agreement in keeping with the 
 principle that in general, when one agency uses the other's 
 facility, it shall accept full responsibility for the provision of 
 qualified supervision over the activity, and responsibility for 
 any damages resulting from the use of the facility other than 
 nornnal wear and tear; and 
 
 (i) Cost sharing agreennent, which should generally be determined 
 on the basis of exchange of services and privileges rather than 
 on the basis of cross-billing for services and privileges. 
 
 ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOL FAdLITIES FOR 
 
 RECREATION PURPOSES 
 
 The most desirable way to allocate school facilities is to establish a 
 policy, and to make this policy known to prospective users of the facility. 
 Policy considerations should include the following: 
 
- 55 - 
 
 (a) A listing of facilities which may be used for recreational purposes 
 
 (b) A description of each facility and the purposes for which it is 
 suitable. 
 
 (c) Rules and regulations governing the use of the facility, 
 
 (d) Cost for the use of the facility. 
 
 (e) Method of deciding priority of allocation. This should be clearly 
 stated in order to avoid misunderstanding and conflict. 
 
 Groups seeking permits for the use of Board of Education physical 
 education and classroom or auditorium facilities should be recognized on a 
 priority basis such as the one indicated below. 
 
 SUGGESTED PRIORITIES FOR ISSUING PERMITS 
 
 1. Local Schools 
 
 Each school should have the full use of its own facilities during 
 the regular school day and until 6:00 p.m. except as noted later 
 in this paragraph. Following this hour, the facility should be 
 considered open for permit requests on a "city-wide" basis, with 
 requests from the local school being honored first. Each school 
 desiring the evening use of physical education or other facilities 
 should anticipate its needs for one semester in advance. Lists 
 of these anticipated needs should be sent to the central office for 
 the first semester by October 1, and for the second semester by 
 January 1. No requests need to be made for a school's own 
 facilities before 6:00 p.m. except when due to lack of gymnasia 
 and swimming pools, it is necessary for that school to share its 
 facilities with another school. Under such conditions, the 
 facilities should be considered as "city-wide." 
 
 2. Other Schools 
 
 The requests of other schools for recreational activities should 
 be honored ahead of those of outside groups. The lists of the 
 anticipated needs of all schools submitted to the central office 
 should be used in assigning permit times of the various schools 
 to the facilities available. 
 
- 56 ~ 
 
 3. Public School Recreation Activities 
 
 In addition to the physical education or the athletic use of school 
 plants by the public schools, schools occasionally wish to schedule 
 other recreational activities. It is understood that small group 
 dances and parties and other recreation activities involving 
 small numbers should be scheduled wherever possible in smaller 
 rooms in order that the main gymnasium rooms may be kept 
 available for those recreation programs requiring the larger 
 space. If, however, a large school dance is to be sponsored for 
 a school having a gymnasium or by another public school wishing 
 to use another school's gymnasium, the large gymnasium rooms 
 should be made available on a permit basis. 
 
 4. Recreation Commission 
 
 When the needs of the schools (including P.T.A. groups) have 
 been met, the requests of the Recreation Department for facilities 
 for their use in promoting community recreation programs should 
 be recognized first for the remaining time. 
 
 5. Other Recreation Groups 
 
 After the Recreation Department has set up its program of 
 activities in such a manner that time to be consumed in the 
 facility is definite, the requests of other individuals and 
 organizations will be considered with preference given to those 
 requests involving activities of a recreational nature. 
 
 6. Other Non-recreation Groups 
 
 The requests of other miscellaneous community groups and 
 organizations conducting activities not related to recreation 
 should be honored if there is remaining time and the activities 
 are appropriate for the facility requested. 
 
 RULES AND REGULATIONS 
 
 The central office should prepare the necessary bulletins and 
 application forms to be issued to the various groups seeking permits to use 
 school facilities. These bulletins should be approved by the Superintendent 
 of Schools and the Business Manager of the School District, and the policies 
 outlined should have approval of the School District Board and the Recreation/ 
 Park Board. 
 
- 57 - 
 
 LEASING OF SCHOOL DISTRICT GROUNDS 
 
 Where it is desirable and necessary for a park/recreation agency 
 to lease grounds from the School District, a carefully prepared lease 
 agreement giving consideration to all pertinent factors should be drawn. 
 The agreement duplicated here as Appendix E is regarded as a good 
 example of such an agreement. 
 
- 58 - 
 
 APPENDIX E 
 
 SAMPLE LEASE 
 
 OF 
 
 SPACE AND GROUNDS 
 
 AROUND SCHOOL BUILDING 
 
 THIS INDENTURE, made in the Village of Glenview, County of Cook 
 and State of Illinois, on this day of , A.D. 1950, between Board 
 
 of EDUCATION OF COMMUNITY CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO 
 34, Cook County, Illinois, hereinafter referred to as the Lessor, and 
 GLENVIEW PARK DISTRICT, a municipal corporation of Glenview, Cook 
 County, Illinois, hereinafter referred to as the Lessee. 
 
 WITNESSETH: 
 
 That the Lessor, in consideration of the rents hereinafter reserved, 
 and of the agreements, conditions, covenants and terms on the part of the 
 Lessee hereinafter contained hereby demises and leases to the Lessee, 
 and the Lessee hereby takes from the Lessor, for the establishment, 
 equipment, operation and maintenance for Parks, Playground, Recreation 
 grounds, and Athletic fields, the following properties and parcels of land 
 hereinafter referred to as the demised premises laying in Community 
 Consolidated School District No. 34, Cook County, Illinois and more 
 particularly described as follows: 
 
 Insert legal description: 
 
 TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said demised premises by the Lesee to be 
 maintained and operated by said Lessee as part of the Lessee's Park and 
 Recreation system for the term commencing on the 1st day of June 1950, 
 and ending on the 31st day of May 1975, unless sooner terminated as here- 
 inafter provided, at the net rental of ONE DOLLAR ($1.00) per annum for 
 said period and in further consideration of Lessee rendering to Lessor the 
 services mentioned in Paragraph 2 hereafter. 
 
 That it is the intention of the parties hereto, and it is mutually 
 understood and agreed that the purpose of this lease is to provide adequate 
 playground and recreation facilities for the pupils enrolled in the schools 
 under the jurisdiction of the Lessor, and for the inhabitants of said Park 
 District at the most econonaical cost to the legal resident and taxpayers of 
 said school district and park district. 
 
- 59 - 
 
 It is further intended and mutually agreed that this lease is 
 executed in conformance with the provisions of the School Code of Illinois 
 granting authority to the Lessor to establish playgrounds, recreation 
 grounds and athletic fields; equipping, operating and nnaintaining same; and 
 to take such steps to provide for the protection, sanitation, care and 
 management thereof as it deems appropriate, and in conformity with 
 Statutory authority vested in Park Boards to lease properties for park and 
 playground and recreational facilities; and in accordance with other pro- 
 visions of the statutes of the State of Illinois. 
 
 It is hereby further mutually covenanted and agreed that this 
 indenture is made upon the foregoing and upon the following agreements, 
 conditions, covenants and terms, viz: 
 
 1. That the Lessee will plan the development of said demised 
 premises for the laying out and constructing and erecting swings, slides, 
 play courts, or other playground or recreational equipment at its own 
 expense; and that all such improvements made on said premises shall 
 remain upon and be surrendered with the premises as a part thereof at the 
 termination of this lease except movable equipment which shall remain the 
 property of the Lessee and may be removed from said premises by the 
 Lessee at any time the existence of this lease or at its termination. 
 
 2. That the Lessee shall provide for and pay the cost of con^ 
 struction and installing, and of maintaining and operating any play area, 
 recreation area, playgrounds, courts or equipment placed on said demised 
 premises. In order to induce Lessor to make this lease, and in partial 
 consideration therefor, Lessee agrees throughout the term of this lease 
 
 to maintain, cultivate and tend all shrubbery and landscaping installed by 
 Lessor on school premises adjoining the lands hereby leased and to mow, 
 trim, reseed and maintain the lawns located thereon. 
 
 3. That the Lessee shall pay any and all charges for water or 
 electricity used on said demised premises as may be assessed or imposed 
 upon or grow out of the use of said demised premises. 
 
 4. That the Lessee shall keep, save and hold harmless the Lessor 
 from any and all damages and liability for anything and everything what- 
 ever arising from or out of the occupancy by or under the Lessee, its 
 agents or servants, and from any loss or damage arising from any fault 
 or negligence by the Lessee or any failure on the Lessee's part to comply 
 with any of the covenants, terms and conditions herein contained or other- 
 wise . 
 
 5. That at the expiration of the terms demised if this lease shall 
 then be in full force and effect and the Lessee shall have complied in all 
 respects with the agreements, conditions, covenants, and terms thereof, 
 the Lessor will at the option of the Lessee, grant unto the Lessee a new 
 
60 - 
 
 lease of such of the demised premises as then are not used or needed for 
 school buildings, for a further term of twenty-five (25) years from the date 
 of the expiration of this lease at such annual rental as shall then have been 
 agreed upon by the parties and upon the conditions herein contained. 
 
 6. That if the Lessee shall fail to perform the services required of 
 it in Paragraph 2 thereof as partial consideration for this lease, or shall 
 within a reasonable time hereafter fail to construct such playground or 
 recreation area or equip sanne, or if the Lessee shall abandon, desert, 
 vacate or rennove from said demised premises or if said Lessee shall 
 dissolve its corporate existence, then in such event the Lessor may at its 
 election terminate this lease at any time thereafter upon giving of ninety 
 (90) days notice in writing of such election of mail addressed to the 
 Lessee at its established offices, and at the expiration of said period on 
 ninety (90) days this lease and all of the estate, right, title and interest 
 herein granted to or vested in the Lessee thereupon shall cease and 
 terminate . 
 
 7. That Lessor reserves unto itself and is hereby granted the right, 
 option and privilege to cancel this lease at any time during the term thereof 
 or any extension or renewal hereof insofar as the same is applicable to any 
 one or more or all of the separate parcels leased herein, in the event that 
 any of such parcels included in this lease are needed for school purposes, 
 by giving written notice by mail to Lessee at its office address of ninety 
 
 (9 0) days of its intention to so terminate said lease as to any or all of said 
 properties, and at the expiration of said ninety-day period Lessee shall 
 surrender the possession of the property or properties designated in said 
 lease and this lease shall thereupon be terminated as to such property or 
 properties. 
 
 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto caused these 
 present to be signed by their duly authorized officers and attested the day 
 and year first above written. 
 
 BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMUNITY 
 ATTEST: CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT 
 
 NO. 34, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS, 
 
 Lessor 
 
 Its Secretary 
 
 By 
 
 ATTEST: Its President 
 
 GLENVIEW PARK DISTRICT, Lessee 
 
 Its Secretary 
 
 By 
 
 Its President 
 
\J 
 
 i 
 
J; 
 
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 
 
 III II 
 
 3 0112 103616717