Kankakee Valley Park District Closes Splash Valley Aquatic Park - Essay Sample

Introduction

The Kankakee Valley Park District board voted 3-2 to close the park citing the poor conditions of both the district's finances as well as the Lazy River which was according to many the aquatic parks' main attraction which had become unsafe ("Splash Valley Aquatic Park - CLOSED - Kankakee, IL"). This decision, according to the board statement was as a result of failed attempts of the district to secure the financing needed to keep the park open. According to the board, the park which was initially constructed through a $6.6 million Illinois First grant, experienced annual losses of about $150,000 and this resulted to the possibility of the district failing to meet its payroll if the losses were to be incurred any longer ("Splash Valley Aquatic Park - CLOSED - Kankakee, IL"). District officials had discovered that the Lazy River, which was preferably the most attracting feature, was falling into the ground. Repairs on the river would cost the district a budget cost of between $750, 000 and $1.5 million. Realizing this, district officials had tried to secure financing for the repair operations. However, their efforts hit a dead rock when fourteen local banks, as well as several national lenders, rejected to offer to finance. The board's action was aimed according to the commissioner Hollis at giving the about a hundred summer employees who worked at the park time to seek other job opportunities ("Splash Valley Aquatic Park - CLOSED - Kankakee, IL").

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News of the closure of Splash Valley Aquatic Park on the summer of 2016 was the most heart-breaking news residents of Kankakee Valley Park District and environmentalists in love with nature received. As a resident of St. Anne for over 20 years, I was extremely shocked by the board's decision to deny us the only thing that provided my family a fun event. I have lived in Kankakee District for over 15 years, and I am happily married with four children. Since I joined the Kankakee 15 years ago, I have been privileged with interacting with many residents of the county and one fact that stands are their love for the Splash Valley Aquatic Park. During weekends, for instance, families would visit the park and enjoy their family time. A visit to the park on holidays was a norm, and after entering the park, you were always met with the joyous screams and laughter from both adults and children. A quick survey around and you would see the sweet smiles and happiness expressed on the faces of the park visitors. A stroll into the main park and one would appreciate the atmosphere of the park, a cool breeze, sounds from the flowing of the lazy river and melodies from birds created an atmosphere which could be enjoyed in the park.

The park provided an alternative to the busy town and was a common place for an environmentalist to carry out research and spend time. The closure of the park elicited various reactions from the park lovers as well as the residents of Kankakee District. What many could not understand is why the district board would vote to close a $6.6 million pool and then let everything rot. Many argued that the closed park would harbor criminal gangs who would make the park their clubhouse. Others residents argued that the decision to close the park was a corruption faced effort to hide the facts about the previous financing of the park. Generally, Kankakee District residents were angered by the closure of the park, and it has taken theme many years to come into terms with the 2016 decision. However, all is not over; this proposal is set to propose ways in which Splash Valley Proposal can be improved to meet the required standards for reopening. The proposal seeks to restore the park to its original glory and provide Kankakee District resident with an opportunity to enjoy nature while at the same time offering families like my own an opportunity to interact, enjoy and appreciate nature.

Proposed Solution

The lazy river is in failure condition, whereby the walls and floors have severe cracks and breaks. Rehabilitation of the lazy river would require complete reconstruction of the entire river. This would incur huge costs and thus not viable. Therefore, to maximize the results of the park, it would be more economically viable to remove the river and instead add family-oriented activity. Considering this school of thought, two more lap lanes in the existing can be added to replace the river. This would bring the total parks lap lanes to six as already the existing pool has four-lane laps. This would improve family activity as it would provide an opportunity for more families to take part in swimming as well as other aquatic sports. Family activities help improve the physical as well as mental health. Therefore it is recommended that more city parks are introduced to provide an opportunity for city residents to exercise (Sherer 25). The removal of the river, as well as the increase of lap lanes in the pool, will require the reconfiguration of the pool deck. Another family oriented activity which can be introduced in the park is more water slides. Currently, there are three water slides which will require refurbishment. In addition to the three, two more water slides can be installed to increases the capacity of family participation in the water slides game. Since the park was closed three years ago, the park will require landscaping too. Lastly, the chemical room, shower area, locker room as well as the concession area will require plumbing, ceiling/roof repairs, electrical and replacement of equipment. The recommended refurbishment of the park is expected to last for a couple of months.

Splash Valley requires extensive rehabilitation efforts to restore it to 100% compliant with all state laws and state statutes. Considering that the park was closed due to the degradation of the lazy river as well as financing issues, the main solution to the restoration of the park is financing. The board voted to close the park as the park was initially incurring huge losses annually. The park experienced annual losses of about $150,000, and this resulted in the possibility of the district failing to meet its payroll if the losses were to be incurred any longer. Therefore, the proposed solution for the rehabilitation of the pool seeks on raising finances, which will be used to carry out the required improvements in the park. The district board failed to secure financing initially with financing proposals turned down by city banks as well as national lenders. The initial costs of the refurbishment mentioned above of the park are projected to a budget of $2,007,300.00. Other costs may be incurred as this is only an estimate based on visual evaluation of the park. This proposal aims at proposing ways in which the district can raise funds to carry out the above-discussed improvements.

To begin with, funding for the rehabilitation project of the park can come from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (Illinois DCEO). The DCEO offers the Tourism Attraction Development Grant Program (TAP) ("Funding Sources - CMAP"). This program was created by the state of Illinois to provide financial grants to assist in the development or improvement of projects which results in increased tourism in the state ("Funding Sources - CMAP"). Splash Valley is a tourism attraction site which apart from serving the residents of Kankakee district, the park also receives visitors from other districts as well as the state. However, the program does not offer grants exceeding $1,000,000 ("Funding Sources - CMAP"). Also, the grant offered shall not exceed 50% of the total costs of the development plan. Therefore for funding of the current project, only half of the project budget can be funded from this program.

Another funding source which can provide funds for the rehabilitation of the project is the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) ("Funding Sources - CMAP"). This program is also offered by the DCEO. It includes a grant program funded through the U.S housing department. The grant assists communities in the state to develop economic development programs, housing as well as public facilities rehabilitation. Splash Valley Park is a public facility can, therefore, seek financing from the CDAP.

Thirdly, a strategic partnership between the board and organizations and local communities can also be a source of funds to finance the rehabilitation project. For example, the board can present proposals to banks or other large organizations operating in the district to provide funding for the project ("Funding Sources - CMAP"). In return, the organization can be allowed to manage the park for a particular time until the funds used to finance the project are reclaimed. Also, the organization can be allowed to conduct advertising in the park whereby they can set up tents to market their products at no charges. Another example is whereby the board agrees with private developers who can fund the rehabilitation of the park and manage the park and in return, a certain charge and pay taxes to the district. A private developer will rehabilitate the project more effectively as well as manage the park effectively. This will avoid incurring of loses on the part of the district board.

Lastly, another appropriate source of funding for the rehabilitation project is a community fundraising. This option will include the town's board appealing to the resident of the districts to participate in a funds drive which will be aimed at raising funds for the rehabilitation project. The board can achieve this by conducting public participation meetings in the community whereby the society is educated on the importance of an aquatic park. For instance, residents can be informed of how leisure activity helps improve child development. Also, the aquatic part will provide family activities which do not only provide for an opportunity for families to spend time but also provides an opportunity for the families to improve their health.

Opposing Viewpoints

The proposed rehabilitation of Splash Valley Aquatic Park is expected to be faced with oppositions and criticism right form the district board to the residents. Factoring in the fact that the board voted 3-2 for the closure of the par, any intentions to re-open is expected to be faced with intense opposition by some of the board members who voted for the closure of the park. The opposing board members are expected to raise the costs concerns as well as the unviability of the project. However, this opposition can be countered by conducting full participation of all the board members in the planning process. Also, the board should be informed about the perceived health benefits of the park to the residents of the Kankakee Valley Park District (Ho 19).

Opposition is also expected from some members of the Kankakee Valley Park District community. The concerns are expected to relate to the costs as well as poor quality services at the park. However, these criticisms can be countered by informing the residents through public participation whereby they can be informed of the source of finances as well as a detailed plan on the management of park amenities. Also, the residents should be informed on the health and physical benefits from the re-opening of the aquatic park both to the adults and children.

Works Cited

"Funding Sources - CMAP." Cmap.Illinois.Gov, 2019, https://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/walking-and-bicycling/funding-sources."Splash Valley Aquatic Park - CLOSED - Kankakee, IL." Yelp, 2019, https://www.yelp.com/biz/splash-valley-aquatic-park-kankakee.

Ho, Ching-Hua, et al. "Parks, recreation and public health." Parks & Recreation (Ashburn) 38.4 (2003): 18-27.

Sherer, Paul M. "Why America needs more city parks and open space." The Trust for Public Land (2003).