The Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Department is launching a new program this year that aims to give patrons a way to donate money for park facilities and programs instead of being hit up for more property tax dollars.
“Give Where You Live,” as the program is officially called, is a way for the parks department to expand services and amenities without seeking more tax dollars. It’s also a way for residents to underwrite improvements through an honorarium of loved ones, or for businesses to increase their community visibility, village officials said in explaining the program.
While officials say all donations will be welcome and there will be no limit on how much people may give, there are some contribution suggestions. For $50, a resident can underwrite a swimming lesson for a child; for $300, the village will plant a tree; and with a $50,000 donation, the department can renovate a playground.
The department has been making investments in local parks in recent years. Last year, the village wrapped up an overhaul of Paulus Park with a $400,000 state grant. Nevertheless, there are a number of parks, wilderness areas and the eponymous lakefront to maintain, according to officials.
Park and recreation offerings also include expanded summer programming for kids and adults.
In total, Lake Zurich has 247 acres of open and park space spread among 32 parks. Village leaders are hopeful the partnership program with residents and local business owners will ease the tax burden while providing tangible benefits, officials say.
Recreation Director Bonnie Caputo said the Park Advisory Board put the plan together late last year. But officials say the idea isn’t new, as the Park and Recreation Department had been occasionally partnering with the community for larger annual festivals – though most of those sponsorships were limited to businesses.
The Give Where You Live program will offer citizens donation amount tiers to get involved, and Caputo said the community seemed interested in getting more involved with the parks.
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“We had some interest in the past,” Caputo said.
She has reason to be hopeful. Caputo said the parks department got its first donation in late January.
“Right now, (the priority) is definitely getting exposure to the program; that it exists,” she said.
She emphasized any donation amount is appreciated.
Information about Give Where You Live is available on the Park and Recreation section of the village website. To make a donation, residents or businesses have to fill out a one-page form explaining the reason for the donation and whether the donor would like the item to go into any specific place in a specific park.
Jesse Wright is a freelancer.