Blue Island Park District Seeks Community Input on Future of Parks and Recreation (Blue Island, IL) – The Blue Island Park District is inviting residents, families, community organizations and local stakeholders to participate in an interactive community feedback session Monday, Aug. 17, as the district develops a new Comprehensive Master Plan.
The meeting will give community members an opportunity to share ideas, identify priorities and help establish a long-term vision for Blue Island’s parks, recreation programs, facilities and community services.
The Comprehensive Master Plan is expected to guide park district investments, improvements and programming decisions over the next five years and beyond. Residents of all ages are encouraged to participate, including those who do not regularly use park district facilities or programs.
“Our parks belong to everyone, and so should the planning process,” Executive Director Ted Ruthenberg said. “This community feedback session gives residents the opportunity to sit down with us, share their ideas and help shape the future of the Blue Island Park District. This is about listening to the community and incorporating their feedback into our long-term plans to better serve our residents.”
During the session, participants will be asked what they value most about the Park District, where improvements are needed and what types of recreation programs, facilities and community events they would like to see in the future.
The discussion will also address neighborhood needs, emerging trends and ways the Park District can better serve residents of different ages and abilities.
Ruthenberg said input from residents who do not currently participate in park district programs is particularly important.
“In fact, we especially want to hear from people who may not currently participate in our programs or visit our parks very often,” Ruthenberg said. “Understanding what barriers exist and what would encourage greater participation will in the end help us become a better organization providing better programs and services for our residents.”
The Park District will also seek feedback on how it communicates with residents and how information about programs, special events and recreational opportunities can be shared more effectively.
“We know that outstanding parks and programs only make a difference if people know they’re available,” Ruthenberg said. “This is an opportunity to tell us how we can better connect with families, seniors, young adults and every neighborhood throughout Blue Island.”
Feedback from the Aug. 17 meeting will be combined with results from the Park District’s community survey, stakeholder interviews and technical analysis as consultants develop the Comprehensive Master Plan.
“The stronger the community participation, the stronger our roadmap for the future will be,” Ruthenberg said. “Whether your ideas are big or small, they deserve to be heard. We hope you’ll join us on Aug. 17 and help create a vision that reflects the entire Blue Island community.”
The Community Feedback Session will take place:
- Date: Monday, Aug. 17, 2026
- Time: 6-7 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Park, 12804 Highland Ave., Blue Island
The meeting is free and open to all community members.
For more information about the Comprehensive Master Plan or the community feedback session, visit blueislandparks.org or contact the Blue Island Park District at 708-385-3304.
Blue Island Park District Seeks Community Input on Future of Parks and Recreation
