Goals and objectives express, in general terms, the Park District's values and statements of intent. Goals and objectives build upon the Mission Statement to guide the development of programs and facilities, and to act as the basis for the philosophy that leads the Park District. More specifically,

GOALS are defined as broad value statements, and represent the end of desires of the Park District.

OBJECTIVES are statements that represent the means by which goals can be achieved, and are addressed generally in a manner that is quantifiable.

Goals and Objectives are formulated for the following general topics:

1. RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING

2. ACQUISITION OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS

3. PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF NATIVE LANDSCAPE

4. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

5. MAINTENANCE/REDEVELOPMENT OF PARKS & FACILITIES

6. USE OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES

7. IMAGE/SERVICE

8. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION

9. USE OF VOLUNTEERS

10. COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION

11. CREATIVITY/NEW IDEAS AND TECHNOLOGY

12. USE ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE AND SENSITIVE PRODUCTS

13. USE AND PROTECTION OF AIR, WATER, SOIL AND WILDLIFE

14. USE OF ENERGY RESOURCES

15. WASTE REDUCTION AND PROPER WASTE HANDLING

RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Provide recreational opportunities and facilities to meet the physical, social, environmental and cultural programming needs of Park District residents.

1. Conduct periodic user preference surveys to evaluate existing programs and identify recreation trends.

2. Coordinate programming with facility acquisitions, development, and redevelopment.

3. Coordinate programs with other jurisdictions to provide comprehensive and efficient programming.

4. Provide comparable and appropriate recreational activities for all genders, ages, and levels of skill and ability.

5. Ensure that programs and facilities are self-sustaining to the greatest extent possible.

6. Target specialized programs for specialized interest groups.

7. Co-sponsor specialized groups and programs to efficiently broaden recreational opportunities.

8. Provide flexibility in program scheduling to address a variety of lifestyles and schedules.

9. Develop a recreational programming strategy and conceptual development plan for each site acquisition.

ACQUISITION OF PARKS AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
Acquire and develop parks and open space and preserve high quality natural areas to meet existing and future needs of Park District residents.

1. Acquire and/or encourage acquisition of additional land in accordance with this Comprehensive Master Plan.

2. Continually monitor areas of high growth, and target priority acquisitions within these areas.

3. Utilize innovative acquisition techniques, when appropriate, to acquire open space/conservation easements, covenants, and land trusts to secure open space within District boundaries without Park District expenditures.

4. Update the Master Plan on a periodic basis as necessary to maintain current acquisition policies.

5. Acquire land that can protect wildlife and fragile ecosystems and provide for a variety of recreational uses.

6. Encourage acquisitions that can link open space areas and support efforts to interconnect greenways.

7. Cooperate with other public and private entities in the acquisition/development of open space to address recreation needs and the preservation of significant environmental areas.

8. Work with commercial and private land owners to encourage preservation of open space areas.

9. Develop a tree planting and replacement program to reforest park areas. Use appropriate native and ornamental landscaping materials.

10. Promote the Park District memorial tree program.

11. Attempt to reduce mowing when possible and practical.

PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF NATIVE LANDSCAPE
Protect and restore selected indigenous natural communities, including grasslands, woodlands and wetlands. Promote the acquisition, preservation and management of other open space areas, including river corridors, green ways and trails.

1. Develop and implement plans for the re-establishment and/or restoration of native grasslands and woodland ecosystems.

2. Re-establish and protect river corridors, wetlands and other wildlife habitats.

3. Enhance public awareness of, and provide recreational access to, restored and protected natural sites.

4. Balance recreational use of environmentally sensitive lands with preservation goals.

5. Eliminate or control exotic and invasive plants that inhibit ecological diversity and integrity at selected sites.

6. Abide by existing laws to protect rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

7. Plant drought resistant indigenous trees and shrubs in parks that have wildlife value. Avoid sterile cultivate; avoid pruning time and techniques that inhibit seed or fruit production.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION
Provide education and interpretation opportunities for staff and the public, advocating appreciation for the natural world and promotion of environmentally conscious lifestyles.

1. Involve staff in an environmental education program that explains the commitment of the Park District to environmental education. Provide information about environmentally conscious lifestyles and workplace choices and habit. Stress the need for staff input and involvement in order to make this program successful.

2. Develop and implement an energy awareness program for employees and park/facility users.

3. Promote leisure activities that minimize environmental impact and energy use.

4. Increase efforts to inform the public about the Park District's environmental efforts.

5. Develop and present public programs that will enhance the public's relationship with the natural world and promote environmentally responsible lifestyles.

6. Use Earth Day as a vehicle to educate the public about the environment.

7. Work with either community agencies or organizations to develop and enhance a strong environmental ethic.

MAINTENANCE/REDEVELOPMENT OF PARKS AND FACILITIES
Preserve and enhance the historical landscape and architectural heritage of Park District facilities while anticipating needs and recognizing trends and innovations.

1. Identify and assess innovative conservation practices and technologies.

2. Continue to incorporate safety standards and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements in the development, redevelopment and maintenance of facilities.

3. Plan and program facilities that can flexibly and efficiently accommodate a variety of uses and programs as future needs dictate.

4. Preserve, restore or recreate, where appropriate, significant Park District historical structures and landscapes.

5. Utilize construction techniques and materials to repeat and reinforce a unified design theme.

6. Upgrade existing capital equipment according to a capital improvements program.

7. Initiate a facility assessment program that reviews user survey results and considers neighborhood and community input to identify modifications to existing facilities necessary to meet anticipated recreation needs.

8. Establish a cost effective redevelopment program to accommodate evolving recreation needs.

USE OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Utilize financial resources efficiently and equitably.

1. Coordinate acquisitions, development and redevelopment with available funding programs.

2. Sponsor funding programs that provide revenue in lieu of tax increases.

3. Actively seek state, federal, and local grants.

4. Maintain and establish recreation programs that are self-sustaining.

5. Establish programs to secure donations and contributions.

6. Regularly review the Land/Cash Ordinance.

7. Establish park, facility and program sponsorship programs.

8. Consider privatization of facilities, maintenance operations, services and programs to reduce costs.

IMAGE/SERVICE
Establish the St. Charles Park District as a recognized leader in the community, state and nation through responsive, dedicated service and excellence in management, programming, facility development and maintenance.

1. Respond to public questions and concerns in a polite, helpful and timely fashion.

2. Join and participate in community service organizations. Promote the Park District's role within the community.

3. Sponsor and participate in community projects.

4. Develop a Comprehensive Master Plan summary that describes the priorities for the continuing development of the Park District's park and open space system. Update the Master Plan periodically, as appropriate, to effectively communicate current policies and priorities.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
Establish cooperative relationships to expand recreational opportunities, to promote and enhance service delivery, and to preserve open space areas.

1. Seek incorporation of this Comprehensive Master Plan into the plans of the City of St. Charles, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, and the Kane County Comprehensive Plan.

2. Establish regular meetings with the City, County, School District, adjacent park districts and other pertinent jurisdictions to continually review common open space and recreation issues and coordinate programs, activities and facilities.

3. Engage in joint use efforts with other jurisdictions to most effectively and efficiently meet recreation needs. Work with the Kane County Division of Transportation, Kane County Forest Preserve District, the City of St. Charles, and St. Charles Township Highway Department to encourage the creation of bikeways adjacent to and within selected rights-of-way.

4. Engage in joint purchasing with other governmental units when feasible with the goal of saving tax dollars.

5. Provide direction to the public and private sectors in the acquisition and development of open space/recreation facilities. Identify opportunities for the development community to complement the Park District open space and recreational facility network.

USE OF VOLUNTEERS
Utilize volunteers to assist the Park District in fulfilling its mission.

1. Work with the St. Charles Park Foundation to enhance parks, facilities and program services.

2. Develop relationships with sponsored, co-sponsored and sanctioned groups to enhance recreational opportunities for Park District residents.

3. Develop relationships with public and private entities such as land trusts, preservation and conservation organizations to assist in open space acquisition and habitat restoration.

4. Provide volunteer maintenance opportunities to service clubs, schools, churches and neighborhood groups, and to individual residents.

5. Utilize volunteers to assist with special events and selected recreation programs.

6. Utilize volunteers to assist in the operation of Park District facilities such as the Adult Activity Center at Pottawatomie Community Center.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION
Integrate programs and facilities into the lifestyle of residents through public input and enhanced awareness of the Park District, its facilities, programs and services.

1. Utilize mail and telephone surveys to periodically assess community recreation trends, user preferences and levels of satisfaction with facilities, programs and services.

2. Utilize neighborhood meetings to receive public input regarding the planning of facilities and programs and educate residents to all aspects of the Park District.

3. Enhance residents' awareness of the Park District through regular mailings and by disseminating educational and public relations information to groups gathered for programs and activities.

4. "Target market" to identified groups to better meet their specific needs and best provide necessary facilities and programs.

5. Work closely with community organizations to educate community leaders and the public about the Park District's programs and facilities and role within the greater St. Charles area.

6. Promote the Park District through a multi-media based public information program.

CREATIVITY / NEW IDEAS AND TECHNOLOGY
Anticipate needs and recognize trends and innovations in technology.

1. Provide staff with continuing education and training.

2. Encourage Staff and Commissioners to participate in local, state and national conferences and seminars.

3. Continually identify and assess the latest technological advancements that may assist in more efficient park maintenance development.

4. Continually identify and assess computer/electronic technology that can more efficiently and effectively assist in programming and management.

USE ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE AND SENSITIVE PRODUCTS
Attempt to purchase products that will minimize negative environmental impacts. Consider the effect of products' production, use, storage and disposal.

1. Purchase recyclable products when possible and feasible to do so for recreation programs, offices, park maintenance and development products.

2. Encourage conservative use of paper and wood in place of plastics and other non-biodegradable and non-renewable products.

3. Encourage recycling of Styrofoam products by staff and concessionaires.

4. Minimize use of petroleum based products such as plastics.

5. Reduce use of disposable products by staff and concessionaires.

6. Utilize environmentally sensitive alternatives (cleaners, paints, solvents, sealants, wood preservatives and office products) when viable options are available.

7. Avoid the use of chlorine-bleached paper products whenever possible.

8. Reduce indoor air pollutants such as fluorocarbons from spray cans, fumes from cleaning solutions, sealants and paints by using less harmful alternatives.

9. Minimize indoor pesticide use by incorporating pest management within all facilities.

10. Avoid using known products harvested from rain forests or other endangered natural communities.

USE AND PROTECTION OF AIR, WATER, SOIL AND WILDLIFE
Strive to conserve and protect water and soil, enhance air quality, limit the production and release of damaging pollutants, and protect wildlife.

1. Reduce vehicle emissions through appropriate vehicle maintenance practices.

2. Enforce policies against smoking in Park District buildings and vehicles. Discourage smoking at outdoor events.

3. Plant drought resistant and native trees and shrubs.

4. Seek alternative snowmelt products, using those that have the least impact upon the surrounding soil, water and plant life.

5. Establish pest management practices for park grounds that include selection of plant species, preventative maintenance, early detection of problems and natural control methods.

6. Ensure that underground storage tanks do not leak, and remove or replace all defective equipment.

7. Practice soil conservation techniques and utilize appropriate landscaping to prevent erosion.

8. Incorporate environmental impact considerations in design process of facilities and parks.

USE OF ENERGY RESOURCES
Consider ways to conserve energy resources and investigate methods of applying feasible alternative energy technologies.

1. Develop and implement an energy awareness program for employees.

2. Plant shade trees near buildings to reduce the use of air conditioners.

3. Plant evergreens and shrubs along building foundations and walls as windbreaks to reduce heating and air conditioning requirements.

4. Design and build energy efficient buildings. Purchase energy efficient appliances.

5. Improve the efficiency of existing lighting by retrofitting outdoor and indoor lighting with energy efficient bulbs as renovations take place.

6. Maintain refrigerators and air conditioners for more efficient energy cooling.

7. Establish minimum and maximum thermostat temperature setting for all facilities. When feasible to do so, reduce heating and cooling usage when buildings are unoccupied.

8. Maintain vehicles to reduce the fuel consumption.

9. Encourage the use of alternative transportation such as bicycles, mass transit, car-pooling and walking.

WASTE REDUCTION AND PROPER WASTE HANDLING
Strive to reduce waste productions through the reuse and recycling of materials from facility and park operations. Handle hazardous and all other wastes according to lawful and safe procedures.

1. Reduce excess use of paper, and choose reusable and recyclable products.

2. Reduce paper use by sharing subscriptions, making double-sided reports, reducing junk mail, using memo routing slips and keeping mailing lists current.

3. Implement ways to recycle office materials, recreation program materials and maintenance/construction materials that are discarded.

4. Compost or reuse landscape waste.

5. Recycle batteries, antifreeze, motor oil, freon and other automotive by-products.

6. Train staff to properly handle, use, store and dispose of hazardous materials.

7. Notify facility user groups and individuals that the St. Charles Park District recycles and encourages them to do so by placing an adequate number of recycling containers at convenient locations. Post signage where it can be seen, recycling symbols, etc.