Support the Parks
There are a number of ways that individuals and companies can provide resources to the Western Springs Park District. These opportunities help the District fulfill its mission of providing and maintaining land for recreational uses and for preserving open spaces. To discuss any of these opportunities, please contact our Park district staff at 708-246-4225 or westernspringsparks@yahoo.com for more information.Friends of the Parks
The Western Springs Friends of the Parks Foundation was formed in 1998 for the sole purpose of soliciting, receiving and allocating financial and other resources to fund or enhance capital projects at the parks within Western Springs. The Foundation operates independently from the Western Springs Park District Board and the normal budgetary processes of the Park District. The Foundation Board works closely with the Park Board to help finance capital improvement projects that are consistent with the Park District's long-range goals and plans. For more information about the Friends of the Parks click here.
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The Western Springs Friends of the Parks Foundation, a 501 ( c ) (3) corporation, was formed in 1998 for the sole purpose of soliciting, receiving and allocating financial and other resources to fund or enhance capital projects at one or more of the 12 parks in Western Springs. The Foundation operates independently from the Western Springs Park District Board and the normal budgetary processes of the Park District. However, the Foundation Board works closely with the Park Board to help finance capital improvement projects that are consistent with the Park District's long-range goals and plans. As its first project, the Foundation assisted the Park District in funding a walking and riding path around Spring Rock Park. The Foundation has assisted in distributing funds raised by neighborhood groups to benefit renovation of the playgrounds areas at Laidlaw Park, Veterans Park and Ridgewood Park. Most recently, the Foundation contributed funds for paths to the new Spring Rock Park pavilion.
Currently serving on the all volunteer Foundation Board are several former Park District Commissioners and Western Springs residents: Vic Fraccaro, Len Kurfirst, Deb Lyons, John White and Maribeth White.
If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution and/or become a member of the Friends of the Parks Foundation Board, please contact the Park District at 708-246-4225 or send the Foundation an email at friends@wsparks.org You may also send in the form below to the Western Springs Friends of the Parks, P.O. Box 630, Western Springs, Illinois 60558.
Memorials - Remember friends and loved ones in a tangible way with a gift that perpetuates a warm memory and respected name.
Tax Benefits - Realize a savings on your taxes. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.
Ways to Contribute to the Friends of the Parks Foundation
Bequests - Decide in advance how you want your assets to be shared. You may designate a preferred area of interest, a Park District project or local neighborhood park to be assured your wishes will be fulfilled.
Trusts - Working with your attorney and financial advisor, you may determine that a trust is the most beneficial to both you as a donor and the Foundation.
Memorials - Capital improvement memorials, including a plaque "in memory of" or "in honor of..." are available.
Gifts and Donations - Personal property, land, appreciating securities, and cash contributions in any amount make welcome gifts to the Foundation.
Currently serving on the all volunteer Foundation Board are several former Park District Commissioners and Western Springs residents: Vic Fraccaro, Len Kurfirst, Deb Lyons, John White and Maribeth White.
If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution and/or become a member of the Friends of the Parks Foundation Board, please contact the Park District at 708-246-4225 or send the Foundation an email at friends@wsparks.org You may also send in the form below to the Western Springs Friends of the Parks, P.O. Box 630, Western Springs, Illinois 60558.
Benefits of Giving to the Friends of the Parks Foundation
Personal Satisfaction - Enjoy seeing the Western Springs community share the benefits of your contribution. Give back to your community by funding future park projects that may not otherwise be possible. Your monetary contribution will nurture our community spirit, protect and preserve our Park District resources, and promote the health and welfare of our residents.Memorials - Remember friends and loved ones in a tangible way with a gift that perpetuates a warm memory and respected name.
Tax Benefits - Realize a savings on your taxes. The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization, and all contributions are tax deductible.
Ways to Contribute to the Friends of the Parks Foundation
Bequests - Decide in advance how you want your assets to be shared. You may designate a preferred area of interest, a Park District project or local neighborhood park to be assured your wishes will be fulfilled.
Trusts - Working with your attorney and financial advisor, you may determine that a trust is the most beneficial to both you as a donor and the Foundation.
Memorials - Capital improvement memorials, including a plaque "in memory of" or "in honor of..." are available.
Gifts and Donations - Personal property, land, appreciating securities, and cash contributions in any amount make welcome gifts to the Foundation.
Click here to download the contribution form
Donations
Individuals and groups can provide 100% tax deductible funds directly to the Park District. Opportunities exist to donate cash, bonds or estate proceeds. Over time, the Park District has received money from individuals and groups as well as donations of land and plantings to assist with Park enhancements.
Corporate Sponsors
The Corporate Partnership Program is a marketing relationship between the Western Springs Park District and the private sector aimed at delivering valuable benefits to companies while enhancing the resources of the park district. This unique and multi-faceted program is designed to compliment a company's marketing strategy and build a strong association with the 2nd best place to raise children in the United States.
Volunteers
The Western Springs Park District offers many exciting and diverse volunteer opportunities. Some of these are available on a year-round basis and others occur seasonally. Each spring the Park District participates in a community-based event called NEAT which stands for the Neighborhood Environmental Appearance Team. Scout troops, youth groups, clubs, families and individuals volunteer to clean up litter and debris to help spruce up our parks. Besides this special yearly event, opportunities exist to take part in an Adopt-a-Park program as well as special scout projects.
Commemoratives
The Western Springs Park District Commemorative Bench and Tree Program was developed to provide a lasting means to honor a loved one, mark an anniversary or recognize a special occasion. Your memorial gift also contributes to the beautification of our parks and the improvement of our environment. Click here to download our commemorative Bench and Tree Program form.
Grants
The Western Springs Park District has been fortunate to receive a number of grants from federal, state and private organizations. In 1998, a $200,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant was received for upgrades in Spring Rock Park. In 2005, the Park District was awarded a Housing and Urban development grant that helped pay for a new pavilion in Spring Rock Park. In 2006, $576,000 was awarded through a Federal Transportation SAFE TEA-LU grant to help make further improvements at Spring Rock Park. Finally, in 2007 a $5,000 grant was received from KaBOOM! to help fund the installation of new playground equipment and landscaping at Ridgewood Park.