St. Charles Park District projecting more than $1 million deficit because of COVID-19 pandemic

ST. CHARLES – The St. Charles Park District is projecting a more than $1 million operating deficit because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, the Park District had been projecting $19.45 million in revenues and $19.42 million in expenses for a net surplus of $31,155. Many of the district's facilities remain closed because of the stay-at-home order put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The pandemic's impact on the district's finances was a topic of discussion at the May 12 Park Board meeting. The Park District's Pottawatomie Golf Course was able to reopen on May 1 but with strict new safety guidelines put in place. For example, players are grouped in twosomes and tee times are spaced 15 minutes apart. The golf course now is anticipated to have a $130,470 deficit for the year.

Although the district's parks are open, basketball courts, playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor fitness stations and outdoor restrooms remain closed through May 30. The Park District has posted signs reminding residents to practice social distancing and not to gather in groups of larger than 10 people.

In addition, the Park District's Baker Community Center as well as Haines Gymnasium, Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, Norris Recreation Center, the paddlewheel riverboats, Pottawatomie Community Center, Primrose Farm, River View Miniature Golf Course, Sportsplex and the STC Underground Teen Center remain closed through May 30. Otter Cove Aquatic Park and Swanson Pool also remain closed and it is not known when they will be able to open for the season.

COVID-19 also has had an impact on the district's staffing levels. In May 2019, the Park District employed 263 part-time and seasonal employees, representing $142,000 in wages. This year, 181 of them, or 78 percent, are not working.

The Park Board has not yet decided if the 4th of July celebration will go on as planned this summer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has suggested being prepared to cancel or postpone large events or gatherings.

In addition, Gov. JB Pritzker's plan to reopen Illinois allows only 50 people to gather in phase four or the plan. Based on a number of factors, the state is now in the plan’s second phase.

The Park District is looking at several possible alternatives to the 4th of July celebration, including a Park Palooza event on Aug. 16, a Patriot's Day celebration on Sept. 11 and a New Year's celebration.

"Staff really liked the idea of Patriot's Day," Recreation Superintendent and Safety Coordinator Michael Kies told board members. "We think it's an event that nobody else is doing. It's a way to recognize not only the first responders, but also our military."

The company's fireworks provider, Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions, is willing to work with the Park District on whatever the district decides to do, Kies said.