The history of the Momence Park District is as varied and interesting as the history of Momence itself. Island Park, the crown jewel of the Momence Park District can be dated back to the late 1800's. Island Park was originally owned and operated by the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. The Railroad ran regular excursion trains to the park and hosted many events on the Island. Ownership was eventually transferred to the City of Momence who operated and maintained the parks for many years. Then, on July 25, 1966 the Momence Park District was formed and held it's first meeting in the office of Donald D. Zeglis the first attorney for the Park District. The Park District began with a five member Board of Commissioners and continues under the same charter today. On July 27, 1967 the Momence Park District Board passed its first tax levy of $7,859.00 to begin providing programs and to improve the two parks in existence at that time, Island Park and Walnut Street Park. The new Park District was off and running and has never looked back! In 2008, The District continued and expanded upon the goals and ideals established more that forty years ago. Focusing on a long range Master Plan, the District received two improvement grants. The Kankakee Cultivators Garden Club Beautification Grant was used to purchase and install a rain barrel water reclamation system and add additional plantings to Island Park. A Grant from the Union Pacific Railroad is being used to design, engineer and construct an ADA compliant Rail and Reel Pavilion which will provide access to the North side of the Kankakee River for both fishing and train enthusiasts. In addition, a formal survey of Island Park was completed for the first time since 1921! In 2008 the Park District will host its inaugural 'Squawk & Oink Barbecue Festival' offering Momence and surrounding community residents a local Labor Day Event!. |
| INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW! |
About Us
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MOMENCE PARK DISTRICT
| The Momence Park District Board of Commissioners meet on the third Wednesday of every month. The meetings are open to the public and residents are invited and encouraged to attend and bring concerns to the Board at that time. |
| The Momence Park District maintains a Park Office in the Field House at the entrance to Island Park. The Office is staffed year round and open to the public Tuesday through Friday 8 AM until 12:30 PM. |
| ALL PARK DISTRICT PROPERTIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR RENT. VISIT THE CONTACT US PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS! |
| Board of Commissioners President - Sue Butterfield Sue is a lifelong resident of Momence and has served on the Park District Board of Commissioners for the past eight years. Sue has also served the City of Momence as a Council Member. Sue wears many hats in addition to that of Park Board President. Sue is a dedicated staff member at Good Shepard Manor, a licensed Realtor with Rosenboom Realty and owns and operates 'Susie's Corner' on Washington Street in beautiful downtown Momence. Vice President - Mike Lee Mike is also a lifelong resident of Momence and a successful business owner. Mike has owned and operated Frank's Bait Shop on Route One in Momence for the past twenty years. An avid fishing expert, Mike provides visitors with Kankakee River expertise and fishing knowledge. Drawing upon his childhood memories of family barbecues, Mike has been instrumental in developing the 2008 plans for the family centered 'Squawk and Oink Fest' tentatively scheduled for Labor Day Weekend. Secretary - Cathy Abbott Cathy is a highly respected member of the Momence Junior High School staff and is dedicated to protecting the natural habitat and environment of the Momence Park District facilities. Cathy was instrumental in the successful 2007 Bond Issue project and has worked closely with the Land Resource Management Group of Bradley in developing the District's Ten Year Master Plan. Cathy resides in Momence with her husband Gerry and two children. Treasurer - Steve Loftus Steve serves on the Supervisory Staff at Good Shepherd Manor. Steve has worked hand-in-hand with the Kankakee Park District to provide two immensely popular programs to the residents of Momence. Both the 'Splash Valley Family Fun Days' and 'Skating Through The Holidays' resulted from cooperation between the two districts. Steve lives in Momence with his wife Janine and youngest of his three children, daughter Mary. Activity Director - Bill Bukowski Bill is a lifetime resident of Momence and an employee of Panozzo Florist and Produce in Kankakee. Bill has also served for many years as an educator at the college level. Bill is a dedicated public servant and has a long history of participation with the local government of Momence. Bill is responsible for the widely acclaimed 'Concerts in the Park' series offered by the Momence Park District. |
| Park District Staff PARK SUPERVISOR - Keith Emling Keith joined the Park District Staff in 2007 after a long career in the building trades. In addition to construction knowledge, Keith has recently received certification as a Master Gardener. Keith brings expertise to all aspects of the development and maintenance of the physical facilities of the Momence Park District. Keith is a 17 year resident of Momence and enjoys the rural lifestyle with his wife Cindy and three children. PARK OFFICE SECRETARY - Juli Velazquez Juli is currently a resident of the City of Momence and has is new to the Momence Park District staff . She has over nineteen years of experience in the financial industry and lives on the Island with her two children. Juli's interest and experience include work with both the SyFi Channel and various law enforcement and missing children agencies. |
| VISIT OUR PHOTO ALBUM FOR MORE GREAT PICTURES OF YOUR MOMENCE PARK DISTRICT FACILITIES AND EVENTS! |
| The sunsets and sunrises on Island Park are spectacular! |
| Maintenance at the five Momence Park District facilities is a year - round task! |
| PARK RULES FOR ALL PROPERTIES: *10 MPH Speed Limit on all Properties *Please place trash in designated containers *NO drugs or alcohol on Park Properties *No loud stereos *Pets must be leashed *Fires allowed only in grills with permit *No driving/parking on grass *No glass bottles *No swimming or diving *No camping *No hunting/firearm use *IL D.N.R. Regulations apply on Park Properties |
Committed to our Community and its natural resources
