Foss Park District
Foss Park District: A Legacy of Community Engagement and Conservation
Incorporated March 29, 1907, Foss Park District was named to memorialize George Edmund Foss. George Edmund Foss was the Congressman that conceived the idea of the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He has been known to be the father of the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. After over 100 years, the Foss Park District is still here to serve the residents and guests of Foss Park District by providing recreational activities, services, and facilities to enjoy.
Be sure to be part of our future so we all can look back and be a part of our history.
Governance
An elected Board of Park Commissioners consisting of five members constitutes the governing board of the Park District. Commissioners are elected to serve 6-year term. Commissioners serve without receiving any compensation.
Officers
Commissioners elect from among themselves a President, Vice President and a Treasurer. These officers each serve a one year term.
Appointed Officials
Commissioners appoint an Executive Director, Attorney, and Secretary. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer for the Park District and carries out the policies of the Board.
Boundaries
Foss Park District encompasses all of North Chicago and briefly goes into Lake Bluff on the South and Waukegan on the North and West.
Population
Park District population is approximately 50,000.
Real Estate
Equalized assessed value of real estate for 2022 is 296,882,690 (Estimated).
Tax Rate
Levy year 2022 – $0.69 per $100 of assessed value (Estimated).
Fiscal Year Budget
Proposed operating and capital budget for FY 2023-24 is $4,885,450. The fiscal year begins on May 1 and concludes on April 30.
Park Resources
The district has control of almost 300 acres of land, which includes the 18-hole Foss Park Golf Course, 6 neighborhood parks and 3 community parks. The District operates the community recreation center at 1730 Lewis Ave., the Foss Park Golf Course and Clubhouse at 3124 Argonne Drive, skate parks, tennis courts, band shells, basketball courts, and several ball diamonds and soccer fields throughout the Park District.
Programs & Services
Foss Park District provides a full range of activities and services year round. Major recreation programs include childcare camps, athletics, trips, and special events for all ages. Programs and services are available individuals with special needs.
Staffing
Seventeen authorized full-time staff and over 60 part-time, year round, seasonal and temporary employees.
Affiliations
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), American Shores Beaches Preservation Association (ASBPA), City of North Chicago, School District 187, North Chicago Rotary, North Chicago Chamber of Commerce, Waukegan Township, Shields Township, Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS), Northern Illinois Food Bank, and The Chicagoland Youth Football League (TCYFL).
