Candidate Name: Bob Dunn
Incumbent: No
Website: https://www.bob4epd.com/
In Attendance at the LWV Elmhurst Candidate Forum on February 26, 2023: Yes
Answers to Questions Presented to Candidates in Advance of the Candidate Forum
1. Since 2015, Elmhurst Park District registration events have failed six times. What are your ideas for ongoing improvement in this area?
The current VSI program registration system was selected and installed by the EPD in 2015 and there have been major failures on 6 occasions since then. These failures generally occurred in February or March when Summer and Fall registration kicks off. This causes a lot of stress and disruption for our parents and kids. I have heard countless stories of parents with several computers/phones open trying to get into the classes that work best for their interests and schedules only to get shut out. This needs to change. The Park District did an RFP in 2018 but did not act on any submittals; they sent out another in 2022 where this time a new system ACTIVEnet was selected which should improve the mechanics of registering greatly. The other major component in having a fair and effective registration process is to ensure we have the right mix of classes and programs and the supporting staffing available so the residents have a balanced set of offerings with higher class availability for highly popular classes.
2. How should the Elmhurst Park District address the aging infrastructure of Courts Plus?
Courts Plus was built over 50 years ago, expanded 30 years ago, and is now showing it’s age. It is becoming more challenging for Courts to expand membership with so many fitness alternatives within 2-3 miles. In fact, the membership in Courts has dropped significantly in recent years from 6500 to 3500 members and this decline started several years prior to the pandemic. A very detailed look at the core function of Courts is warranted at this juncture. One option might be to jointly develop the area around Courts Plus with the Immaculate Conception community to enhance the functionality and aesthetic of the Courts area and even examine possible access to Rt 83 for an indoor sports facility as an economic development tool. We should also seriously look at incorporating more pickle ball play there.
3. If elected, how would you work to ensure the Elmhurst Park District is utilizing the most current renewable energy sources and energy-efficiency solutions?
The Park District should always be at the forefront of sustainability initiatives in Elmhurst. Moving towards all electric or hybrid vehicles for the district’s fleet should be occurring at a rapid pace just as the City of Elmhurst has been doing for the last 5 years. Recycling should be promoted and made very easy at all park district locations, which is sometimes not the case. Also, the District should examine the feasibility of adding on-site solar energy any time there is a construction project at one of its facilities. Green roofing and storm water management best practices should be on display at select park locations to model these methods for all of our residents to follow at their own homes.
