Rich DeLeo
wilmette park board
personal statement
Please tell us something about yourself and what would make you an asset to the Board of Park Commissioners.
We have lived in Wilmette for the past 17 years. It’s been a wonderful community to raise our family. We moved here from the city when our two boys were entering preschool and kindergarten, so that we could live in a neighborhood where we could stake down roots and be actively involved in the community. One of the many attributes that drew us to the area was the robust park district! When seeing the Wilmette Park District program guide for the first time, we were beyond impressed; as we were weighing the merits of other towns and villages we were considering, we had seen nothing like what Wilmette’s park district offered.
I regularly enjoy Wilmette Park District programming and facilities. My wife and I are avid paddle players and members of the Center Fitness Club; I am a member of Wilmette’s Ouilmette Golf Club, and a former youth Lacrosse coach in Wilmette. I’ve been actively involved in our community. As a member of the Village of Wilmette’s Plan Commission, I contributed my planning and real estate management expertise to the development of major capital projects in excess of $250 million, contributing to an increased tax base and economic benefit to the village. I also served on committees to review and revise the Village Zoning Code and Wilmette’s Downtown Master Plan.
My formal education in architecture, urban planning and real estate, combined with my professional experience managing $1 billion in real estate development projects makes me uniquely knowledgeable to further the development of Park District initiatives and manage capital and operating budgets.
For more information about me and why I am running to join the Park Board, go to www.enrichwilmetteparks.com or Facebook: Richard DeLeo for Park District Commissioner.
We have lived in Wilmette for the past 17 years. It’s been a wonderful community to raise our family. We moved here from the city when our two boys were entering preschool and kindergarten, so that we could live in a neighborhood where we could stake down roots and be actively involved in the community. One of the many attributes that drew us to the area was the robust park district! When seeing the Wilmette Park District program guide for the first time, we were beyond impressed; as we were weighing the merits of other towns and villages we were considering, we had seen nothing like what Wilmette’s park district offered.
I regularly enjoy Wilmette Park District programming and facilities. My wife and I are avid paddle players and members of the Center Fitness Club; I am a member of Wilmette’s Ouilmette Golf Club, and a former youth Lacrosse coach in Wilmette. I’ve been actively involved in our community. As a member of the Village of Wilmette’s Plan Commission, I contributed my planning and real estate management expertise to the development of major capital projects in excess of $250 million, contributing to an increased tax base and economic benefit to the village. I also served on committees to review and revise the Village Zoning Code and Wilmette’s Downtown Master Plan.
My formal education in architecture, urban planning and real estate, combined with my professional experience managing $1 billion in real estate development projects makes me uniquely knowledgeable to further the development of Park District initiatives and manage capital and operating budgets.
For more information about me and why I am running to join the Park Board, go to www.enrichwilmetteparks.com or Facebook: Richard DeLeo for Park District Commissioner.
responses to voter guide questions
1. What do you hope to accomplish as a Commissioner? Please explain why these goals are priorities for you.
To enrich and enhance Wilmette parks, and Park District programming! Our Park District is a tremendous asset to the Wilmette community which deserves active, qualified commissioners to guide it through these unusual times.
I want to contribute to addressing important issues that immediately impact particular neighborhoods, as well as issues that affect all village residents long-term. Responsive and responsible management of the Lakefront Plan and Gillson Master Plan, and with the Village on Stormwater Management projects, will make Wilmette an even better place for our residents. How these projects progress will have a notable impact on future programming, facilities and budgets.
I am a firm believer in sustainable, green initiatives. The Park District should continue to pursue sustainable “green” alternatives to cut building operating costs, conserve energy for equipment use, and cut down on carbon emissions through solar and electric energy solutions.
2. What are your financial priorities for Wilmette Park District (WPD) and how will you ensure they are implemented.
We need to remain fiscally responsible. In the months ahead, the Park District will need to continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 on revenue, review the capital spending plan, and make adjustments with the goal of keeping taxes stable for our residents. We will need to reduce operating expenses, limit hiring, and work with staff to prioritize the Park District’s 5-year Capital Plan.
We can’t stagnate, however. I would look forward to reviewing opportunities for improvement and advancement of programming, facilities maintenance and capital upgrades. I’d also actively discuss and review options for additional indoor and outdoor programs that may increase revenue through user fees.
3. Identify successes and/or failures you have seen in WPD’s COVID-19 response, as well as any changes you would like to see while the pandemic continues.
The Wilmette Park District has continued to operate a safe and accessible array of programs to help our community cope with the pandemic. I’ve been impressed by the speed and agility of the staff to adjust to Illinois’ changing mitigation stages.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on user fee revenue. The Park District has reduced operating costs and adjusted the schedule for capital expenditures.
So far, they have been able to offset lost revenue by keeping Gillson beach open, increasing golf rounds and revenue, offering outdoor Fitness programs, adapting summer camps, reducing operating overhead and deferring capital spending. I would like to see continued emphasis on outdoor programming and social distancing to help mitigate concerns while providing access to everything the Wilmette Park District offers.
As we move past COVID-19, we will have an excellent opportunity to take a fresh look at options to increase outdoor programs, classes and activities, and expand “Zoom” programming.
4. What are your priorities for the Gillson Park master plan?
Gillson is Wilmette’s crown jewel, and must be preserved for future generations.
As the Park District and the Lakota Group develop Gillson’s Master Plan, it’s key to evaluate car and pedestrian circulation and access, existing infrastructure, stormwater management, and landscape character. I would encourage creating sightline/view plans, and improving existing amenities and facilities.
I support the Park District’s commitment, with the Lakota Group, to provide an assessment report as they work with stakeholders and neighbors to understand use of current park amenities and identify opportunities to expand, improve and reprogram the park.
In addition to updating the Master Plan, I propose to develop a plan and budget for renovating Wallace Bowl. I would encourage options for expanding programming to include movies and more music. Also, I would like to see expanded use of the Lakeview Center for event rentals and other activities.
There’s an opportunity in the Master Plan process to review additional options such as Frisbee Golf, Shuffleboard, Horseshoes and other activities. I support gathering input from neighbors and learning from other local park districts.
5. As compensation for WPD allowing stormwater reservoirs in three parks, the Village has agreed to fund specified improvements in those parks, including bathrooms and a fitness path at Community Playfields and bathrooms at Thornwood Park. Which specified improvements would you support and/or oppose and why?
Community Playfield provides opportunities for all community residents. Based on proposed options currently on the table, I support installation of a fitness path with final costs and layouts reviewed by the Board and residents. With regard to restrooms, I favor the use of restrooms inside Wilmette Junior High, or upgrading/replacing existing Portable Toilets when fields are open. I look forward to seeing additional data to learn what the demand for bathrooms actually is, and get feedback from residents to assess the need for a freestanding structure.
Thornwood is a small neighborhood park, and currently has a Portable Toilet that serves the tennis courts, playground and baseball fields. I oppose constructing restrooms at Thornwood; the demand is not as high as Community Playfield, and it does not justify the cost of building, utility services, yearly maintenance and safety.
6. What, if any, are your environmental priorities for WPD and how you would ensure they are implemented?
The Park District should continue to promote and pursue sustainable “green” alternatives to cut building operating costs; conserve energy for equipment use; and absorb and store stormwater thru use of solar and electric power.
I would recommend the Park District engage a consultant to conduct an energy audit of all Park District facilities and building systems for options to reduce operating costs and emissions.
I will also encourage the Park District to pursue options to reduce carbon emissions through use of electric and battery-powered equipment, and to provide car charging stations at facilities and parks.
In my experience, savings from going green, such as installing solar trash compactors and other long-term options such as considering installation of solar panels, can reap significant benefits not only environmentally, but financially as well. This, along with implementing more focused waste reduction and recycling programs at all parks and facilities, are key.
Additionally, I would like staff to work with Go Green Wilmette to explore planting additional native plants in our parks.
7. How will you work to align WPD’s practices with its Statement of Inclusion? How broadly do you think diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives should extend (e.g., programming, park access, and hiring practices)?
I will support inclusive hiring practices to provide diversity in hiring processes. I will propose an outreach program to recruit non-resident long-term employment and careers through open houses and recruiting at community colleges. I would also like to see mentoring programs and job training, with the goal of developing a more diverse staff.
To enrich and enhance Wilmette parks, and Park District programming! Our Park District is a tremendous asset to the Wilmette community which deserves active, qualified commissioners to guide it through these unusual times.
I want to contribute to addressing important issues that immediately impact particular neighborhoods, as well as issues that affect all village residents long-term. Responsive and responsible management of the Lakefront Plan and Gillson Master Plan, and with the Village on Stormwater Management projects, will make Wilmette an even better place for our residents. How these projects progress will have a notable impact on future programming, facilities and budgets.
I am a firm believer in sustainable, green initiatives. The Park District should continue to pursue sustainable “green” alternatives to cut building operating costs, conserve energy for equipment use, and cut down on carbon emissions through solar and electric energy solutions.
2. What are your financial priorities for Wilmette Park District (WPD) and how will you ensure they are implemented.
We need to remain fiscally responsible. In the months ahead, the Park District will need to continue to assess the impact of COVID-19 on revenue, review the capital spending plan, and make adjustments with the goal of keeping taxes stable for our residents. We will need to reduce operating expenses, limit hiring, and work with staff to prioritize the Park District’s 5-year Capital Plan.
We can’t stagnate, however. I would look forward to reviewing opportunities for improvement and advancement of programming, facilities maintenance and capital upgrades. I’d also actively discuss and review options for additional indoor and outdoor programs that may increase revenue through user fees.
3. Identify successes and/or failures you have seen in WPD’s COVID-19 response, as well as any changes you would like to see while the pandemic continues.
The Wilmette Park District has continued to operate a safe and accessible array of programs to help our community cope with the pandemic. I’ve been impressed by the speed and agility of the staff to adjust to Illinois’ changing mitigation stages.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on user fee revenue. The Park District has reduced operating costs and adjusted the schedule for capital expenditures.
So far, they have been able to offset lost revenue by keeping Gillson beach open, increasing golf rounds and revenue, offering outdoor Fitness programs, adapting summer camps, reducing operating overhead and deferring capital spending. I would like to see continued emphasis on outdoor programming and social distancing to help mitigate concerns while providing access to everything the Wilmette Park District offers.
As we move past COVID-19, we will have an excellent opportunity to take a fresh look at options to increase outdoor programs, classes and activities, and expand “Zoom” programming.
4. What are your priorities for the Gillson Park master plan?
Gillson is Wilmette’s crown jewel, and must be preserved for future generations.
As the Park District and the Lakota Group develop Gillson’s Master Plan, it’s key to evaluate car and pedestrian circulation and access, existing infrastructure, stormwater management, and landscape character. I would encourage creating sightline/view plans, and improving existing amenities and facilities.
I support the Park District’s commitment, with the Lakota Group, to provide an assessment report as they work with stakeholders and neighbors to understand use of current park amenities and identify opportunities to expand, improve and reprogram the park.
In addition to updating the Master Plan, I propose to develop a plan and budget for renovating Wallace Bowl. I would encourage options for expanding programming to include movies and more music. Also, I would like to see expanded use of the Lakeview Center for event rentals and other activities.
There’s an opportunity in the Master Plan process to review additional options such as Frisbee Golf, Shuffleboard, Horseshoes and other activities. I support gathering input from neighbors and learning from other local park districts.
5. As compensation for WPD allowing stormwater reservoirs in three parks, the Village has agreed to fund specified improvements in those parks, including bathrooms and a fitness path at Community Playfields and bathrooms at Thornwood Park. Which specified improvements would you support and/or oppose and why?
Community Playfield provides opportunities for all community residents. Based on proposed options currently on the table, I support installation of a fitness path with final costs and layouts reviewed by the Board and residents. With regard to restrooms, I favor the use of restrooms inside Wilmette Junior High, or upgrading/replacing existing Portable Toilets when fields are open. I look forward to seeing additional data to learn what the demand for bathrooms actually is, and get feedback from residents to assess the need for a freestanding structure.
Thornwood is a small neighborhood park, and currently has a Portable Toilet that serves the tennis courts, playground and baseball fields. I oppose constructing restrooms at Thornwood; the demand is not as high as Community Playfield, and it does not justify the cost of building, utility services, yearly maintenance and safety.
6. What, if any, are your environmental priorities for WPD and how you would ensure they are implemented?
The Park District should continue to promote and pursue sustainable “green” alternatives to cut building operating costs; conserve energy for equipment use; and absorb and store stormwater thru use of solar and electric power.
I would recommend the Park District engage a consultant to conduct an energy audit of all Park District facilities and building systems for options to reduce operating costs and emissions.
I will also encourage the Park District to pursue options to reduce carbon emissions through use of electric and battery-powered equipment, and to provide car charging stations at facilities and parks.
In my experience, savings from going green, such as installing solar trash compactors and other long-term options such as considering installation of solar panels, can reap significant benefits not only environmentally, but financially as well. This, along with implementing more focused waste reduction and recycling programs at all parks and facilities, are key.
Additionally, I would like staff to work with Go Green Wilmette to explore planting additional native plants in our parks.
7. How will you work to align WPD’s practices with its Statement of Inclusion? How broadly do you think diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives should extend (e.g., programming, park access, and hiring practices)?
I will support inclusive hiring practices to provide diversity in hiring processes. I will propose an outreach program to recruit non-resident long-term employment and careers through open houses and recruiting at community colleges. I would also like to see mentoring programs and job training, with the goal of developing a more diverse staff.