District Planning & Finances
2023-24 Agency Accomplishments
- Hartman Park Master Plan renovation, including an ADA playground
- Received a $500,000 DCEO Grant for roof replacement at Lakeview Fitness
- New roofs at Sullivan Community Center and Lakeview Fitness
- Opened a new 10,000 square foot community sprayground at Turtle Creek Waterpark
- New playground at Hawthorn Mellody Park
- Submitted LEED Government Efficiency Report to Lake County
- Turtle Creek Waterpark rebranding including facility entryway improvements
- Seavey Ditch Project with Village of Vernon Hills and Lake County Stormwater Commission
- Restoration of overflow pond at Lake Charles Park
- Comprehensive Master Plan adopted
- Received Government Finance Officer’s recognition
Capital Improvement Plan
Capital Improvement Plan 2025-2029
Comprehensive Plan
Strategic Plan
2023 Strategic Plan Report Card
2022 Strategic Plan Report Card
2020 Strategic Plan Report Card
2021 Strategic Plan Report Card
ADA Transition Plan
2021 ADA Transition Plan
For Comments or questions regarding the ADA Transition Plan, please contact Tom Ritter at tomr@vhparkdistrict.org
Annual Report
2023 Community Survey Results
Community Survey 2023 Presentation
Financial Information
Budget & Appropriation Notice FY26
Annual Budget
All Park District programs, operations, capital improvements, and maintenance expenses are funded through a combination of revenue sources including property taxes, user fees & charges, grants, and donations. A budget is developed on an annual basis by the Superintendent of Finance & HR and the Executive Director, with input from staff, and is approved by the Park Board each year at the May, Park Board Meeting.
The annual budget provides the expected revenue and expenses by program and service that the agency anticipates spending within its fiscal year, which runs from June 1 through May 31. In accordance with Illinois State Law, the budget is made conveniently available for inspection 30 days prior to the May Board meeting at the District’s administrative office at the Sullivan Community Center at 635 N. Aspen Drive. A budget hearing is held in early May to provide an opportunity for public comment prior to the Board voting on the passage of the budget. Notice of this public hearing is published in a local newspaper no less than 7 days before the hearing.
FY22/23 Budget Summary-Net Position & Revenue/Expense Charts
Supplemental Budget Report FY22
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
As required by Illinois Park District law, each year an independent agency is hired to audit the Park District’s financial statements and operating funds. The audit is a comprehensive financial analysis of the Park District’s operations and procedures when it comes to handling public finances.
Fiscal 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Fiscal 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Fiscal 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Vernon Hills Park District for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024. This was the 31st consecutive year that the government has achieved this prestigious award. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 25,000 members and the communities they serve.
Prevailing Wage
The Prevailing Wage Act requires contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers, workers and mechanics employed on public works construction projects no less than the general prevailing rate of wages (consisting of hourly cash wages plus fringe benefits) for work of a similar character in the county where the work is performed.
Total Compensation
In compliance with Section 7.3 of the Open Meetings Act, effective January 1, 2012, employers participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund must post a physical copy of the Total Compensation Package that exceeds $75,000 per year. Please contact Jessica Mitchell, with any questions related to the total compensation information.
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund serves almost 3,000 employers and has provided employees of local governments and school districts in Illinois (with the exception of the City of Chicago and Cook County) with a sound and efficient system for the payment of retirement, disability, and death benefits. The IMRF website provides a brief summary of IMRF benefits and the administration of those benefits.