Mokena Community Park District Meeting | September 23, 2025

The Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners celebrated the success of recent projects and updated its financial policies during its meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The board’s main action was to unanimously approve an amended purchasing policy, which increases the Executive Director’s spending authority for supplies and materials to $60,000 to align with a new state law. More details on this policy change are available in a full story.

In other news, the board learned that the district’s new all-inclusive playground at Main Park has been nominated for a “Playground of the Year” award, a recognition of its creative and accessible design. This positive development was highlighted alongside widespread community praise for the recent grand opening of the renovated Yunker Farm Red Barn. Commissioners shared their excitement about the district’s momentum and discussed preparations for the upcoming Halloween Hollow event.

Yunker Barn Open House a ‘Tremendous Success’
Executive Director Greg Vitale reported that the Yunker Farm Red Barn Open House on September 11 was a huge success, drawing an estimated 1,000 attendees. Commissioners praised the event and the facility, with Commissioner Steve Jacobson noting the barn “really took off and maybe it is bigger than we envisioned.” The event included a moving moment of silence to honor the anniversary of 9/11.

Board Approves Payment of Bills
The board approved the payment of bills and travel expenses for the period ending September 30, 2025. The approved payments totaled $234,098.59. Among the notable expenses were a $34,011 payment to Apex Construction Group for work on the Yunker Barn, $16,365 to Play Illinois for playground equipment at Timbers Point, and $15,400 to E. Hoffman, Inc. for dugout covers at Hecht Park.

Halloween Hollow Preparations Underway
Staff reported that preparations have begun for Halloween Hollow, scheduled for October 2-5. Superintendent of Recreation Kara Jelderks noted that volunteers are still needed for the popular fall event. The Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) has booked its new sensory bus for the children’s activities at Halloween Hollow, and the district has ordered straw and cornstalks for decorations.

Family Campout Draws 15 Families
The district’s recent Family Campout at Main Park was a great success, with 15 families participating. According to the recreation report, campers set up tents, enjoyed s’mores over a campfire, watched the movie “The Lorax,” and had donuts and coffee in the morning. Staff reported that campers expressed a desire to see the event return in the spring.

LWSRA Updates Board on Programming
Keith Wallace, Executive Director of the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association, gave a presentation to the board. An accompanying report noted that LWSRA had 14 new participant intakes last month, including two from Mokena, and is currently retrofitting its second sensory bus. The first bus will be utilized at the park district’s upcoming Halloween Hollow event.

Park Maintenance Highlights
Superintendent of Parks and Facilities Jim VanGennep reported on several ongoing projects. The signage area at Whisper Creek is getting a makeover, and a new light has been installed at the dog park for patrons. Staff also recently completed graffiti removal at Grasmere Park’s skate park, power washed the Main Park pavilion, and assisted with setup and takedown for the Family Campout Night.