February 1, 2020 – The new “Lifting Up Illinois Working Families Act” legislation approved by the State of Illinois took effect on January 1 and will steadily increase the minimum wage over the next 5 years. This unfunded State mandate significantly impacts the Woodridge Park District, staff, and the services offered. In order to continue to provide superior programs and services that the community has come to expect, an increase in fees will offset the additional wage expenses. The Woodridge Park District employed 420 part-time staff in 2019 with jobs such as lifeguards, deck guards, swim instructors, park maintenance and facility staff, and more. The wages for these positions are funded primarily by program fees and charges, not through tax dollars. This is one of the District’s biggest challenges to provide outstanding service and balancing budgets. The District appreciates your understanding as we make some difficult but lawfully required adjustments.
We understand that this could cause a financial burden on some families and we will continue to offer the Woodridge Rotary Financial Assistance Program for District residents who qualify. Assistance may be in the form of a payment plan whereby the cost of the program will be spread over a period of time to allow the family/individual to afford the program as determined by the District or may be a partial scholarship whereby the cost of the program will be reduced according to the program guidelines. Click here to fill out an application.
As always, we appreciate your patronage and are committed to providing you with superior facilities, programs and services.
