A Word from the Executive Director, Summer Edition

Dear Wildwood Residents,

As the weather warms and the days grow longer, Wildwood’s 11 beautiful parks spanning 27.22 acres come to life with summer fun. Playgrounds, beaches, walking paths, pavilions, and Gages Lake and Valley Lake fill with Wildwood residents enjoying boating, fishing, swimming, walking, picnics, private parties, and more! As we enter this sunny season, I am excited to share all the new and exciting programs, events, news, and projects we have planned to make this an enjoyable summer for all!

Based on resident feedback, we are pleased to expand our programming with the introduction of CPR/AED certification and training programs. Multiple class options are available for adults, teens, babysitters, and caregivers, and include infant, child, and adult CPR, AED, and First Aid. We’re excited to continue offering popular tot and youth programs like Summer Camps, Swim Lessons, Intro to T-Ball, Tot Soccer, and STEM programs led by the Warren-Newport Public Library. Join us for familiar summer events such as Movie in the Park featuring Mufasa on June 6th, Blues Soiree on June 20th, Family Campout on July 18th-19th, Adult Bingo Nights in the Park, and our popular six-part Summer Concert Series that runs June – August.

Several new and continuing Parks Maintenance initiatives include restoration of sitting benches, addition of an accessible crushed stone path connecting the Sunset Park parking lot to the playground and pavilion, restoration of baseball backstops at Willow Point and Twin Lakes Parks, repairs to Rule Park fishing gazebo, and in-house completion of the Pebble Beach Park shoreline stabilization project with the addition of native plants. Strategic initiatives are also being developed to address water quality in both Gages and Valley Lakes. All past, current, and upcoming capital projects and improvements can be found on our website at www.wildwoodparkdistrict.com/capital-projects-planning/.

Safe and orderly parks and greenspaces continue to be a priority of the Wildwood Park District. Frequently asked questions about parking, boating, safety can be found at the following web page: www.wildwoodparkdistrict.com/parking-boating-and-safety.

Thank you to all who participated in the 2024 Community Needs Assessment Survey to help identify the communities needs and interests! The full report can be found here: www.wildwoodparkdistrict.com/community-needs-assessment-report. In addition, the Park District continues to develop several long-term strategic plans to include lakes management, ADA transition, and a playground asset and replacement schedule. These efforts combined with forthcoming focus groups and Strategic Planning Sessions will help lay the foundation of the Park District’s Strategic Plan that will guide our goals through the fulfillment of our mission and vision over the next 3-5 years.

Finally, we here at the Wildwood Park District pride ourselves on providing diverse programs, events, and activities for all ages within our community. On behalf of the entire Wildwood Park District Team, we want to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to our community members for continuing to support us for all of your park and recreation needs.

We are truly honored to serve you. I look forward to sharing another memorable summer with you all.

Brandon Magnini

Executive Director