The District follows water efficiency practices for facilities.

The District practices water efficiency at our facilities by identifying and repairing leaks, and replacing systems and fixtures with more water efficient options.

As systems are updated at water intense facilities, like the Recreation Center, Hidden Creek Aqua Park, and Centennial Ice Arena – more water efficient options are selected. For example, the new pool filtration systems at Hidden Creek and the Recreation center reduce water waste and consumption by preventing the need for backwashing.

<X%> of bathroom fixtures at the Park District are low flow.

The Park District’s standard practice is to install low flow fixtures during renovations and new construction. As restrooms are renovated, low-flow fixtures replace the old fixtures.

Low flow fixtures for sinks, showers, and toilets reduce the amount of water consumed by controlling the flow, while providing the same level of functionality.

Heller Nature Center houses the District’s 1,000 gallon rain cistern.

This 1,000 gallon rain cistern is housed at Heller Nature Center and captures rainwater from the roof of the maintenance garage.

Water collected from the cistern is used for landscaping purposes and natural areas maintenance. The District plans to increase utilization of the cistern for park landscape needs over the next 10 years.

Foley’s Pond is not just for fishing! Sunset Valley Golf Club relies on the stormwater captured in Foley’s Pond to irrigate the golf course.

Foley’s Pond fully supports the irrigation needs of Sunset Valley’s golf course and is a valuable stormwater retention pond for the Skokie River watershed. Foley’s pond also helps relieve stormwater pressure from the Skokie River.

 Sunset Valley also has 10 acres of no mow fescue and native planting areas throughout the course, which reduce irrigation needs and help to capture stormwater.

Prioritizing native plantings helps to reduce watering needs.

Native plantings are prioritized for landscaping needs. Because native plants are adapted to local climate and soil conditions, they typically do not require irrigation once established and are more tolerant to drought and seasonal changes in rainfall. Their root systems also tend to be deeper, helping to soak up rainwater before it runs off.

The District’s standard practice is to irrigate before dawn and only when necessary.

Irrigating before dawn reduces water loss from evaporation, resulting in more efficient irrigation and helps the water fully soak into the soil, preventing runoff.