The Glenview Park Foundation is proud of its contributions in support of recreation opportunities in our community, having raised more than $3.3 million to fund projects like those described below.
2023 – Expanding Access to Summer Camp
In the summer of 2023, the Glenview Park Foundation applied for a Northfield Township Community Partnership Grant in the amount of $100,000 to cover Glenview Park District summer camps for children attending District 34 schools who qualified under the McKinney-Vento Act (unhoused status). In addition to the funds received from Northfield Township, the Glenview Park Foundation provided an additional $30,000 so that all qualifying children could attend summer camps. In 2024, the Park Foundation increased their donation to $35,000.
2020-2022 – Supporting
Camp REC
CAMP REC provided adaptive learning for Glenview Schools during the pandemic. The Foundation provided $57,200 in scholarships for families to allow students to experience Recreational activities, Enrichment and sense of Community.
2020 – Under the Stars Sculpture at Glenview Community Ice Center
Designed by local Glenview artist Elisa R. Boughner, and fabricated by Bader Art Metal & Fabrication, the inspiration behind this contemporary art sculpture was a treasured childhood memory. The Glenview Park Foundation and Glenview Park District wanted something that would convey community, sense of place and positive energy. The metal used to form the sculpture is powder-coated aluminum. The glass is fused by placing multi-colored pieces of glass in a kiln where it is melted and blended to increase its strength. The glass is then hand painted and fused multiple times to complete the process.
2018 – Improvements at Glenview Park Golf Club
The Park Foundation funded $19,500 for the construction of the Golf Hitting Bays at the Glenview Park Golf Club to allow players a space to warm up before playing a round of golf.
2018 – Sculpture in Synnestvedt Arboretum in Flick Park
Collaborating with a local artist and sculpture, the Glenview Park Foundation pledged $17,650 to complete the Art in the Park sculpture at the Synnestvedt Arboretum in Flick Park.
2018 – Establishment of Annual Leisureship Fund Contributions
As part of the Park Foundation’s annual donations, the foundation board has pledged to donate 10% of net operating income based on the prior year’s audit (capped at a max of $10,000) to the Glenview Park District Leisureship Program. Recreation leisureships are available throughout the year to those families who find it difficult or otherwise impossible to register their children for park district programs due to financial constraints.
2017 – Improvements at
Glenview Park Golf Club
The Park Foundation contributed $12,000 for a 3 sided ornamental town square clock at the Glenview Park Golf Club. The clock is a focal piece and is enjoyed by all golfers and Coarse Restaurant patrons alike.
2016 – Synnestvedt Arboretum at Flick Park
The Park District acquired land in 1985 as a display garden for the Synnestvedt Nursery. In 2016, in a cooperative effort between the Glenview Park District and the Glenview Park Foundation, the former nursery was reconstructed with new plantings, benches, improved walkways and inviting entrances complete with trellises. The project was funded in part by a $83,578.00 donation from the Glenview Park Foundation.
2014 – Jackman Park Renovation
Jackman Park was renovated to include a new playground for both age groups, a seating plaza, pathways, lighting and landscaping. This project was made possible in part by at $200,000 donation from the Glenview Park Foundation.
2012 – Willow Park Fieldhouse Renovation
In 2010, the Glenview Park Foundation joined forces with the Glenview Park District, Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA) and Northern Suburban Special Recreation Foundation (NSSRF) to renovate and expand Glenview’s Willow Park Fieldhouse, making it fully accessible for children and adults with disabilities. The Foundation contributed $100,000 toward construction of this project which was opened for public use at a grand opening celebration in May 2012.
2008 – Crowley Park Renovation
In June of 2007, the Glenview Park Foundation partnered with LaSalle Bank, sponsor of the Nationwide Golf Tour’s LaSalle Bank Open, to help fund the renovation of Crowley Park. The $10,000 total proceeds from the golf tournament’s admission fee was matched by a $10,000 grant from the Glenview Park Foundation and the renovated park and new fieldhouse were rededicated in June 2008.
2006 – District 34 Middle School Playgrounds
In December of 2005 the Glenview Park Foundation unanimously voted to make a $100,000 donation to help fund construction of new playgrounds at Springman and Attea Middle Schools in Glenview to serve the needs of Glenview’s middle school-aged population. Additional funds were provided by “Play for Life”, a group of interested parents who undertook various fund-raising activities to raise an additional $50,000 of the projected $165,000 cost. The outcome of this cooperative effort among the Glenview Park District, the Glenview Park Foundation, School District 34, the Attea-Springman PTA and the Play for Life fundraising group was the purchase of two playgrounds at no cost to the taxpayers of Glenview.
2006 – Historic Wagner Farm Heritage Center
In 2004, the Glenview Park Foundation partnered with the Friends of Wagner Farm to support the Farm’s mission. Together, they raised $1.2 million to build the Heritage Center, which offers year-round programs, classrooms, a greenhouse, a dairy lab and 3,000 square feet of exhibit space.
2005 – Kick It-Glenview 3V3 Summer Soccerfest
In the spring of 2005, the Foundation launched its second major fundraising effort, an annual 3v3 soccer tournament to serve the dual purposes of generating revenue and supporting the foundation’s mission of providing wholesome recreational opportunities for the community. Now in its 9th year, the event has grown to be one of Chicagoland’s most popular youth soccer events. In 2012, over 150 teams participated and over $17,000 was raised.
2001 – Park Center Mural
Inside Park Center’s main lobby, a brick mural titled Community by Nebraska artist Jay Tschetter depicts iconic Glenview landmarks. Funded by a $33,600 donation from Glenview State Bank, the artwork was commissioned by the Glenview Park Foundation.
2000 – Community Recreation Grants
In January 2000, the Foundation awarded a total of $10,000 in grants to six community entities in support of their recreation programs and activities. Recipients of these grants included Youth Services of Glenview-Northbook, The Grove National Historic Landmark, the Glenview Park District Recreation Department, the Glenview Police Department (Safety City equipment), Glenview Titans Fast Pitch Association and American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO).
1999 – Restoration of Jackman Bear Fountain
In 1999, the Foundation worked in cooperation with the Village of Glenview’s Centennial Commission to raise the needed funds to recast the iconic Jackman Bear Fountain which had served as a symbol of the Village of Glenview for many decades since its original installation in 1917. The fountain was relocated in a new Centennial Plaza in Jackman Park which was unveiled as part of the Village’s Centennial Celebration in 1999.
1996 – Firecracker Classic Golf Outing
Seeking a forum that could both raise funds for and promote community awareness of the Foundation and its work, the Foundation kicked off the first Firecracker Classic golf outing in 1996. Currently in its 18th year, this premier golf event, now known as the Firecracker Classic , has grown to 144 players and is supported by more than 100 business and individual donors who provide sponsorships, services and prizes. The outing has become the major fundraiser for the Glenview Park Foundation netting over $420,000 in funds to support community recreation.
1996 – Flick Park Playground
The Glenview Park Foundation’s first project took off in June 1996 with help from Saturn Corporation. Together, they built a brand-new playground at Flick Park — donated by Saturn for $25,000 and installed in just one day with the help of volunteers. The community celebrated the next day with a grand opening event.