Tagged: Macomb Park District

Just about everything will be on the table as the Macomb Park Board reviews the district's long-range plan.

Park District Executive Director Ray Peterson believes the only exception should be the plan for completing Veteran's Park. The 80-acre park will will include all of the district's soccer fields and baseball and softball diamonds when it's completed. 

Veterans, past and current park board members, and others took part in the Veteran's Park dedication ceremony in Macomb.

“When you look at the young kids playing out here on any afternoon, that's what people served for. To provide that opportunity,” said Park Board President John Hemingway, who is a veteran.

During the ceremony, McDonough County American Legion Post 6 and Macomb VFW Post 1921 presented an American flag to Park District Executive Director Ray Peterson, who oversaw acquisition and development of the 80-acre site.

Last month Macomb Park Commissioners said they would not fill the vacant seat on the board. This month they agreed to appoint someone to that seat.

The new commissioner is Rachel Lester, who learned of the opening from a story in the McDonough County Voice. Lester is the Resident Services Manager for the Housing Authority of McDonough County.

Lester said her work is one reason why she applied for the park board seat.

Expenses will exceed revenues for the Macomb Park District this year, but its executive director said the loss can be absorbed.

The district projects it will spend around $1 million in its operating budget while taking in approximately $900,000. The operating budget covers just about everything the district does with the exception of capital projects.

Executive Director Ray Peterson said the district will rely on cash reserves to make up the difference.