Park District of Oak Park

2014 Comprehensive Master Plan

Adopted December 18, 2014

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Accessibility and Equity

A critical component of any park district comprehensive plan is understanding how well the park district is serving the community. This is especially critical in a diverse community such as Oak Park, where there is the potential that sectors of the community may be confronted with unintentional barriers which prevent them from enjoying the same opportunities as others.

This evaluation and analysis has been conducted using several methods. First, the locations of the open spaces within the District were analyzed based on reasonable walking distances to evaluate whether the community is appropriately served. Second, registration for a range of programs, classes and camps was geographically mapped and analyzed to evaluate whether location influenced participation in these activities. Third, the level of service of parks and amenities was analyzed relative to the population of the community and calibrated to the specific values and needs of the residents to identify gaps in service. Last, based on the level of service for key amenities, equity maps were developed and analyzed to identify any geographic gaps within the community where residents do not have appropriate access to these amenities.

Park Service AreasDue to the compact character of the community, the sizes of the open spaces within Oak Park are small relative to National Park and Recreation Association standards. Therefore, for the purposes of this evaluation, the service areas are shown as one-half mile around each park, which approximates a ten minute or less walk. The only variation to this is the two “tot lots,” Wenonah Park and Randolph Park, where a one-quarter mile, or five minute, service area is shown.

Additionally, for the purposes of this analysis, the service areas have been clipped at the I-290 Eisenhower Expressway. Due to the limited locations available to cross the expressway, the service areas of adjacent parks are constrained.

Based on the map developed (Figure 3.25), the majority of the community falls within the service areas of one or more parks. There are a few small gaps, mostly located along the perimeter of the Village, that are not within any one service area.

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Figure 3.25 -Park Service Areas