Publication Date: 03/09/2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHEATON, ILLINOIS –—– On March 7, 2012, the Wheaton Park District received two of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce’s coveted Gamon Awards at the Chamber’s annual awards banquet. In the category of Community Development & Improvement Project of the Year, the district’s Northside Park Improvements took top honors. Cosley Zoo’s “Make Tracks to Cosley Zoo” won for Best Marketing Campaign of the Year. These annual awards are nominated by the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and chosen by the community via an internet poll.

Northside Park’s renovation began in 2009 with the stabilization of the shoreline using native plants. Access to the water was enhanced with additional paths, bridges, docks, and a boat launch. In 2010, the playground was replaced. Exciting new features were added, including a zip line and embankment slide. The project will be completed this fall when the parking lots and roadway are replaced in conjunction with utility improvements.

Planning for these improvements began over 15 years ago. A partnership between the park district and the City of Wheaton paved the way for permitting from DuPage County which moved the project forward. Numerous neighbors and local residents also had a big hand in the project through the Friends of Northside Park committee and its predecessor the Northside Park Advisory Committee. The park district was fortunate to receive funding assistance from the City of Wheaton, DuPage County, the Illinois Department of Resources, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Our thanks to the Wheaton Chamber for the recognition! Because of the dedication of the Wheaton Park District board and staff members, supported by some really good contractors and with input from interested members of the community, the job was well done and in less time and for less money than originally estimated,” said Harry McCulloch, a Northside Park Friend.

Cosley Zoo entered into a partnership with Yorktown Mall last Spring which involved the Yorktown Kids’ Train Express. The campaign, entitled “Make Tracks to Cosley Zoo,” included a large Cosley Zoo display at the Kids’ Train Express, discount adult admission passes with the purchase of six-ride train tickets, 30-day free admission passes with $75 in mall purchases, inclusion on 40,000 Yorktown direct mail pieces, inclusion on mall signage, the Yorktown Mall website and Facebook page, as well as four “Zoo Days” of on-site interaction with mall visitors.

The Kids’ Train Express display included static banners, rabbit and pig animal cutouts, a three-dimensional replica of the Cosley Zoo red barn, paw print floor stickers leading mall visitors to the display, and paws print fence decals boasting zoo amenities and services. The Kids’ Train Express displayed window clings. Nearby, an animal-themed photo cutout allowed visitors to take fun photos.

“We’re very proud to receive this award from the Wheaton Chamber. We enjoyed working with Yorktown and hope to repeat the campaign in the future, perhaps promoting the new Bobcat exhibit which will open Fall of 2012,” said Margie Wilhelmi, Director of Marketing and Fund Development.

The Gamon Awards are named for William A. Gamon who served twice as mayor of Wheaton. Gamon was a grocery store owner, banker and businessman and founded the precursor to today’s Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. Annual awards are given in the following categories: Community Development and Improvement, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Small Service Business of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Best Marketing Campaign of the Year, Top Young Professional, Small Not-for-Profit of the Year, Large Not-for-Profit of the Year and Wheaton Chamber Citizen of the Year.

For more information regarding the Wheaton Park District, please call 630-690-4880.