As I mentioned yesterday in my post about Marty Mohr’s running for the McHenry County Board, the Marengo Park District was in dire financial straights when he was elected to its Board.
I asked him to outline his stewardship since taking that office. Below is what he sent:
Accomplishments of Marty Mohr on the Marengo Park Board
As President of the Marengo Park District Board of Commissioners, Marty Mohr has focused on the district’s financial stability, overseen facility expansions, and brought back community events.
Fiscal management and financial stability
- Restructured debt: The district successfully restructured its aging bond debt from 2003 and 2012. This move was vital in preventing the park district’s financial collapse.
- Paid off loans: Over a six-year period, Mohr and the board paid off all outstanding commercial loans for a and took advantage of lower interest rates on aging bonds.
- Implemented a board policy manual: A new comprehensive manual was put in place to ensure fiscal transparency and accountability and set procedures to ensure board member accountability and transparency to the taxpayers.:
Grants received since being elected
- $75k DCEO for Deferred Maintenance (2021)
- $75k DCEO for Deferred Maintenance (2022)
- $600k OSLAD for development of the Venue in the Park (replacing the pool that was closed in 2014) (2023)
- $100k DCEO $50k for development of walking trails at Indian Oaks Park; $50k development of Brookside Meadows Park
Facilities and infrastructure improvements
- Added 24/7 fitness center access: In 2022, key fob entrances were added to the Fitness Center at Indian Oaks Park. This resulted in a jump from 65 members to 500 and helped the facility become self-sustaining. [$30 per month membership\
- Constructed the Venue in the Park: This multi-use outdoor facility is currently being built with the support of a $600,000 grant and district funds. The venue is set to include an amphitheater, volleyball and bocce ball courts, and walking trails.
- Opened new courts: Pickleball and basketball courts were added to Indian Oaks Park and opened to the public in the summer of 2023.
Enhanced community engagement
Restarted “Day in the Park”: After a 10-year hiatus, Mohr and the district brought back the annual Fourth of July celebration in 2023, partnering with the City of Marengo and the Marengo-Union Chamber of Commerce.
Hired a new director: In 2021, Mohr announced the hiring of Dr. Dan Bertrand as Director of Parks Operations, replacing outgoing Director Joe Vallez. Dr. Betrand brought financial experience and leadership capabilities to the district.
