Standard: The agency organizational structure shall provide for one public entity responsible for policy-making functions. This entity usually has taxing power and must approve the budget; it holds title to property. It also serves an important function in providing input to improve and expand park and recreation programs, services, and facilities.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide a chart or diagram and narrative description of the organizational structure, interrelationship of organizational components and powers of authority over policy-making; show the relationship of the agency to its approving authority and provide the approving authority bylaws or charter.
Informational reference in the Management of Park and Recreation Agencies, (2010), 3rd Ed., Chapter 3 - Legal Authority and Jurisdiction, pp. 38-52.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
The Park District of Oak Park is a council-manager form of local government and is its own entity, separate from all other taxing bodies in Oak Park. The Park District of Oak Park is governed by a Board of Commissioners, an elected board of five citizens. The Board of Commissioners has legislative power including the power to tax, holds title to the Park District's property, and is responsible for all policy-making functions, as well as approval of the budget. The Board appoints and oversees an Executive Director who is responsible for managing the Park District's operations and carrying out the policies and direction set by the Board. These responsibilities and powers are outlined in the Board of Commissioners Policies1.
The organizational structure outlined on the Park District's Municipal Directory2 shows the relationship between the governing body, the Executive Director, and the various Park District components.
Documentation of Evidence:
Agency Self Assessment: MET