KNOCH KNOLLS NATURE CENTER Profile
The Naperville Park District’s nature center at Knoch Knolls Park has been in operation for nine years. The free nature center features indoor and outdoor educational exhibits and signage, a 900-gallon freshwater aquarium with native fish species, additional live animal exhibits including a snake, salamander, and turtle, several interpretive signs and videos, three interactive exhibits that change seasonally, numerous sustainable features including a living wall and rainwater collection cistern, two classrooms, public restrooms, and a deck overlooking the pond. Outdoor amenities include a permeable paver parking lot, multi-use trails, a nature playground, two picnic areas along with grills and one fire pit, an 18-hole disc golf course, and a canoe launch. In addition, three outdoor mobile tours are offered for independent use by visitors any time the park is open. The Nature Center budget is comprised of revenues and expenses associated with administering the exhibit operation and programming. The budget consists of 1 full-time employee, one part-time naturalist, a seasonal camp instructor and a seasonal intern. The budget for staffing the front desk can be found in the Customer Service Department. The center has operational hours Monday through Saturday.
While the District’s nature preschool program is held at Knoch Knolls, all revenues and expenses associated with the preschool program are included within the Early Childhood program budget. The expenses for the maintenance of the facility can also be found within the Trades, Parks, Custodial and IT budgets. In 2023 the Nature Center program participation and facility visits continued to increase. The Nature Center is projected to end 2023 with a 3.7% reduction in projected revenue or $1,500, compared to the current budget, along with a 5% or $7,900 reduction in expenses. The overall deficit for the facility has been reduced by 6% or $6,300 compared to budget. Nature Center programming is comprised of 7 areas: adult, family, youth, camp, scouts, schools and offsite libraries/preschool presentations, plus several special events. Program opportunities appeal to a variety of ages and are both free and fee based. In 2023 the following programs continued to gain in popularity: Nature Hikes, early childhood Nature Playtimes, Family Campouts, Free Samplings, Youth Fishing, nature-themed birthday parties and numerous Scout and school field trips. In 2023 Nature Center facility improvements included re-landscaping the front entrance with native plants, drainage enhancements, deck repairs and bench rehabilitation.
The 2024 budget reflects a 5% or $2,100 increase in revenue over year end projections. A few new programs will be added, and a steady return of participants is expected. An increase in expenses is expected as well. Expenses reflect a 26% or $25,400 increase over the projected year end. This increase is a result of the addition of one part- time staff, minimum wage increases adjustments and the increase in supply costs. In 2024, the District will celebrate the Knoch Knolls Nature Center’s 10-year anniversary! The historic year will mark the return of many nature programs and events including the Shred event, Nature Discovery Days, Pumpkin Smash, and Creepy Critters Month; additionally, a special anniversary day celebration is planned for fall 2024. Lastly, it is important to note that Knoch Knolls Park will continue to be a focal point for continued collaboration on environmental initiatives with other organizations including North Central College, The Conservation Foundation, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Forest Preserve District of Will County, the DuPage Children’s Museum, and Naper Settlement.
2024 BUDGET 59
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