🐝Sustainability with Collinsville Parks and Recreation 🌍

  Join us in our efforts to create a sustainable world! 

Our Mission

As a division of the City of Collinsville, the Parks and Recreation Department is committed to enhancing the quality of life for present and future generations through responsible and sustainable practices.

Research from the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) shows that parks play a vital role in addressing the impacts of climate change—from protecting water resources through green infrastructure to reducing the urban heat island effect through citywide tree canopy restoration. Parks are essential to building healthy, climate-resilient communities.

The purpose of our sustainability program is to conserve park resources with future generations in mind. Collinsville Parks & Recreation strives to educate staff and patrons on sustainable practices that can be used both in our parks and at home—helping create a cleaner, safer, and healthier community.

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🪴Types of Sustainable programs that we currently offer:

• Conservation at The Farm 
• Biochar Program 
• Composting Program
• City Wide Spring Yard Sale
• Tree ID program 
• Invasive Species Sweep
• Green Halloween Costume Swap
• Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Drop-offs 
• FREE Plant and Produce Table at Willoughby Farm & Plant Swap

These are just some of the programs that we already provide! Our department continues to develop education-based programs about sustainability. Any programs developed will be included in our "Sustainability Series". Any program with the Sustainable Series tag, will have a sustainable aspect to it in some compacity. 

👉 Want to find more of our Sustainable programs that we offer throughout the year? Check out our Activity & Events Calendar and filter the tag "Sustainability Series" to join our programs!

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🌿 What CPRD Is Doing to Be Sustainable

Collinsville Parks & Recreation is continuously growing its sustainability efforts. Our internal Green Team has established goals and objectives to guide both daily operations and long-term environmental impact across parks, programs, and facilities.

♻️ CPRD Sustainability Objectives:

I. Stewardship of Natural Resources
The use of natural resources that is socially and culturally equitable, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial.

• Best Management Practices (BMP) of natural resources
• Tree ID
• Removal of Invasive Species creating greener grounds
• No/Low Mow Zones
• Developing and Creating Rain Gardens
• Stormwater Management and Clean Water Ways
• Implement a Biochar Plan to decrease waste
• “Green over Gray”
• Protection of air, water, soil, and wildlife
• Carbon Credit Program (Starting May 2023)

II. Incorporating Sustainability in our Operations
Rethinking and changing our impact in our activities, resources, and actions. 

• Reduction and handling of Waste
• Purchase and use of environmentally safe products, and reusable resources
• Effective use of energy resources
• Decreasing our heat island

 III. Educating and Connecting the Community with Nature
 Providing recreation experiences and opportunities to connect with nature. 

• “Sustainability Series” Program
  • Developing “Green” programs
  • Urban Ecology Class
• Providing educational resources to the public and posting informational signs at our parks

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🌱How can you help?

Join one of our sustainability programs or classes and be part of the solution! Small everyday actions make a big difference. 

• Use reusable shopping bags and produce bags.
• Use a refillable water bottle.
• Reuse containers. 
• Choose eco-friendly products that are recyclable, bio-degradable, or compostable!

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Collinsville Parks & Recreation

10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 
618-346-7529