Kenilworth parks/rec and Wilmette (Winnetka: school district, tax, to live in)

[efb]

We are searching for a town to live in once we move from the East Coast.

Can anyone enlighten me as to whether Kenilworth residents can participate in ths Wilmette (or Winnetka) parks programs? We ave a very sports-minded child and although Kenilworth does seem to offer some sports and recreation programs, Wilmette and Winnetka offer more (such as hockey/gymnastics/softball).

I realize the sarcastic response will be..."then move to one of those towns". But I do know that some towns (especially those as small as Kenilworth) have reciprocal agreements with neighboring towns...much the same as some do when sharing police and fire departments.

Thanks for any information you can provide. I searched online, but it was not completely clear to me after doing so.

[847mom]

I do not know the Kenilworth Park districts policy, but I can tell you that Wilmette Park District residents, or children who attend school district 39, or 37 pay the resident rate. Anyone, however, can take a class and pay the non-resident rate which is usually a little higher. Additionally, if a class is very popular it might fill first for the park district residents. I usually keep my kids within the area park distict, however sometimes there is something that another park district offers,that is either unique or superior. Also, keep in mind that some sports are run by private entities, not the park district. For example, the baseball for Kenilworth is run by the KWBA baseball league. Therefore, it will make a difference with which sports your children are involved in. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, I will try to specifically answer them as I am a mom of two kids that participate in several activities!

[chet everett]

You are going to have to call and ask. I sorta doubt that everything is available,as some stuff just fills up with locals too fast. Further the structure of "Park Districts" is different than the municipal Rec Commission and they have different rules about what they can charge to non-residents and exclude from participation.
The stuff that is run by tax dollars they can only recoup costs and offset the tax payers advantage. The residency requirement can also be used to give priority.

[Careless]

When I was a kid (80s, very early 90s) Kenilworth baseball players played in the Winnetka league. They didn't play in the Winnetka basketball league, though, I believe they played with Wilmette. So yeah, you're going to have to ask directly

[efb]

Thanks all for the good info. I will give the various departments a call. None would be a deal breaker on a house, but something might tip us in favor of one over another!

[sandstorm93]

I actually work for the Wilmette Park District, and Kenilworth residents are most definitely allowed to participate in Wilmette parks and rec programs. There is a resident and a non-resident rate for anything that you have to pay for; however, I do know of a lot of Kenilworth residents using the Wilmette Park District facilities.

[Anthera]

Kenilworths resident use both Winnetka & Wilmette park districts. The baseball league is KWBA - Kenilworth Winnetka Baseball Association. Soccor, basketball baseball lacrosse are all league sports run by private entities not park districts. The Sears School jr high sports programs are excellent. Kenilworth, Wilmette or Winnetka the sports leagues are the same.