Cooperative ventures achieve success

Local citizens and businesses back the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts' efforts for a safe Halloween.

By Robert F. Toalson

Following the deaths of two children while "trick or treating" in a neighboring community, and problems with "trick or treating" in Champaign-Urbana, the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts joined together in an effort to provide a safe Halloween event for children.

In 1985, a jointly sponsored Halloween party was held at the Thornburn Center in Urbana. More than 500 children attended the party, and it was determined that a larger facility would be needed for the next year.

Determining needs

A planning committee consisting of staff from both park districts developed a plan and estimated the needs for the Halloween Funfest. It was determined that a facility must be obtained that could handle 3,000 to 5,000 people in a two-hour period, that expenses would run approximately $2,500, and that many volunteers would be needed to assist in the operation of the event. Thus, the stage was set for what turned out to be a true community event.

Community response

Twenty-seven businesses were contacted and asked to co-sponsor a safe Halloween by donating $100. Only one said no.

The Athletic Association at the University of Illinois readily agreed to allow the West Hall under Memorial Stadium to be used for the event. This facility was ideal as it not only provided adequate space, but also ample parking. Illinois Power provided portable floodlights in the parking area, and the University Police directed traffic in the parking area.

The University of Illinois Press and the Union Printers printed 10,000 flyers at no charge. The University Fire Department inspected the booth sites and provided fire coverage at no cost.

Activity programming

In the spring, contacts were made with students at university fraternities, sororities and residence halls concerning the programming of the activity areas for the Funfest. Fifteen activity areas were provided with outstanding results.

The Engineering Honorary Fraternity, for example, was in charge of the spook house. Fortune telling was handled by a sorority, while a leisure studies class in recreation programming handled two activities.

In addition, employees from Collegiate Cap and Gown, and local Eagle grocery stores, provided separate activities. The involvement of university groups with the community was very beneficial for both the students and the community.

Obtaining supplies

A major concern of the Champaign and Urbana planning staff was: Would there be enough candy and prizes? If the candy ran out, a very bad situation could develop.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 7 September/October 1987

More than $800 worth of candy and prizes were purchased. Then a representative from the Kraft Foods plant called to donate candy to the event. The donation turned out to be a wooden pallet stacked six feet high with Kraft candy. There was enough candy.

Successful evaluation

The results were outstanding.

The event involved more than 30 local businesses, approximately 300 volunteers and staff members from the two park districts, and 4,000 children and parents.

The total expense for the Halloween Fun Fair was $3,042, with $2,550 being paid by the contributions from local businesses. With the addition of in-kind support estimated to be at more than $3,000, the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts were able to provide a $6,000 event at an actual out-of-pocket cost to the districts of $442.

The results show what can happen with community involvement. With the right event and the right approach, businesses and local citizens are willing and eager to become involved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert F. Toalson is the general manager of the Champaign Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 8 September/October 1987