The Freedom of Information Act is the principal Illinois law governing the inspection of public records. It is a pro-disclosure statute originally enacted on July 1, 1984. This important open-government law is grounded in the principle that the public should be able to access public records and information about the workings of their government. Upon request, the Community Park District will disclose public records as required by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Park District can deny a request for records that are specifically exempt from coverage under the Act, including information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or a compromise of security.

SUBMITTING A FOIA REQUEST

To review a record, a person must submit a request in writing via personal delivery, mail, or e-mail. The requestor must clearly state the type of document(s) requested. The request must also clearly state if the information will be used for commercial purposes.

Requests must be submitted in writing to the Community Park District in one of the following ways:

Drop-off or Mail: Community Park District – FOIA Officer Recreation Center 1501 Barnsdale Road La Grange Park, IL 60526

E-mail: jcannaday@communityparkdistrict.org

All requests must be submitted in writing to the attention of the Freedom of Information Act Officer. Applicants must provide a detailed account of the documents they are requesting, and whether or not they are requesting the documents for commercial use.

RESPONSE TIME FOR A FOIA REQUEST

A FOIA officer will review and respond to requests within five business days from the time a request is received by the Park District. In certain circumstances, the Act permits the FOIA Officer to extend the response time to no more than five additional business days, or such additional time as the requestor and the Park District agree. Requests made for commercial purposes can be extended for no more than twenty-one additional business days. The time period can only be extended for the following reasons: the requested information is stored at a different location, requires the collection of a substantial number of documents, or an extensive search, has not been located, needs to be reviewed further by staff to determine whether it is exempt from FOIA, cannot be produced without unduly burdening the public body that has a substantial interest in the requested subject matter, or both parties agree in writing to an extension specifying when the request will be filled.

COPIES

Fees are not charged for the first 50 pages of standard black and white copies. After the first 50 pages, the fee for black and white copies will be the actual reproduction costs. Costs for color, oversized copies, etc. are higher. A fee equal to the actual cost may be charged for such copies. The Park District may provide records in electronic format, and must do so if available and if requested in that format.

QUESTIONS

You may direct questions regarding the Freedom of Information Act to the Community Park District at (708) 354-4580. You may also visit www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov for additional information.

Community Park District of La Grange Park FOIA Officer

Jessica Cannaday, Executive Director jcannaday@communityparkdistrict.org