The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District has a 97% compliance to its new COVID-19 employee vaccine mandate.
When the board unanimously approved the new personnel policy Oct. 19, it was estimated between 80-90% of staff already were vaccinated. The policy went into effect Nov. 3 by which time employees had to report getting their first of two required COVID vaccine shots. The policy covers both full- and part-time employees.
“The park district places the highest regard for the safety of our employees in everything we do,” Debbie Kopas, parks executive director, informed the board. She said supervisors shared information on vaccinations before the board’s decision.
As of Nov. 12, Kopas reported 188 of 194 active employees reported their vaccination records, and six exemption/accommodation requests were being evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
There were five part-time employees who resigned rather than comply with the policy.
“We are very happy with the results that allow us to offer safe programs for our patrons and a safe work environment for our employees,” she said.
Park district staff members routinely get calls from people who want to participate in park activities but are concerned about their safety. One question that comes up repeatedly is whether there is a vaccination mandate.