Expanded Indoor Recreation Coming by 2027!
TRIA Architects is currently finalizing conceptual plans for the expanded recreation center at 1501 Barnsdale Road. Staff will review and refine the plans in the coming months. We anticipate construction drawings and bid documents to be completed by early summer, and could potentially break ground on this project in the fall of 2026.
We are carefully planning for parking and program logistics, and expect program impact, especially for Ready Teddy and Summer Camp, to be minimal.
This project includes:
The addition of a gymnasium with flexible recreation space and stage
New ADA accessible concession area and restrooms with outdoor access
New lobby with recreation space
Elevated indoor walking track
Elevator
Improved security
Dedicated entrance for preschool and summer camp
Infrastructure for a green roof with recreational space to be added in phase 2
Infrastructure for second floor offices and meetings paces to be added in phase 2
Recreation Center Expansion Updates
Frequently Asked Questions: Updated October 4, 2024
Q: Why is the Community Park District of La Grange Park planning to expand the existing Recreation Center?
A: Increased indoor recreational space has been identified as an expressed need of our community since the 1990s. Expanded indoor recreational space would allow the Community Park District to provide essential recreational services to our residents and generate additional revenue to maintain our parks and facilities.
The park district has always relied on school district to provide access to indoor space for programs such as Footlight Players Youth Theater, the Women’s Volleyball League, Men’s Wiffleball League, Adult Pickleball Leagues, youth sports, and more. Moreover, many residents must pay nonresident fees to access recreational activities in surrounding towns. In fact, our residents invest up to and over $500,000 annually at the Park District of Lagrange alone. This is revenue that is reinvested right back into the parks and facilities in that community.
Q: Didn’t residents vote “No” to expand the Recreation Center?
A: The Community Park District of La Grange Park had two measures on the April 4, 2023 ballot – One was asking voters to approve a $10.7 million referendum bond that would temporarily increase taxes to expand the recreation center. This measure passed.
The second measure asked residents to approve a permanent tax rate increase that would generate $150,000 annually in perpetuity to offset the start-up costs for the rec center and then to be allocated for annual park maintenance. This measure failed.
Q: Did the park district say both measures had to pass to be able to move forward with the project?
A: Yes. As the Community Park District Board of Commissioners planned to go to referendum in 2022, we were utilizing operational revenue data from 2013-2021. From FYE 2015-2019, the Community Park District’s recreation fund was losing anywhere from $20,000-$94,000 annually and the district never generated more than $552,000 in program fees. In 2020 and 2021, the park district’s capacity to generate program revenue was even further limited to the COVID-19 crisis response. In 2022, the Community Park District Board of Commissioners believed it was not fiscally responsible to expand the recreation center without additional operating revenue.
Q: Why is the park district moving forward with this project now?
A: When the permanent tax rate increase was rejected, residents continued to voice their support and need for the expansion of the recreation center. Residents and park users continued to ask for increased space for programming, improved building security, and the ability to offer adult, senior, and youth programming simultaneously. With the COVID-19 crisis behind us, and a new catalog of programming that included a K-5 summer day camp and Pickleball programming for all ages, program revenue increased, which was anticipated. However, the rate of the increase was unexpected.
After residents rejected the permanent tax rate increase in April of 2023, the park board discussed the possibility of going back out for a tax rate increase during our open meetings from May-December. The board also asked the Executive Director to continue to analyze revenue and market trends. In April 30 of 2023, the Community Park District’s Recreation Fund generated over $700,000 in program fees and other revenue, and demand for our programs continued to rise. In the Fall of 2023, Park Jr. High was unable to provide the space needed for our Adult Pickleball program, and we had to reduce the number of offerings for the season. In February of 2024, our Summer Camp program sold out in 45 minutes.
Ultimately, by February 2024, the Community Park District Board realized that with increased demand, improved services, and the full emergence from COVID-19 mitigations, the park district was generating more revenue than it had asked for during the referendum, and did not need to impose a permanent tax rate increase to move forward with the Recreation Center Expansion.
By FYE April 30, 2024, the Recreation Fund had generated more than $784,000 in program fees and nearly $826,000 in non-tax revenue. Plus, new agreements with our affiliate partners such as La Grange Park Little League brought new financial support to our Corporate Fund for park maintenance.
Q: Is there a group trying to sue the park district over the Recreation Center Expansion Project?
A: The park district is not aware of any pending litigation regarding the Recreation Center Expansion. To protect taxpayers against frivolous and/or wrongful lawsuits, the Illinois Civil Code allows for public entities to require plaintiffs to post a bond that covers the cost of all damages, legal fees, and costs arising out of any unwarranted injunctive relief. Section 5/11-110 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure authorizes the court to impose damages on the plaintiff for injuries from a frivolous attempt to obtain a preliminary injunction. Damages can include litigation costs incurred to overturn the injunction, attorneys’ fees, and costs arising out of any unwarranted injunctive relief.
Q: Did the Community Park District refuse public comment at its board meetings?
A: No. There are social media posts circulating claiming that the park district did not allow public comment at the September 9, 2024 Board Meeting. One post states, “residents who attended the September 9, 2024 meeting were silenced,” and another states “District board for tonight’s meeting said, ‘no comments’”. These statements are patently untrue. The information was quoted from a social media post authored by a local business owner that is currently in default of contract with the park district. Neither of these individuals attended the park district meeting.
The September 9 meeting began promptly at 6:30pm and was well attended. In anticipation of a lengthy public comment, and to accommodate the schedule of our auditor who had another presentation that evening, public presentations were moved ahead of public comment. One individual left during the presentations. Immediately after public presentations, the board heard public comment. One individual entered a public comment into record regarding his support of the park district. The regular meeting adjourned before 7:30pm. The minutes of this meeting, including public comment, will be approved at the October 14 meeting.
Check back frequently for more updates.
RECREATION CENTER UPDATE SEPT. 27, 2024
Dear Park District Residents and Family,
As many of you are well aware, the park district board of commissioners and staff have been openly and transparently discussing the results of the Referendum and the needs of our community since the election in April of 2023. These conversations and the continued community support are major contributing factors in the park board’s decision to move forward with expansion, despite the rejection of the permanent tax rate referendum. The Community Park District knows of the misinformation that has been disseminated by private residents with a history of using personal attacks, inflammatory rhetoric, and half-truths to achieve the results they desire, despite not being in the majority.
In April of 2023, residents passed a $10.7 million referendum for the expansion of indoor recreational space here in La Grange Park. Leading up to the referendum, the park district had been analyzing revenue trends of past administrations and potential forecasts. With the information available, our board felt that the district would need additional revenue and would not be able to operate expanded facilities without it. This is the message that was communicated with our residents during the referendum.
When residents rejected the permanent tax rate for operating revenue, the board and staff took time to speak with residents, the village, and stakeholders. Many stated they are in favor of the expansion, but not necessarily a permanent tax rate increase. During the regular meetings of the Community Park District, our board explored the opportunity of going back out to referendum for another tax rate increase. The information regarding the April 2023 referendum was updated to prepare for a new campaign, when a new page on our website should have been created.
On June 12, 2023 at 5:30pm, the Community Park District held an open Public Input Meeting to discuss a potential PARC Grant application and the potential of moving forward with the project. On June 14, the park district received a letter of support for the grant application from the Village, confirming the Village’s support of this project and its positive impact on the 31st Street/Barnsdale TIF District. The park district requested $2.8 million through this grant process.
As we continued to research a path forward, demand for our programming continued to increase, new programs were created, and by December of 2023, it was determined that the district was able to generate MORE in program revenue annually than was asked for during the April 2023 referendum and that we would be able to move forward with the recreation center expansion without imposing a permanent tax rate increase on residents. In December of 2023, Executive Director Cannaday stated that the park district was still exploring solutions to provide indoor recreational space for the community during the State of the Village address. Our board has continued to transparently discuss this project in open session during our regular meetings and updates have been provided in the district’s seasonal brochures.
NEXT STEPS Hours before the Village Board meeting on Tuesday, September 24, the Community Park District learned that our improved financial position will allow us to issue $10.7 million in bonds with a structure that will bring the project fund up to $12.8 million. Even more exciting is the fact that this can be done with a tax impact to our residents that is LESS than estimated in April of 2023. The issuance will cost residents with a $300,000 home $13 per month residents of a $500,000 home $21 per month – which is $4 and $7 LOWER per month than we estimated for the referendum.
Ultimately, despite our previous concerns regarding construction inflation, interest rates, and operating costs, the Community Park District can expand indoor recreational space for our residents at a lower cost without imposing a permanent tax rate increase.
We will continue to pursue any and every alternative revenue resource available to us to work through phase one completion and tackle the most impactful aspects of phase two, including possible active recreation space on the roof, and a renovation of the preschool spaces.
We have heard that residents targeted by the private misinformation campaign feel as though the park district has not done enough to make this information accessible to the community. While the park district board has openly and transparently discussed the issue in our open meetings, and encourages our residents to attend and participate, we have heard you.
Please know that in an effort to conserve financial resources, and reduce our carbon footprint, the district stopped printing and mailing our seasonal brochures in 2020. We do very few direct mail campaigns, and all programs, board minutes, packets, and meeting agendas are posted at www.communityparkdistrict.org. These are your best resources for keeping up on what’s happing in the Park District. That being said, we are committed to ramping up our communications efforts to answer any questions you may have.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
On Monday, October 14 at 5:30pm, please join us at the Recreation Center at 1501 Barnsdale Road to enjoy coffee and an informal conversation prior to our board meeting. Our staff and board will be onsite to answer any questions you may have.
For anyone unable to attend, we will hold another meetup at the La Grange Park Public Library Tuesday, October 15th at 10:00 am.
As always, you can send questions or concerns to our executive director at jcannaday@communityparkdistrict.org or email the entire board at board@communityparkdistrict.org. We look forward to hearing from you.
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PAST UPDATES**
Community Park District Recreation Center Gymnasium Referendum April 4, 2023
Why is the Community Park District placing a referendum on the April 4 ballot?
The Community Park District (CPD) is looking for direction from residents to determine the long-range future of recreational operations in La Grange Park. The measures on the April 4 ballot would fund the construction and operation of a gymnasium to be added on the existing recreation center at 1501 Barnsdale Road in Hanesworth Park. Based on feedback from taxpayers, this would allow CPD to provide expanded recreational programming and opportunities within the community, while at the same time, generate funding that would expedite capital improvements in the parks throughout the community.
What improvements would be funded by the voter-approved referendum?
The proposal is focused on the following site and facility upgrades:
Adding a gymnasium with recreational amenities to the existing recreation center
The gymnasium would include one basketball court and flexible athletic space that can be used for a wide range of indoor athletic opportunities such as pickleball, baseball/softball, soccer, badminton, etc.
Addition of indoor walking space
Addition of a concession windows and restrooms with outdoor access which eliminates the need for the existing outbuilding which is past its useful life and has significant structural and ADA accessibility issues.
The gymnasium would be built with infrastructure that could support the development of a green roof for additional seasonal recreational opportunities.
Adding a new lobby and entrance to the recreation center
This will provide a better customer service area
Improve security for the facility
provide homework nooks and comfortable seating for visitors
Allow for a secured entrance for Ready Teddy Preschool.
Parking lot and adjacent park redesign
Replace the existing playground
Improve gathering spaces in Hanesworth Park
What are the ballot measures and how much would this cost?
The Community Park District is asking voters to consider *two funding measures that - if passed - would cost a home with a fair market value of $500,000 approximately $33 per month *(less than the cost of a family sized pizza). Here is the breakdown:
$10.7 million in funding to build a gymnasium and improve the existing site. If approved, this measure would cost residents owning a home with a fair market value of $500,000 approximately $27.91 per month, or $335 per year.
0.038% limiting rate increase that would provide and additional $150,000 in funding for utilities, maintenance, and operational costs each year. This measure would cost residents owning a home with a fair market value of $500,000 approximately $61 per year or $5.08 per month.
2021 Oak Avenue School Acquisition Analysis
The Park District has been exploring indoor recreational space expansion since 1998. When the American Nuclear Society Building/Oak Avenue School became available in 2021,the Community Park District board and staff evaluated the feasibility of acquiring and retrofitting the Oak Avenue School for recreational purposes. This process included focus group meetings with the community, facility tours, actual operating cost analysis, and more.
Acquisition and Renovation: $9.5-$16.5 Million: The initial cost of acquisition would have been at least $2.5 million. While the building is well cared for, it is not ADA accessible, does not have modern life/safety infrastructure such as sprinkler systems, and would need to be retro-fitted for recreational use. At the time, the park district estimated that renovations to restore the gymnasium and theatre, add required life/safety systems, and retrofitting only a portion of the facility would have been approximately $7 million.
Required initial investment: $9.5 million. At the time, the park district's Referendum Bond limit was under $7 million.
Additional Annual Operational Costs: $800,000-$875,000 annually
Preliminary estimations indicated that utilities (not including water) and routine maintenance of aging infrastructure would have cost a minimum of $225,000 a year, based on 2020 actual numbers. Applying inflation and increased utility cost and increased user capacity, this number would likely skew closer to $350,000-$400,000 annually today.
Estimated annual IT costs ranged from and additional $25,000-$50,000 per year
The park district estimated a minimum increase of $425,000 annually in staffing costs to program, maintain, and operate an additional facility of that size.
Zoning: Village officials indicated that even if the park district had the funding to acquire and renovate the facility, it was unlikely that the village would approve rezoning of the property for recreational use. The Village's Land Use and Comprehensive Plans indicate the only likely area where the village would support or approve any kind of recreational facility expansion would be in or adjacent to Hanesworth Park.
Tax Impact: In order for the Community Park District to acquire and begin renovation of the Oak Avenue School, residents would have had to approve a bond issuance and limiting rate increase that would increased taxes paid to the park district by as much as, if not more than, $695 per year for those living in a home valued at $500,000**.
**Figures presented are unaudited estimates based on the 2019 property tax bill
PAST MEETINGS
PARC Grant Public Input Meeting
Monday, June 12 at 5:30pm
Join us at 5:30pm on Monday, June 12 for a meeting to review the Community Park District's potential PARC Grant application. The Community Park District's Regular Meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners will take place immediately afterwards, at 6:30pm.
$28 million in total funding is available to units of local government, including park districts, forest preserve districts, and conservation districts in this grant cycle.
PARC funding is made available through the Rebuild Illinois capital program and was the direct result of IAPD’s advocacy efforts in 2019.
PARC grants may be used for park and recreation construction projects, including the acquisition, development, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, improvements, architectural planning, and installation of capital facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, buildings, structures, and land for park and recreation purposes and open spaces and natural areas.
PARC grants range from $25,000 to $2.8 million. The State may provide up to 75% of the approved projects costs. Local governments defined as disadvantaged are eligible for up to 90% in State funding assistance.
Public Hearing: June 12 at 6:30pm
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Community Park District of La Grange Park, Cook County, Illinois, will hold a public hearing on the 12th day of June 2023, at 6:30pm to receive public comments on the adoption of a budget and appropriations ordinance for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2023 and ending April 30, 2024. The hearing will be held at the Recreation Center, 1501 Barnsdale Road, La Grange Park, Illinois. This notice was published in the Shaw Media Newspapers on May 11, 2023.
The budget is available for public inspection, and has been since April 11, 2023, at the Community Park District Recreation Center, 1501 Barnsdale Road. It can also be found on the Community Park District under Financial Documents.