Will fees for programs increase?
The District can legally only use referendum funding for construction of the specified projects. The indoor walking track at the new Wagner Community Center will be free for residents along with programming, performances, and activities at the Wilder Park community bandshell.
Fees from programs are used to pay for the direct cost of operations, including program supplies, staffing, and utilities, which all incur rising costs over time. Given this, fees will continue to be used to support direct program costs and occasionally will be increased, as needed.
Will the referendum address outdoor athletic fields?
Through the various feedback opportunities, residents identified their highest priority needs as improving and upgrading indoor facilities, expanding indoor and outdoor recreational amenities, and adding more permanent park restrooms. The referendum projects were chosen based on this feedback, however, with the approval of the referendum, more resources will be available in the future to address other needs because 1) the Park District will not be continuing to spend money operating an inefficient, 1950s era building and 2) the District will generate more non-tax revenues at the new, larger Wagner Community Center that could help fund other priorities, including athletic fields.
Rec Station: Would this help waitlists?
The referendum will not directly impact Rec Station. However, by working cooperatively with our partners at School District 205 to secure additional space, hiring more staff, and reconfiguring daily programming, Park District staff were able to increase the maximum number of participants at all eight elementary schools for the morning and after school sessions for 2024-2025 school year. This increase resulted in a higher enrollment of 120 more students compared to the 2023-24 school year. Staff will continue to investigate how to further increase the maximum number at each school.
