<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4KIIjq_1GztBDSC00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4KIIjq_1GztBDSC00" width="1024" height="768" ></figure>On Nov. 3rd, a $53 million referendum proposed by Skokie Park District will be on the voter ballot in Skokie. The proposal includes major renovations at Sports Park East and Channelside Park South, such as paths, green space, and new recreational facilities.The Skokie Park District plans to fund the renovations through increases in property taxes, which can be calculated on their website. A house with a market value of $450,000 will see a tax increase of about $160. Sports Park East is one of the district’s most heavily used recreational facilities, and will see a new recreation center, golf simulators, sports lighting, field improvements, challenge courses, and multi-sport courts. Additionally, an old industrial site along the North Shore Channel will be converted into Channelside Park South. The park will include a playground, a bandshell for music and events, walking paths, ziplines, and more.According to the Skokie Park District’s website, the referendum was placed on the ballot because surveys, public meetings, and task force discussions have shown demand for green spaces, outdoor gatherings, fitness amenities, and new trails.While public interest has expressed a desire for improvements to Skokie Parks, many voters have questions and concerns about the new plan.Citizens have complained that the park isn’t central to Skokie; it’s located in the south-east corner of the Skokie border, so worries about walkability and accessibility were raised.The parks are also located less than a mile away from the Northside Metropolitan Water Reclamation center, and residents have complained that the smell from the sewage treatment plant is noticeable.Skokie Park District still plans to continue with the proposal.“These projects present unique opportunities because of their size and location,” Michelle Tuft, the Executive Officer of Skokie Park District said. “The proposed all-inclusive playground requires a large space and ample parking, which also aren’t available in most of our smaller neighborhood parks.”The Skokie Park District will cover the cost of building with the property taxes, but operational costs will have to be funded through the facility itself, such as renting out fields. Some Skokie voters such as Eric Brown are concerned about the increase in property taxes.“I think there’s a lot of people who suffered under increased taxation,” Brown said“For example, we had been putting money away for our property taxes. And it turns out that it wasn’t enough.I am certain that if this does go through, then we’ll have to pay even more in taxes.”Currently, only 4.7% of property taxes go towards the Skokie Park District. Thus, according to Tuft, the increase was necessary in order to fund the cost of the plan. If the cost of construction begins to exceed $53 million, Skokie Park District will cut out certain amenities from the plan so as not to go over.Residents have expressed a desire for more fitness amenities, and The Skokie Park District is 38.4% below the national benchmark for park acreage. The plan presents a way for Skokie to increase its park acreage without encroaching into the dense urban neighborhood.“I think that health and fitness are probably one of the highest priorities of our population. People need recreation,” Brown said.</div></body>

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On Nov. 3rd, a $53 million referendum proposed by Skokie Park District will be on the voter ballot in Skokie. The proposal includes major renovations at Sports Park East and Channelside Park South, such as paths, green space, and new recreational facilities. The Skokie Park District plans to fund the...

Skokie Park District introduces a $53 million bond referendum

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On Nov. 3rd, a $53 million referendum proposed by Skokie Park District will be on the voter ballot in Skokie. The proposal includes major renovations at Sp

Skokie Park District introduces a $53 million bond referendum

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