Park District Of La Grange Tax Hike Still On Table

LA GRANGE, IL – The Park District of La Grange is still mulling a property tax increase to pay for improvements at local parks.

At the Dec. 11 park board meeting, members heard a presentation about the district's needs, which officials hope to address through a long-term plan from 2022 to 2032.

Patch obtained the board's presentation through a public records request.

The district's "pre-referendum strategy" budget amounts to $11.1 million. It calls for improvements to eight parks – Community Center, Denning, Elm, Gilbert, Gordon, Rotary Centennial, Sedgwick and Spring. It also seeks building upgrades at Community Center, Gilbert and Sedgwick parks.

According to the district's recent "Community Needs" survey, Community Center Park had the lowest satisfaction rating, at 28 percent.

As for indoor facilities, survey respondents most wanted an aquatics center and lap pool, with 60 percent support. Rock climbing finished second, at 42 percent.

For outdoor facilities, respondents showed the greatest support for "nature and adventure play," at 40 percent, closely followed by an off-leash dog park, at 39 percent.

A year ago, park board members considered different referendum scenarios. That was shortly after the district completed the long-term plan.

Through a referendum, voters must approve a property tax increase to pay back debt. No such election has been set.

Patch left a message for comment Tuesday with the park district's executive director, Jenny Bechtold.