Mokena Voters Narrowly Approve Parks Funding

A referendum asking Mokena residents to approve the park district issuing $6,000,000 in bonds for improvements to parks and facilities appears to have passed—but just barely.

With all precincts reporting, just over half of voters OKed the move to fund expansion to the Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center, and improvements to Yunker Farm and the surrounding property. Fewer than 100 votes stood between supporters and opposition. Results are unofficial, as provisional and absentee ballots have yet to be counted.

Plans call for expansion to the Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center for running, sports, fitness, and restrooms, as well as changes to Yunker Farm and the surrounding property. The bond issue will not increase property taxes for district residents.

At The Oaks, plans call for another gymnasium, two more multi-purpose rooms, a longer walking track above the gym, additional restrooms, and increased parking. At Yunker Farm, farm buildings will be restored, and new new garden plots added, along with a water splash pad, a dog park, restrooms, and a band shell with terraced lawn seating for concerts and other events.