CH Park District Dives In Head First with Referendum

The Clarendon Hills Park District Board of Commissioners might find themselves in "deep water" when voters "dive" into the details of an $8 million bond referendum which will appear on the March ballot. Should the referendum pass, most of the funding will be directed towards modifications and improvements to the Lions Park Pool. While the aquatics facility at 100 Byrd Court has dealt with recent mechanical failures, a massive remodeling project launched in 2012 added two new diving wells, a bubbler splash pad and other popular attractions to the water park. Furthermore, for years many of the pool's season pass holders lived outside of the village, enjoying neighborly rates for residents of suburbs that did not operate a pool. In 2023, the Lions Park Pool cancelled its popular Sea Lions Swim Team, a summer tradition for generations of kids growing up in town. The "wet" explanation for the benching of the Sea Lions was attributed to difficulties in hiring a coach. This responsibility could have easily been assumed by the Aquatics Manager or by the park district's then Superintendent of Recreation, who originally came to Clarendon Hills to oversee operations at Lions Park. Suzanne Austin, the President of the park Districr's Board of Commissioners has said that families living in a home valued at $549,000 will see a $200.00+ increase in their tax bills for 15 years if the referendum is approved. How many homes in town are selling for far more than $549,000? Has Austin provided the community she serves with a truly accurate picture of the real situation at the Lions Park Pool? Many local families prefer to swim at private clubs and day camps or travel over the summer. With the election just weeks away, her constituents are "roaring" for transparency and true leadership. Please vote no!