La Grange Agency 'Thrilled' With Park Tax Hike Vote

LA GRANGE, IL – The Park District of La Grange on Wednesday celebrated voters' overwhelming passage of a property tax increase.

In a news release, the district said it was "thrilled" about the vote.

"This momentous achievement opens new doors for community-centered growth and development, ensuring La Grange remains a vibrant, inclusive and active community for generations to come," the release said.

In Tuesday's election, 74 percent of voters backed the district's referendum, according to unofficial returns.

"With the passing of this referendum, our community has voiced its support for enhancing recreational spaces and creating opportunities for all ages to connect, play and thrive," Jenny Bechtold, the district's executive director, said in a news release.

With the referendum's passage, the district is allowed to go into debt by $13.9 million for nearly 25 years.

The tax increase is expected to cost the owner of a $500,000 house an extra $71 a year, according to the park district.

Over the coming months, the news release said, the park district will work to keep residents informed as projects are "carefully" planned and initiated.

Here are the highlights of what the park district plans to do with the money:

Community Center

• Add multiple sport courts
• Connect indoors and outdoors

Denning Park

• Add a six-hole disc golf course
• Add a soccer field on the southwest corner
• Expand half basketball court to full
• Increase pathways

Elm Park

• Fix the basketball court

Gilbert Park

• Expand parking lot
• Update 1990s-era playground
• Update three tennis courts
• Convert the fourth tennis court into a multiple sports court

Gordon Park

• Build a bandshell
• Add dog park
• Add pathways
• Add seating at the splash pad

Rotary Park

• Replace the playground

Sedgwick Park

• Convert two tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts
• Improve sand volleyball courts

Spring Park

• Expand the pathway to go through the entire park, rather than halfway
• Replace 1970s-era shelter