Park District to Decide Next Week if Five Seasons Goes to Referendum

The following is from the Northbrook Park District:

On August 18, the Northbrook Park Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Meeting to consider placing a referendum question on the November 4 ballot. The proposed $50 million referendum would ask Northbrook voters to authorize the Park District to issue bonds to purchase and renovate Five Seasons Family Sports Club for a community recreation center, renovate the Leisure Center, and repair and improve the District’s outdoor pools. The meeting will be at 7pm in the Northbrook Theatre, inside the Leisure Center at 3323 Walters Avenue.

In April, the Park Board voted to pursue the Five Seasons purchase, contingent on approval of a referendum. Since then, the Park District has conducted public outreach, including community forums, open houses, focus groups, stakeholder meetings and surveys. The District has explored partnerships and secured a possible partner (Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association). The Park District also obtained preliminary design concepts, estimated construction costs, an operational plan and projected household tax impact. Project specialists presented the Board with a summary of their findings, including a feasibility study, on July 29.

The Commissioners have been evaluating that information, as well as community feedback, and will decide on August 18 whether to proceed with a referendum. The public is welcome to attend the meeting.

Additional information, FAQs and reports about the proposed project are on the District’s website. Click here for details. The website will be updated on August 19 with results of the Special Board Meeting.