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Park referendum an investment in future

I have been reading the articles printed in the past weeks pertaining to the Arlington Heights Park District referendum. The articles seem to address one central item: that the referendum, if passed, will cost residents additional property taxes going to the park district.

I acknowledge that the passing of a referendum will result in addition property taxes, this is obvious, and in my opinion the additional dollars are a great investment in our community and my future as a resident of Arlington Heights.

My view is focused on the future and I struggle to find a better investment, both financially and in quality of life. Financially, when I do the math, I will be asked to contribute $1,050 ($42/year over the next 25 years) on top of what I presently pay. Quality of life-wise I have researched the improvements and they are substantial for the investment.

The improvements include four brand new community centers, five full size gyms (double gym at Frontier), accessibility, indoor walking and new multiuse programming space at all four centers, a second paved path around Lake Arlington so runners/walkers can more safely cohabitate with fellow residents on “wheels,” synthetic turf athletic fields in multiple parks and much more. And all of this is to be completed by 2016!

I am in favor of passing the referendum. The four community centers are all over 40 years old and have served us well. My concern is what will they look like 3-5 and 10 years from now if we do nothing? My feeling is that a failed referendum will negatively impact our community, the values of our homes and may cause future residents to look elsewhere.

I am confident that if the referendum passes the resulting improvements will attract future residents to Arlington Heights. The needed improvements resulting from passing the referendum are a great and wise investment in the future of our community and a sensible use of the additional tax dollars being requested by the Arlington Heights Park District on the March 20 ballot.

Craig Culp

Arlington Heights

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