Park district ref didn’t convince her

I voted against the Arlington Heights Park District’s referendum in November, mostly because I’m tired of seeing our property taxes steadily go up over the years.

But, I wonder — whatever happened to plans to educate the public as to why the bonds are necessary? We received one postcard from AHPD, asking us to vote “yes” — but there was very little information about why the increase is necessary. Now, they want to hire a consultant to call voters to determine why people voted against the referendum. Can’t the AHPD staff do anything for themselves?

They planned to replace/update several older buildings — but how are these buildings used? When is the last time the park district did a top-to-bottom review of its programs? How many programs duplicate what are already offered through schools, District 214 Community Education, Harper College, and even private health clubs or other organizations? How do the park district’s prices compare to programs offered elsewhere? How many of the park district’s programs are underutilized?

Our children played soccer through the AHPD, took a few arts and crafts classes, and we used the pools for a few years. But that’s really about it for the 30-plus years we’ve lived in Arlington Heights. It’s time for the park district to convince residents that they offer value for the money they currently receive-much less ask for more.

Cherryl M Crouch

Arlington Heights