Give park district an emphatic 'yes'

In your lifetime, hopefully, you have been touched by some of nature's beauty. Like the sound of toads trilling or the sweet fragrance of common milkweed flowers or the sight of a nest of baby birds. If you haven't, there are plenty of opportunities available.

Each year, thousands of people experience nature programs and events, attend science field trips and visit over 500 acres of natural areas. The St. Charles Park District provides these services and places. Yet did you know that all of this is done without a nature center?

On Feb. 5, residents will have the opportunity to make a huge difference in their community. The park district is seeking to have $25 million in bonds issued to help fund many much-needed projects, including the construction of an environmental education center.

Other projects include open space acquisition, improvements to parks and athletic facilities, renovating Pottawatomie Pool, and building a new pool complex. Details can be viewed at www.st-charlesparks.org.

I was fortunate to work for the park district for more than eight years. I have witnessed the excitement of a 12-year-old catching his first frog and seeing the twinkle in the eye of a 75-year-old who taught a budding naturalist a thing or two about the world around them.

I also know first-hand how badly a facility is needed and the potential it has to teach thousands more the importance of protecting and preserving our natural resources.

If this bond sale passes, the owner of a $400,000 home would pay $61.74 per year. Nowadays, that is the cost of dinner out with the family. If you are willing to pay that for food that nourishes only until the next meal, I hope you won't think twice about paying that much to help nourish the minds, bodies and spirits of members of your community for generations to come.

Renae Frigo

Glen Ellyn