New Barrington park project gets voters' nod

For years, Barrington Park District officials have heard from residents that they want a new community center.

Tuesday, the park district -- and those residents -- got their wish.

In unofficial results, voters have backed a new, 55,800-square-feet community center for Langendorf Park, funded by a $12 million bond sale.

With all 17 precincts reporting, the referendum appeared to be approved by the narrow margin of 51.6 percent of the vote.

There were 1,827 votes cast in favor of the project and 1,715 against.

If these results hold, the new facility will include a double gym with walking track, additional programming space, several community rooms and specific areas for dancing and arts and crafts.

Park district President Christine Garry said she didn't feel the project was a hard sell for anyone during the campaign -- that young and old alike recognized its benefits.

"This is for everybody," Garry said. "I think people felt that we weren't asking for more than was necessary. We weren't being frivolous. If anything, it was the economy that was making people look more carefully at their pocketbooks."

Park district Executive Director Terry Jennings said that for the past decade, district officials have been trying to improve the facilities at Langendorf Park.

Built in 1930, the existing facility at the park is deteriorating and not large enough to support the needs of the community, district officials have said.

Plans call for portions of the current building at Langendorf to be saved, with the new facility being built directly west of there.

There would also be dedicated space in the new center for both preschoolers and senior citizens.

The project would add storage space and improve compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, as well.

Jennings said plans call for the facility to be completed by the fall of 2009, following approval by the Barrington village board and the construction process.

Construction will be timed in a way so as not to interfere with summertime operation of the Aqualusion outdoor aquatics park, which is not being changed by the plans, Jennings said.

The new building would cost residents with homes valued at $500,000 an additional $137 a year, approximately, in their property tax bill.

The Barrington Enlightened Taxpayers Association did not make a recommendation for or against the $12 million bond sale.

In 2002, voters approved an $11.5 million referendum for the park district to buy property formerly belonging to the Jewel Tea Co. on Lake Zurich Road and turning into the 55-acre Citizens Park.

Since it opened last year, the park has already won numerous awards including a Governor's Hometown Award.