Lisle park officials give architects the OK to further develop project plans

Architects got approval Saturday to start working on indoor recreation center for the Lisle Park District.

About 20 people turned out for an early morning detailed plans for a two-story presentation from Carol Stream-based William Architects about the proposed 86,000-square-foot facility.

Resident Phil Modaff said he started the meeting with "a little bit of a closed mind" but was more open to the proposal after the two-hour-long meeting.

He, though, encouraged the park district to "continue looking at partnerships in the community."

Anything that would help reduce costs and be sensitive to taxpayers' budgets is important, he added.

The park district board already has spent $40,000 on early studies of the project's feasibility, along with very preliminary drawings.

On Saturday, board members agreed to spend another $164,000 to create more detailed schematic drawings that flesh out the exact cost of the project.

So far, the proposed complex, which would be meet the district's demands for indoor space, is estimated to cost around $20 million.

The next phase will take a look at exactly how residents, groups and businesses could use all planned spaces to both meet program needs and help offset building costs, explained Dan Garvy, director of parks and recreation.

The board still has to determine how to fund the project, including whether to go to taxpayers with a property hike request -- and if so, for what amount.