Naperville park board ready to tackle big projects
The Naperville Park District's capital budget for next year will be focused on maintenance and renovations to existing parks if the board follows staff recommendations.
The staff presented commissioners with a draft of the 2009 capital budget at a workshop Thursday that includes about $8.8 million in projects.
"With the economy the way it is it's probably better as an organization - to invest in what we have instead of stretching it by building something new because then at least (in terms of) property values it will help community members by having nice facilities," said Eric Shutes, director of planning.
With a tight budget in mind, the project list includes only the start of developing the 20 acres it purchased at Nike Sports Complex. Development is expected to cost about $8.4 million but staff is proposing the district spend only $1.6 million next year.
Some of the projects scheduled for development in 2009 are Centennial Beach bathhouse and parking lot improvements, DuPage River Park trail development, new tennis courts at Knoch Park and a handful of playground, sidewalk and athletic field renovations around the district. To be part of the capital plan, projects must cost at least $5,000, have a life expectancy of at least three years and involve creation or revitalization of a fixed asset.
While the park district is trying to keep a lid on expenses, Director of Business Services Mindy Munn said it is not experiencing the kind of budget shortfalls as the city because it does not rely on sales taxes and real estate transfer taxes. She expects residents within the district will see a lower property tax rate for parks on next year's tax bills but exact figures were not immediately available. Nevertheless, Executive Director Ray McGury said the district does not plan to hire any additional staff next year.
Munn and Shutes also presented the board with 10-year capital projections that show about $77 million in capital funding through 2018 and roughly $79 million in projects. These include $8.4 million for Nike Sports Complex, $5.8 million for Centennial Beach, $1.4 million for Seager Park, $5.3 million for Barn and Central shop, $2.4 million for Knoch Park, $2.9 million for Commissioners Park and $5.9 million for Southwest Community Park.
However, the $79 million does not include several projects from the district's Open Space and Recreation Master Plan including a nature center, two ball fields, a multiuse field, indoor space and associated land which total about $60 million.
Commissioner Kristen Jungles questioned whether the district should continue to put money into the Barn Recreation Center that has an uncertain future or the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, which is city owned.
Commissioner Andrew Schaffner said the board also needs to address land acquisition since residents have said more is needed and available land is shrinking.
The board will discuss its own priorities as well as the district operating budget at a Nov. 17 workshop.