Grayslake parks' fate based on tax increase vote

Grayslake Park District officials hope residents will set aside recession concerns and approve a tax increase for a 70-acre land purchase and more development of an existing property.

Taxpayers will decide whether they want to pay more toward the park district in the April 7 election.

If the tax-increase referendum question passes, an owner of a $300,000 market value home would pay roughly an additional $90 in the first year. The cost to the owner of a $200,000 market value home would be about $60.

Under one part of the proposal, some money gained from the tax hike would be used to buy the 70 acres at Lake and Washington streets so it can be preserved as an open space park.

Ron and Bob Parker have agreed to sell their late mother's 70 acres to the park district if residents approve the tax-hike question. The property near the northwest corner of Washington and Lake has been in the late Marion Doolittle Parker's family for 171 years.

Paths, a great lawn, playground, shelter, natural area and tree plantings would be part of Marion Doolittle Parker Park. She was 99 when she died in January 2008.

Bob Lashbrook, the Grayslake Park District's executive director, said a $700,000 state land acquisition grant will be sought to help pay for the 70 acres if the ballot measure passes.

"We realize times are tough," Lashbrook said, "but this (ballot) request amounts to raising taxes by just 1 percent of residents' overall tax bills. Protecting this property and keeping it green benefits the entire community."

Alleghany Park, near Route 120, would undergo extensive development on a back 55-acre section if voters give a thumbs-up at the ballot box. Another 40 acres in the park's first phase were finished last year.

Plans call for two softball fields, two lacrosse fields, two basketball courts, four soccer fields, pathways, trails, two tee ball fields, shelters, a playground, wetland observation area and parking lot at Alleghany Park.

Lashbrook said the property will be donated to the park system by owner Dan Beelow. He said another state grant will be pursued to go toward Alleghany Park work.

No visible opposition to the park district's referendum question has surfaced.

Meanwhile, Ron Parker said other options for the 70 acres at Washington and Lake would be considered if voters reject the idea of a tax increase so the park district can buy his family's land.

"We realize it could become some type of mall eventually, once the economy turns," he said. "Obviously, we would not sit on the property forever. But our preference is that the referendum will pass and everyone in Grayslake will be able to enjoy this property for years to come. It would be a wonderful legacy for my parents."

Fate: One park would honor woman's legacy