South Elgin leaders want more open space

South Elgin leaders are looking for more open space for community parks and "passive recreation," such as interpretive trails and nature preserves.

The push is just one goal as the village's recreation department draws up a new master plan, the first of which was formulated in 1997 and last updated in 2002.

"Our most important need is to gather as much open space as we can," Village President Jim Hansen said.

Jim Reuter, head of the recreation department, said the village already has a good balance of open space. For example, the village has nearly 17 acres of park land for every 1,000 people.

"Our passive space is good, but I think we can always use more," Reuter said.

Other goals are setting aside money now to pay for playground equipment that will need replacement in 10 to 15 years.

Trustees are expected to resume planning talks in August or September. Earlier this month, they said building a recreation center was probably not feasible because people would be reluctant to approve a tax increase.

Hanson also said he believes the village is doing a good job pursuing state grants to help buy open space or make other improvements.

"I don't think we can amp that up any more," he said.

Another option to help acquire more open space is through land/cash donations mandated from developers.

Right now, builders must set aside 10.5 acres per 1,000 new residents in a residential development. If a new subdivision brings 500 people to town, that's 5 acres.

If the development is smaller or the village's recreation department prefers cash instead of land - especially if there's already enough nearby open space - the developer must fork over $145,000 per acre.

That's a sevenfold increase over the $20,000 per acre value that was set in 2002.

Hansen said now that the Thornwood subdivision is complete, village leaders probably won't get land from a large subdivision in the near future.