Residents' group to support Carol Stream parks referendum

Several Carol Stream residents have formed a group hoping to help pass a Feb. 2 park district referendum proposal that would pay for, among other things, a new recreation center.

Steve Prang helped organize "Neighbors for Carol Stream Parks" and said the 15-member group plans to start an awareness campaign that will include knocking on doors and visiting community groups. The purpose, Prang said, is to inform residents about the park district's plans.

"The connotation for a referendum is, generally, 'My taxes are going up,'" he said. "We want to educate people as to what this is all about."

The referendum proposal seeks to borrow $37 million for the facility and other park improvements. By refinancing and extending existing debt at lower rates, park officials have said the tax rate in Carol Stream will not increase.

Owners of a home valued at $300,000 pay about $370 a year to the park district. If the referendum fails, that number would decrease by $30 in 2020. If it passes, the amount will remain the same for an extra 10 years.

"If people decide against it, fine," Prang said. "But I want them to make an educated decision. I would hate to see it voted down because people didn't understand it."

Park district Executive Director Arnie Biondo said officials welcome the help.

"They saw what we were doing and said 'We want to see this happen,'" he said. "It's not about the dollar amount. It's about offering voters what they've been telling us they want."

The referendum would pay for the recreation center that would include an indoor pool and a multiuse gymnasium. Various park improvements also would be possible throughout the district.

"We want our park district to be in great shape for the next 15 to 20 years," Biondo said.

The group mainly consists of residents who had been on a task force formed in May that sought public feedback. After what Prang and Director of Marketing Services Julie Vogl said was overwhelmingly strong support, the task force recommended the district seek the referendum.

The park district held two public hearings this year to receive public input. Vogl said facilities are at or near capacity throughout the district and present interest rates are at lows that would benefit the district.

"People are going to see a large figure and might wonder what it's about," she said. "We feel it's a very responsible way to pay for these improvements."