Clarifying rec center 'misconceptions'

After attending the Glen Ellyn Park District board meeting on Dec. 15, I felt it necessary to address some misconceptions concerning the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center. With rumors circulating, I would like to point out some facts:

• Referendum asking for funding of construction of the building was approved by a majority of voters in the Nov. 7, 2006 general election.

• Before the election, park district officials were clear about the tax impact. Park district literature and newspaper coverage stated that the issuance of bonds would maintain the current tax rate residents were paying and that, if the referendum failed, taxes would decrease by .07 per $100 of assessed valuation, which is approximately $70 for a $300,000 home.

• During the summer of 2008 the park board, as elected representatives, decided an enhanced facility would serve users more and provide a positive revenue stream. This was based upon feedback from future facility users: soccer, softball and baseball groups and Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA).

• Additional funding came from the sale of non-referendum bonds. These bonds did not increase taxes. This is reflected in the 2009 tax levy, which was filed with the county in December. All debt for the project will be paid within 12 years.

• WDSRA alone will pay the park district $900,000 for construction and programming use. The fitness center is expected to generate $100,000 in memberships by the end of January. The multipurpose turf field is expected to generate a minimum of $50,000 by month's end.

I believe the park board and staff were forward-thinking in providing our community with a beautiful, well-planned facility that will provide recreation and health benefits to all for many years to come.

Jeff Jourdan

Former Glen Ellyn Park District commissioner