Carol Stream's new rec center may cost more than planned

Carol Stream Park District officials may have some pretty big decisions to make soon.

During a special meeting Monday, park commissioners balked at an architect's cost estimate for a state-of-the-art recreation center that voters essentially approved through a $37 million referendum in February.

Frank Parisi of Williams Architects told the board Monday that the facility, which board members consistently have said would not cost more than $18 million, actually could cost $20 million if a 5 percent contingency fund and contractors' fees were included.

The $20 million total did not include other items the site would need, such as fitness equipment and furniture. Those could eventually end up costing an additional 10 percent, Parisi said.

Board Vice President Brenda Gramann said the cost could affect other projects the park district promised voters leading up to the February election.

“I am more concerned about staying within our budget in the total referendum package,” she said. “This will impact and take away from another project.”

Parisi stressed that the numbers were estimates, and Executive Director Arnie Biondo pointed out that potential grant money could still keep the park district's actual cost below the mark. Additionally, the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association will contribute for space on the first floor.

While the price tag concerned some commissioners, they all seemed to agree that the facility looked impressive. Architects provided the most detailed plans yet of the building, including a 3-D model flyby.

The 88,000-square-foot crown jewel of the referendum will play host to many of the park district's programs. The east wall will be made of glass and offer a view of the pool area and upstairs fitness center.

Three small basketball courts will be lined above by a running track; there also will be several fitness rooms on the top floor.

Landscaping will be designed with storm runoff in mind. Bioswales, rain gardens and new pavement technology will work together to minimize any adverse effect the new building has on flooding in the area.

However, some amenities might have to be sacrificed to bring the cost back down below the $18 million and not force commissioners to look for sacrifices on other referendum projects. Biondo said he felt the disagreement was part of the overall process to make sure the park district gets it right.

“The first thing is, we have got to deliver,” Biondo said. “I am feeling pretty good with the overall budget. At the end of the day, the board will decide exactly how much money they will spend on it. We have not added anything more than people wanted, and have not removed anything either.”

The referendum passed handily on Feb. 2. In August, village officials approved the sale of six acres to the park district for $1.6 million. The land is located just south of Town Center on the corner of Lies Road and Gary Avenue.