Recreation proposal is response to public

If approved, issuance of general obligation bonds in an amount up to $30 million would raise revenue to replace Gary Morava Recreation Center and Lions Pool, and construct new tennis, basketball and pickleball courts and new playground.

Our recreation center and pool are well past their useful lives, and now present safety issues that need to be addressed. The investment in our park district now will ensure we remain attractive for new families and can meet recreational needs of all residents affordably for decades to come.

This is the culmination of more than four years of Park District Commissioners listening to residents. Through master planning, surveys and meetings, residents shared their vision of community needs: an indoor walking track, updated pool with more amenities, ball courts with seating to host tournaments, expanded fitness center, more parking, safer access to playgrounds and walking paths, bigger classrooms, and more programming.

Options were narrowed to focus on replacing Gary Morava Center and Lions Pool. Buildings will remain the same size, and redesigned to use space more efficiently, upgrade infrastructure and reduce energy costs. In response to needs identified by the community, the Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to put the final decision to residents on Nov. 8.

As a mom and now a grandmother of two grandsons with a new grandbaby due soon, I know the importance of this project. My children participated in park district sports, made friends, learned sportsmanship and gained confidence.

Please attend the information sessions to ask questions and get accurate information about this project, benefits and implications, and see photos and plans for the new facilities. Visit www.phparks.org/future-planning for more details and information session dates.

Betty Cloud, Commissioner

Prospect Heights Park District