Huntley Park District adding 153 acres for recreation, open space

The Huntley Park District is acquiring 153 acres for additional recreational opportunities and open space, officials said Thursday.

The land is on the south side of Kreutzer Road, west of the Union Pacific Railroad crossing, according to a joint news release from the park district and the village of Huntley.

The village will sell 7.64 acres to the district for $1 million, and donate the rest. The closing is expected to take place in September.

The park district is using some of the up to $18 million in borrowing voters approved in a 2024 referendum. The ballot measure gave the park district authority to use the money to buy land and to repair, refurbish and outfit parks and facilities.

“By working together, we are ensuring that this land remains a community asset for generations to come,” Village President Timothy J. Hoeft said Thursday.

Potential uses for the site include an indoor pool, a fitness area and an indoor walking track. It also could be used for large-scale community events, officials said.

The park district will have a public meeting to get feedback from residents at 6 p.m. Sept. 10, at the REC Center, 12015 Mill St.

The village received the land in April from private owners, in exchange for picking up $850,000 in infrastructure obligations on Route 47 and the Kreutzer Road corridor.

The village annexed the land in 2007 and approved a plan to build 430 homes on it, but the project never came to fruition.

“This is an exciting step forward for our community,” said park board President Keith Wold. “We are proud to work alongside the village to bring more opportunities for residents of all ages.”