Naperville plans forum to air ideas for sports complex

From trails to tennis courts, Naperville residents can give their input tonight on what they'd like to see become part of the Nike Sports Complex.

Naperville Park District will hold a community meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave., to discuss development of the park.

"We always encourage resident feedback, especially at a park like Nike which serves the entire community, especially the north section," planner Mary Gardocki said.

In June, the park board approved purchasing 20 acres near the existing Nike Park at Mill Street and Diehl Road for $8 million.

Tonight, the park district will share its preliminary concept for the land, including multi-use athletic fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, trails and a playground.

Residents at the forum will have a chance to view the plans, ask questions and provide input.

The developments likely will cost about $6 million to $8 million, according to Gardocki. The park district plans to apply for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to help fund a portion of the project.

The district is also working to annex the land into the city limits. Construction at the site is anticipated to begin in 2009.

For more information, visit www.napervilleparks.org.