Fox Valley Parks can't keep up

With an overflowing list of capital projects on their plate, Fox Valley Park District leaders say they can't tackle it on their own.

They need help from voters.

That's why, on Feb. 5, they'll ask district residents to pay for a $44.8 million tax increase for capital projects.

Funds from the general obligation bond referendum request would go toward buying open land, improving regional trails, updating neighborhood and community parks, renovating athletic fields and enhancing facilities such as Blackberry Farm.

Here's what you need to know about the proposal before going to the polls:

Q. What's the need?

A. Fox Valley park leaders say their funds for capital projects are nearly depleted. Because of the district's recent rapid growth, leaders have struggled to keep pace, Executive Director Steve Messerli said.

The district has reached a crossroads, he said, and amenities will continue to deteriorate unless leaders can find more money.

"There's some urgency to do this now," he said. "We're playing catch-up with all the area growth."

The board has created a list of capital projects it wants to see done in the next six years.

That estimated $71 million to-do list includes developing Stuart Sports Complex, preserving open space and improving trails.

While some money will come from other revenue sources, such as grants and developer donations, the bulk must be approved by voters.

By approving the request, Messerli said, residents are making an investment in the future and allowing officials to complete their vision.

"We feel we have a good park system," he said. "We'd like it to be a great park system. This takes us to the next level."

With land costs dropping and interest rates low, now is a "tremendous opportunity" to take advantage of maintaining the kind of quality of life people expect, said Stuart Whitt, chairman of Friends for Parks and Open Space.

Q. What will it cost?

A. The owner of a $150,000 house will pay about $17.50 more a year for the next 20 years.

The owner of a $200,000 house will pay about $24 extra and the owner of a $250,000 house about $30.

That amount could fluctuate with changes in property values. About 5 cents for every $1 collected in property taxes goes to the park district.

Q. How will the money be spent?

A. About $22.5 million is earmarked for land, open space, and trail and nature area projects.

Leaders will buy new land for parks and open space and to protect river shores. They want to restore nature areas, and expand public access to the Fox River.

They'll also expand the regional trail system, with potential projects such as extending the Gilman Trail and constructing more sections of the Fox River Trail.

The rest of the money -- about $22.3 million -- will go toward park and recreation projects. That includes renovating neighborhood and community parks and playgrounds, adding equipment, pavilions, walking paths and parking.

Blackberry Farm, a 40-year-old facility, will be renovated, with improvements like new interpretive exhibits and more picnic facilities.

Sports fields will be upgraded, with new dugouts and lighting. And the 180-acre Stuart Sports Complex will be developed, with new soccer fields, ballfields, concession areas, playgrounds and more.

Projects are evenly spread throughout the district and will be beneficial for all ages, park leaders say.

Q. Will leaders need more money for operations and maintenance?

A. Officials say they have no plans in the near future to seek a tax increase for operations and maintenance.

Roughly 50 percent of the district's O&M budget comes from property taxes and about 40 percent comes from user fees and charges.

Q. What happens if voters don't approve the request?

A. The district will have little or no money to buy land. Playgrounds and athletic fields won't be renovated as fast, and trail projects will be delayed. Stuart Sports Complex will remain as is.

"(Park projects) will get done, just not in as timely a manner," board member Linda Cole said. "This money is really important to the quality of life."

Demand will increase, but the condition of parks and facilities will continue to age and decline, leaders say. The district will remain in caretaker status, Messerli said.

"We'll still be good stewards," he said.

Q. Does there appear to be support for the request?

A. There appears to be. The district in late 2006 conducted a poll to see how people felt about a referendum. The study showed they would support a tax increase for capital projects in the $30 million to $40 million range.

Feedback so far has been favorable, Messerli said. While there always will be people who oppose tax increases, he said he also has seen tremendous support for this district.

In 2002, he points out, an astounding 71 percent of voters approved a $33 million referendum to build the Vaughan Center and improve the Prisco and Eola centers.

For more information on the referendum, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.