Fox Valley park officials say thanks

On behalf of the Fox Valley Park District Board of Trustees, I say thank you to the voters of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora for supporting the Open Space, Park and Recreation Investment Plan.

The passage of this Feb. 5 bond issue referendum means the district will move forward on numerous quality-of-life improvement projects.

Residents will see work begin all over the district over the next several years -- at neighborhood and community parks, regional trails, Blackberry Farm and sports fields and facilities. You'll see new picnic shelters, upgraded playground equipment, new energy-efficient lighting, wider trails and many other projects.

I'll ask in advance to please "pardon our dust" as we make these improvements. What an exciting next couple of years you will see.

Because about $13 million of the $44.8 million total is earmarked for purchasing open space, the district will be able to take advantage of today's "buyer's market," lower interest rates combined with matching grants to acquire land that will be saved as parks for this and future generations. This is an invaluable gift we all will be leaving as a legacy for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Again, thank you for investing in the future of the Fox Valley.

Rose Smilgys

President

Fox Valley Park District Board of Trustees

Steven K. Messerli

Executive Director

Fox Valley Park District