Fox Valley voters pass tax increase for parks

Fox Valley Park District voters couldn't have said it louder if they'd tried -- they want more open land and better parks and facilities.

On Tuesday, residents overwhelmingly approved a $44.8 million tax increase for capital projects to be done in the next six years.

With 121 of 124 precincts reporting late Tuesday, more than 66 percent of voters favored issuing general obligation bonds to help park officials tackle their hefty to-do list, according to unofficial vote totals.

"We're obviously very pleased with the voters' support," Executive Director Steve Messerli said Tuesday night. "This is really a legacy for the future."

The park district recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and this support sets the tone for the future, he said.

Leaders said the district, which serves Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery, was sorely in need of funds as it struggled to keep pace with rapid growth, he said.

The wide approval margin pleasantly surprised officials, Messerli said, particularly in rough economic times. A decision to scale back an initial planned request for $57 million seemed to go over well, he said.

"We tried to set a modest amount," Messerli said. "We can't thank voters enough."

The increase means 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; the owner of a $250,000 house, about $30 extra.

Of the $44.8 million to be collected, about $22.5 million will go toward buying land for parks and open space, protecting river shores, improving access to the Fox River, extending the Gilman Trail and constructing new sections of the Fox River Trail.

The rest of the money -- about $22.3 million -- will go toward park and recreation projects such as renovating playgrounds and adding pavilions, paths and parking.

The 40-year-old Blackberry Farm will see new exhibits and picnic facilities, and sports fields will get new dugouts and lighting.

The 180-acre Stuart Sports Complex also will be developed, with soccer fields, ballfields and concessions.