Vote yes on Lisle community center

As a mother of young children, living in Lisle, I want to thank all of the Lisle risk takers and pioneers who built and fought for things like the Arboretum, Sea Lion Aquatic Center, Community Park, the Lisle High School renovation and the renovation of Lisle's downtown (yes, it's taking too long, but it will be fabulous when it's finished).

Today we are asked to support a new community center for our beloved village. For the good of our families, senior citizens, and property values, I hope that all Lisle Park District residents vote yes on the referendum. I know times are tough, but I prefer to spend $21.9 million on a beautiful, appropriately sized community center that will be enjoyed for generations, than spend $10 million to buy the Meadows Center and put a Band-Aid on all of its ailments. If we do nothing, $10 million will have to be spent to purchase and preserve no more than we use now ... and we'll have nothing new to show for it.

Many people may not be aware that the Lisle Park District currently has no large indoor gym space to use during school hours ... none. In this day and age when childhood obesity is so prevalent, why would we not invest in recreation opportunities for our community? We don't live in Lisle because we have to. We live here because we love our town ... let's continue to invest in it's future.

Jane Bennet

Lisle