Park district zeros in on Town Center for new Carol Stream rec center

About 21/2 months after Carol Stream voters approved funding for a new recreation center, the park district and village continue to work toward an agreement that would place the facility at Town Center.

The two sides remain in the early stages of negotiations, with the park district expected to provide the village with schematics of the location's possibilities relatively soon. An appraisal of the land's value also is expected.

"These things take patience and time," park district Executive Director Arnie Biondo said. "Both parties are being careful to do what's best for the community."

The recreation center is the crown jewel of a $37 million referendum proposal passed by voters in February. The facility is expected to include an indoor pool and multiuse gymnasium, as well as a new exercise gym.

Officials estimate the center will take up between $17 million and $20 million of referendum money.

But first, a location must be found. Officials on both sides say Town Center at the southwest corner Lies Road and Gary Avenue is a very likely location.

Biondo said the most recent talks were encouraging. An alternate plan of building the center on North Avenue between Kuhn Road and Bennet Drive has been shelved for now.

"It's there in our back pocket but the intent is to fall along with what the citizens told us last year and come to an agreement of Town Center," Biondo said.

In surveys distributed in 2004 and again in 2008, residents indicated Town Center as their preferred location. Village officials say the site is definitely a possibility but other issues, such as the village's budget deficit, have taken priority up until now.

"It's probably the most important thing for them but it's not the only thing for us," Village Manager Joe Breinig said. But he said he understands the park district's urgency.

"Our goal, if there is a consensus, would be to move it forward as quickly as possible so they can get going," he said.

If all things go forward as planned, the two sides hope to start talks about an intergovernmental agreement soon in order to meet the park district's goal of starting construction by the end of the year. But village President Frank Saverino said he wants to make sure the village gets a good deal on the land.

"I love working with other taxing bodies because it gets things done," he said. "Everybody wants ownership and everybody has an ego but you have to remember who put us in office and who we work for. It's not a money machine. But if we sold it, I'd love to have that to put in my budget."