Carol Stream rec center spot not set in stone

As the saying goes, the three most important things in real estate are location, location and location. That's exactly why Carol Stream Park District officials will take their time to determine where to build a new recreation center.

Of course, the fact that the district does not own its preferred location also will add to the timeline.

While commissioners said Monday they want to get going on their plan to build the facility, they also want to make sure they do it right.

"We have an opportunity to, for the next 20 to 25 years, shape this community, and I'm not going to rush into anything," Commissioner Brian Schauer said during the park district's board meeting Monday. "(Taxpayers) gave us $37 million to shape this community. It's our responsibility to do it right."

Last Tuesday, voters approved giving the district $37 million for park improvements and to build the new facility, which has been estimated at between $17 million and $20 million. The measure was one of the few to pass in DuPage County this time around.

The location for the proposed recreation center has yet to be determined, but the district has zeroed in on two sites: Ross Ferraro Town Center at Gary Avenue and Lies Road, or on North Avenue between Kuhn Road and Bennet Drive.

Town Center is owned by the village of Carol Stream and officials from both entities have discussed the recreation center.

Park board President Dan Bird said the village has been generally receptive to the idea of building on the site, but that talks slowed down to see how the ballot question would fare. Now that the vote is in, talks are expected to resume.

Former park commissioner Tony Stefancic told commissioners he was impressed and proud of them, but that the hard work was just starting.

"This is not like creating a ballfield," he said. "It's probably the biggest project the park district has had. You have something bigger here than a lot of municipalities have and I certainly hope you spend it wisely. And I know you can."

Park District Executive Director Arnie Biondo said he understood the concerns people might have about possible cost overruns and the project's final price tag being higher than estimates. But he said preparation will help the district avoid that.

"We got tons of input ahead of time," he said. "We're very comfortable with the budget numbers. As long as you don't come in and say you want gold-plated toilets, we'll be fine."