Carol Stream parks start referendum spending

They might not cause the splash that a new recreation center, complete with indoor pool and multi-use gymnasium, is expected to create in Carol Stream within the next few years. But two contracts approved Monday to develop plans for park improvements and playground upgrades symbolize the beginning of the park district's efforts to spend $37 million in referendum money.

The Carol Stream Park District gave the go-ahead to develop a master plan for McCaslin Park and to design and coordinate equipment replacement at Jirsa, Stonebridge and Sundance playgrounds. The $41,600 job was given to Hoffman Estates-based Brusseau Design Group.

Executive Director Arnie Biondo said officials will schedule community meetings in the near future so residents and park designers can share ideas for the renovations. He said the improvements are long overdue.

"These playgrounds have been around for more than 15 years," he said. "That's right at the end of their life expectancy."

The expenditure is the first related to a referendum supported by 57 percent of voters in the Feb. 2 primary elections. Voters gave the park district $37 million to upgrade and improve the district, with the major project being a $17 million to $20 million recreation center. The center's location has yet to be determined but park officials have said they prefer the Town Center site. The site is owned by the village and the two sides continue to try to hammer out an agreement.

As for the district's fourth-largest park, 33-acre McCaslin Park at 27W650 North Ave., Biondo said several plans are in the works. Each of them, however, focus on the park's four baseball fields and a cricket court in its southeast corner.

The plan is to flip the baseball fields so that the four home plate areas are in one central location. Right now, they converge in the outfield area. Also, district officials hope to adapt the cricket court into a multi-use field. Biondo said months of preparation and public forums have given them a good idea of what residents want.

"We spent a lot of time asking people what they wanted us to do," he said. "If you pass a bond issue that's going toward doing X, and someone has the idea to do Y, if that isn't what the people are asking you for, you better just say 'no.'"

As they start to spend the money voters gave them in February, Biondo said he and board members understand their responsibilities.

"Whether it's $37 million or 100 bucks, you have got to spend the money prudently and wisely," he said. "The most important thing with referendums is making sure you deliver what it was you said you would deliver."