Potential November 2026 Referendum Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Two projects under consideration include the New Lenox Aquatic & Activity Center and renovations to Lion’s Den Park. If approved, these projects would expand recreational opportunities for residents of all ages while providing a stable source of funding to operate, maintain, and improve park facilities. Referendum revenues would also support the continued maintenance and expansion of existing programs.

A limiting rate referendum asks voters to approve an increase to the property tax rate that the Park District levies. Unlike a bond, which can only be used for capital improvement projects, a limiting rate referendum would allow the District to fund both capital improvements and ongoing operational costs.

Projects were identified through several planning efforts, including:

• Community recreation needs assessments
• Feedback from residents and community stakeholders
• Review of recreation participation trends

The proposed project is envisioned as a comprehensive community recreation hub offering a range of indoor and outdoor amenities, including:

• A competition lap pool
• A leisure pool with zero-depth entry
• Water slides and interactive play features
• Current channel and family water attractions
• Locker rooms and family changing rooms
• Concessions and party rooms
• Multi-purpose recreation rooms for year-round programming
• Pickleball and sand volleyball courts with lighting
• Playground
• Parking areas designed to support inclusive sports such as wheelchair softball

Proposed improvements at Lions Den Park, located at 520 S. Cedar Road, include:

• Accessible walking paths and shaded seating areas
• Permanent restrooms near Old Plank Trail access point
• Updated playground equipment
• A new dedicated dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs
• Secure fencing and pet-friendly amenities such as hydration stations

If approved, anticipated outcomes include:

• Expanding recreation opportunities for residents of all ages
• Promoting healthier lifestyles through active recreation
• Providing new gathering spaces for community events
• Supporting local economic activity and job creation
• Protecting property values

The proposed location of the New Lenox Aquatic & Activity Center is near the Jackson Branch area at Gougar Road and Laraway Road.

The facility would support:

• Swim lessons and aquatic fitness classes
• Competitive and lap swimming
• Family recreation swim
• Summer camps and youth programs
• Birthday parties and community events
• Year-round indoor recreational programs for all ages
• Pickleball and sand volleyball instructional classes and leagues
• Inclusive wheelchair softball practice and game fields

If approved by voters, design and engineering would begin following the referendum, with construction potentially beginning the following year. Final timelines would depend on permitting and construction schedules. A tentative timeline for opening would be Summer 2029.

The Park District is considering placing a $0.126 limiting rate referendum on the ballot, which could generate approximately $2.6 million annually for capital projects and operations.

The plan calls for limiting rate funds to be distributed across three key areas:

• Capital Improvements – Funding would support construction of the New Lenox Aquatic & Activity Center and renovations and upgrades at Lion’s Den Park.
• Enhanced Operations – Resources would be allocated for ongoing staffing, maintenance, utilities, as well as security and administrative needs to ensure efficient facility operations.
• Program Expansion – Funding would also support the development of new recreation programs and community events to serve residents of all ages.

Following is the estimated annual tax impact of the proposed $0.126 limiting rate referendum:

The Park District receives revenue from:

• Property taxes
• Program and facility fees
• Grants and partnerships
• Enterprise operations such as the Sanctuary Golf Course

The Park District is tax capped under Illinois law and cannot increase its property tax levy beyond limited annual growth without voter approval. A referendum allows the community to decide whether additional funding should be provided for new recreational facilities and services.

No. The Park District and the Village are separate taxing entities.

• Currently, the New Lenox Community Park District accounts for approximately 2.7 of the total tax bill, continuing to represent a relatively small portion of overall property taxes.

The Park District actively pursues grant funding and partnerships whenever possible. In recent years, the District secured $1.68 million in grants and developer contributions to support park improvements. Additional grant opportunities may be pursued for these projects as well.

No. The Park District is currently gathering community input and evaluating options before deciding whether to place a referendum on the ballot. A final decision will not be made until later this summer.

The Park District Board of Commissioners would oversee project implementation. All expenditures would adhere to public procurement requirements and be subject to ongoing review to ensure transparency and accountability.

A public opinion mail survey will be sent to registered voter households this spring. The Park District will also host community meetings where residents can:

• Learn about proposed improvements
• Ask questions
• Provide feedback