Referendum

PROPOSED NEW LENOX PARK DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS

To address community-identified recreation priorities, the New Lenox Community Park District is seeking residents’ feedback on two possible projects, a new Aquatic & Activity Center and improvements to Lions Den Park, supported by a potential funding proposal currently under review. Read this page and click the referendum sidebar links to learn more.

Dear Residents,

Our parks, trails, and recreation spaces are at the heart of what makes New Lenox a great place to live, work, and play. They help bring families together, keep residents active, and enhance our overall quality of life. As New Lenox continues to grow, we are committed to protecting and expanding these vital public amenities.

ADDRESSING COMMUNITY RECREATION PRIORITIES

In recent years, we’ve conducted community surveys and other outreach efforts to better understand unmet park and recreation needs. Those efforts consistently identified several priority areas, including:

• Improved access to aquatic recreation
• New outdoor amenities, including sports courts, gathering areas, and a dog park
• Additional recreation space for youth programs
• Expanded indoor space for community activities

TWO KEY PROJECTS UNDER CONSIDERATION

The Park District would appreciate your thoughts and recommendations on two projects currently under consideration: a new Aquatic & Activity Center and improvements to Lions Den Park. Both projects directly reflect priorities identified through our community outreach efforts.

POTENTIAL FUNDING PROPOSAL

The Park District is considering placing a $0.126 limiting rate referendum on the November 2026 ballot, with proceeds used to address both capital facility and operating needs. The estimated tax impact is $13.92 per month for a home with a fair market value of $400,000. An online tax calculator is available at www.NewLenoxParks.org/Proposal.

YOUR INPUT MATTERS

No final decisions have been made. Over the coming months, the Park District will continue gathering community input through public information meetings, a community survey, a Q&A link on our website, and other related efforts.

If you have questions, please contact Greg Lewis, Executive Director, at (815) 485-3584 or [email protected].

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the proposed improvements. While planning is still underway, your feedback will play an important role in helping shape the future of New Lenox’s parks and recreation system.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (PDF format)

• 2024 Tax Bill Allocation Pie Chart
• Funding Strategy: Limiting Rate Increase
• Referendum Map
• Proposition to Increase the Limiting Rate $.126*
• Why the New Lenox Community Park District’s tax rate is capped

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

To learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback, you are invited to attend an upcoming public information meeting or visit the Park District’s information table at a planned community event.