Provide INput

Want to provide feedback about the potential bond referendum?

Send an email to [email protected], call (847) 835-3030 or attend one of our community input sessions.

Anticipated benefits

There are many anticipated benefits tied to the proposed capital improvements, including:

  • Protecting and improving some of Glencoe's most important public assets
  • Creating healthier, safer, and more enjoyable experiences for our residents
  • Allowing for expanded and improved programming
  • Enhancing ADA accessibility
  • Improving building efficiency, saving taxpayer dollars
  • Extending the number of months that certain District amenities can be enjoyed
  • Protecting property values

Community Letter Project Sheet FAQs Park Perspectives

BEACH & PARK IMPROVEMENTS WITHOUT INCREASING THE TAX RATE

Click on the preliminary concept images above to view more detail.

Updated November 6, 2024 Glencoe voters approved the Glencoe Park District's $14.7 million bond referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot to address beach, park, and facility improvements without a tax rate increase.

Preserving and protecting these iconic and important public assets will have many benefits for residents, including maintaining property values and keeping Glencoe a strong, sought-after place to live.

The referendum funds will facilitate a range of enhancements at Glencoe Beach, including upgrades to the playground, Safran Beach House, boat house, boardwalk, sun shelters, ramps, and beach access points. Additionally, improvements will be made to the Takiff Athletic Field, as well as the construction of a new community greenhouse and parks maintenance facility.

The District is dedicated to prioritizing these essential facility upgrades while upholding fiscal responsibility. By planning to pay off long-term debt by 2025, utilizing existing reserves, and capping the request at $14.7 million, the proposed enhancements will be realized without increasing the current debt service tax rate.

Following an extensive period of gathering public input during the spring and summer months, the Board of Commissioners carefully reviewed residents' feedback and concerns before officially approving the inclusion of the bond referendum on the November ballot during their meeting on July 18, 2024.

On the Ballot

The following question appeared on the November 5, 2024 ballot:

Shall the Glencoe Park District, Cook County, Illinois, improve Glencoe Beach, including the playground, Safran Beach House, boat house and racks, boardwalk, sun shelters, ramps, walls and stairs leading to the beach; improve Takiff Athletic Field; and construct and equip a new community greenhouse and a parks maintenance facility; and issue bonds to the amount of $14,700,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?


Community Input Meetings

Community input meetings were held in May, June, July, and August at various locations. If you missed a meeting, click on the links below to read or watch the presentation.

Watch the Presentation  Read the Presentation


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Glencoe Park District seeks to address some of its highest-priority capital needs without increasing the current debt service tax rate. Improvements are proposed for the swimming beach, Safran Beach House, Perlman Boating Beach, boat house, boardwalk, sun shelters, trellis, greenhouse, parks facility, and athletic fields. All proposed improvements will be further vetted through a community input process this spring and summer.

Glencoe Park District has debt that is being paid off in 2025. By limiting the size of the proposed park and recreation facility improvements to approximately $14.7 million, the current debt service tax rate can stay the same.

Glencoe Park District is a separate public entity from the Village of Glencoe, the Glencoe Golf Club, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

Any changes to the Village’s home rule status would have no impact on funding for the Park District.

The District conducted a detailed review of its parks and recreation facilities this year, including identifying opportunities to better address the recreation needs of our residents. These planning efforts included focus groups, workshops, discussions, and surveys. The District also collaborated with the Village of Glencoe to share data collected. 

After actively listening to public feedback throughout the spring and summer, and carefully considering residents' comments and concerns, the Board of Commissioners approved the inclusion of the bond referendum on the November ballot during their meeting on July 18, 2024.

The exterior of the beach house was recently updated, but the last interior updates were made more than 20 years ago, in 2003. Among the proposed improvements include constructing restrooms and showers that have easier exterior access. Community members would get to enjoy the Safran Beach House both earlier
and later in the season as a result of the proposed improvements.

The siding and restrooms of the boat house building, which was last renovated in 2005, would be updated. Improvements to the shelter, deck, and storage spaces would also be addressed, including adding more efficient storage space for kayaks and paddleboards.

Yes. The outdated playground and spray features equipment would be replaced.

Yes. The boardwalk's appearance, expected useful life, and ADA accessibility would be significantly improved. Aging sun shelters along the boardwalk would also be updated and a permanent cover would be added to the Trellis.

While certain repairs and reinforcement upgrades have been made in recent years, further improvements to the retaining walls, ramps, and stairs would be addressed. Materials that reflect the facility's historic appearance would be used.

The 45-year-old electric infrastructure and the aging backstop would be replaced. As part of the proposed parks facility improvements, the plan also calls for indoor batting cages that would be easily accessible from the sports field.

Yes. The Park District seeks to construct a new greenhouse potentially near the community garden at Shelton Park to replace the old greenhouse.

The parks facility includes five buildings that range in age from 39 to 94 years old, are in poor condition, lack efficiency, and cannot properly store electric vehicles and equipment. This facility is currently used to store equipment, vehicles, and materials. It also includes a work area and office space.

The Park District and the Village have explored the concept of a shared parks facility. Unfortunately, there is not enough available property in Glencoe to construct a facility large enough to meet the square footage needs of both the District and the Village. In addition, given the uses of the parks facility, it is not practical to relocate the storage and maintenance operations to another location.

Yes. The District remains committed to delivering high-quality park, beach, athletic field, infrastructure, and recreation facility improvements.

There are many anticipated benefits tied to the proposed capital improvements, including:

  • Protecting and improving some of Glencoe's most important public assets
  • Creating healthier, safer, and more enjoyable experiences for our residents
  • Allowing for expanded and improved programming
  • Enhancing ADA accessibility
  • Improving building efficiency, saving taxpayer dollars
  • Extending the number of months that certain District amenities can be enjoyed
  • Protecting property values
  • Maintaining the current debt service tax rate

The District will continue to seek grants and private funds to address its capital facility needs. In fact, over the past five years, the Park District has secured more than $4.9 million for improvements via these sources. 

The District sets aside funds to maintain its parks, beaches, athletic fields, and facilities and to repair or replace larger infrastructure. However, some of the major infrastructure needs require additional funding that falls outside the scope of the District's current budget, private donations, and grants.

The District and Village are separate taxing bodies. While there are some instances in which we come together to fund certain capital improvements, the development, maintenance, and operation of our community's parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, beaches, and recreation facilities are the responsibility of the Park District.

The District's tax rate would go down by $0.0926, which equates to a reduction of approximately $261 annually for a home with a fair market value of $1 million. 

The District is committed to transparency with the community. All project spending would be publicly disclosed, and project updates would be presented at District Board meetings, community information meetings, and on the District's website.

 If you would like to discuss the potential funding proposal, you can also email us or call us (847) 835-7530. We are happy to make a presentation about the proposed improvements to any interested local organizations.