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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
Read More
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Community Input Meetings Community Letter Fact Sheet FAQs  

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS WITHOUT INCREASING THE TAX RATE

To address high-priority capital facility needs without increasing the current debt service tax rate, Glencoe Park District is considering placing a bond referendum on the November 2024 ballot.  Click on the preliminary concept images above for more detail.

Improvements are proposed for Glencoe Beach, Safran Beach House, Perlman Boating Beach, boardwalk, sun shelters, Trellis, greenhouse, parks facility, and athletic fields. Nothing is set in stone until further vetted by our community. 

The District is committed to addressing its most pressing capital facility needs while ensuring fiscal responsibility. With long-term debt set to be paid off in 2025, and by leveraging existing reserves and keeping the request no higher than $14.7 million, the proposed beach, park, and facility upgrades could be addressed without increasing the current debt service tax rate. 

Community Input Meetings

Following are the dates, times, and locations of upcoming public information meetings where we will be discussing the proposed funding request and possible improvements:

Dates, times, and locations of additional public information meetings may be added later.

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. 

    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.  

    Nothing is set in stone. The District will gather additional public input this spring and summer before making any final decisions in August regarding the timing and composition of a possible bond referendum.  

    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. 

    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

    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. 

    The dates, times, and locations of upcoming public information meetings will be posted here, 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.