Park Perspectives: Takiff Ball Fields

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Carol Spain, President of the Glencoe Park District, and Kyle Kuhs, Director of Parks and Planning, discuss the aging infrastructure of the Takiff ball fields, which are the only lighted fields in the District.

Addressing Outdated Infrastructure
Carol began the discussion by emphasizing the high usage and importance of the Takiff ball fields: "These are well-used fields, our only lighted fields in the district."

According to Kyle, the lights on the field, along with the backstops, are over 45 years old, well past their useful life, and in need of replacement. Highlighting the critical issues, Kyle noted, "We have multiple wiring issues. We have 50 percent of our lights currently not working, and the light poles themselves are in failing condition. We've had to decommission one pole and have them regularly inspected to make sure they're safe."

Commitment to Preservation and Safety
The Glencoe Park District is committed to maintaining the charm and historical significance of the Takiff ball fields while ensuring safety and functionality for all users. Kyle stressed the importance of retaining the historic bleachers, stating, "Anything we do here at this field, we will preserve those historic bleachers. They give special character to this location, so anything we do would retain that look."

Looking Forward
The envisioned improvements aim to enhance the playing conditions and safety at the Takiff ball fields. By updating the lights and backstops, and preserving the beloved bleachers, the Glencoe Park District seeks to balance modernization with preservation.

Glencoe Park District Board of Commissioners has placed a $14.7 million bond referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot to address beach, park, and facility improvements without a tax rate increase. If passed, this referendum will facilitate a range of enhancements, including the Takiff ball fields and Glencoe Beach boat storage, 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 can be realized without increasing the current debt service tax rate. Learn more about the referendum here.