Potential November 2026 Bond Referendum
Frequently Asked Questions
INTRODUCTION
What is the proposal?
The Skokie Park District is considering placing a bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot to fund capital projects at two potential sites. The proposal would develop a former industrial site on Oakton Street along the North Shore Channel into Channelside Park South, creating a vibrant destination for recreation and community events. It would also enhance Sports Park East with a new recreation center, new walking path, field improvements and new sports lighting, and upgrades to existing outdoor amenities.
Why is the Skokie Park District considering a November 2026 Referendum?
Community engagement over several years, including a districtwide survey, public meetings, and task force discussions, has consistently shown strong demand for:
- Walking, biking, and jogging paths
- Additional green space in a landlocked community
- ADA-compliant, accessible playgrounds
- Outdoor gathering and event spaces
- Improved sports, fitness, and recreation amenities
At the same time, Skokie has very limited opportunities to add or significantly improve parkland. Planning now allows the Park District to responsibly address these needs, manage rising construction costs, and pursue competitive grant funding while staying aligned with long‑term planning efforts.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Why are projects being considered at Sports Park East and a site that would become Channelside Park South?
These two sites were identified through community input as priorities because they present rare opportunities to address currently unmet needs:
- Skokie Sports Park is one of the District’s most heavily used recreation areas and lacks several amenities residents have requested to better support year‑round use.
- Channelside Park South now exists as a former industrial asphalt site, but offers a unique opportunity to convert underused land into meaningful recreation space along the North Shore Channel.
Both sites are located on land leased from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), which enables park development with certain limitations, such as not allowing artificial turf.
What is the current condition of Sports Park East?
Sports Park East is heavily used by the community for a wide range of outdoor sports, programs, and activities. However, it currently lacks certain amenities that residents have identified as priorities, including indoor recreation space, permanent restrooms, sheltered gathering areas, and expanded facilities to support year‑round programming.
What is proposed for Sports Park East?
The Park District is considering the following improvements at Sports Park East:
- New recreation center with multi-sport courts, flexible program/rental rooms, golf simulators, shaded patio, rain garden, and expanded parking lot
- New golf practice green for chipping and putting
- Cricket field and soccer/multipurpose fields improvements, including improved irrigation and new sports lighting, practice pitches, shaded seating, shelter, and restrooms.
- Relocated batting cages
- New playground challenge course and outdoor fitness equipment
- New walking/jogging path
- Additional native perennial plantings
What is the current condition of the site that would become Channelside Park South?
The space being considered for a new Channelside Park South is now a long, narrow site consisting largely of asphalt and concrete along McCormick Boulevard. It has historically functioned as an industrial property and is underused and disconnected from the surrounding community.
What is proposed for the site that would become Channelside Park South?
The proposal would transform the existing site into a vibrant new community gathering and green space, featuring:
- An ADA-compliant, fully accessible playground for all ages, including nature-inspired spaces and an accessible zip line
- Paved walking/biking path with a bridge over the channel that will connect to both Skokie Sports Park and the North Shore Channel Trail
- Renovated multipurpose facility with patio and pergola
- Band shell, stage, and event lawn
- Outdoor fitness equipment
- Children’s maze and splash pad
- Benches and a shelter with picnic table
- Native prairie plantings and shade trees
Would the proposed improvements allow for new programs or events?
Yes. The proposed improvements at both parks would support existing and new programs, classes, camps, rentals, and community events. Indoor and sheltered spaces would enable year‑round activities, while outdoor gathering and performance areas could host concerts, festivals, fitness programs, cultural events, and educational programming.
At the proposed new Channelside Park South, features like the all-inclusive playground, event lawn, band shell, picnic shelter, and open gathering areas could support:
- Concerts and performances
- Festivals and community events
- Family activities
- Nature and educational programs
At Sports Park East, new or improved amenities could support:
- Sports leagues
- Youth and adult programs
- Community events and meetings
- Cricket
- Soccer
- Summer camp
- Enhanced golf operations
POTENTIAL BENEFITS
What benefits could the proposed improvements provide?
The proposed improvements could provide communitywide benefits, including:
- Expanding recreational opportunities for all ages
- Improving accessibility with a fully ADA-compliant playground
- Additional green spaces and native plantings
- Expanding opportunities for concerts and community events
- Creating new spaces for indoor and outdoor programming, including summer camp
- Expanding walking/biking paths and trail connections
- Enhancing residents’ quality of life
- Protecting property values
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Who does the Skokie Park District serve?
The Park District serves approximately 63,000 residents across nearly all of Skokie and parts of Evanston, Morton Grove, and Chicago. Skokie Park District and the Village of Skokie are separate governmental entities with separate budgets and responsibilities.
How many parks does the Skokie Park District maintain?
The Park District maintains 45 parks, including ballfields, playgrounds, courts, picnic areas, soccer fields, a dog park, two golf facilities, outdoor shelters, and restrooms.
What facilities does the Skokie Park District operate?
Facilities include:
- Skatium Ice Arena
- Two outdoor swimming pools (Skokie Water Playground and Devonshire Aquatic Center)
- Oakton Community Center, including an active adult lounge and Exploritorium indoor play space
- Devonshire Cultural Center, Playhouse and Preschool
- Weber Leisure Center with a health club (Fitness First) and gymnasium
- Emily Oaks Nature Center with an interpretive center
- Skokie Heritage Museum and Log Cabin
- Skokie Sports Park with outdoor golf range, indoor golf simulator, mini golf, and batting cages
- Weber Golf Course, a 9-hole golf course and FootGolf course
- Tot Learning Center
- Dammrich Rowing Center
- Pooch Park, an off-leash dog park
What programs does the Skokie Park District offer?
Programs include:
- Arts, nature, sports, and fitness programs
- Specialized programs for all ages, from tots to seniors
- More than 80 summer day camps
- Licensed full‑day childcare and preschool
- Before‑ and after‑school programs
- Community events, including Skokie’s Backlot Bash, the Skokie Festival of Cultures, Winter Chilly Fest, and July 4th celebrations
COMMUNITY-IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES
What did the Skokie Park District’s Summer 2025 community survey show?
According to the survey:
- 92% of residents have a favorable opinion of the Park District
- Safety is rated very high (8.9 out of 10) at Park District facilities
- Residents see the Park District as a good value for their tax dollars
What amenities do residents want most?
Residents have expressed strong interest in:
- Walking, biking, and jogging paths
- Open green space with benches and picnic areas
- Adult and youth programs
- Community events
What are the top priorities for Sports Park East?
Survey data indicated high interest in:
- Walking/biking paths
- A recreation center
- Outdoor shelter and restrooms
- Outdoor fitness areas
- Soccer field improvements, including lighting
What are the top priorities for the proposed Channelside Park South?
The survey showed a strong interest in:
- A walking/biking path along the canal
- A fully accessible, ADA-compliant playground
- Nature‑based play areas
- Natural open space
- Outdoor fitness stations
FINANCING & TAX IMPACT
What is a bond referendum?
A bond referendum asks voters to approve borrowing funds, similar to a mortgage, to pay for capital improvements. Bond funds may only be used for construction and site improvements and cannot be used for staffing, daily operations, or programs.
What size bond referendum is being considered?
The Skokie Park District is considering a 20-year, $53 million bond referendum.
What is the estimated annual tax impact?
The estimated annual tax impact of the 20-year, $53 million bond referendum is approximately $137, or about $11 per month, for a home with a fair market value of $400,000. A tax calculator is available at skokieparks.org/proposal.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & OVERSIGHT
How can residents learn more and provide additional input?
The Skokie Park District will provide updates on its website and continue engaging residents through public meetings, outreach events, board meetings, informational mailers, and a public opinion survey.
How would public oversight be conducted if the referendum is pursued and approved?
The Skokie Park District would provide regular updates on project budgets, timelines, and construction progress through its website, social media, and other existing communications channels.
When will a final decision be made?
The Skokie Park District’s Board of Commissioners will review community feedback, including an upcoming public opinion survey, and decide in July 2026 whether to place a referendum on the November 2026 ballot.
What if residents have questions?
Please contact Michelle Tuft, Executive Director, at mtuft@skokieparks.org with questions or feedback.