Community engagement over several years has identified interest in walking and biking paths, additional green space, accessible playgrounds, outdoor gathering areas, and improved sports, fitness and recreation amenities.

1982.

The Skokie Park District is proposing a 20-year, $53 million bond referendum to fund new and improved parks, recreation spaces, and amenities.

Community surveys, public meetings, and task force discussions have shown interest in more walking and biking paths, green space, accessible playgrounds, outdoor gathering spaces, and improved recreation amenities.

Plans include improvements at Sports Park East and a new Channelside Park South. Potential amenities include walking and biking paths, green space, playgrounds, outdoor fitness areas, sports fields, gathering spaces, and a recreation center.

Potential free amenities include a universal playground, splash pad, outdoor fitness equipment, walking paths, and athletic field use when fields are not reserved.

Sports Park currently has 268 spaces. The proposed improvements will add 57 spaces, bringing the total to 325. Channelside Park South will include approximately 150 spaces, with additional parking potentially available nearby during larger events.

Yes. CTA Bus 97 stops near both parks on Oakton Street.

It is anticipated that no additional full-time staff will be required for recreation; however, the parks may need additional maintenance staff.

No. Operational expenses will be budgeted for annually, outside of the initial project cost.

No. A walking bridge over the street will be cost prohibitive.

Yes.

Yes. The District is always open to sponsorship opportunities.

As with all District parks, the District utilizes a park monitor and Skokie Police are always available.

No.

The Park District used a variety of methods to engage the public and gather feedback, including focus groups, online and direct-mail surveys, public information sessions, e-newsletters, and website updates. The proposed amenities reflect the input and priorities shared by Skokie residents throughout this process.

Sports Park East: The site was formerly used for coal manufacturing and required environmental remediation. Following completion of the cleanup in April 2017, the Park District received a No Further Remediation (NFR) letter, indicating that no further remediation was required under the applicable regulatory standards.

Channelside South: The Park District completed Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments in 2025. No environmental concerns were identified during these assessments.

No. As with most Skokie Park District facilities, membership will not be required. Fees will apply to certain classes and drop-in programs.

The multipurpose gymnasium at Sports Park East will have space for six pickleball courts.

Potential improvements include a new recreation center, multi-sport courts, golf simulators, program and rental rooms, a golf practice green, improved cricket, baseball, and soccer/multipurpose fields, sports lighting, a challenge course, outdoor fitness equipment, a walking/jogging path, shelters, restrooms and additional plantings.

No. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), from whom the Park District leases the property, does not allow synthetic turf.

The proposal includes an accessible playground, walking/biking path and bridge connection, renovated multipurpose facility, bandshell and event lawn, outdoor fitness, children's maze, splash pad, picnic shelter, native prairie plantings and shade trees.

Yes. There will be views from the new bridge, as well as in places along the walking path where current invasive species will be removed.

Yes. And the Skokie Park District will not be paying property taxes on MWRD-leased properties.