Questions and answers are updated often, so please check back regularly for the latest information.
Why has the Park District placed a referendum on the November ballot?
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.
What is the proposed referendum?
The Skokie Park District is proposing a 20-year, $53 million bond referendum to fund new and improved parks, recreation spaces, and amenities.
Why is the park district proposing a referendum?
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.
What would the proposed referendum include?
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.
When would construction begin?
Will there be membership fees at the new recreation center?
No. As with most Skokie Park District facilities, membership would not be required. Fees would apply to certain classes and drop-in programs.
What amenities would be available?
Potential free amenities include a universal playground, splash pad, outdoor fitness equipment, walking paths, and athletic field use when fields are not reserved.
How many pickleball courts are planned?
The multipurpose gymnasium at Sports Park East will have space for six pickleball courts.
How much parking would be available?
Sports Park currently has 268 spaces. The proposed improvements would add 57 spaces, bringing the total to 325. Channelside Park South would include approximately 150 spaces, with additional parking potentially available nearby during larger events.
Would public transit serve the parks?
Yes. CTA Bus 97 stops near both parks on Oakton Street.
What is proposed at Sports Park East?
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.
What is proposed at Channelside Park South?
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.
How many additional full-time staff would be required to manage these new parks and facilities?
It is anticipated that no additional full-time staff will be required for recreation; however, the parks may need additional landscape staff.
Would the cost of the project also cover operation expenses?
No. Operational expenses would be budgeted for annually, outside of the initial project cost.
Would the fields at Sports Park East include synthetic turf?
No. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), from whom the Park District leases the property, does not allow synthetic turf.
Has the Park District considered building a bridge over McCormick Boulevard, connecting the two properties?
No. A walking bridge over the street would be cost prohibitive.
Would there be views of the channel from Channelside Park South?
Yes. There would be views from the new bridge, as well as in places along the walking path where current invasive species will be removed.
Would there be picnic tables and shade provided for more passive activities?
Yes.
Would the Park District consider corporate sponsorship for the parks?
Yes. The District is always open to sponsorship opportunities.
When was the last time the Park District went to referendum?
1982.
What are the plans for park security?
As with all District parks, the District utilizes a park monitor and Skokie Police are always available.
Will the former tenant of Channelside Park South, Builders Asphalt, be taken off of the tax rolls?
Yes. And the Skokie Park District will not be paying property taxes on MWRD-leased properties.
Would Evanston residents also see an increase in taxes due to the project?
No.