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Politics & Government

Voters Will Decide If New Rec Center is Worth the Money

Voters in Olympia Fields will decide whether a new recreational facility at Bicentennial Park is worth an increase property tax.

The Olympia Fields Park District will have to convince voters to pass a referendum on next year's ballot, Board members agreed this week.

The board unanimously approved a referendum which, if approved by voters, would add an extra $13 dollars per $100,000 evaluation to property taxes each year. The The referendum, if passed, would help fund construction of a new recreational facility, most likely in Bicentennial Park.

The district has also applied for a Parks and Recreational Facility Construction (PARC) grant program from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Word on the grant money should come by late winter or early spring, said district Executive Director Denise Will. The referendum question will go before voters April 5. Any grant monies received would also support the new rec facility, Will said.

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Prior to the vote Board President Richard Pozdol noted that the Park District could take a lesson from the village, which successfully passed a referendum five years ago.

Village officials commissioned a video explaining the referendum and touting its benefits, then showed the video at homeowners association meetings around town. "I think we should consider doing the same," said Pozdol.

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The village spent $3,000 on its video; Will said she would like to see if the District could have one made for less. Park District surveys are also expected in a few weeks, and they should give a clearer picture of residents' wants and needs.

Olympia Fields itself has been transitioning from a bedroom community to one with a wide range of offerings and activities for residents, Board Vice President Nodee McNeal said, adding that the hoped-for recreational facility would be a huge contribution to the quality of life in town.

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