Issue link: https://pdop.uberflip.com/i/1211643
BY US, FOR US The call for a Community Recrea on Center is driven by members of our community, answering a long term request to fill a community need. The Parks Founda on of Oak Park is commi ed to primarily funding this project with grants and charitable dona ons. In addi on, the opera ng costs of the facility will be funded by user fees. The Capital Campaign is spearheaded by a group of local residents, donors and volunteers commi ed to the achievement of this bold, transforma ve project. The Park District of Oak Park has spent the last five years expanding program offerings, but only 32 percent of Oak Park households par cipate in District programs. Through mul ple surveys, residents have repeatedly expressed a desire for basketball courts, a walking track, and a fitness center. The Parks Founda on believes if we answer the call for these facility needs; more residents will engage in the many programs and opportuni es offered by the Park District. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Many Oak Park residents are feeling financial pressure from increasing property taxes. The Parks Founda on of Oak Park and the Park District are listening to these community concerns, and are commi ed to using exis ng resources in conjunc on with a Capital Campaign to build a much-needed Community Recrea on Center. HELPING LOCAL ECONOMIES FLOURISH The Community Recrea on Center will be located on Madison Avenue east of Ridgeland Avenue. The one-acre property site, which was donated to the Parks Founda on, will serve as an anchor to an area of Oak Park that can benefit from revitaliza on. The neighborhood includes many apartment dwellers for whom the Park District has iden fied service gaps in our program offerings. In addi on, the Community Recrea on Center will be located within 1.2 miles of both public middle schools. By bringing residents and program par cipants to the Aus n neighborhood of Oak Park, the Center will encourage increased use of local businesses, possibly a ract new businesses and have a posi ve impact on the local economy. BUILT BY OUR COMMUNITY, NOT A TAX INCREASE