Skokie Park District

This document outlines the Skokie Park District's capital projects plan from 2026 through 2030. The plan details significant investments in facility repairs and renovations, park improvements including playgrounds and courts, miscellaneous park upgrades, and replacements of vehicles and equipment. It categorizes projects by funding sources (Fund 11, Fund 12, Fund 20) and includes specific items such as HVAC repairs, locker room renovations, tennis court repairs, vehicle replacements, and equipment upgrades, aiming to maintain and enhance district assets over the five-year period.

This Comprehensive Master Plan Update provides an updated vision and strategic direction for the Skokie Park District, addressing changes since the previous plan. It assesses existing parks, facilities, and programs, incorporates community feedback, and defines strategic goals and objectives. The plan is organized around key focus areas: facilities, parks and open space, programs and events, and policy and operations, providing a fiscal year-based action plan for implementation over the next five years to guide decision-making and resource allocation.

Key discussion items for the meeting included the presentation of the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan Update, which will be formally approved in April. Bids were reviewed and approved for several projects: the 2026 Asphalt Improvements project (awarded to Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. for $146,000) and the Skokie Sports Park Synthetic Putting Green Bid (awarded to Playground Safe for $71,500). An update was provided on the Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan, noting that many flagged items can be resolved through upcoming renovations. Staff reports covered updates on park maintenance, recreation statistics, facility rental usage, IT network security upgrades, and ongoing committee activities, including planning for the Backlot Bash and staff appreciation events.

The meeting agenda included several Treasurer's Action Items, most notably the Adoption of Ordinance # 26-001, which provides for the abatement of certain taxes levied for the payment of principal and interest on various General Obligation Park Bonds (Series 2007B, 2021A, 2013B, 2015B, 2017B, 2019A, 2023A, and 2025A), as sufficient alternate revenues were received. Staff Action Items involved approving several construction and procurement bids, including the 2026 Concrete Improvements bid, the replacement of two vehicles (a Ford 250 crew cab pickup and a Ford 550 dump truck), the installation bid for Gleiss Park and Lyon Park playgrounds, the restoration bid for the Skokie Heritage Museum Historic Cabin, and the bid for painting the Sports Park Driving Range Structure. Staff reports covered divisional updates, and the President noted the date for the next meeting.

The agenda for the regular board meeting included a staff recognition for the Emily Oaks Nature Center Manager. Key action items involved the 2026 Bond Financing Timeline and the Comprehensive Plan Update, with Hitchcock Design Group presenting on the "envision" and "prioritize" phases. Staff action items also included the approval of a Referendum Consultant Agreement. The board was scheduled to address Treasurer's Action Items, Treasurer's Report, and attorney's report (none provided). The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss real property transactions and closed meeting minutes, followed by action to approve executive session minutes from a previous date.