Meeting Summary: New Lenox Park District for June 18, 2025

The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners met on June 18, 2025, to approve its annual budget, advance key park projects, and hear updates on a wide range of recreational programs and facilities.

The board’s most significant focus was the upcoming grand opening of the Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex. Final preparations are underway, including the installation of 58 bleachers and a new playground. Staffing is also ramping up, with a new assistant food and beverage director hired to manage the complex’s amenities. The two-day grand opening is scheduled for June 28-29.

In a key fiscal action, the board unanimously approved the Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year following a public hearing. The ordinance sets the district’s financial roadmap for the coming year.

Another major project, the redevelopment of Sharon’s Bay Park, is set to begin after the board approved a bid from Hacienda Landscaping Incorporated. The approval, which is pending legal review, marks the next step in upgrading the park’s facilities.

Golf Course Operations Strong
Despite a cold start to the month, golf operations rebounded to outperform last May’s numbers, Commissioner Kraemer reported. New counters are being installed in the pro shop, and more golfers are using the prepaid tee time app. Ground operations have been active, with staff adding sand to bunkers and installing new drainage on the sixth fairway. The new greens mowers are now in use, though a new pump delivered last year is having warranty issues that are being addressed.

Recreation Program Enrollment High
Summer recreation programs are seeing high participation. Commissioner Fischer noted that Camp Wewannago has already registered 438 participants since its June 3 start. The Kiddie Kampus preschool program graduated 104 four-year-olds, and enrollment for the 2025-26 school year has already reached 194 students. Registration is also open for the Flag Football League, which currently has 108 players registered.

Community Events Draw Crowds, More Planned
The park district recapped several successful recent events, including the Touch-A-Truck event on May 3, which drew nearly 900 people, and the Water Chase Park grand opening, which saw over 200 attendees. Upcoming free events include the “Great Ball Pursuit” on July 10-12 and the “Grandparent and Me Fishing Derby” on July 21.

LWSRA Sensory Bus Grant Received
Director of Recreation Olga Viano announced that the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) Sensory Bus is now fully operational. The partnership has been successful, and the district has received a grant to begin designing a second bus to serve the community’s needs.

Agreement with “Beyond Your Base” Approved
The board unanimously authorized an agreement with a company called “Beyond Your Base.” Details of the agreement or the services to be provided were not discussed during the meeting.

Water Chase Park Improvements Funded
Director of Parks Maintenance Ken Stephens reported that new trees have been planted at Water Chase Park. The district also recently received the remaining grant money from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) OSLAD grant, which will be used to complete the park’s development work.

Routine Approvals
The board unanimously approved the Treasurer’s Report and payment of bills for the period ending May 31, 2025. It also approved the minutes from the May 15 Special Workshop, the May 15 Regular Meeting, and the June 10 Sharon’s Bay Park Redevelopment Bid Opening.