Frankfort Park District Approves $131,500 for Park Upgrades and Master Plan

Article Summary: The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners approved agreements totaling $131,500 with planning firm Design Perspectives to design and construct parking lots at two parks and to update master plans for several other locations. The projects are funded by a DCEO grant and are on an essential timeline, according to the district’s executive director.

Park Planning Agreements Key Points:

• At its meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the board approved two agreements with the firm Design Perspectives.

• An amount of $21,500 was allocated for the design and construction of parking lots at Lincoln Meadows and Windy Park.

• A second agreement for $110,000 will fund the update of master plans for Commissioners Park and other locations tied to a DCEO grant.

• The projects will also require topographic surveys at an estimated cost of $25,000 to $30,000.

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, authorized a significant investment in park infrastructure, approving agreements totaling $131,500 with Design Perspectives for extensive planning and design services.

The board voted 4-0, with Commissioner Tom Ruvoli absent, to move forward with the agreements, which are tied to a state grant timeline.

Executive Director Gina Hassett gave an overview of the proposal, which is funded by a Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant. She explained that the district needed to act swiftly due to a timeline associated with the grant funding.

The first part of the agreement allocates $21,500 for the design and construction of new parking lots for Lincoln Meadows and Windy Park. The second, larger component commits $110,000 to update the master plan for Commissioners Park and other unspecified locations connected to the DCEO-funded projects. Hassett noted that additional topographic surveys will be required for the work, with an estimated cost between $25,000 and $30,000.

Commissioner Mark Ponton made the motion to approve the agreements, which was seconded by Commissioner Elmer Gentry. The motion passed with unanimous support from the members present, including President Michael McCarey and Commissioner Tom Barz.

In other financial news, the board also approved the accounts payable and payroll for the period ending June 30, 2025, in the amount of $1,049,554.88. Superintendent of Finance Regina Ross-Ellison gave an overview of the larger expenses, which included payments to LWSRA, IMRF contributions, and payments from the Recreation and Capital Projects funds.