Frankfort Park District Survey Shows Lack of Support for Top Rec Center Designs; Board Weighs Costly Referendum

Frankfort Park District Special Committee Meeting | September 23, 2025

Article Summary: A recent survey on a proposed indoor recreation center revealed no clear public support for the top two designs and a general opposition to raising taxes, leading the Frankfort Park District board to discuss the path forward, including the possibility of a November 2026 referendum that could cost $150,000 to place on the ballot.

Indoor Recreation Center Survey Key Points:

• A community survey showed no consensus or strong support for the two leading designs for a new indoor recreation center.

• The majority of survey responses indicated opposition to raising taxes to fund such a project.

• Building a new facility would require a bond referendum, and the district estimates a minimum of $1 million in ongoing annual operating costs.

• The board learned that the cost to simply place a referendum on the ballot is approximately $150,000.

The Frankfort Park District is at a crossroads regarding a potential indoor recreation center after a community survey showed a lack of public support for lead designs and a strong aversion to tax increases, commissioners learned at a committee meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

During a discussion of the survey results, Executive Director Gina Hassett and the Board of Commissioners reviewed a summary showing that residents did not rally behind either of the top two proposed designs for a new facility. Furthermore, a majority of respondents indicated they were not in favor of raising taxes to fund a large-scale project.

The survey feedback complicates the path forward for the district, which has been exploring options to expand its indoor programming space. Any large capital project like a new recreation center would require the park district to pass a bond referendum, asking voters to approve a tax increase. The board discussed that a project would need to be specifically tied to the referendum question.

The financial hurdles extend beyond construction costs. The board noted that a new facility would require a minimum of $1 million in annual operating funds, a significant and ongoing budgetary commitment. Adding to the financial considerations, the board learned that the estimated cost to simply prepare and place a referendum on the ballot is approximately $150,000.

Despite the challenging survey results, Commissioner Tom Ruvoli stated that he still favors pursuing a referendum in November 2026.

The discussion also explored various alternatives. The board considered the idea of selling the property where a new center might be built, but noted that selling park district land would also require a referendum. Phased construction plans and different funding amounts to request from voters were also debated. The idea of purchasing the nearby Roma building was mentioned, but commissioners acknowledged that such a move would come with numerous complex conditions.

Amid the long-term planning discussions, the board also acknowledged that the immediate concern and need for the district is the existing Founders Community Center.