March 2026 Bond Referendum

The Naperville Park District is fundamental to the health of the community. Our mission of promoting healthy lives, minds and community remains essential to the quality of life of our residents. 

Across our organization, we provide recreation opportunities that: 

• Include people of all ages and abilities
• Are designed to promote socialization
• Encourage active recreation
• Encourage the enjoyment of passive recreation 

The Park District has received considerable feedback from its residents and participants and relied on the findings of multiple planning initiatives formulated with data collected from the community to identify and prioritize its facility, parks, and recreation needs. The planning documentation considered includes the 2024 Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment (IRSNA), 2023 Master Plan, 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, and 2022 Community Interest and Opinion Survey. These initiatives involved robust stakeholder engagement and confirmed a strong community interest in the District providing additional indoor recreation space and other park improvements to serve Naperville’s growing population. For additional details, residents are encouraged to view the following documents:  

• 2024 Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment
• 2023 Master Plan 
• 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan 
• 2022 Community Interest & Opinion Survey

In fall 2025, the Park District initiated an extensive public engagement process to communicate information to residents and gather feedback on a potential funding proposal. Residents were able to learn more and provide input on the potential funding proposal through a series of five (5) open house events conducted in October 2025.  Additionally, a public opinion survey was mailed to 53,457 registered voter households.  Over 8,000 survey responses were received.  Results from the survey can be viewed below:

• 2025 Potential Bond Proposal Public Opinion Survey Results

Based on residents’ project priorities and tax sensitivities identified through the community survey, the projects included within the proposed March bond referendum were reduced to two: the construction of a multipurpose indoor activity center at Frontier Sports Complex, which would provide fitness and exercise rooms, walking and jogging track, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools and rooms for programs and community activities, and acquiring land for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and maintaining open spaces and extending trails.  

Community Map of Proposed Locations

Project Site Maps 

Click on thumbnails to enlarge

A New Community Activity Center at Frontier Sports Complex
Site Plan	Floor Plans Rendering	Cutaway Rendering	Lobby View Rendering
Exterior Rendering 1	Exterior Rendering 2	Play Area Rendering 1	Play Area Rendering 2
Track View Rendering	Pool View Rendering

 Acquiring Additional Open Space

	Purchase and preserve open space for conservation and provide additional nature trails.
Walnut Ridge
Heritage Woods

Why is the Naperville Park District placing a bond referendum on the March 2026 ballot?
Residents and program participants have repeatedly communicated their desire for more indoor recreation space including indoor aquatics, and additional open space. Inflationary costs for equipment, supplies, and capital items have outpaced the District’s ability to fund new capital projects to meet these community needs. While the Park District has sufficient funds to maintain existing parks, facilities, and programs, Illinois law requires the Park District to seek specific approval for the bonding authority to cover the costs of proposed new large-scale capital projects.  

What is a bond referendum? 
A bond referendum is a ballot question that asks voters whether a public entity should be allowed to issue bonds and assume debt for an established timeframe (similar to a home mortgage) to fund a specific capital improvement project or set of projects (bond funds cannot be used for operating expenses, such as salaries). In this case, voters are being asked whether the Naperville Park District should be authorized to issue bonds to build a new indoor community activity center and acquire land for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and maintaining open spaces and extending trails. 

What specific improvements does the proposal address? 
Proceeds from the bond proposal would go towards the following community projects:

• A New Community Activity Center at Frontier Sports Complex
• Acquiring Additional Open Space

How did the Park District decide which projects to pursue, and why is the Park District no longer considering improvements at Nike Sports Complex, Country Lakes Park, Wolf’s Crossing Community Park, and the installation of refrigerated seasonal ice rinks at the Community Garden Plots at this time?
The Park District has received considerable feedback from its residents and participants and relied on the findings of multiple planning initiatives formulated with data collected from the community to identify and prioritize its capital facility, parks, and recreation needs. The planning documentation considered includes the 2024 Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment (IRSNA), 2023 Master Plan, 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, and 2022 Community Interest and Opinion Survey. These initiatives involved robust stakeholder engagement and confirmed a strong community interest in the District providing additional indoor recreation space and other park improvements to serve Naperville’s growing population.

Based on residents’ feedback regarding project priorities and tax sensitivities identified through a community survey conducted in fall 2025, the projects included within the proposed resolution for a March bond referendum were reduced to be responsive to resident input. Instead of the six original projects, the referendum will include only the community activity center and acquiring land for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and maintaining open spaces and extending trails.  

For additional details, residents are encouraged to view the following reports: 

• 2025 Potential Bond Proposal Public Opinion Survey Results
• 2024 Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment
• 2023 Master Plan
• 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan
• 2022 Community Interest & Opinion Survey

The other park improvements that were being considered will be evaluated by the Park District in the future like all other capital projects and move forward if the projects become top community priorities and funding is identified.

Which open space areas are the Park District considering for acquisition?
As the community grows, open space is becoming more limited. The Park District has entered into option agreements that would allow for the purchase of 5.7 acres of wooded property to expand Walnut Ridge Park and 6.5 acres to expand Heritage Woods.  The properties would be maintained as wooded natural areas and provide opportunities for community use through the addition of nature trails.  

Why does the referendum proposal no longer include some of the projects in north Naperville?
The referendum proposes to acquire additional open space in north Naperville (6.5 acres adjacent to Heritage Woods) and undertake the restoration and capital improvement of that space with additional trails.  The other capital projects that were being discussed are not moving forward at this time based upon residents’ feedback regarding project priorities and tax sensitivities (as identified through a community survey conducted in fall 2025). Residents in north Naperville would still benefit from the new community activity center as studies show it would ease capacity challenges at Fort Hill Activity Center and enable the Park District to address the growing demand for additional indoor recreation space. With two facilities, the District can expand programming, reduce waitlists, and offer more flexible options for residents throughout Naperville. Fort Hill Activity Center participants and fitness members come from across the community. The new facility would complement, not replace, this key community fitness and wellness resource.    

Why is the Park District considering expanding its indoor recreation space now?
Community demand for Park District programs has grown significantly, resulting in long waitlists and capacity challenges for popular activities like youth basketball, gymnastics, open gyms, and fitness classes. Fort Hill Activity Center is near capacity, and membership is at an all-time high. While the Park District partners with local schools and private organizations for additional indoor space, meeting community demand for indoor recreation programs and services remains a challenge, especially as Naperville’s population grows and residents continue to seek affordable, local, high-quality recreation options.  

Moreover, residents continue to express strong interest in more indoor aquatics space, especially after the recent closure of private facilities such as the Kroehler Family YMCA, LA Fitness, and Edward Health & Fitness. The loss of these amenities has led many residents to request more indoor aquatics options from the Park District. 

When was the last time voters approved funding for Park District improvements? 
The last voter-approved funding measure for the Naperville Park District was nearly 60 years ago, in 1966, when residents voted to create the Park District. 

PROPOSED NEW COMMUNITY ACTIVITY CENTER

Where would the proposed new community activity center be located?
The new indoor community activity center would be located at Frontier Sports Complex, adjacent to Neuqua Valley High School and the 95th Street Library. This location was originally designed with the potential to accommodate indoor recreation space. The Park District’s 2024 Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment included extensive community input and highlighted the need for indoor recreation space in south Naperville. Frontier Sports Complex was also chosen because:

• The Park District already owns the land, reducing overall project costs.  No other suitable land parcels are available in the area.
• Since 2010, the area has seen substantial residential development and population growth.
• Approximately 10 acres are available, which is enough to support an activity center project.
• The site was master planned for indoor recreation and complements the nearby park, school, and community amenities. 

How would building a new community activity center in south Naperville likely benefit residents across the community, including those in the north?
A new facility would likely ease capacity challenges at Fort Hill Activity Center and enable the Park District to address the growing demand for additional indoor recreation space. With two facilities, the District could expand programming, reduce waitlists, and offer more flexible options for residents throughout Naperville. Fort Hill Activity Center participants and fitness members come from across the community. The new facility would complement, not replace, this key fitness and wellness resource.

What programs, activities, and amenities might be included in the new community activity center?
Based on past and ongoing public input, the new facility could support a variety of programs and amenities.

Proposed amenities include:

• Walk/Jog Track
• Fitness Room (Including Free Weights, Cardio, and Other Equipment)
• Group Exercise Rooms/Cycling
• Lap Pool (8-lane x 25-yard)
• Activity Pool (Including a Water Slide, Play Features, Additional Lap Lanes, and Programming Areas)
• Therapy Pool (Warm-Water)
• Gymnasiums
• Tumbling/Auxiliary Gym
• Dance/Performing Arts Space
• Indoor Playground
• Short-Term Childcare 
• Social Spaces
• Multipurpose Rooms
• Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) Space
• Party Room
• Locker Rooms
• Family Changing Areas
• Facility Support Spaces

Potential programs include:

• Tumbling/Gymnastics
• Youth and Adult Basketball and Volleyball
• Fitness
• Group Fitness
• Personal Training
• Youth and Adult Open Gyms (Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball, Badminton)
• Walk/Jog Track Drop-in Use (Free to Residents During Non-Peak Times)
• Indoor Playground Drop-in Use (Free to Residents During Non-Peak Times)
• Lap Swimming
• Swim Team and Water Polo Practices
• Swim Lessons
• Water Aerobics/Fitness
• Dance and Performing Arts
• Birthday Parties
• Multipurpose Rooms for Classes, Meetings, Parties, Rentals
• Short-Term Childcare
• Summer Camps
• Youth, Teen, Adult and Senior Programs
• After-School Activities
• Sports Programs and Camps
• And More

What indoor aquatics features would be included at the proposed new facility?
To address the community’s identified demand for indoor aquatics, the Park District is proposing three pools: 

• An 8-lane x 25-yard lap pool
• An activity pool with water slide, zero-depth entry, spray features, additional lap lanes, and programming space
• A warm-water therapy pool  

Pool sizes were kept modest due to costs, and a variety of aquatics spaces are proposed to meet the community’s broad recreational interests.

While a larger competition pool could host events, the additional construction and operating costs are not justified by expected revenues. Additionally, site limitations prevent a larger pool and spectator seating within the proposed facility design. 

Including lap lanes in the proposal would provide community access for lap swimming, open swim, and aquatics programs, while supporting competitive swim team and water polo practices.  

The five high schools serving Naperville have pools with spectator seating and could continue to support aquatics competitions.  

Would the proposed community activity center include a fitness center?
Yes. The proposed new facility would include a fitness center to support community health and wellness needs. Surveys, resident feedback, and robust membership at Fort Hill Activity Center reflect the community’s continued demand for fitness offerings. The new facility would provide accessible, affordable, and flexible fitness options, filling a gap that is not fully met by existing Park District facilities or private providers and helping more residents stay active and healthy.

Would a new community activity center compete with private gyms or the Fry Family YMCA?
No. The Park District’s role as a unit of government is to serve broad community needs, not to compete with other providers. With over 9,500 fitness members, Fort Hill Fitness demonstrates strong demand for affordable, flexible, and inclusive recreation options for all ages and income levels. The community has recently experienced the closure of 2 indoor aquatics facilities (Kroehler Family YMCA and Edward Health & Fitness) and the survey data demonstrates that the existing capacity at Fry Family YMCA is not meeting community needs.  The Fry Family YMCA is a valued partner, and the Park District will continue to explore opportunities for collaboration. A new community activity center would help alleviate overcrowding, help address unmet community demand and complement existing services.

How has the Park District attempted to work with the YMCA?
Representatives from the Naperville Park District and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago have met numerous times over the span of several years to discuss and explore potential partnerships for additional indoor recreation space.  As a result of those discussions, the YMCA provided limited rental of the Fry Family YMCA for Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) aquatics programming and made available the rental of some gymnasium space to the Park District for the District’s youth basketball program.

In June 2025, representatives from the Park District and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago met to continue exploring a potential partnership for constructing additional indoor space.  At the meeting, the YMCA indicated they did not have capital funding available to partner on the construction of new and expanded indoor space.  The Park District offered to explore a partnership that could support YMCA programming within future indoor space developed by the Park District through a lease or other agreement.  To date, the YMCA has not expressed interest in using these spaces to support its offerings.

YMCA representatives provided input on community needs for indoor recreation during the Park District’s 2024 Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment (IRSNA) and participated in Citizen Task Force meetings held in summer 2025 with approximately 40 other residents and community leaders.  Feedback from the Citizen Task Force helped to refine the Park District project concepts before sharing and testing them with the community.

In a November 19, 2025 letter, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago noted that the Park District and YMCA “have discussed how the Fry Family YMCA could be augmented to assist the Park District in providing indoor recreation in south Naperville.”  The Park District appreciates the YMCA’s interest in further exploring this type of partnership, but does not believe it is appropriate to use taxpayer resources to fund the expansion of a YMCA facility that is neither owned nor operated by the Naperville Park District.

What would happen to the softball fields used by the Neuqua Valley Girls Softball program if a new facility was built at Frontier Sports Complex?
The existing Park District softball fields used by the Neuqua Valley High School (NVHS) Girls Softball program would be removed to make way for a new indoor community activity center. School programs use these fields under an existing intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the Park District and Indian Prairie School District 204, which allows the fields to be repurposed to address other community needs.  To ensure continued access, the Park District built two additional fields (Fields 5 & 6) in 2007 for NVHS and community use. These fields, which include dugouts, lighting, a press box, scoreboards, spectator seating, permanent restrooms, and nearby parking, would remain available for NVHS Girls Softball as a replacement for the existing fields.

How much impact would there be on traffic if a new facility was built at Frontier Sports Complex?
As part of the planning process, the Naperville Park District would conduct a traffic study to assess the traffic generated by the proposed facility. School District 204 is currently completing improvements to the main NVHS campus to move freshmen students to the main building, which will result in repurposing the Freshman Center on Cedar Glade Drive. The change is expected to reduce traffic near the proposed community activity center on school days.  The facility concept includes three entry points from multiple roads and 500 to 600 additional parking spaces. Combined with existing parking spaces at Frontier Sports Complex, the plan would provide ample access and parking. 

What has changed since 2006 when the Park District originally planned to build an indoor recreation center at Frontier Sports Complex? 
A lot has changed. In 2006, the community’s indoor recreation demands were less defined, and the Park District had not yet developed or operated a large-scale indoor facility. There was also uncertainty surrounding the financing model proposed by the District and whether the District should place the project before the community through a referendum question.

Since then, the Park District has successfully built and operated the Fort Hill Activity Center, which opened in 2016, and demonstrated the District’s ability to plan, fund, and manage high-quality indoor space in a fiscally responsible way. Naperville has also grown significantly, resulting in increased participation in Park District programs. Today, Naperville is the 3rd largest city in the State of Illinois. Studies show that Naperville’s population has aged in place and the demand for indoor space is greater than before due to shifting demographics of our residents.  At the same time, several private indoor aquatic facilities have closed, further reducing available recreation options. Recent community input, program participation, and facility use all indicate strong interest in expanded access to indoor fitness, walk/jog tracks, aquatics, gymnasiums, and flexible program spaces. 

When would construction of the proposed new community activity center be completed?
If voters approve the measure, the proposed new facility would likely open within three years, allowing time for design, permitting, and construction.

Some of the amenities proposed for the new community activity center received a negative net favorability in the survey.  Are any of those amenities being eliminated or downsized?
At this time, the proposed community activity center amenities are not being eliminated or downsized.  Several spaces that received negative net favorability in the survey support amenities with positive net favorability, such as social spaces, short-term childcare, and multipurpose rooms.  Additionally, dedicated space for Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) remains an important area within the proposed facility, helping serve the community’s special needs population.  WDSRA is a cooperative extension of the Naperville Park District that provides inclusion services for Park District programs, as well as programs designed for individuals with special needs. 

Will there be an opportunity for residents to provide further input on the proposed development of indoor recreation space?
Yes. The proposed community activity center concept plans were developed based on community input to date. If the funding proposal is approved by voters, the District would further engage the community to assist with refining the building design.

Would having a new facility negatively impact the Fort Hill Activity Center?
No. A new facility would likely have a positive impact on Fort Hill Activity Center by helping the Park District meet the growing demand for indoor recreation in Naperville and reducing capacity issues at Fort Hill. This would allow the District to better address gaps in community recreation services.    

FINANCING AND COSTS

What size referendum will appear on the March 2026 ballot? 
The District is placing a $120 million bond referendum on the March 17, 2026 ballot. 

What question will appear on the March 17, 2026 General Primary Election ballot?
Voters will be asked to vote “yes” in favor of, or “no” to oppose, the following funding proposal: “Shall the Naperville Park District, DuPage and Will Counties, Illinois, improve parks and facilities, including constructing a multipurpose indoor activity center at Frontier Sports Complex, which would provide fitness and exercise rooms, walking and jogging track, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools and rooms for programs and community activities, and acquiring land for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and maintaining open spaces and extending trails, and issue its bonds to the amount of $120,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?”

How would referendum funds be allocated?
The Park District worked with architectural and construction management experts to develop construction cost estimates for a new community activity center. The analysis used information from similar facilities built regionally and nationally over the past five years. Additionally, land acquisition costs are included within the Park District’s option agreements with the property owners.  Estimated project costs include:

*Cash-in-Lieu Funding is provided to the Park District by residential developers under a City of Naperville ordinance. The funding is given in place of land that developers would otherwise be required to provide when constructing new residential developments in the community.

What is the anticipated tax impact of the proposal?
Please see the Impact on Taxes & Tax Calculator section below on this webpage. 

How does the Park District currently receive its funding? 
The Park District relies on two main revenue sources: property taxes and charges for services. About 5% of a resident’s total property tax bill goes to the Park District. The City of Naperville is a separate taxing body and does not provide funding to the Park District. Naperville Park District’s tax rate is among the lowest in DuPage and Will counties, ranking the 40th lowest out of 50 local park districts.

Why is a referendum needed?  Why can’t the Park District build another facility and complete other improvements without going to the ballot, like it did for Fort Hill Activity Center?
When Fort Hill Activity Center was built in 2016, construction costs were significantly lower, and non-referendum funds were available. Today, escalating costs and the need to maintain existing communitywide assets make it impossible for the Park District to fund a new facility without seeking community support through a bond referendum. Since 2016, average construction costs for these types of facilities have more than doubled.   

Additionally, the non-referendum funds are needed to maintain existing parks and facilities.  Rising costs for equipment, supplies, and capital items like playgrounds and athletic fields have outpaced the District’s revenues. While the Park District has funds to maintain current parks and facilities, it does not have the legal bonding authority to cover the costs of the proposed new large-scale capital projects. 

The estimated cost of the new community activity center is $119,750,000 and the bond funding proposal is $120,000,000.  Why is open space land acquisition included in the referendum when that can be paid for through use of other District funds? 
The acquisition of land for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and maintaining open space and extending trails was a proposed project shared with the community in fall 2025 to gather feedback for a potential referendum.  At that time, the community identified acquisition and improvement of open space as a priority.  The acquisition of the land at an estimated cost of $5,000,000 is not included in the District’s capital plan, so funds are not allocated now or in the long-term planning to proceed with the purchases and improvements.  The purchase and improvements are included within the bond proposal to provide residents with the opportunity to vote on the funding to move forward.  

Would a new community activity center be financially self-sustaining?
The Naperville Park District is committed to operating its recreation facilities responsibly. Whether a new facility is self-sustaining will depend on the amenities and programs offered. For example, a fitness center can generate revenue to offset operating costs. Fort Hill Activity Center, which opened in 2016, is self-sustaining, covering its annual operating expenses through user fees. The proposed community activity center is also expected to become self-sustaining within three years of operation.  

Would referendum dollars go towards staffing the proposed community activity center? 
No. Funds from a voter-approved bond referendum would be used for capital projects, not operational expenses like staffing. Program and facility user fees would help offset staffing costs, following the same model used at the Fort Hill Activity Center.

What are the estimated annual costs to operate and maintain the proposed projects? 
Based on the information currently available and using estimating techniques that rely upon past performance and assumptions about cost inflation (which may change over time), the following are estimated annual costs associated with operating and maintaining the proposed projects.  Costs to operate and maintain the projects would be included within the Park District’s operating budget.

• A New Community Activity Center at Frontier Sports Complex
  Please see the “Activity Center Operating Estimates” found HERE for estimated revenues and expenses associated with the proposed community activity center operations.  The information includes actual revenues and expenses associated with the Park District’s 2024 operation of the existing Fort Hill Activity Center, and Year 1 and Year 3 estimates for the proposed community activity center.  Fort Hill Activity Center, which opened in 2016, is self-sustaining, covering its annual operating expenses through program and facility user fees. The proposed community activity center is also expected to become self-sustaining within three years of operation.
• Acquiring Additional Open Space
  The estimated annual operating cost to maintain the Heritage Woods expansion is $3,750.
  The estimated annual operating cost to maintain the Walnut Ridge Park expansion is $3,000. 

What are the estimated membership costs for the proposed community activity center?
Funds from a voter-approved bond referendum would be used for capital project costs to construct the amenities, not to cover operational expenses.  Similar to the Fort Hill Activity Center fee structure, membership will not be required to use the proposed community activity center.  Residents could register and participate in Park District programs and drop-in activities without a membership.  Like the Fort Hill Activity Center, residents could also use the walk/jog track or the indoor playground at no cost during designated times. Program and facility user fees would be used to cover operational costs, following the same model used at the Fort Hill Activity Center. 

For the purpose of establishing operating estimates for the proposed community activity center, the following fee structure was used for residents who choose to purchase a membership.  Monthly membership fees and daily use fees would be finalized closer to the opening of the facility, should voters approve the measure.  It would take approximately 3 years from approval of the referendum to the opening of a facility, based on the time needed for design, permitting, and construction.  The Park District intends to apply with insurance-based programs, such as Silver Sneakers, to make programs currently available at Fort Hill Activity Center also accepted at the proposed community activity center.  This designation would be dependent upon approval from that provider.

Monthly Membership Fees Used for Operating Estimates  

*Fitness Membership includes access to weight/cardio fitness area, group fitness classes, open gyms, and the walk/jog track.
**Fitness & Aquatics includes access to all areas included with the Fitness membership, plus access to the aquatics spaces. 

Would Fort Hill Fitness members receive reciprocal membership at the new activity center, and vice versa? 
Yes. The proposed memberships would provide access to both facilities. 

Would residents be charged lower fees and receive priority access to programs and activities over non-residents? 
Yes.  Consistent with Naperville Park District policy, residents would be charged lower fees and have the ability to register for recreation programs prior to nonresidents. 

Would the proposed improvements be supported by any state or federal funds?
While not guaranteed, the Park District would continue to seek grant opportunities at the regional, state, and federal levels, as well as alternative revenue sources. This strategy has been successful in the past. Since 2023, the District has received commitments for over $4.4 million in grants and alternative funding to help support park and facility improvements.  

What if a referendum is not successful?
If the referendum is not successful, the Park District would continue exploring ways to expand indoor space, possibly through leasing or public/private partnerships. However, retrofitting existing facilities can be costly and could result in spaces that are unable to support some popular programs. For example, without new indoor courts, additional basketball leagues or open gym activities could not be offered.  Additionally, past experience, like the 95th Street Center lease, shows that changes in building ownership or management can create uncertainty for future indoor programming. Data from years of renting indoor recreation space and operating the Fort Hill Activity Center indicate that leasing is less effective, less efficient, and less financially sustainable than operating a District-owned facility.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 

Can the Park District partner with school districts or private organizations to provide additional recreation space?
The Park District will maintain its long-standing partnerships with Naperville’s two school districts and other community organizations while exploring new opportunities for additional programmable space. However, growing demand for recreation programs and services currently exceeds what these partnerships can provide. 

Can the Park District use the old Edward Health & Fitness Center for additional recreation space?
The Park District explored the availability of the Edward Health & Fitness facility, but it is not for sale or lease. The Indoor Recreation Space Needs Assessment also recommends prioritizing south Naperville for indoor recreation space expansion.

Would building a smaller facility now and expanding it later save money?
No. Building a smaller facility that requires future expansion would cost more over time. While the Park District has experience with phased construction (as was done with the Fort Hill Activity Center), construction costs typically rise, economies of scale are lost, and remobilizing construction crews for later phases adds cost. Retrofitting challenges can also further increase costs.

Why not expand the Fort Hill Activity Center?
At nearly 84,000 square feet, the Fort Hill Activity Center has maximized the available land, leaving no room for expansion. The nearby TOCA property is also unavailable for purchase or lease, so it is not an option for possible expansion.  

If the proposed referendum is approved by voters, what oversight would be in place? 
The Park District is committed to transparency with the community. All project spending would be publicly disclosed. In addition, project updates would be presented at Park District Board meetings and made available on the Park District’s website.

What if residents have further questions?
Please contact Brad Wilson, Executive Director, at (630) 848-3532 or bwilson@napervilleparks.org if you have questions about the funding proposal.

The Park District relies on two main revenue sources: property taxes and charges for services. About 5% of a resident’s total property tax bill goes to the Park District. The Naperville Park District’s tax rate is currently among the lowest in DuPage and Will counties, ranking the 40th lowest out of 50 local park districts.

Current Tax Rate Comparison

Based on residents’ feedback regarding project priorities and tax sensitivities identified through a community survey conducted in fall 2025, the projects included within the March bond referendum were reduced to be responsive to resident input. Focusing on the two priority projects identified by the community results in a reduction of the proposed general obligation bond referendum amount from $135,000,000 to $120,000,000. The estimated annual tax impact of a $120,000,000 bond measure is $117, or less than $10 per month, for a home with a fair market value of $500,000. This is based on financing with a term not to exceed 20 years and the homeowner is eligible for the homestead exemption. A tax calculator is provided below to calculate your estimated annual tax impact.

Tax Calculator

Proposed $120,000,000 general obligation bonds referendum impact. Estimated impact on tax bills payable in 2027.

*Lookup your most recent DuPage County property tax bill.
*Lookup your most recent Will County property tax bill.
** The estimated annual tax impact assumes a tax rate is based on the Park District's 2024 Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) which is projected to grow by 3% annually through tax year 2029 and then assume 2% annual growth thereafter. This estimated tax impact is for the addition of the bond and interest levy only by the District and does not account for any increases in tax rates in other funds of the District or by any other taxing body.

If a $120 million bond funding proposal is approved by voters, the post-referendum tax rate is estimated to remain as one of the lowest among local park districts with Naperville ranking 30th lowest using 2024 tax levy information.

Post Referendum Tax Rate Comparison (using 2024 tax levy)

If you have questions, please contact Brad Wilson, Executive Director, at 630-848-3532 or by email at bwilson@napervilleparks.org

Click here to view the proposed referendum archived information webpage