REFERENDUM INFO NIGHT

September 29th, 5:30pm, Lustig Lodge

Join us to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback about the proposed referendum

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Who We Are   

The mission of the Northfield Park District is to serve its residents by supervising the usage and maintenance of our park resources; offering facilities, programs, and activities designed to meet the leisure and recreational needs of the residents.  

  • We have been a trusted steward of taxpayer dollars, accomplishing a great deal with limited resources. If you value what we have today, please know this is the extent of what we can continue to provide without additional support.
  • We care for the parks that bring our community together—to play, walk, skate, gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Each week, our parks and facilities welcome more than 2,000 people — from young athletes and their supporters to pickleball and tennis players, park walkers, dog walkers, and fitness members.
  • We support children and families through affordable programs like summer camps, before/after school care, sports, and enrichment classes.  This year, our camps served 798 children — from age three through 10th grade — an increase of 33% since 2021. Our before and after school programs now serve about 90 preschool through 4th-grade students each day
  • We host community events that celebrate togetherness and enrich our lives.
    • Market & Music
    • 4th of July
    • Clarkson Cookout
    • Holiday Fest
    • Boo Bash
    • Eggstravaganza
  • While we work closely with School District 29 and the Village of Northfield, we are a separate taxing body with our own funding and governance

What is a Park District Limiting Rate Referendum?

A limiting-rate referendum asks voters to approve a permanent increase to the Park District property tax rate. This differs from a bond referendum, which funds specific projects for a set period of time.

The Park District placed a limiting rate increase referendum on the ballot for the April 1st, 2025 Consolidated Election, which did not pass by a very slim margin.  Had this referendum passed, it would have resulted in a tax increase of $300 per year on a $1M home.  This would have allowed the Park District to move forward with the Master Plan projects while also providing future funds to meet the growing needs of our vibrant community.  With the results being so close, the Park District is planning to place the same question on the ballot for the next election in March 2026.  

What Will a Referendum Fund?

A Limiting Rate Referendum would support every aspect of the Park District. The additional tax revenue would immediately help carry out projects identified in our 2023 Comprehensive Master Plan, which was shaped by extensive community feedback.  A successful referendum would enable faster implementation of these projects, strengthen ongoing maintenance, and expand the Park District’s capacity to grow.  Approximately two-thirds of the additional funds will help bring new projects to life, while one-third will ensure our existing parks and facilities stay well-maintained

Master Plan Projects in Need of Funding

New North Side Pocket Park & Playground:  $500K - $600K

Community Center Expansion:  $2M - $3M

Willow Park Outdoor Restrooms & Maintenance Facility:  $2.5M - $3.5M

Future Land Acquisition:  $2M - $5M

Fox Meadow Park & Playground Improvements:  $500K - $600K

How Would This Referendum Affect Your Property Taxes?  

Small Increase, Big Impact!  

  • A 0.1% tax increase means about $30 per $100,000 of property value, or $300 for a $1M home.
  • The Park District’s share would rise from 3¢ to 4.5¢ per tax dollar—still lower than many neighboring communities.  

Use the tool below to calculate the anticipated increase in your property taxes.  

Tax Impact Calculator

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Questions or Comments about the Referendum? 

The Park District would love your feedback about this referendum. Please use the form below to submit any questions or comments you may have. Form submissions may include your name and email or be made anonymously. If you wish to remain anonymous, simply leave the name and email fields empty.