ROOTED IN COMMUNITY. GROWING FOR TOMORROW.
Vote March 17, 2026
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
REFERENDUM INFO NIGHTS
November 17th, 6pm, Lustig Lodge
Join us to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback about the proposed referendum
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
At Northfield Park District, we believe the whole is greater than the sum of our parks. That's because our parks are more than just points on a map—they’re places where people connect, gather, and create lifelong memories.
Together, they form the heartbeat of our thriving community—spaces that make residents feel part of something larger than themselves. When we invest in these shared spaces, we strengthen the very roots of Northfield—today and for generations to come.
Our parks and programs not only bring people together, but also enhance property values and the overall quality of life in Northfield. To support sustainable growth including implementation of the Comprehensive Master Plan, the Park District is placing a referendum on the ballot for the March 2026 election asking voters to approve a 0.1% increase to the limiting rate.
In short, a successful referendum will equate to a taxpayer increase of $300 per year on a $1M home. This would sustain Northfield’s position in the lower half of surrounding Park District Tax Rates.
What Would This 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. This is our moment to go beyond maintenance — to take the places and programs we love to the next level as we meet the growing demands of our thriving community!
More Information on Master Plan Projects
New North Side Pocket Park & Playground: $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 approximately 3¢ to 4.5¢ per tax dollar—still lower than many neighboring communities.
- For more information on your property value and tax bills, visit the Cook County Assessor's Website.
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.
- 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 care for the parks that bring our community together—to play, walk, skate, gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.
- 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 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 38% since 2021. Our before and after school programs now serve about 90 children 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
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.