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 Park District is it's own taxing body, separate from the Village of Northfield, governed by an elected 7 member Board of Park Commissioners.  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.  

Parks & Facilities

  • Willow Park has an average of 1000 athletes using the park per week during the peak season.  This includes, baseball, softball, soccer, pickleball, and tennis players.  In addition to athletic field users,  there is a steady stream of park walkers, people exercising their dogs in the off-leash area, and those enjoying the passive green space in the park.  Willow Park also is home to the 4th of July festivities for Northfield that draws a wonderful crowd each year.  
  • Clarkson Park has a bustling playground and splashpad, and is home to many of our special events.  Market & Music, our summer concert series and community market typically sees a crowd of 500 people per week, and the Clarkson Cookout can approach 2,000 attendees.  
  • The Community Center is our main indoor facility that houses the Fitness Center and most of our recreation programs (see below for more info on programs)
  • Fox Meadow Park is jointly owned with New Trier High School, featuring a playground, wetland area with boardwalk, and one Park District soccer field. 

Programs

In addition to our Parks & Facilities, we also provide affordable programs that are vital to the community.  These programs are mainly based out of the Community Center and Willow Park when the weather permits.  Enhancing and expanding the Community Center is critical for the growth and success of our youth programs.  

  • Summer Camps served 798 campers in 2025, up 33% since 2021
  • Before/After School programs serve approximately 90 children per day
  • The Fitness Center has 220 active members

Special Events

The Park District is committed to serving the entire community through a wide range of special events that occur throughout the year.  

  • Eggstravaganza
  • Market & Music
  • 4th of July
  • Clarkson Cookout
  • Boo Bash
  • Holiday Fest

What is a Park District Limiting Rate Referendum?

A limiting rate referendum requests a permanent increase to the Park District property tax rate, which is different than a bond referendum that is tied to specific projects over an established time frame. 

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 all aspects of the Park District, with additional tax revenue immediately helping to execute projects derived from the Comprehensive Master Plan, which was updated in 2023 through extensive community feedback.  A successful referendum would allow for a quicker approach to executing the identified Master Plan projects, support ongoing maintenance, and provide greater capacity for Park District growth.  

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

Ongoing Maintenance and Replacement of Current & Future Assets

While the majority of additional tax revenue would first go to support these Master Plan projects, an increase to the Park District property tax rate would also assist with the ongoing maintenance and replacement of existing parks and facilities, and would provide sustainable revenue to support the operating expenses associated with future capital projects.  

How Would This Referendum Affect Your Property Taxes?  

The limiting rate referendum under consideration proposes a .1% increase, meaning Park District taxes would increase by an anticipated $30 per $100,000 of property value.  Currently, for every dollar of property taxes paid, the Park District receives only 3 cents, which would increase to 4.5 cents if the referendum passes.  Use the tool below to calculate the anticipated increase in your property taxes.  

Tax Impact Calculator

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