Click here to view the presentation from June 27th on the Potential Community Recreation Center.
Click here to view the Community Recreation Center Business Plan.
Click here to view the public presentation from October 3, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this building and process different than last time?
The last referendum question was for a larger building and funded through a limiting rate tax increase.
After listening to your feedback, the new process included public engagement on design, the selection of general obligation bonds for funding (20 year tax impact), and the development of a business plan to show programming and operational costs of the facility.
What has the process been for this project?
November 2023 Notice of Intent to publish an RFQ for Design Build Services
December 2023 RFQ for Design/Build Services published
January 2024 Selection of Design/Build firm
February 2024 Public Input on amenities desired at Cocoa Crawl, downtown Hampshire
March 2024 Present initial public input findings to the board
April 2024 Public Stakeholder Meetings
May 2024 Presentation of findings to the Park Board
June 2024 Public Presentation on initial facility design
July 2024 Board takes action on Referendum for November 5, 2024 Ballot
August 2024 Presentation of Business Plan to the Park Board
October 3, 2024 Community Recreation Center Business Plan Presentation
November 5, 2024 Ballot Question
Who will see this question on the ballot?
Residents who reside in Hampshire Township and a small portion of Rutland Township that has been annexed to the Park District will see a question on the ballot.
When was the last time voters approved funding for Park District improvements?
It has been 76 years since a referendum was passed, the only successful referendum for the Park District has been the one establishing it in 1948.
Has the Park District properly maintained its parks and facilities?
The Park District takes great pride in the recreational facilities it provides to the community. New construction projects fall outside of the District’s funding ability. To fund these improvements, a bond referendum has been placed on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
What benefits will I see if the referendum is approved?
There are many anticipated benefits tied to the proposed capital improvements, including:
- Creating healthier, safer, and more enjoyable experiences for our residents
- Allowing for expanded and improved programming
- Enhancing ADA accessibility
- Extending the number of months that certain District amenities can be enjoyed
- Protecting property values
How has the District identified and prioritized its capital facility needs?
Through involvement in master planning in 2019, Hampshire Township Park District residents identified projects needed to benefit all community users, from youngest to oldest. According to the Illinois Recreational Facility Index, the Park District is over 15,000 SF deficit of programmable indoor space at its current population.
A mail survey was completed in 2022 asking about supported recreational opportunities. A limiting rate increase referendum ask to build a facility was placed on the ballot in November 2023 and failed.
Through a public engagement process in 2024, a new design for a recreation facility was designed to fit within the General Obligation bond budget limitations not to exceed the total debt capacity of the Park District which is 2.875% of the Equalized Assessed Valuation.
What size referendum is being considered for the November 2024 ballot?
The District placed a $13 million bond referendum question on the November 2024 ballot.
How long will this impact my taxes?
The debt payment is for 20 years. After 20 years the debt for the facility construction will be paid off and the tax impact will fall off the tax bill.
Will there be fees to use the facility? What will be offered at the facility?
A pricing structure will be proposed to supplement operational costs of the facility, including staffing and maintenance. This information, including scheduling and programs offered can be found here.
What is the timeframe for the project?
It is estimated that it will take a total of 18-24 months from approval of a referendum for the project to be complete. This timeline includes 10-12 months for the complete design process and another 12 months for construction.
Are you pursuing other funding options?
In addition to asking the community for approval of a limiting rate increase, the Park District will pursue funding through grants and partnerships to support the project, but it is not sufficient to underwrite the entirety of the project. In fact over the past 10 years, the Park District has secured nearly $1.5 million for improvements of their park facilities.
Does the Hampshire Township Park District receive funding from the Village of Hampshire, Hampshire Township or the Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library?
All of these agencies are separate taxing bodies. While there are some instances in which we come together to fund certain capital improvements, the development, maintenance and operation of our community’s parks, playgrounds, athletic fields and recreation facilities are the responsibility of the Park District.
What happens if the referendum isn’t approved?
If Park District residents do not approve the referendum, the proposed capital project will not be built. Under current plans, major capital improvements or replacements are completed with General Obligation Bonds, limited to approximately $47,000 annually, and grant funds. The Park District will continue maintaining the current facilities and park spaces to the best of their abilities.
Have any final decisions been made regarding the possible bond referendum?
After actively listening to public feedback throughout the spring and summer, and carefully considering residents’ comments and concerns, the Board of Commissioners approved the inclusion of the bond referendum on the November ballot during their meeting on July 22, 2024.
What is the official language I will see when casting my vote?
When you cast your vote, you will see the following language:
Shall the Hampshire Township Park District, Kane County, Illinois, construct a community recreation center to include a gymnasium, walking track, multi-use space, children’s play area and fitness center located at 190 Town Place Road, Hampshire, Illinois 60140, refund existing obligations used to acquire the property at said location and issue its bonds to the amount of $13,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof?
How does the Park District’s current tax rate compare to its peer districts?
At 0.16 per $100 of Equalized Assessed Value (EAV) HTPD’s current tax rate is lower than most of its peer districts.
What is the anticipated tax impact of the proposal?
The estimated annual tax impact of the proposed $13 million referendum is $74 per $100,000 of a home’s fair market value, or about $296 for a $400,000 home.
When can we vote on the referendum?
Hampshire Township Park District will be able to vote on the bond referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Key voting dates are as follows:
Request Vote By Mail Ballot
Wed Aug 07 2024*
*Ballots will not be sent until Thu Sep 26 2024
Issue Vote By Mail Ballot
For Military/Overseas
Fri Sep 20 2024 – Mon Oct 28 2024
For All Other Vote By Mail
Thu Sep 26 2024 – Thu Oct 31 2024
Last Day to Register to Vote
Tue Oct 08 2024
Grace Period Registration & Voting
(At Kane County Elections Main Office & Aurora Satellite)
Wed Oct 09 2024 – Mon Nov 04 2024
Early Voting Period
(At Kane County Elections Main Office & Aurora Satellite)
Thu Sep 26 2024 – Mon Nov 04 2024
Permanent Sites – Early Voting Period
(All Early Voting Polling Places)
Mon Oct 21 2024 – Mon Nov 04 2024
Last Day to Count Vote By Mail & Provisional Ballots
Tue Nov 19 2024
You can register to vote, determine your polling place and learn more by visiting the Kane County Clerk’s Office at https://www.kanecountyclerk.org/
