A "YES” vote on March 17 will make new outdoor activities possible for residents today and for generations to come.
The Northfield Park District is at the heart of our community, enhancing quality of life for all residents. It has an enviable history of effective executive and board management, fiscal responsibility and steady expansion, despite limited resources. The Park District remains committed to meeting residents’ expressed goals through ongoing improvements.
The upcoming March 17 referendum presents residents with a unique opportunity to build on past growth and create meaningful, lasting Park District improvements for future generations.
The Northfield Parks Foundation endorses the upcoming March 17 referendum for the following reasons:
By providing essential recreational services, fostering a sense of belonging through community events, and continually adapting to residents' needs, the Park District is the heart of Northfield. READ MORE
The Park District has significantly grown its facilities and amenities over the past two decades, all while operating with one of the lowest tax rates among peer districts. READ MORE
The Park District has a well-earned reputation for transparent financial practices and prudent fiscal management. READ MORE
The Comprehensive Master Plan, developed in early 2023, reflects substantial community member input and priorities. READ MORE
The referendum proposes a permanent property tax increase, with an estimated addition of $30 per $100,000 of property value. READ MORE
The Park District and the Northfield Parks Foundation desire transparency and invite residents to participate in upcoming public meetings. READ MORE
Email the Northfield Parks Foundation if you would like to further discuss the merits of passing the referendum at foundationboard@mynfld.org
The Park District is a Community Hub
By providing essential recreational services, fostering a sense of belonging through community events, and continually adapting to residents' needs, the Park District is the heart of Northfield.
1. Community Gathering Spaces
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The Northfield Community Center serves as a central hub for recreation, fitness, and social activities, offering a gymnasium, fitness center, and multi-purpose rooms.
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Willow Park, the largest park in the district, is a key open space in our community as well as a destination for sports, walking, and family and community gatherings.
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In addition to providing outdoor recreation opportunities, from playgrounds to winter ice skating, Clarkson Park hosts Northfield’s largest all-community events including Market & Music and Clarkson Cookout.
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Fox Meadow Park offers a variety of amenities for community enjoyment including a playground, shelter and restrooms, and a natural observation deck overlooking a wetland offering. Three soccer fields are well-maintained via a collaborative effort between the Northfield Park District and New Trier Township High School.
2. Diverse Programming for All Ages
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The Park District offers fitness classes, youth sports programs, senior and after-school activities, and summer camps, ensuring opportunities for all demographics.
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Special events, such as Boo Bash, Holiday Fest, and Market & Music, create cherished traditions and bring neighbors together.
3. Strong Community Partnerships
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Collaborations with School District 29, New Trier High School, Village of Northfield, and local businesses ensure that programs and facilities serve the entire community.
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The Park District supports local organizations and initiatives that enrich the town's cultural and recreational life.
4. Commitment to Enhancements and Sustainability
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The Comprehensive Master Plan outlines strategic improvements, including new parks, upgraded facilities, and environmental initiatives such as wetland restoration.
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The March 17 referendum aims to provide funding for further expansions, reinforcing the Park District’s commitment to meeting community needs.
Park District Expansions
Over the past two decades, the Park District has significantly expanded its facilities and amenities despite limited resources, including one of the lowest tax rates among peer community park districts.
These improvements were achieved through community partnerships, state and federal grants, community member donations, disciplined financial planning, revenue-generating initiatives, and rigorous fiscal responsibility.
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Northfield Community Center: In 1998, the Park District, in collaboration with School District 29 and the Village of Northfield, established the Northfield Community Center. This cooperative effort allowed for shared use of facilities, optimizing resources to benefit the community.
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Community Center Expansion: In 2016, the Community Center underwent a significant expansion and renovation. The project enhanced fitness areas, locker rooms, and multi-purpose spaces, providing improved recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
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Willow Park Redevelopment: The 22-acre Willow Park saw substantial redevelopment, including the construction of four baseball fields, two soccer fields, four tennis courts, a permeable parking lot, a picnic pavilion, and pedestrian paths. This project not only expanded recreational facilities but also incorporated wetland remediation, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability.
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Clarkson Park: In 2021, Clarkson Park underwent a significant renovation, enhancing its facilities to better serve the community including: a new playground improves safety and accessibility; Garard Family Splash Pad provides interactive water play area for children; Mabie Family Pavilion offers shaded space for gatherings and events; Balin Family Bandshell hosts live performances and community events; and Peterson Family Rain Garden enhances the park's natural beauty and support local ecology.
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Fox Meadow Park: This 9-acre park is jointly owned by the Park District and New Trier Township High School and includes three full size soccer fields, a wetland boardwalk, and a tot playground. The park was acquired in the early 2000s and developed around 2002. It is adjacent to Fox Meadow subdivision.
Park District Fiscal Responsibility
The Park District has a well earned reputation for fiscal responsibility, built on decades of transparent financial practices, prudent management, and long-term sustainability.
Positive Audit Outcome:
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The independent audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, by Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, issued an unmodified opinion, confirming that the financial statements fairly represent the district's financial position according to GAAP.
Effective Financial Management:
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Outstanding debt decreased by $204,376 from the previous year to $1,691,530, demonstrating effective financial management.
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The district continues to maintain a healthy total fund balance of approximately $2.0 million, including $725,000 reserved for long-term capital projects and maintenance and about $1.0 million reserved for annual operating expenses.
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Revenue generation through program charges and rental fees also plays an important role in funding Park District operations. These revenue sources contributed $1.3 million in 2024, which is nearly equivalent to what the Park District collected in tax revenue.
Commitment to Public Transparency:
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The budget is made available for public inspection, and hearings are held before final approval.
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For instance, the 2024-2025 Budget and Appropriations Ordinance was publicly reviewed, with a hearing conducted on August 26, 2024.
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All financial information—including annual budgets, compensation reports, and comprehensive annual financial reports—is publicly available on the district's website. Click HERE.
The Park District is a distinct taxing entity, separate from the Village of Northfield and School District 29. From a governance perspective, the Park District maintains an elected Board of Commissioners. Day-to-day management of the Park District rests with Park District staff, led by Executive Director Bill Byron. Mr. Byron reports directly to the Board of Commissioners.
Community Input to Master Plan
To align with community needs and ensure sustainable growth, the Park District regularly updates its Comprehensive Master Plan.
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Developed in early 2023, the Master Plan is the product of significant community input.
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The Master Plan reflects community priorities including, addressing underserved areas, upgrading existing amenities, expanding indoor spaces, and enhancing sustainability.
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The Master Plan estimates $10 million in capital projects over the next decade.
Historically, major projects in the Park District (see Past Expansions) were funded through a combination of fund balance reserves, state and federal grants, donations through the Northfield Parks Foundation, and, when necessary, debt financing.
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Fund balance reserves have contributed $1.5 million to prior improvements.
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State and Federal grants were applied for and added $3.2 million towards prior projects.
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The Northfield Parks Foundation, through generous community and user group donations, has provided $2.2 million towards park upgrades and improvements.
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Debt financing has provided $3.7 million with a current outstanding balance of $1.7 million, with an average interest rate of 2%, scheduled for retirement by 2031.
This careful financial management has been achieved while maintaining one of the lowest property tax rates in the area.
Looking ahead, to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Master Plan and continue delivering desired amenities and sustaining existing Park District resources, the Park District is pursuing a Limiting Rate Property Tax Referendum.
March 17th Referendum Benefits
If the upcoming Park District referendum passes on March 17, 2026, Northfield residents can anticipate a series of enhancements, as outlined in the Comprehensive Master Plan and developed with extensive community input. The Master Plan aims to address current needs and support sustainable growth over the next decade.
Planned improvements Include:
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Willow Park Phase II: Scheduled for 2025, this phase focuses on upgrading existing amenities.
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New North Side Pocket Park & Playground: Aiming to address underserved areas within the Park District, this project involves creating a new park and playground.
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Community Center Expansion: Plans include expanding indoor spaces at the Community Center to accommodate a wider range of programs and activities.
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Willow Park Outdoor Restrooms & Maintenance Facility Improvements: Enhancements include constructing outdoor restrooms and improving maintenance facilities.
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Fox Meadow Boardwalk Loop Extension & Playground Replacement: Improvements include extending the boardwalk loop and replacing the existing playground.
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Future Land Acquisition: The Park District plans to acquire additional land to expand its offerings and address residents’ desire for additional parks.
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More information on these planned improvements is available HERE.
The Park District receives only 3% of local property taxes – one of the lowest among 47 neighboring districts. For decades, growth has been made possible through diligent financial management, securing state and federal grants, and Northfield Parks Foundation support. However, responsible management alone cannot fully meet the needs outlined in the Park District’s Master Plan. The success of the referendum is critical to achieving these community-driven objectives. The estimated cost is less than $1 per day for the average homeowner, with the potential to increase property values by 8-20%.
Tax Implications of the Referendum
The referendum proposes a permanent increase to the Park District's property tax rate from 0.24% to 0.34% effective with 2025 tax bills (payable in 2026).
Note that the property tax rate is not the same as the percentage of a taxpayer’s total tax bill that goes to the Park District. For an average Northfield taxpayer, currently about 3% of their overall tax bill is allocated to the Park District, but this is separate from the actual property tax rate levy.
If the referendum passes, the Park District will still have one of the lowest tax rates of surrounding community park districts.
Residents can expect an estimated tax increase of approximately $30 per $100,000 of property value. For example, a home valued at $500,000 would see an annual increase of about $150.
The Ongoing Community Engagement
The Park District emphasizes transparency and encourages residents to participate in upcoming meetings to discuss the referendum and planned projects.
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Meetings are scheduled for February 23 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Community Center.
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These public meetings will provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, express concerns, and learn more about the proposed improvements.
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The Northfield Parks Foundation is also available to discuss the benefits of the referendum with individuals, community groups, and other interested parties. Contact the Northfield Parks Foundation at foundationboard@mynpf.org
Email the Northfield Parks Foundation if you would like to further discuss the merits of passing the referendum at foundationboard@mynfld.org