On behalf of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago and the Fry Family YMCA — organizations that have been serving Naperville since 1910 — we invite residents to join us in asking the Naperville Park District to pause its proposed expansion and reconsider moving forward with a March 2026 referendum.
If you haven’t been following, here is a quick recap. The Naperville Park District is proposing a six-part expansion plan that would require voter approval of a bond referendum next year.
About $120 million, or 86% of the community’s resources, would go toward building an indoor recreation and aquatic center at 95th Street and Route 59. If implemented, the Park District’s plan would add $215 million in property taxes over the next 20 years.
Despite the increases in property taxes, membership fees for the new center, including aquatics, are projected to be more than twice the current monthly rates at Fort Hill.
The Fry Family YMCA believes Naperville needs more indoor recreation space, which could include additional aquatic facilities, but similar facilities shouldn’t be built literally next door to each other in south Naperville.
Duplicating buildings, services, and programs within a mile of one another isn’t the best way to serve the evolving needs of Naperville’s residents and families.
Collaboration is what made Naperville one of the best cities in America.
