Above / Naperville Park District Executive Director Brad Wilson, far left, and the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners are seated facing the NPD staff and public present at the Dec. 11, 2025 meeting. (PN Photo)
Naperville Park District Reports
2026 Budget Adopted
At its December 11, 2025, meeting, the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the 2026 Budget and Appropriation Ordinance. Prior to the meeting, the draft budget was available on the District’s website for a 30-day public review period.
Additionally, the District released the 2026 Budget Snapshot – a brief, reader-friendly overview of the Park District’s 2026 budget that also highlights major Districtwide goals and capital projects. The 2026 Budget Snapshot, the complete 2026 Budget document, and other financial reports are available at www.napervilleparks.org/acfrbudgettreasurersreport.
The District’s 2026 budget includes capital funding to renovate playgrounds at seven parks and continue the site improvements at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots which began in September 2025. The site improvements are a part of the Site Master Plan developed in 2022 based on community input. Additionally, the playground renovations planned at Knoch Park will include the installation of synthetic turf play surfacing.
2026 Budget and Budget Snapshot now available at napervilleparks.org.
Bond Referendum Question Will Appear on Primary Election Ballot March 17, 2026
During the December 11, 2025, Park Board meeting, the Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to place a bond referendum question on the ballot of the March 17, 2026, general primary election. The referendum will seek the approval of funding for the construction of a multipurpose indoor community activity center at Frontier Sports Complex, which would provide fitness and exercise rooms, walking and jogging track, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools and rooms for programs and community activities, as well as the acquisition of land for the purpose of preserving, restoring and maintaining open spaces and extending trails.
For several years, the Park District has received considerable input from residents and participants that identified and prioritized a desire for more indoor recreation space, including indoor aquatics, and an interest in additional open space. In fall 2025, the Park District initiated an extensive public engagement process to communicate information to residents and gather feedback on a potential funding proposal. The public engagement culminated with a survey mailed to registered voter households where over 8,000 survey responses were recorded.
Initially, six capital projects were proposed as part of the potential referendum. Based on residents’ feedback, the Board of Commissioners reduced the number and scope of projects. The proposed $120 million bond measure is estimated to have an annual tax impact of $117, or less than $10 per month, for a home with a fair market value of $500,000 based on financing with a term not to exceed 20 years.
The Naperville Park District thanks the community for its interest in this initiative and for providing input. For more information regarding the referendum, as well as survey results, visit www.napervilleparks.org.
Thanks to all PN readers for paying attention, especially during the busy holiday season!
