Mokena Park District Approves $550,000 Fund Transfer for Major Park Projects

The Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners has approved a $550,000 fund transfer to complete several key capital projects, including the construction of a new bathroom facility at Hecht Park and the replacement of the Manchester Cove Playground.

The board voted 5-0 during its June 27 meeting to move the funds into the Capital Projects Fund, ensuring money is available for improvements that were planned but not completed in the previous fiscal year. The transfer draws $470,000 from the Recreation Fund, $50,000 from the Special Recreation Fund, and $30,000 from the Paving & Lighting Fund.

“The staff has been busy preparing the budget,” Executive Director Greg Vitale said in his report to the board, noting the financial planning underway as the fiscal year concluded on June 30.

The designated projects, outlined in a year-end fund transfer document, address significant infrastructure needs across the district. The largest portion of the funding, $470,000 allocated under Park Development, will cover the Hecht Park bathroom and Red Barn project, estimated at $375,000, and the Manchester Cove Playground replacement, estimated at $95,000.

An additional $50,000 for Accessibility and Special Accommodation will be split evenly between the Hecht Park bathroom project and the Manchester Cove playground, ensuring the new facilities meet modern accessibility standards.

The final $30,000 will be used for paving and lighting projects, including $15,000 for a path seal coat at Buske Park and another $15,000 for work on the Hecht Park parking lot.

The motion to approve the transfer was made by Commissioner Mary Louise Knoerzer and seconded by Commissioner Robert Lindbloom. The board’s approval was unanimous, with President Steve Jacobson, Vice President Kathryn O’Connor, and Commissioner Mike Gandy joining Knoerzer and Lindbloom in voting yes. Commissioners Jeff Apel and Dan Gilbert were absent. The transfer finalizes financial positioning for these projects ahead of the new fiscal year.