Mokena Park District Joins Regional Partners in Renewed Funding Commitment for LWSRA

The Mokena Community Park District is renewing its financial commitment to the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA), joining eight other local park districts in an intergovernmental agreement that ensures continued funding for capital projects at the LWSRA’s New Lenox facility.

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on June 27 to approve Resolution 23-6, which continues an additional contribution from member districts to maintain and upgrade the 10-year-old building that serves as a hub for recreational programming for individuals with disabilities.

The original agreement, which helped fund the facility’s construction, has expired. LWSRA is now requesting that member agencies continue the contribution to assist with ongoing capital needs.

“LWSRA also wants to start saving for the inevitable repairs and replacement of the roof and HVAC system,” Executive Director Greg Vitale stated in a memo to the board. “A full, unexpected replacement of either would be devastating to their budget and would certainly require the financial assistance of their member agencies anyway.”

The agreement authorizes Mokena and its partner districts—Crete Park District, Frankfort Park District, Frankfort Square Park District, Manhattan Park District, New Lenox Park District, Peotone Park District, and Wilmington Island Park District—to continue contributing .0025% of their annual levy for special recreation.

An initial list of needed repairs and improvements totals more than 200,000 over the next three years. They include:
2023

• Sidewalk and stamped concrete repairs – $15,000
• Replacement of the stage – $20,000
• Keyless door entry – $10,000

2024

• Parking lot repairs – $100,000
• Replacement of furniture and tile in lobby – $20,000
• Park shade improvements – $17,000
• Softball field resurfacing – $15,000

2025

• Security system upgrades – $30,000
• Gym floor resurfacing and replacing – $25,000

The motion to approve the resolution was made by Commissioner Mary Louise Knoerzer and passed by a 5-0 vote.