The Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners has tentatively approved a $7.9 million budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, a plan that earmarks significant funds for major park infrastructure projects, including new pickleball court lights, playground replacements, and facility upgrades.

The total budget for all funds is set at $7,928,690, representing a 4.49% decrease from the previous fiscal year’s budget of $8,301,357. While the overall budget is smaller, the plan outlines an ambitious slate of capital projects aimed at modernizing park amenities and meeting growing community demand. The board voted unanimously to approve the tentative Budget and Appropriation Ordinance during its July 25 meeting.

A key focus of the new budget is the enhancement of local parks. According to the Maintenance Department’s budget narrative, several large-scale projects are planned. Hecht Park is slated for major improvements, with an estimated $175,000 for new pickleball court lights and $130,000 for fencing replacement on its baseball diamonds.

The district also plans to replace playgrounds at three parks: Timbers Pointe Park (100,000), Riivendell Park (95,000), and Boulder Ridge ($100,000). An additional $140,000 is allocated for parking lot and walking path repairs at Grasmere and Greenmeadows Parks.

Patti Parli, Superintendent of Finance and HR, presented the budget narratives, explaining the process to the board. The plan also includes funds for new equipment, such as a John Deere Gator utility vehicle for $29,500 and a zero-turn turf mower for $29,000 to replace a 28-year-old machine.

The Oaks Recreation and Fitness Center will also see significant investment. Its budget narrative details $39,325 for new cardio equipment and dumbbells. An allocation of $15,000 has been budgeted to brand The Oaks with a new logo, which will be featured on signage, the front desk, and a fitness center wall.

“Thank you to Patti Parli and the staff on their hard work with the budget,” said Executive Director Greg Vitale. “There will be some necessary adjustments over the next month, but the difficult work has been completed.”

The Recreation Department budget reflects both new initiatives and rising costs. An additional $20,000 was budgeted for field trips for the district’s popular Adventure Camp. The budget also accounts for a $12,500 increase for youth basketball officials due to higher program participation and increased fees. The cost of printing and mailing the district’s seasonal brochures is also expected to rise by $4,000.

During the meeting, board commissioners and department heads, including Superintendent of Parks and Facilities Jim VanGennep, Recreation Supervisor Skyler Ramberger, and outgoing Manager of Recreation Facility Operations Rachel Bauer, briefly discussed their respective department narratives.

The tentative budget will be on public display for 30 days for public inspection. A public hearing and a final vote to enact the ordinance are scheduled for the board’s August 22 meeting.