Park Board Pivots to Van Purchase Following Bus Price Increases

Mokena Community Park District Board Meeting | October 2025

Article Summary: Facing high costs for a new bus, the Park Board voted to purchase two passenger vans instead, a move expected to increase transport capacity while saving money.

Fleet Update Key Points:

• The Switch: The board authorized purchasing two 12-passenger vans instead of one 15-passenger bus.

• Reasoning: The price of a base-model bus had risen exponentially, meeting or exceeding the budgeted amount.

• Outcome: The vans offer a lower total cost and increased flexibility for camp transportation and adult trips.

The Mokena Community Park District Board on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, adjusted its vehicle purchasing strategy to navigate rising costs in the automotive market.

The board voted 6-0 to approve the purchase of two vans. Originally, the district had budgeted for a single 15-passenger bus to support recreational programming. However, Executive Director Greg Vitale advised the board that bus pricing has seen “exponential increases,” making a new bus fiscally difficult.

Vitale proposed purchasing two 12-passenger vans through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative. “Given the potential cost savings and increased passenger capacity, this option warrants further discussion,” Vitale stated in a memo to the board. The purchase was approved by Vice President Mary Louise Knoerzer, Commissioners Bob Lindbloom, Rebekah Maurer, Jeff Apel, Mike Gandy, and President Kathryn O’Connor.