YOUR PARKS. YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR DECISION. VOTE MARCH 19.
RESIDENTS APPROVE PARK DISTRICT BOND REQUEST
March 20, 2024
Referendum Approved
Residents have approved the Roselle Park District referendum request for $7 million to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain the Kemmerling Park and Pool, including adding a splashpad, the Clauss Recreation Center facility, and other parks and park facilities, including tree reforestation, wetland restoration, and pathway improvements.
We are so grateful, and would like to thank every member of the Roselle Park District community for your continued engagement and support. From the survey responses to the ballots cast in yesterday’s vote, your voices have been heard and we are honored to deliver what matters most to you to build upon the progress that has already been made.
We look forward to the completion of these projects so that Kemmerling Pool will continue to serve generations of families; Clauss Fitness Center will provide more space for those working out; and individuals and families will have enhanced trails and places to enjoy our natural environment, have picnics and play.
Next Steps
We will begin the designing, permitting and bidding process this summer, with work beginning in Fall 2024 and running through 2027. Path improvements, tree reforestation, and natural restoration projects will begin in Fall 2024, and work on Clauss Recreation Center and Kemmerling Park and Pool is expected to start in 2025. Project-specific timelines will be updated as more details are confirmed.
Stay Updated!
We urge all residents to visit this webpage regularly and follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) to stay up-to-date on our progress. Again, we are grateful for your continued support.
QUICK LINKS
- What would funds support?
- Why are bond funds needed?
- Projects and Map of Locations
- Draft Budget Plan
- FAQs
- Park District Boundaries Map
What Will Funds Support?
The Roselle Park District Board of Commissioners voted to put to the community a bond request to raise revenue to improve, equip and maintain the Kemmerling Park and Pool, remodel the Clauss Recreation Center facility and other parks and park facilities, and improve green spaces and pathways throughout the District.
With approval from the voters, Roselle Park District will issue bonds in the amount of $7 million for these specific purposes:
- Improve, equip and maintain Kemmerling Park and Pool, including adding a splashpad
- Improve, equip and maintain Clauss Recreation Center
- Tree reforestation
- Natural area and wetland restoration
- Pathway improvements
Why are Bond Funds Needed?
The Roselle Park District undertakes major replacements and updates annually; however, the priorities identified by the community in surveys will require significantly more funding. The Roselle Park District operates and manages more than 158 acres of land, 16 parks, 6 facilities, and some 276 recreational programs and events for residents and visitors.
These park resources – especially the most popular ones like our Kemmerling Pool, Clauss Recreation Center and trails – periodically require replacement and repair due to their ages, wear and tear from daily use and constant exposure to hot summers and freezing winters. Green spaces throughout the Midwest, including those in Roselle, are being overrun by invasive species upsetting the biodiversity that supports local wildlife and prevents erosion. Our parks are gathering places for families and neighbors and it’s important that we restore and maintain them to ensure enjoyment now and for generations to come. Priority projects identified by residents will have a positive impact on quality of life and contribute to a vibrant, thriving Roselle community.
The Park District undertakes major replacements and updates annually; however, the priorities identified through the surveys will require significantly more funding to provide the impact and strong return on taxpayers’ investment. Should residents approve the bond request, they will protect the progress made in the past decade.
Projects:
If the bond request is approved, it will raise the necessary revenue to fund the projects highlighted below. Planning and contractor interviews will start as early as Summer 2024, with work beginning in Fall 2024 and running through 2027. Residents will be included in the process as final designs are determined.
Kemmerling Pool:
Kemmerling Pool has given families years of summer fun, swim and dive teams a home pool and provided first jobs for many Roselle teens. Roselle families have missed the Turner Park splashpad that was removed due to disrepair and increased operating costs.
Upgrades to Kemmerling Pool will include a splashpad, improved infrastructure and safety features to increase the pool’s lifespan, and new lounge furniture and shaded spaces. Adding the splashpad to Kemmerling Pool with trained aquatic personnel already onsite minimizes additional operating expenses.
Kemmerling Park:
Kemmerling Park has something for everyone– playground, tennis courts, a ballfield, trails to and from Roselle Middle School and green space to enjoy.
Upgrades include installation of new playground equipment suitable for children of all ages and abilities, adding more native landscaping and restoring the retaining wall.
Clauss Recreation Center:
Clauss Recreation Center is the hub of the Park District’s activities with sports fields, open green space, a rose garden, a playground and a variety of educational, enrichment and recreational classes. The fitness center is busy with residents using the walking track, equipment and a small area for stretching. Benefits would include a reconfigured layout to use space more efficiently and updated equipment.
Roselle Reforestation:
As the importance of parks and other green spaces has risen in the last decade, so has the importance of green and suburban/urban canopies. Tall, lush trees signal vibrancy and long-standing communities. Roselle is just that.
But the Emerald Ash Borer has infected hundreds of ash trees in Roselle, and they are dying. The reforestation program will remove up to 200 diseased trees and plant diverse, healthy trees suitable for the Midwest climate and Village of Roselle aesthetic in Goose Lake, Engel, Kidtowne, Odlum, Chatburg, Newcastle and Kemmerling parks.
Natural Area Restoration & Flood Control Improvements:
The health and diversity of plants throughout our greenspaces improves our environment, supports local flora and fauna and adds to the beauty of our Village.
In order to restore the areas in Goose Lake, Engel, and Chatburg parks, the Park District will remove invasive plants and trees to balance the natural ecosystem and install native trees and plantings. These efforts will also mitigate erosion and reduce flooding in the areas
Trail Improvements:
level, widen, and repave trails at Engel, Goose Lake, and Kemmerling parks, aligning them with current ADA guidelines and making them usable to more residents.
Map of Project Locations:
Here is a map showing project locations. Check out what is closest to you!
Draft Budget Plan for Proposed Improvements
If approved by voters, Roselle Park District will issue bonds in the amount of $7 million. Here is the proposed breakdown of investment based on best available information:
Do I live within the Roselle Park District Boundaries?
The Village of Roselle supports four park districts, including the Roselle Park District. You can check your property tax bill to determine what park district serves you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions or Comments?
We want to make sure you have all the information you need to be an informed voter on March 19. If you have questions or want to share your comment, please feel free to contact us.