New Lenox Park District Referendum Task Force Evaluates Funding and Scope for Major Capital Projects

New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting | February 18, 2026

Article Summary:
The New Lenox Community Park District’s newly formed Referendum Task Force has officially launched, holding its first two meetings to evaluate potential solutions and financing strategies for a proposed major project. The district also announced that the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) Foundation received a record-breaking $65,000 donation.

Referendum and Recreation Key Points:

• Task Force Launch: Executive Director Greg Lewis reported that the Referendum Task Force held an initial interview and a follow-up meeting on February 10 to dive into potential solutions and financing considerations.

• LWSRA Donation: The LWSRA Foundation received a $65,000 donation, marking the largest contribution in the foundation’s history.

• Program Growth: The district’s ACES program currently enrolls 466 participants, while Ms. Jill’s Dynamic Dance programs started the year with 108 enrolled dancers.

• Adult Athletics: The Adult Pickleball League launched with 14 teams. Registration is currently open for adult softball, basketball, and a new “Cup in Hand” kickball league.

The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, received an update on the early stages of a massive financial planning effort, as a newly formed citizen task force begins evaluating the scope and funding mechanisms for a proposed district referendum.

Executive Director Greg Lewis reported that the Referendum Task Force successfully introduced the proposed project during its initial interview session. He noted that the initial dialogue generated important questions reflecting the group’s engagement in understanding the overarching impacts and objectives of a potential referendum.

On February 10, the group met for a second time for a more detailed review. Lewis stated that the follow-up meeting included a deeper dive into potential solutions and specific financing considerations, ensuring that task force members are “well-informed as the process moves forward.” The district has not yet formally announced the exact scope or financial target of the proposed referendum, though the district and the Village of New Lenox have been involved in long-term planning for a major fieldhouse facility.

While planning for future capital, the district celebrated a massive financial windfall for its special recreation partners. Lewis announced that the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) Foundation recently received its largest donation ever, securing a contribution of $65,000. Lewis also reminded the Board of the upcoming 50th Anniversary LWSRA Sneaker Ball in June, noting that the district has already reserved a table for the event.

At the local programming level, Commissioner Fischer highlighted robust enrollment numbers across the district’s recreation offerings.

The ACES before and after-school care program currently boasts 466 enrolled participants. The district’s “Beyond the Bell” extension program successfully offered three days of off-site activities during the winter holidays, taking students to Enchanted Castle, Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park, and the Crayola Art Studio.

Fischer also noted that all nine of Ms. Jill’s Dynamic Dance programs started in January, maintaining an enrollment of 108 dancers.

Adult athletic leagues also showed strong participation. The Adult Pickleball League began in January with 14 teams split evenly between competitive and recreational divisions. Fischer added that spring registration is currently open for a 12-inch Adult Summer Softball league, a 5-on-5 Basketball League, and a newly introduced “Cup in Hand” Kickball League.