New Lenox Park District Prepares to Launch Public Survey for Major Capital Referendum

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

Article Summary:
The New Lenox Community Park District’s Referendum Task Force has advanced its strategic planning, preparing to launch a public survey and dedicated web page to gauge community support for a proposed major project. The district also announced that its special recreation partner, LWSRA, was awarded a massive $150,000 grant from the Will County Mental Health Community Board.

Referendum and Recreation Key Points:

• Referendum Next Steps: Following a successful second Task Force meeting, the district is preparing to release an introductory letter, a community survey, and a dedicated informational web page regarding the proposed referendum.

• LWSRA Grant: The Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) was awarded a $150,000 grant from the Will County Mental Health Community Board.

• Distinguished Accreditation: The Recreation Department is actively uploading documents into the Power DMS program as part of its ongoing push to achieve Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation.

• Spring Programming: Spring recreation classes have commenced, and registration for the adult softball league at the Crossroads Sports Complex remains open until April 13.

The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, received crucial updates on the progress of a citizen task force tasked with evaluating a potential multi-million dollar capital referendum.

Director of Recreation Olga Viano reported that the Referendum Task Force recently held a highly productive second meeting. The task force, which was formed to evaluate the scope and funding mechanisms for a major proposed district project, is now preparing to transition its efforts outward to the public.

Viano stated that the next steps in the referendum process will include the distribution of an introductory letter and a newsletter to residents. Most importantly, the district will deploy a community survey designed to gauge public sentiment and identify specific community needs. To support the outreach effort, the district is launching a dedicated web page intended to answer frequently asked questions regarding the referendum’s potential scope and impacts.

While planning for future capital, the district celebrated a major financial victory for its special recreation partners. Executive Director Greg Lewis formally congratulated the Lincolnway Special Recreation Association (LWSRA) on being awarded a massive $150,000 grant from the Will County Mental Health Community Board. Lewis noted that LWSRA did not hold its standard monthly meeting due to the Primary Election Day, but staff reports were distributed to all commissioners.

At the local level, Viano reported that spring programming is in full swing. All spring recreation classes have begun, including youth athletic classes and early childhood programs. Registration for the 2026-2027 Kiddie Kampus program has officially launched following a successful field trip to the local library.

Viano also noted that registration for the highly popular adult softball league remains open until April 13. Both men’s and co-ed teams will play their games at the newly constructed Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex beginning in May.