Banker Will Vote For Parks Referendum

The following Letter to the Editor states the opinions of the author. Patch serves as a platform for writers to express their views.

While I waffle on adding to my taxes, I am a realist at heart and really believe we have a once–in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire the Youth Campus property with the April referendum. As a banker and family man, I know it makes good money sense. 

The cost to my family nets out to only about $70 a year. Towns such as Winnetka, Barrington, Glenview, Northbrook and other ‘peer’ suburbs have already increased investment in their parks and recreational services. The difference now between our direction and theirs is both noticeable and dramatic. It is disturbing.

We have hope. I am so impressed with the preliminary plan for the Youth Campus park in its balance of quality recreation and leisure opportunities while protecting assets, natural resources, and open space for generations.  Given considerable options that prospective new residents have when determining where to live – including communities farther removed from air traffic noise, I think we need to continue to help build an active, vibrant community identity and a sustainable environment by promoting healthy lifestyles for residents of all ages and abilities through high quality parks, programs, and facilities. 

Park Ridge must show the leadership and vision to improve programming reach and diversity, align community feedback with fiscal responsibility, broaden and deepen our park and recreation offerings to all ages and ever-changing interests, and increase our park capacity, utilization, and legacy.  It’s a first class challenge, and a money good bet.

Robert Leach

Park Ridge