Fact Sheet: A Smarter Way Forward
Why the Fry Family YMCA Is Encouraging A Pause & Promoting Community Collaboration
The YMCA has asked the Park District to pause its proposed expansion plans and reconsider moving forward with a March 2026 referendum.
We believe that constructing two facilities with nearly identical programs and services less than a mile from each other is not an efficient use of taxpayer dollars and limits access to recreation centers with pools to only one part of the city.
Naperville became one of America’s best places to live through collaboration. We believe that same spirit should guide us now. By bringing together the local public, private, and nonprofit sectors, we can align facilities, programs, and investments to serve our community more effectively for generations to come.
This is a pivotal moment. You have the power to impact whether the proposal moves forward. Your voice matters, and your action today can make a difference. Share your views directly with your elected officials here.
We are grateful for the support we’ve received, and for feedback about how the Fry Family YMCA and our organization can better serve Naperville.
Sincerely,
Erika Wood, Executive Director, Fry Family YMCA
$215 Million In New Taxes:
Every homeowner and property owner in Naperville will pay increased property taxes over the next 20 years regardless of whether they use the proposed recreation center or its programming.
5% Property Tax Increase
The Park District is already anticipating a 5% 2025 tax levy increase, as well as higher fees for select programs, for its upcoming budget.
A $2,160 Family Membership:
The proposed annual household fitness and aquatics membership rate for a family at the new facility.
$120 Million:
The estimated cost to construct the 138,000 square foot facility at Frontier Park.
86% Spent on One Facility:
The referendum takes resources from the entire community, but concentrates 86% of the spending on one facility south of 95th Street.
3,800 Feet:
The distance from the proposed Park District facility to the existing Fry Family YMCA.
3 Duplicative Facilities:
If built, there would be three similar facilities located within a mile of each other in south Naperville versus a centralized community location.