Referendum Proposal
The Naperville Park District has proposed a $120 million bond referendum for March 2026. The main project in the proposal is a $120 million indoor recreation and aquatic center at Frontier Park, located in Southwest Naperville by 95th Street and Route 59.
While the land is already owned, the proposed 138,000-square-foot facility would cost around $862 per square foot to construct.
Previously, the District’s plan called for six improvement projects at a total estimated cost of $139,390,000:
- Indoor fitness and aquatics center at Frontier Park
- Site Improvements at Nike Sports Complex
- Site Improvements at Country Lakes Park
- Site Improvements at Wolf’s Crossing Community Park
- Refrigerated Outdoor Seasonal Ice Rinks at the Community Garden Plots Parking Lot
- Acquiring Additional Open Space
Update: In December 2025, the Park Board adjusted its plans and only the indoor fitness and aquatics center at Frontier Park and open space land acquisition are proposed. The $124.75 million program would be financed by a $120 million, 20-year bond.
- Indoor fitness and aquatics center at Frontier Park
- Indoor fitness and aquatics center at Frontier Park
Proposed Improvement Plan
| Project | Cost | Precent of Plan |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Building Frontier Park Recreation & Aquatic Center | $119,750,000 | 85.9% |
| Withdrawn #2 Site Improvements at Nike Sports Complex | $4,250,000 | 3.0% |
| Withdrawn #3 Site Improvements at Country Lakes Park | $5,700,000 | 4.1% |
| Withdrawn #4 Site Improvements at Wolf’s Crossing Community Park | $2,840,000 | 2.0% |
| Withdrawn #5 Refrigerated Outdoor Seasonal Ice Rinks | $1,850,000 | 1.3% |
| #6 Acquiring Additional Open Space | $5,000,000 | 3.6% |
|
Previous Total
|
$139,390,000
|
|
| New Total | $124,475,000 |
Swipe to view full table
Every Property Owner Pays For The Next 20 Years
As a non-profit, the Fry Family YMCA is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of Naperville’s population. Naperville is a thriving community, but affordability is becoming a concern for more of the population. The proposed facility’s capital cost—$120 million—would place a financial burden on residents, and duplicate facilities and services already available in the area.
If the plan moves forward, the Naperville Park District will have limited capacity to add facilities and programming in central and north Naperville, leading to concerns about these areas of town remaining underserved for decades to come.
In total, if approved, this initiative will increase property taxes for 20-years to pay off the principal and interest of the $120 million bond.
| Home Market Value | New Additional Property Tax |
|---|---|
| $300,000 | +$68 / Year |
| $400,000 | +$93 / Year |
| $500,000 | +$117 / Year |
| $600,000 | +$142 / Year |
| $700,000 | +$167 / Year |
Swipe to view full table
As proposed, the Park District’s share of your property taxes will increase for the next 20 years. Every homeowner and property owner in Naperville will have to financially support the $120 million indoor recreation and three-pool facility, regardless of whether they use it or its programming.