VOTE YES to Enhance Sports Park East and Develop a New Park Along the Channel!
If approved, a bond referendum on the November 3, 2026 ballot would fund two proposed park projects in Skokie. Sports Park East would be updated to enhance year-round recreation, and a new park would be developed on a former industrial site along the North Shore Channel. Both projects would expand green space and give Skokie residents new places to play, gather, and connect.
Channelside Park South
Conceptual Renderings
What's Possible
A New Community Destination
A new park is proposed for a former industrial site along the North Shore Channel, replacing asphalt and concrete with green space, paths, and places to play and gather. This vibrant new space would feature:
Paved walking and biking path with a new bridge connecting across the channel
Native prairie plantings and shade trees
Benches and a shelter with picnic tables
ADA-compliant, nature-inspired playground with an accessible zipline
Bandshell, stage, and event lawn for concerts and gatherings
Multipurpose facility with a patio and pergola for programs and community use
Children's maze and splash pad
Outdoor fitness equipment
The Site Today
The proposed site for Channelside Park South is a former industrial property along the North Shore Channel, made up largely of asphalt and concrete. It currently has no green space, shade, seating, or play areas, and functions mainly as a pass-through trail corridor.
VOTE YES to Add More Trails, Green Space, Play Areas, Indoor Recreation Opportunities, and More!
Sports Park East
Conceptual Renderings
What's Possible
Expanded Recreation, Inside and Out
The proposal would expand recreation opportunities at a popular community park. Updates would include:
New walking and jogging path
New recreation center with two full-size multi-sport courts, two golf simulators, flexible rental and program rooms, a shaded patio, and parking lot with a rain garden
New challenge course and outdoor fitness equipment
Additional native perennial plantings
Improved cricket and soccer/multipurpose fields with new practice pitches, lighting, seating, shelter, and restrooms
New baseball field with lights
New golf practice green for putting and chipping
Relocated batting cages
The Site Today
Sports Park East is one of the District's most active parks, with a wide range of outdoor sports, programs, and activities. The existing cricket and soccer/multipurpose fields are worn due to poor drainage and a lack of lighting limits playtime. The park also lacks a baseball field and indoor recreation space to support year-round programming.
Why Vote Yes
More Walking & Biking Paths
Adds walking and biking paths, including a connecting bridge over the North Shore Channel.
New Green Space & Plantings
Converts a former industrial site along the channel into a new, thriving green space, and adds native plantings at both locations.
More Program Space
Adds indoor and outdoor space for programs, camps, rentals, and community events.
New Playground
Adds a new ADA-compliant, nature-inspired playground at Channelside.
Upgraded Sports Fields
At Sports Park East, improves the existing cricket and soccer/multipurpose fields, adds a baseball field, and incorporates new lighting.
Much-Needed Indoor Courts
Adds a rec center with two full-size multi-sport courts at Sports Park East, doubling what currently exists for more than 60,000 residents.
New Family Amenities
Adds a splash pad, children's maze, and accessible zipline at Channelside and a challenge course at Sports Park East.
New Gathering Space
Creates a new community gathering space with a bandshell and event lawn along the channel.
Cost & Tax Impact
A 20-year, $53 million bond referendum will appear on the ballot.
The estimated tax impact is about $137 a year, or about $11 a month, for a home with a fair market value of $400,000.
Give Your Support.
Donations will help cover the cost of yard signs and other campaign tools to effectively get the word out.
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