The next big step: Park District nears decision on new facility

DIXON – It’s almost time for the Dixon Park District to decide if it can afford to build a new facility this fall.

The building would serve as a “phase 1″ structure and the start of a possible community center, which has been a goal of different city groups for many years but was rejected by community members when it meant a tax increase to fund it.

Instead of asking for a tax increase, the Park District is issuing $2 million in general obligation bonds to help fund the facility that would include two gyms, two batting cages, a community room, and administrative offices.

It would be built next to the Water Wonderland parking lot, and costs are estimated to be around $2 million to $3 million.

The bidding process began Friday, and district Executive Director Duane Long said they will know if they can move forward on construction when the bids come back Aug. 13.

Interest rates are low because of the pandemic, so it’s a good time to issue bonds, but a problem that could delay work is the rising cost of building materials, he said.

A groundbreaking could happen as early as Oct. 11 if the district can afford the building.

“We’re kind of in limbo right now to see if we can afford it,” Long said. “This is the next big step for the Dixon Park District. We’re trying to move forward, but COVID put a damper on building materials.”

The bonds will be paid back across 25 years, and Long said they will be able to afford payments through their operating budget without pursuing a tax increase.

There’s also $700,000 that the city has agreed to contribute and funding from a private entity, which is yet to be identified.

“We’ve been working hard on this for more than a year, and we’re so passionate about it,” he said. “We’re closer than we’ve ever been to bring this to the Park District.”

Community members got their first look at the facility during the Petunia Festival parade, where the district had a float with a large design of the space. The float is currently parked near Water Wonderland.

Construction was originally slated for spring 2022, but Long said they want to try to lock in a deal now in case the price of building materials continues to rise.

They would also sell their current office at 804 Palmyra St. after the facility is built, and likely pursue a referendum in the next few years to expand taxing boundaries from city limits to school district lines to expand the center.