Voters in Naperville, Illinois, have approved a bond measure providing $120 million to the Naperville Park District to fund a new Frontier Sports Complex and acquire land for open space and trails.
The measure passed with about 56% of the vote, with 15,960 residents in favor and 12,587 opposed.
The planned Frontier Sports Complex is a large-scale indoor recreational facility designed to expand capacity across multiple programs. Plans include pools, gyms, children’s play areas, walking tracks, fitness rooms and meeting space. The facility is expected to open within three years. The March 17 referendum marks the first time in the district’s 60-year history that voters have approved funding through a referendum.
The investment represents a significant expansion of the district’s recreational footprint. The district’s original proposal carried a higher price tag and included additional upgrades to existing facilities and an ice rink. Following public input, officials scaled back the plan, cutting four projects and reducing the cost by $15 million.
Funding for the district has historically come from a 5% property tax levy and user fees. District officials said the referendum was necessary to expand capacity and reduce waitlists for programs and facilities as demand has outpaced available space.
Executive Director Brad Wilson said the vote reflects strong community support for expanding access to the types of recreational amenities residents already use.
Photo by Chris Flaten from Pexels
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