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Youth Campus property purchase taking another step forward
Updated: October 21, 2012 1:18PM
PARK RIDGE
A real estate contract allowing the Park Ridge Recreation and Park District to purchase the former Park Ridge Youth Campus property at a cost of $6.4 million is now in place.
But it will be voters who decide whether the land actually exchanges hands.
Children’s Home and Aid, which merged with the Youth Campus, signed the contract on Sept. 12, the Park District announced — six days after the Park Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of the entire campus.
According to Park District officials the contract calls for the Park District to purchase all 11.35 acres of the campus, located at 733 N. Prospect Ave., with the sale contingent upon voters approving a referendum in April 2013.
“The Youth Campus property is a unique and one-time opportunity for the Park District to conserve open space, preserve community history and accommodate new programs and expand enrollment for existing programs,” Park District Executive Director Gayle Mountcastle said in a statement.
The total cost of developing the property has not yet been determined and the Park District said meetings will be held to gather community input and suggestions for park amenities on the site.
In other news related to the Youth Campus, Our Parks Legacy, a committee formed to encourage the public to support the Park District’s referendum, is planning a fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 7. The event, which will take place at the Youth Campus from 3 to 6 p.m., will feature a barbecue and donations of $20 are requested.
