Park District to Offer Educational Material, Speakers on Referendum

Release Date: Jul. 3, 2008

By KENNETH PATCHEN, Pioneer Press Staff Writer
Between now and the Nov. 4 referendum to approve a tax levy increase to renovate Central and Rosewood beach and park areas, the Park District of Highland Park will offer educational materials and speakers for interested voters.

The most immediate resource is on the Web site. Residents can go to www.hplakefront.org to download information or read about the proposals.

"The Web site will be very detailed," said Deputy Director David Harris, "but it will also be very navigable."

Last weekend, Park District officials mailed out postcards to community residents to announce the referendum and offer to inform those who want to know more. The District will not argue to approve or veto the referendum, but it does answer questions and explain what is proposed.

Harris said the district will have information brochures at all park district facilities. There will be a kiosk at public events with information. Two town meetings will be held in the fall. A PowerPoint presentation is available for groups to see. District staff is available to meet with groups, clubs, and household coffee klatches to talk about what is proposed.

Harris said district staff will come to Parent Teacher Organization meetings, houses of worship, and service club meetings to speak about lakefront plans. Neighborhood and coffee groups can sign-up on the web site to host meetings.