Aging Sara Park Building Poses Challenge for Park District

The Frankfort Park District is grappling with how to address the deteriorating Sara Park building, whose roof is in “bad shape” and whose location within a flood plain complicates any potential replacement.

The issue was discussed as part of the Building and Grounds report at the park district’s May 13 board meeting. Superintendent Edward Newton’s report noted the poor condition of the roof and confirmed that there has been no interest from outside parties in taking over the structure.

Commissioners discussed the possibility of replacing the building, but its position in a flood plain presents significant regulatory and financial hurdles for new construction. No immediate solution was decided upon.

The building is one of several maintenance challenges the district is facing. The board also heard that a “muskrat problem” has been reported at one of the ponds. In response, the district is shifting its pond maintenance strategy, moving to a new enzyme-based treatment.

In other maintenance news, the district has hired new contractors for weed control and mowing and has filled all open positions in its maintenance department, including summer help. Repairs have been completed on timers for the volleyball and basketball courts at Main Park, and replacement parts for the Little Tykes Playground Equipment have been received and installed.