Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Skokie Park District is considering placing a bond referendum on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot to fund major capital improvements at two sites, including a new park along the North Shore Channel and upgrades to Sports Park East.
The proposal would develop Channelside Park South on a former industrial site along Oakton Street and McCormick Boulevard, transforming the largely paved and underused property into a new community recreation destination. It would also fund a new recreation center and expanded amenities at Sports Park East, one of the district’s most heavily used facilities.
District officials say the plan reflects years of community engagement, including public meetings, a districtwide survey and task force discussions. Feedback has consistently highlighted demand for walking and biking paths, additional green space, ADA-accessible playgrounds, outdoor gathering spaces and expanded sports and recreation facilities.
Input was collected during public meetings held June 6 and 7. Questions and feedback may be directed to Executive Director Michelle Tuft at the Skokie Park District.
Sports Park East improvements
Sports Park East is heavily used for sports leagues, programs and community activities but currently lacks several amenities residents have identified as priorities, including indoor recreation space, permanent restrooms and sheltered gathering areas. Environmental remediation at the site was completed in 2015.
Under the proposal, the district is considering a new recreation center featuring multi-sport courts, flexible program and rental rooms, golf simulators, a shaded patio, a rain garden and expanded parking.
Additional improvements include a golf practice green, upgraded cricket and soccer or multipurpose fields with improved irrigation and lighting, practice pitches, shaded seating, shelters and restrooms, relocated batting cages, a playground challenge course, outdoor fitness equipment, a new walking and jogging path and expanded native plantings.
Channelside Park South proposal
The proposed Channelside Park South site is currently a long, narrow corridor of asphalt and concrete along the North Shore Channel that previously served industrial uses. Officials describe it as underused and disconnected from surrounding neighborhoods. Environmental Phase I and II assessments have been completed with no concerns reported.
Plans call for a fully accessible ADA-compliant playground with nature-inspired features and an accessible zip line, a paved walking and biking path with a bridge connecting to Sports Park East and the North Shore Channel Trail, a renovated multipurpose facility with patio and pergola, a band shell and event lawn, outdoor fitness equipment, a children’s maze and splash pad, seating and picnic areas, and native plantings with invasive species removal.
Both sites are located on land leased from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, which allows park development but includes limitations such as prohibiting artificial turf.
District officials said Skokie has limited opportunities to expand parkland, making long-term planning critical as it seeks to meet rising demand for recreation space while managing construction costs and pursuing grant funding.
If approved by voters, the bond would fund development of both sites as part of a broader effort to expand recreation access and green space across the community.
