Steps are being taken to begin a major expansion of the Baker Park clubhouse, and park officials hope the project can be finished by a year from now.
At Thursday’s meeting, the Kewanee Park Board voted to begin the process of issuing alternate revenue bonds to pay for the work. Renovations to the existing dining areas and restrooms are planned, as well as expanding the kitchen and building new banquet, pro shop and simulator space east of the existing clubhouse, as well as a new parking area off 11th Street.
Andrew Dwyer, park district executive director, said the board approved issuing up to $4 million in bonds, although the expansion project isn’t expected to cost that much.
Dwyer said the bond payments will be made from the money raised by the general obligation bonds the park district issues each year.
He stressed that the new bonds won’t add to the park district’s property tax levy. He fact, he said, the park district is the only taxing body in Kewanee that is seeking less in property taxes this year than last year.
Dwyer also noted that the golf course revenue not only sustains the course but maintenance of the Baker Park Pleasure Drive is also covered by the staff assigned to the golf course. “Investing in the sole revenue generator at the district is a great opportunity for us to offer more to the public and with the sustained success of the Baker Park Golf realm it ultimately allows us to apply funds to other parks and programs within the district to continue to keep youth sport/activity costs down,” he said.
Previous park projects, such as the driving range and new park district office building and the irrigation system for the golf course, were financed the same way, Dwyer said.
This week, bids came in for a firm to manage the construction of the clubhouse addition. The plan is for work on the project to begin in October, with a projected completion date of next May.
Also Thursday:
— The board approved the purchase of a seeder for $25,000. It will be used throughout the district’s parks.
— A stand-alone camera system was approved for the new basketball and pickleball courts at Windmont Park and the basketball court at Northeast Park.
— Summer activities in the parks will soon be in full swing. Youth soccer has begun, baseball practice will begin June 1 and the fishing rodeo at Windmont Park is scheduled June 5.
Youth golf and the youth summer camp program also start in June.
— Dwyer said just under 400 young people signed up for soccer, and similar number signed up for the baseball program that will begin when the soccer season ends.
