H-F Park District Votes to Support Tax Referendum

The Main Story: The H-F Park District Board voted in favor of approving a resolution in support ’s proposed during last night’s meeting. 

“This is something I feel very strongly we should do,” Board President Bob Haderlein said.

The , which will be publicly voted on during Election Day on April 5, is designed to provide $7.5 million to by means of a seven-year tax hike for Homewood residents and businesses. has recently announced that without the referendum's passage, 26 positions will be eliminated, among other significant cutbacks.

Large Group Fees and Charges at Irons Oaks Approved: The board voted to approve a new series of fees and charges that will be applied to large group teambuilding and icebreaker activities at .

According to Manager Cheryl Vargo, these fees and charges come in response to the desire of large groups to utilize the services offered at without committing to a half or full-day or activities.

Under the new rates, a group of 20 to 60 people would be charged $350 for a first hour of icebreaker activities and $100 for a subsequent second hour, resulting in a profit of $290 and $390, respectively.

Program Changes: The “Van Voyagers” and “Walking Together” summer programs will be eliminated from the upcoming park district summer brochure after the board voted to approve the 2011 recreation summer fees and charges presented by Superintendent of Recreation Tracey Anderson. Replacing the eliminated programs, will be:

• Craft Creation for FAB
• Afternoon Preschool (in replacement of “Enrichment” program)
• "Emotional Freedom Technique" self-improvement class
• Chicago River Canoe Trip

According to Anderson, the “Emotional Freedom Technique” involves, “Tapping into the energy meridians of your physical body… to cause a miraculous connection with your mind an physical body.”

Commissioner Sue Bertram relayed positive feedback for this new program.

“My sister-in-law was raving about this today,” Bertram said.