ROCHELLE — At its monthly meeting Monday, the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District Board of Commissioners heard an update from Executive Director Jackee Ohlinger on a potential future Helms Park redevelopment project.

Over the past two years, the park district has been gathering input on the project at the former Rochelle Township High School outdoor athletic complex to fit it more to a park district-like use. The grounds were acquired by the park district in 2002 after they were no longer utilized by RTHS.

Public meetings have been held on the project to solicit feedback. In the past, the park district circulated a survey locally on what the community would like to see at the site, which received around 700 responses. Potential additions mentioned in the past have included a fitness area, a multi-sport court with a rubber surface for soccer, volleyball and basketball, a universal play space, a skate park, tennis courts and pickleball courts, a pavilion and restrooms, new parking, batting cages, a walking path and green space. 

"Now, with this groundwork in place, we are prepared to take the next step by requesting qualifications from design-build firms to assess the possibilities and bring a revitalized space to the Rochelle community," Ohlinger said. "As we move forward with the development of Helms North, we recognize the importance of taking a strategic approach to ensure the best use of our resources. Through years of operating The REC, we have gained valuable insight into what is effective, sustainable, and truly beneficial to our community. Our approach considers current and potential community needs, facility flow, and long-term sustainability."

Ohlinger said as the board begins the qualifications process for conceptual planning and design, it will explore both indoor and outdoor possibilities.

"This evaluation will help us determine what is financially feasible within our current framework while ensuring that any future development aligns with our long-term goals and community needs," Ohlinger said. "By taking this step of a request for qualifications, we are positioning ourselves to make informed, responsible decisions that maximize the impact of Helms North for years to come."

Gonzales

Ohlinger said Monday that the meeting would be the last for Commissioner Kristi Gonzales, who is resigning from the board. Ohlinger thanked Gonzales for her time, input and work as a commissioner.

Easement

The board unanimously approved an easement in the area of Flannigan Park in Hillcrest for Rochelle Municipal Utilities. RMU has plans for an electrical infrastructure upgrade to improve reliability and allow for future growth that will see it place larger power poles near Scott Avenue and the park. The changes will not interfere with park amenities.

Maintenance

Superintendent of Parks & Facilities Shane Bays presented his monthly report during the meeting on a number of topics. 

Recent work has included pressure washing at The REC Center and the splash pad at Spring Lake, installing gutters at the shelter at Cooper Park, and crack filling at the Helms Park tennis courts. The park district will soon start work on Rochelle Little League baseball and softball fields. 

Park district staff recently removed the playground equipment at VFW Park and the installation of new equipment is scheduled for mid-June. The park district recently approved new playgrounds for Hillcrest, Sweeney, VFW and Skare Parks. 

Basketball

Ohlinger said during the meeting that the park district's boys travel basketball league recently concluded on March 1. This year, there were 30 total teams across four different age groups. There were over 3,300 spectators at the games over eight weeks.

Spring Lake

Ohlinger announced during the meeting that there will be no fee increases for daily admission, pool passes, swim team or swim lessons at Spring Lake Pool for upcoming summer.

"Maintaining this affordability for families remains our top priority by continuing to provide a high quality, safe experience," Ohlinger said.