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Board advances $60,000 pre-engineering and feasibility work for proposed Beck Park turf fields
Summary
Trustees heard plans and selected consultants for pre‑engineering and a market/feasibility study for two artificial turf fields and an infield at Beck Park; staff said HYSA would reimburse half the cost and the village would initially fund the work from capital reserves.
The Hinsdale Village Board on April 22 advanced pre‑engineering and a feasibility study for a proposed artificial turf project at Beck Park, moving the effort one step closer to potential construction in spring 2026.
Staff described a two‑part consultant engagement: White Engineering was recommended to provide pre‑engineering and design services for the fields at a cost not to exceed $34,400; Barry Dunn, McNeil & Parker (a Connecticut firm selected from proposals) was recommended for a market and feasibility study at a cost not to exceed $24,799. Together the two studies total roughly $60,000.
Village staff said the Hinsdale Youth Sports Alliance (HYSA) and residents expect to raise roughly 50% of the total project cost through private donations, and that the village would guarantee a fully amortizing loan for the remaining 50%, with debt service intended to be paid from field rental revenue. For the consultant engagements, the village will pay vendors directly and HYSA will reimburse 50% of the study costs. Staff noted this expense is unbudgeted and would initially be paid from the general fund capital reserves; if the project cannot proceed after the studies, the village's exposure on the studies would be slightly less than $30,000.
Trustees and HYSA representatives discussed key risks and next steps: the feasibility study will test utilization, revenue projections, rental rates and user groups; it will include focus groups and interviews with local clubs, potential non‑affiliate renters and neighboring municipalities. Staff outlined a tentative schedule: engineering complete in July, feasibility complete in August, additional review by Parks & Recreation and the Plan Commission during summer, and a potential final decision by the board in late fall 2025 with construction in spring 2026 if approved.
Trustees pressed staff and HYSA about revenue assumptions, prioritized users, preferential rates for local affiliates, and management structures for long‑term operations. HYSA leaders said local clubs (Hinsdale Falcons, Hinsdale Herd, Little League and others) support the project and that regional travel programs have expressed interest in renting turf if available. Trustees emphasized that the feasibility study must provide conservative revenue assumptions and identify who would manage scheduling and operations over a 10–12 year horizon.
No final vote on construction or financing took place on April 22; the board indicated it would consider the consultant contracts and studies at its May meeting for formal authorization to proceed.
