Trustee Reinders defends Heritage Park Phase 1 plan, says $3.9M is planning estimate

HOMER GLEN, Ill. — Trustee Jaime Reinders spoke at length about plans for the first phase of improvements at Heritage Park, telling the board and residents that the project (including a Veterans Memorial, splash pad, pavilion and picnic areas) has been in the village master plan process since 2019 and that the $3,900,000 figure cited is a planning estimate rather than a final construction contract price.

Reinders said the parks and recreation committee revised the master plan in 2024 based on resident input and that the first phase reflects years of community planning. She said bids must be returned before final determinations are made about what the village can afford and what might be scaled back, and she described ongoing efforts to pursue grants and private donations to offset costs.

On concerns and social media: Reinders addressed resident concerns and social‑media criticism directly, urging constructive, respectful dialogue and discouraging anonymous venting: “Venting anonymously does not improve Homer Glen. Constructive dialogue moves our community forward, not intimidation or misinformation.”

Tax and funding context: Reinders explained that Homer Glen is not governed by a separate park district (which would have taxing authority) and estimated that a park district could add roughly $500–$1,300 per year in property taxes for an average to larger home, depending on services — figures that she listed as an example of why the village plans amenities through current mechanisms and seeks grant funding.

Next steps: Trustees encouraged residents to attend parks committee meetings and said the project will be refined once bids and potential funding sources are clearer.