Closing River Heights not merited by numbers
To the Editor:
According to the DeKalb Park District's 2018 financial report, the district operates 39 parks, 20 playgrounds, 17 ball fields, 17 soccer fields, a dog park, a sledding hill, and a band shell.
These are valuable as community assets, but most or all of them operate at a deficit when maintenance costs are considered. Yet River Heights Golf Course is expected to break even or make a profit.
The $65,000 deficit projected for 2020 is one-ninth of 1% of the district's $7.2 million budget.
According to the financial report, the district received $100,000 more in taxes in 2018 than in 2017, with total revenue increasing by $266,706, or 3.89%. The park district's net financial position increased by $408,442 during 2018.
It becomes apparent that the desire to close River heights is based on the executive director's agenda and priorities.
James Bourdages
DeKalb
