Crystal Lake Park District Buys Land Designated as Huntley Park District

The Crystal Lake Park District Board has announced intentions to buy 27 acres near Ackman and Swanson roads that could serve as a future home for a community recreation center or outdoor aquatic center.

The property at 8917 Ackman Road previously was home to the Crystal Highlands three-hole golf course, driving range and miniature golf. The land, across from Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, is located in unincorporated Lake in the Hills and within the boundaries of the Huntley Park District.

Jason Herbster, executive director for Crystal Lake Park District said the district has an intergovernmental agreement with Huntley Park District that states if a property is served by School Districts 155 and 47, it could be de-annexed from Huntley Park District and re-annexed into the Crystal Lake Park District boundaries.

"...This property is in District 47 and 155 boundaries," Herbster said. "The Crystal Lake Park District boundaries touch the southern boundary of the (former Crystal Highlands) property and are directly across the street to the north."

The Crystal Lake Park District Board of Commissioners said a contract has been executed to buy the land. The purchase follows "a lengthy and exhaustive search." While listed for $900,000 on-line, the park district is paying $625,000 for the site, the Northwest Herald reports. 

No additional tax dollars, or referendum was needed for the buy, according to a park district news release. It could be six months before the sale is finalized.   

Commissioners moved to buy the land while sale prices are still low. 

"The Park Board believes a purchase of this nature without the need of additional funding through a referendum during the down economy will benefit the residents of the Crystal Lake Park District for generations," a park district news release stated.  

Potential development of the property, based on a 2010 Community Attitude and Interest Survey, may include a community recreation center and an outdoor aquatic facility. 

Results of the survey showed residents wanted such a center and outdoor pool, according to park district officials. 

Despite the land purchase, the future of the two projects is still unknown.  

"The Board felt purchasing land while prices were still low was a smart use of tax payer dollars," the park district release stated. "Being that land prices are starting to increase, the timing to buy now is excellent."