A new ordinance will give Crystal Lake the ability to partner with private companies to build new amenities at the Three Oaks Recreation Area.
The City Council on Feb. 7 unanimously approved an allocation ordinance to comply with the tax requirements of the bonds used to pay for the 500-acre park off of Route 14. The city is limited to using 5 percent of the bond proceeds to construct areas that will be used for private operations.
The $14.37 million project was paid for with Build America Bonds and Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds.
Although no decision has been made to pursue additional amenities, city staff wanted to make sure the option was available as council members investigate additions such as a dedicated scuba diving and wake boarding areas, as well as a banquet facility.
“It gives us the flexibility to establish public-private partnerships, but doesn’t obligate us to go into any of these partnerships or add any of these amenities,” said Eric Helm, deputy city manager.
As a part of the ordinance, city officials switched around on paper, and after the fact, $2.7 million used to build the north lake and concession area in the lake house for money used for road resurfacing and improvements to the city’s water filtration system. The accounting change keeps the city below the 5 percent bond limit.
A public-private partnership currently exists at the recreation area with Culver’s to operate the concession stand.
The park attracted about 130,000 people and more than 52,500 vehicles during its inaugural season. The area includes lakes, a beach, playground, lake house, picnic area, two marinas and trails.
A sled hill also opened this winter.
