This is the multi-million dollar question, when you consider the kind of public recreation centers and water parks proposed these days. Ultimately, the third attempt was for a dramatically scaled-back version of the original proposal and an intergovernmental agreement with the village of Gurnee that called for no tax increase for district residents. Now that's something for everyone in this suburian town of 35,000.
Funding remains a big issue, whether it's a facility or open space.
IDNR's senior grant administrator Mark Yergler says tourism dollars are worth the grant-application effort.