The solar panel project at the District’s Park Maintenance Facility is fully operational and complete. The system provides approximately 123 kW, and supplies 71% of the facility’s electrical use. It will save approximately $5,000 per year and about $100,000 over the course of the 20-year lease agreement.

The Park Maintenance Facility located on Indianwood Drive was built in 2014 to replace an aging maintenance facility on Phillps Road. Due to constraints, the entire facility runs on electrical power without the use of natural gas. In 2016, Illinois legislation was passed to assist in the renewable energy sector. In 2018, a program was released for the public sector, as a grant program, to assist in solar projects. The District partnered with TRANE/Ingersol Rand to apply for this grant. In late 2019, the District received the green light to proceed with this solar project. In May 2020, the District received the shipment of panels and other necessary equipment to get the Park Maintenance Facility powered by the sun.