What does the money go toward?

  • Maintaining the youth baseball, softball, and football fields. In 2024, fields were prepped for over 200 scheduled youth events.
  • Maintaining the buildings, equipment, and properties throughout the district
  • Mowing green spaces and maintaining trails
  • Sponsoring Senior Citizen bus transportation for trips
  • Sponsoring Safety Town for soon-to-be kindergarteners
  • Provide areas for the Fredericktown Fire District to hold the Community Easter Egg Hunt
  • Provide 3 low-cost rental buildings and multiple free pavilions for community members
  • Newly added pickleball courts with a resurfaced basketball court at Merrin Park
  • Current refurbishing of the tennis court
  • Numerous improvement projects at the Ackerman Nature Preserve

Source: Fredericktown Recreation District

FREDERICKTOWN — The Fredericktown Recreation District will have a renewal levy on the May 6 special election ballot.

According to the district’s Facebook page, the recreation district has operated on the same 1.5-mill levy since its formation in the 1970s.

According to the Knox County Auditor’s website, the levy will cost district homeowners $53 for every $100,000 property value.

The recreational district encompasses Wayne, Middlebury, Berlin, and approximately half of Pike (Fredericktown) and Morris townships.

The recreation district’s properties—totaling 178 acres — include Community Park (Sockman Lake) and ball fields, Whaley Park (Mill Street property), Warner Park and field, Merrin Park and field, Levering Park and youth fields, Ackerman Park, and Dana Park.

“We strive to provide a safe and enjoyable area for all,” a Fredericktown Recreational District Facebook post explaining the levy states.

“We are grateful for all the past support and generosity of community members and organizations. But without future tax support, the operation of the recreation district would not be possible. We look forward to continuing the positive community partnership.”

The levy will generate an estimated $236,000 a year. Money raised will go toward sponsoring the July 4th celebration and fireworks, a free community event attended by 3,000 to 4,000 people.

The fireworks celebration costs around $20,000 annually.

Levy money will also cover other projects, such as maintaining recreational ball fields, pickleball courts, and pavilions for community use.

The three-year levy begins in 2025, and the first collection will be in 2026.