by Sarah DeMaranville
Geneseo Current
Two seats on the Geneseo Park District Board of Commissioners will be up for election April 6, 2027, with local residents interested in serving on the board able to submit nominating petitions beginning November 16.
Both positions carry four-year terms. The Park District is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners.
According to the Henry County officials directory, the two seats up for election are currently held by Board President Christina Zobrist and Vice President Julia McAvoy. Both commissioners' terms expire in 2027, and both picked up nomination packets of ahead of the November filing period.
However, obtaining a packet does not necessarily indicate that an individual intends to seek election.
"We do have people that pick-up the information and do not run," the District explained.
The District also confirmed that no other individuals have picked up nomination packets for the 2027 election as of October 19.
Neither incumbent has formally confirmed plans to seek reelection.
Candidate Requirements and Filing Deadlines
According to a public notice issued by the Park District, candidates must be qualified voters and reside within the Geneseo Park District boundaries.
Candidates must collect at least 25 signatures from qualified voters who live within the district to qualify for the ballot.
Nominating petitions became available for circulation August 25, 2026, and nomination papers are available at the Park District office, 541 E. North St., Geneseo.
The official filing period runs from November 16 through November 23, 2026. Completed nomination papers must be submitted to Jodie Olson at the Park District office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Board Responsibilities and Upcoming Decisions
The Board of Commissioners oversees district operations, financial decisions, recreational facilities, and long-term planning. Commissioners also make decisions concerning capital improvements, budgets, and property-tax levies.
The upcoming election comes as the Park District considers issuing up to $885,000 in general obligation park bonds through its annual rollover-bond financing process.
As previously reported by The Geneseo Current, the district held a public hearing October 8 concerning the proposed borrowing. Park District Executive Director Andy Thurman confirmed that the hearing did not authorize the issuance of bonds. The Board is scheduled to consider a bond sale ordinance November 12, with closing anticipated November 24.
The proposed financing is intended to support ongoing facility maintenance and capital improvements, although specific projects have not yet been identified.
Residents interested in running for the board can obtain nomination materials and additional information through the Geneseo Park District office.
More information is available at geneseoparkdistrict.org.
The Geneseo Current will continue following candidate filings and developments leading up to the April 6, 2027, election.
