P R O J E C T

U P D A T E S

Project Phases:

Our project work moves through a process that's broken into four phases: Defining, Planning, Execution and Completion. For detailed definitions of each project phase, go here

PLANNING PHASE

Wallace Bowl Restoration Initiative

The Ouilmette Foundation, with the help of an external consultant, is conducting a feasibility study for fundraising to support restoration efforts at Wallace Bowl. A Study Leadership Team, comprising current and former Foundation board members and at-large individuals, is crafting strategic messaging and identifying potential donors. The study is slated for completion by early May, paving the way for targeted fundraising efforts.

PLANNING PHASE

Gillson Park Landscape Plan

During the January 22 Committee of the Whole meeting, landscape consultants and designers from Upland Design delivered a comprehensive overview of the park's landscape plan. They expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative process, highlighting their dedication to incorporating community input into the final designs. The Board will consider the plan for approval at their February 12 regular meeting. See the presentation here

PLANNING PHASE

Gillson Park Infrastructure Improvements

The Village of Wilmette is currently reviewing the plans for Gillson Park’s infrastructure work, with the necessary forms already submitted to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The next step involves submitting paperwork to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for approval. We continue to plan to initiate the bid process and commence work this spring.

PLANNING PHASE

Langdon Shoreline Protection Project

The project, permitted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 2023, initially had a different path configuration. Inquiries were made to both agencies regarding the existing permit's applicability to the new design. Both groups have confirmed approval to proceed with the new path design under the existing permit.

Additionally, District staff introduced the project to the Village of Wilmette's Engineering and Community Development departments to assess local permitting requirements. These meetings were positive, indicating a smooth progression towards completing the bidding process this spring, with construction scheduled to start right after Labor Day.

PLANNING PHASE

Community Recreation Center

Solar Panel Project

Organizational meetings are underway between District staff and Verde Energy to discuss transitioning to solar power. Verde and ComEd have communicated about the conversion process. Coordination has also begun between Verde and the roofing company responsible for installing the CRC roof. This coordination is vital to maintain the roof's warranty during the solar panel installation. Due to the complexity of preparatory work, the project is expected to have a lengthy lead time, with installation planned to begin in late fall.

COMPLETION PHASE

Lakeview Center Renovation

During the winter holidays, the flooring on the upper level of the facility was replaced. As previously discussed, the initial installation was not satisfactory, and the contractor reinstalled the flooring at no additional cost to the District. With the new flooring now in place, we now consider the project complete. Given its completion status, this project will no longer appear on future agendas.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E

During the January 8 regular meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners, the Board officially approved the 2024 Budget and Appropriations Ordinance.

The 2024 budget overview reveals a $6.2 million operating surplus, which, combined with District reserves, will support a Capital Projects Budget totaling $9.2 million and a debt repayment of $1.5 million. This allocation results in an overall deficit budget of $4.6 million. To view the 2024 Budget Book, go here

A C C E S S

To view Agendas and Minutes from past Board meetings, click here. Minutes are posted after they are approved the following month.

Next Regular Monthly board meeting: Monday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall at 1200 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette.

Next Committee of the Whole meeting: Monday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mallinckrodt Center, 1041A Ridge Road (side entrance), Wilmette

All meetings are open to the public. Details are posted on the Upcoming Meetings page on our website.

Regular Monthly Board meetings are available to view live on Channel 6 locally for Comcast subscribers. View a live meeting online here, or view previous meeting recordings here (scroll down to "Wilmette Park District"). Please check our website often for updates.