P R O J E C T

P A R K S

& P L A Y

RESEARCH FIRM PRESENTS SURVEY RESULTS, ANALYSIS

At the May 8 Regular Board meeting, Jeff Andreason of aQity Research and Insights made a presentation summarizing the results of the survey conducted as a part of the Project Parks and Play initiative*. View the 250-page report here; the report contains a full analysis of the survey results along with all respondent comments.

The survey was very successful in garnering a high level of participation from the community by receiving 1,201 surveys from the approximately 10,000 households in Wilmette. This response rate is much higher than similar surveys in other communities, and because of that, we want to thank our community for taking time to give the District their input.

The next steps are for BerryDunn, the lead consultant for Project Parks and Play, to complete their analysis of our Park District, combine it with the survey results, and begin drafting initial Comprehensive and Strategic plans. Once those draft plans are ready, more public feedback will be sought.

*In April, BerryDunn presented an Environmental Scan based on these survey results.

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 of each project phase, go here

DEFINING PHASE

Consideration of Wallace Bowl Renovation

The Ouilmette Foundation is working towards a fundraising plan to support this project. Concurrently, Woodhouse Tinucci Architects and Park District staff are moving forward with the planning process, refining details, scope, and cost estimates. See Woodhouse Tinucci's April Wallace Bowl presentation here

PLANNING PHASE

Creating Pickleball Opportunities

Hibbard Park courts: Six pickleball court lines have been added to the Hibbard Park tennis courts (behind the Community Recreation Center), and rollaway nets are now available onsite. This bank of courts is scheduled for renovation in 2024; currently, the courts have a third set of lines (less than ideal), which cannot be removed before the end of the summer. As a result, we will use this season as our test run to evaluate the effectiveness of the new configuration. We look forward to feedback from the community regarding these “hybrid” courts at Hibbard over the summer.

Community Playfields courts: Park District staff and engineers are continuing work on finalizing plans and estimates to transform two of the tennis courts into six pickleball, which had gained Board consensus based on input about current court usage, and an agreement between a neighbor group and the pickleball community. If plans and contract bids are approved on schedule, construction could begin late summer/early fall.

For much more detail about Park District research and discussion with regard to pickleball, we encourage you to read 2023 Agenda Packets and Minutes from 2003 meetings here, and past issues of Board Brief here.**

PLANNING PHASE

Gillson Park Improvements

At the May 22 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, Peter Lind of Gewalt Hamilton and Associates, the lead engineer on the planned infrastructure work at Gillson Park, presented a status overview, outlining timing and phasing of work, and traffic considerations while work progresses. Work includes roadway reconstruction, pathway improvements, sidewalk installation, utility rehabilitation and ADA accessibility additions. If plans and bids are approved on schedule, construction can begin right after Labor Day.

EXECUTION PHASE

West Park Platform Tennis Club Enhancements

The building permit has been obtained, and partial demolition of the paddle hut is underway. Site preparations for moving the electric panel and for construction of the two new platform tennis courts has begun.

EXECUTION PHASE

Langdon Shoreline Protection Project

Park District staff are working with all required governing agencies to obtain approvals and permits to create a temporary path to Langdon Beach. At this time, we don’t have all approvals, but we hope to provide access to the beach this month.

EXECUTION PHASE

Lakeview Center Renovation Project

Final work is underway: interior work is done, furniture has been delivered, and kitchen equipment is arriving. Exterior doors, windows, and deck railings will be installed shortly and the building is on schedule to open within the next two weeks.

T H E

B O A R D

ELECTED MEMBERS SWORN IN, NEW PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT SELECTED

At the May 8 Regular Board meeting, the Board of Park Commissioners commemorated the service of outgoing commissioner Lindsay Anderson, who was appointed mid-term by the Board and chose not to run in the April 4 election. Following expressions of respect and gratitude, the Board’s Annual Meeting commenced, where the Oath of Office was administered to the four elected in April: Cecilia Clarke, Patrick Lahey, Julia Goebel and Michael Murdock. Once the oath was complete, the Board selected its officers for the 2023-24 session: Kara Kosloskus as Board President and Patrick Duffy as Vice President. Sheila Foy was then appointed as Treasurer, and Steve Wilson as Secretary.

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, June 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, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mallinckrodt Center "Big Room", 1041A Ridge Road, 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.