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

Langdon Shoreline Protection and Beach Access Project

Temporary Access Path: A path allowing temporary access to Langdon Beach opened to the public over Labor Day weekend!

Long-Term Bluff Revetment and Beach Access: At their August 14 Regular Meeting and August 28 Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, the Board of Park Commissioners received presentations from SmithGroup regarding long-term beach access path options, bluff revetment and landscaping. In addition, accessibility consultants WT Group presented their analysis of recent path designs with relation to their compliance within applicable federal and state accessibility laws. WT Group also consulted with SmithGroup in the development of an additional two alternative, accessible path designs.

Find all presentations, WT Group documents and other details on the Langdon project page here

The Board is considering all options and plans to make a decision in September.

PLANNING PHASE

Gillson Park Improvement Project

The Gillson Park Improvement Project work includes roadway reconstruction, pathway improvements, sidewalk installation, utility rehabilitation and ADA accessibility additions.

At the August 28 COW meeting, a consulting engineer from Gewalt Hamilton and Associates presented modified plans for the sidewalk along Harbor Drive to accommodate the Wilmette Harbor Association's requested adjustments. The Board also received an update on other items that impact timing of permitting, bidding and construction. View the presentation here.

EXECUTION PHASE

West Park Platform Tennis Club Enhancements

The Platform Tennis Club work includes expansion of the paddle hut and addition of two new courts.

The roof and exterior of the hut addition, including installation of the siding, is nearly complete, along with interior/exterior electrical work. Construction of the two new platform tennis courts is underway, with completion anticipated in September.

EXECUTION PHASE

Pickleball Courts

The fencing around the courts at Community Playfields has been removed, and the work to rebuild the courts is progressing daily.

COMPLETION PHASE

Lakeview Center Renovation Project

The Lakeview Center is open! Due to flooring lamination repair work, the ribbon cutting event originally scheduled for August 21 was postponed. If a new date is set, details will post online.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E S

The Park District has been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Invest in Cook program. District staff, together with cycling groups from Evanston and Wilmette submitted the application to fund a feasibility study for a path to connect the Green Bay Trail to the trail along McCormick Boulevard and Green Bay Road. The grant will fund most of the study's cost; the rest will be paid by the City of Evanston, Village of Wilmette, and Wilmette Park District.

The Park District's landscape designer presented landscape designs for Lockerbie Park and Keay Nature Center at the COW meeting on the 28th. See the designs here.

The proposed contract for Solar Panels at the Community Recreation Center is still under evaluation.

Project Parks & Play: Consultants from BerryDunn are continuing analysis of our park spaces, and have scheduled internal meetings in September to further define objectives and strategic priorities.

The Park District's Sustainability Plan development process continues: Sustainability Coordinator Lucy Mellen welcomed questions and conversation at three Wilmette "Table Talks" in August, and a second community survey is planned in September.

The Ouilmette Foundation has begun meeting with fundraising consultants to identify goals and develop a strategy to raise funds for the Wallace Bowl Restoration Project.

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, September 11 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, September 25 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.