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

PLANNING PHASE

Gillson Park Improvement Project and Master Landscape Plan

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

Gewalt Hamilton and Park District staff continue to develop the detailed plans to allow for a bid in August and work to commence in September. They are considering a proposed modification to the roadway geometry of Harbor Drive suggested by the Wilmette Harbor Association. Ultimately, the goal is to configure the road with a bike lane, and provide a sidewalk along the south side of Harbor Drive.

Concurrently, the Gillson Park Landscape Plan process has begun. Click here to learn more, view early concepts presented at the June 20 Open House, and share your thoughts via a quick survey.

EXECUTION PHASE

Langdon Shoreline Protection and Beach Access Project: Which Path Design Do You Prefer?

We are moving closer to creating a temporary access path to the beach. To gain approval for the temporary path, approvals and permits have been required from the Army Corps of Engineers, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Village of Wilmette. Nearly all are in place, and Park District staff hopes to provide access to Langdon Beach as soon as possible.

At the June 26 Committee of the Whole meeting, Mark Wagstaff of SmithGroup presented updates on short and long-term Langdon Beach access path options.

Following discussion of details around installation of the temporary path, the group then reviewed two solutions for the long-term beach access path. The first solution was originally presented in 2022 with entry on the north side of the beach. The new, second solution features a shorter path with entry at the south end of the beach. Wagstaff and the Park Board examined the new option’s tree impacts, landscaping, the small retaining wall required, and the question of whether to add stairs to either path option.

Once a path option is selected, final plans drawn and permits and bids secured, construction would commence in fall 2024.

Which access path option do you prefer? Click here to learn more and take a survey.

EXECUTION PHASE

West Park Platform Tennis Club Enhancements

The sidewalk and curb along the west end of the playground have been poured, along with the red concrete around the main electrical pipe. The paddle hut's basement footers have been prepped and poured. Windows and doors have been delivered and crews are currently installing the windows.

Substantial completion of the expanded hut is currently anticipated in October, and the two new platform tennis courts will be available for league play in September.

EXECUTION PHASE

Lakeview Center Renovation Project

Renovation work is near completion. The Village of Wilmette has provided a temporary occupancy permit for the Lakeview Center, allowing summer camps to use the basement and a portion of the first floor. Deck railings and door glass installation is nearly complete. A full occupancy permit is anticipated in the near future.

PLANNING PHASE

Pickleball Courts

The pickleball community is using the courts at Hibbard Park quite heavily and enthusiastically. We installed a sign at the courts with a QR code to allow players to provide feedback. To date, feedback has been positive.

Park District staff continue to develop the documents needed to bid the courts as approved at Community Playfields. The hope is to still do the work in 2023 so the courts are ready for use next spring.

P R O J E C T

P A R K S

& P L A Y

WORK CONTINUES

Consultants from BerryDunn have been analyzing our park spaces, and facilitating meetings to further define objectives and strategic priorities. BerryDunn and Park District staff hope to present initial thoughts to the community in the coming months.

Additional Updates

53 trees have been planted in our parks this spring, well on our way to 100 trees in 2023. The Park District continues to work toward a final agreement with Onyx/Verde for solar panels on the roof of the Community Recreation Center. The Board has approved a new policy for written communication and correspondence from the public. A landscape plan for Bateman Park has been developed. There are no Wallace Bowl Restoration Project updates this month.

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, July 10 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, July 24 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.