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 divided into four phases: Defining, Planning, Execution and Completion. For detailed definitions of each project phase, go here

PLANNING PHASE

Hibbard Park - OSLAD Grant

Wilmette Park District has been awarded a transformative $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through its Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2025, with completion anticipated by October 2025. Here’s what you can look forward to: Six new pickleball courts, 16’ x 16’ picnic shelter, new ADA-compliant water fountain, 6-foot-wide concrete path, and renovated baseball fields.

EXECUTION PHASE

Gillson Park Infrastructure Project

Crews are advancing work on the storm sewer system, water main installation, and roadway and sidewalk reconstruction. Phase 2 is scheduled to start once weather allows. This phase will focus on Middle and Upper Drive roadwork.



The project is still slated for completion by spring 2025, prior to Memorial Day weekend. Click here to learn all about the Gillson project; click here for the Gillson FAQ document.

EXECUTION PHASE

Langdon Shoreline Protection Project

Progress includes seat wall placement and completion of the shelter's excavation and rebar work. Beach access at Langdon is now open as construction moves away from the water to focus on the bluff and park area.

This project is still scheduled for completion in the spring of 2025, before Memorial Day weekend. Click here to learn more about the Langdon Shoreline Protection and Beach Access project.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E S

BUILDING SERVICES - Upgrades include refinished hardwood floors and new flooring in the big room at Mallinckrodt. Additionally, at Community Recreation Center, fitness studio and gym floors were refinished, enhancing these key recreational spaces. Thornwood and Mallinckrodt parks had ice rinks available on January 10 - January 17.

RECREATION - Winter registration and event highlights including: Skate with Santa welcomed 450 attendees, collecting over 500 non-perishable items for a local food pantry. Over 400 letters to Santa were collected, bringing joy to community families. Youth Basketball enrollments reached 852 participants, maintaining robust interest from last year. Winter Break Camp served more participants this year despite a shorter session. Pop-up cardio tennis saw four sold-out sessions. Dance teams are competing at Disney World for the January Imagination Campus experience.

SUSTAINABILITY - Progress on the Sustainability Plan continues, with highlights including: 93% of 2024 plantings were native species, exceeding the goal of 85%. Rain Garden installations at Shorewood and Thornwood Parks. 110 new trees planted in 2024, doubling the annual objective.

SOUTH BEACH OPERATIONS - Wilmette Park District with the help of Public Communication Inc. (PCI) hosted four community discussions over the course of January 21-22. 36 community members helped provide feedback on operational talking points. Insights will be shared at the February 10 board meeting.

A C C E S S

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



NEXT REGULAR MONTHLY BOARD MEETING:

Monday, February 10 - at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall at 1200 Wilmette Avenue.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW) MEETINGS:

Monday, February 24 - at 6:30 p.m. at Mallinckrodt Center, 1041A Ridge Road (side entrance)

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.