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 Pickleball Courts
January and February have been busy months for pickleball, as Park District staff and Board of Park Commissioners focused on exploring all the ways to bring pickleball to Wilmette.
Locating Sites for Dedicated Outdoor Courts: Commissioners and Park District staff have been drilling into location options for permanent outdoor pickleball courts. Using an established set of criteria, each park with viable space for courts was carefully examined. The Board narrowed locations to Community Playfields, Centennial Park and Maple Park.
At their February 13 meeting, Commissioners agreed to select one location initially, Community Playfields, to explore in more detail, noting that a deep-dive analysis will involve a significant amount of additional work, including cost estimates, sound strategies, parking, and other considerations. As a result, Park District staff are moving forward this month with a detailed analysis focused on pickleball courts at Community Playfields.
Making Pickleball More Available Outdoors: Hearing the community's urgent plea for expanded pickleball options, the Board is committed to adding a variety of opportunities as quickly as possible. Park District staff are working to identify additional outdoor tennis courts for pickleball lining (Hibbard and Maple Park courts currently have lines). Staff are also researching moveable pickleball nets for use on the courts.
Making Pickleball More Available Indoors: The Park District is working to expand times when drop-in indoor play is available. This month, additional drop-in pickleball times will be offered at the Wilmette Tennis Club and the Community Recreation Center. And, talks are underway to possibly use D39 & D37 school gymnasiums for evening pickleball. See the full list of locations, days and times for indoor pickleball in the February 27 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting agenda packet here, on page 75.
For much more detail about Park District research and discussion with regard to pickleball, click here to watch the Board's conversation at their February 13 Regular Meeting, and click here to see engineer's drawings and additional information beginning on page 93 in the February 13 Regular Meeting agenda packet.
DEFINING PHASE
Consideration of Wallace Bowl Renovation
Woodhouse Tinucci Architects have completed a structural evaluation, landscape review, masonry preservation analysis and have received an A/V consultant report. A full report from Woodhouse Tinucci is anticipated in March.
DEFINING PHASE
Memorial Program and Landscape Plans
At their February 27 Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, the Board discussed the Park District’s Memorial Policy, which works hand-in-hand with the District’s landscape plans for the entire parks system. To learn more, go to page 77 of the February 27 COW agenda click here
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