BoardBrief

Updates from the Wilmette Park District

Board of Park Commissioners

April 2024


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

COMPLETION PHASE

Board Approves Sustainability Plan

During their April 8 regular meeting, the Wilmette Park District Board of Park Commissioners received a presentation from Sustainability Coordinator Lucy Mellen on the proposed Guide to Green Sustainability Plan. View Mellen's presentation here


Over the past year, Mellen engaged the community through surveys and events, collaborated with staff, and crafted a comprehensive plan to guide the district's future practices.


The Board enthusiastically approved the plan, which addresses District Operations, Education Initiatives, Energy and Emissions, Land Stewardship, and Waste Management. Objectives include integrating sustainable options into new electric work bids and vehicle purchases, increasing native species in parks to 85 percent, and implementing a staff composting program.


Mellen will conduct quarterly evaluations and present annual reports to the Board to monitor progress.

PLANNING PHASE

Langdon Shoreline Protection Project

Bid documents have been posted for the project, with opening of bids planned for May.


PLANNING PHASE

Wallace Bowl Renovation Project

The Ouilmette Foundation continues to work on a fundraising feasibility study, planned for completion in May. 


PLANNING PHASE

Gillson Park Infrastructure Improvements

Plans for Gillson infrastructure work is currently under review by multiple agencies, including the Village of Wilmette and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). The MWRD recently provided a third round of comments, which District engineers are addressing. Bid documents are being prepared for posting in May, and District staff is ensuring compliance with MWRD lease requirements.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E S

FIVE NEW PARK LANDSCAPE PLANS UNDER REVIEW- At the April 15 Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, Parks Planner Alissa Paquette presented new landscape plans for Wheeler, Earlywine, Forest, Shorewood and Mallinckrodt parks. Discussion about the park plans will continue at the Board’s May 13 regular Board meeting.  


DISCUSSION ABOUT GARDEN PLOT WAITLISTS - Also at the April 15 COW meeting, the Board discussed garden plot waitlists with Kristi Solberg, Superintendent of Parks and Planning. Currently, 102 individuals await a Park District garden plot. Solberg noted 15 people were allocated plots last week, a positive trend. Wait times have improved to 1-3 years, shorter than before. The Board agreed the 80/20 resident/non-resident ratio was fair and decided against imposing limits on non-residents. Solberg will continue to streamline plot management processes.


PICKLEBALL COURTS, LINES UPDATE - Also at the COW meeting, Commissioners discussed the status of courts available for pickleball play around the District. Members of the Wilmette Pickleball Association attended and expressed views on the Hibbard courts, set for resurfacing in the fall. Currently, Hibbard's four tennis courts have pickleball and tennis lines. The Board reviewed a resurfacing proposal that would line two courts for tennis only and convert the other two into six dedicated pickleball courts. This proposal will be considered for approval at the Board's May 13 meeting.


PARK DISTRICT HOLDS BOND HEARING - The Board of Park Commissioners held a public hearing on April 8 to gather input on the District's plan to sell $5.5 million in bonds. The District intends to issue the bonds in May. At their April 15 COW meeting, the Board discussed options for terms and structure of the bonds. The funds will be allocated for land acquisition, park construction, maintenance, and related expenses.

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, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall at 1200 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette. The Board's Annual Meeting will commence immediately after the regular Board meeting.


Next Committee of the Whole meeting: Monday, May 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mallinckrodt Center, 1041A Ridge Road (side entrance), 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.

Earth Day at Keay, April 20

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Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners:



Kara Kosloskus

President

email


Patrick Duffy

Vice President

email


Cecilia Clarke

Commissioner

email


Allison Frazier

Commissioner

email


Julia Goebel

Commissioner

email


Patrick Lahey

Commissioner

email


Mike Murdock

Commissioner

email


Send correspondence to the entire Board of Park Commissioners at:

publiccomment@wilpark.org


View our Written Correspondence and Communications Policy here


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Get the Details


View Agenda Packets for the April 8 and 15 Meetings



Watch the April 8 Regular Board Meeting on YouTube



Read Meeting Minutes

(Minutes are posted after Board approval, approximately one month after each meeting)

Wilmette Park District Administration Office:

1200 Wilmette Ave. 

Wilmette, IL 60091

847/256-6100

www.wilmettepark.org


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