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

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.

Detailed plans required to begin the bid process are near completion. The original design for the sidewalk along Harbor Drive has been adjusted to address concerns raised by the Wilmette Harbor Association (WHA). The adjustments will allow for a contiguous sidewalk to be located on the south side of Harbor Drive. A final discussion and approval from WHA is needed to finalize the plans and bid schedule; then, bidding will begin in August.

Thank you to the 602 of you who responded to the Gillson Park Landscape Plan survey. Your responses will help guide the plan going forward. Look for more information

EXECUTION PHASE

Langdon Shoreline Protection and Beach Access Project

Temporary Access Path: The permit from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District was received on Thursday, July 27. The same day, Park District staff submitted the final required documents to the Village of Wilmette, and are hopeful to begin temporary path construction soon.

Long-Term Bluff Revetment and Beach Access: Thank you to those who responded to our survey regarding two ramp design options for a permanent Langdon Beach access path. We received 285 responses, and the majority preferred option B: shorter path (60 percent), and no stairs (65 percent). For more about the survey, go to page 99 of the July 10 meeting agenda packet.

A final decision regarding permanent access to Langdon Beach has not been made.

Over both July meetings, the Board of Park Commissioners have been engaged in extensive discussion regarding Langdon, and considerable input from the community has been received. The Board is invested in thoroughly examining beach accessibility and how ADA compliance impacts the project. All agree that accessibility for all is a steadfast priority.

As these discussions continue, SmithGroup plans to present alternative material options for the ramp and discuss landscape design at the August 14 Regular Board Meeting.

EXECUTION PHASE

West Park Platform Tennis Club Enhancements

The hut expansion project moved forward quickly in July, with most of the cement work–basement, foundation, retailing walls, parking spaces–largely complete. Windows and an awning have been installed and plumbing work is underway.

Construction of the two new platform tennis courts is beginning, with completion anticipated by early September.

EXECUTION PHASE

Pickleball Courts

Thank you for the continued, enthusiastic feedback about the courts at Hibbard Park!

The bids to reconstruct the tennis courts at Community Playfields, and convert two tennis courts into six pickleball courts, was approved by the Board at the July 10 board meeting. Construction is estimated to begin the second week of August.

COMPLETION PHASE

Lakeview Center Renovation Project

On July 14, the Village of Wilmette issued the Park District a certificate of occupancy for Lakeview Center. Due to this milestone, the District is planning a ribbon cutting event in the evening of August 21. Once we have details, we will post them online.

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. Internal committees have been meeting and preparing recommendations for the advisory committee. BerryDunn and Park District staff hope to present initial thoughts to the community in the coming months.

Additional Updates

The Ouilmette Foundation continues to plan a fundraising effort for the Wallace Bowl Restoration. Contract work for Solar Panels at the CRC continues.

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, August 14 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, August 28 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.