BoardBrief

Updates from the Wilmette Park District

Board of Park Commissioners

May 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

PLANNING PHASE

Wallace Bowl Restoration Project

The Ouilmette Foundation continues to collaborate with a consultant to conduct a feasibility study to assess funding for restoration work at Wallace Bowl. The Foundation recently sent personalized letters and preliminary documents to potential supporters, seeking their input and backing for the project. Consultants are working to arrange meetings with these individuals. In addition, the Foundation Board and consultants recently engaged in a focus group on the topic. The Foundation invites the community to its Back the Bowl Bash fundraising event on June 22.


PLANNING PHASE

Langdon Shoreline Protection Project

Bids for this project were opened on May 21 after a pre-bid meeting on April 23. District staff are navigating the permit review process with the Village of Wilmette.


PLANNING PHASE

Gillson Park Infrastructure Improvements

Permit review processes with the Village of Wilmette are ongoing, with bid documents released to the public on May 9 and bid opening scheduled for May 30.


PLANNING PHASE

Solar Panel Project at the

Community Recreation Center

Verde Energy is addressing concerns and finalizing plans for the solar panel project at the CRC, making progress on design and permit acquisition.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E S

BOARD AUTHORIZES PROPERTY PURCHASE AND BOND SALE: At their May 10 Regular meeting, the Board of Park Commissioners authorized the purchase of 3220 Big Tree Lane, a 4.7-acre parcel currently housing the Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah synagogue and day school. A due diligence period is underway prior to closing. A successful purchase will ensure this property continues to serve the community for generations.


In addition, the Board authorized the sale of $5.5 million in General Obligation Limited Tax Park Bonds, primarily aimed at funding the acquisition of 3220 Big Tree Lane. Flexibility in bond allocation allows for addressing the District's ongoing annual capital needs if the property purchase does not materialize.

GILLSON PARK, WILMETTE HARBOR TOGETHER OFFICIALLY PLACED ON NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES: The United States Department of the Interior and National Park Service bestowed the designation on Gillson Park and Wilmette Harbor as an “important work of landscape architecture” that adds “significance to the history of community planning and development in Wilmette.”


“This prestigious designation is a testament to Gillson Park’s enduring legacy and its profound significance to the fabric of our community. We look forward to celebrating this beloved landmark for years to come,” shared Wilmette Park District Executive Director Steve Wilson.


The area is now designated as the “Gillson Park and Wilmette Harbor Historic District.”

SOUTH BEACH: Throughout May, the Park District received significant input regarding recent changes to Gillson’s South Beach. District staff and the Board extend their thanks to the community for sharing their concerns, as well as support. Many ideas for improvement are under consideration.

THREE PARK LANDSCAPE PLANS APPROVED; OTHER PARK PLANS IN WORKS: Also during the May 10 meeting, the Board approved landscape plans for Mallinckrodt, Shorewood, and Forest Parks. Initially presented by District Parks Planner Alissa Paquette at the April 15 Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting, the plans were refined based on the Commissioners' feedback. View all approved landscape plans here.


Additionally, community members gathered for a public input meeting at Wheeler Park on May 20 to discuss potential enhancements, including installation of nature play areas. A revised landscape plan for Wheeler Park is set for consideration at the Board's June 10 Regular meeting.


A plan for Earlywine park is also under discussion.

DRAFT 2023 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT, INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT SUBMITTED: The Wilmette Park District Department of Finance presented these reports at the May 20 COW meeting. View the reports in the meeting agenda packet here

BOARD REAPPOINTMENTS FOR 2024-25 TERM: At their May 10 Annual Meeting, Commissioners reaffirmed Kara Kosloskus as Board President and Patrick Duffy as Vice President for another term. Sheila Foy continues in her role as Treasurer, Steve Wilson as Secretary, and Tressler, LLC as the legal counsel for the District.

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, June 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, June 24 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.

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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 May 13 and 20 Meetings



Watch the May 13 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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