BoardBrief

Updates from the Wilmette Park District

Board of Park Commissioners

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

PLANNING PHASE

Solar Panel Project at CRC

Verde Solutions LLC, a solar company, completed plans for the solar array at the Community Recreation Center, and submitted them to the Village of Wilmette for permit review the week of September 16. The permit is currently pending Village approval.

EXECUTION PHASE

Gillson Park Infrastructure Project

Significant progress is being made on the lakefront project at Gillson Park. Crews continued storm sewer installations, water main updates, and roadway reconstruction efforts. Harbor Drive and Overlook Drive sections are nearly complete. Phase 2 is scheduled to start after the new year.



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

The work at Langdon progresses. Bluff stabilization work has been completed, with crews shifting focus to pathways and shelter excavation. The construction fence has been adjusted, restoring shoreline access for park visitors.


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.

COMPLETION PHASE

TREE PLANTINGS

This year, the Parks and Planning Department planted 43 trees in the spring and 49 in the fall, a total of 93 trees! Planting trees is a key initiative within the district’s sustainability plan. This year’s efforts focused on smaller parks like Wheeler, Lockerbie, and Earlywine, and progress continued at larger parks such as Community Playfields. Future planting seasons will prioritize the distribution of trees across all parks while addressing invasive species removal and replacing them with native species to enhance the landscape and canopy diversity.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E S

BUDGET SEASON - The Board finalized adjustments to the 2025 Capital Budget. Staff has prepared the full annual budget document, which is available for viewing on our website. The Board will consider the Budget and Appropriations Ordinance at the January 13, 2025 meeting.


TRUTH IN TAXATION LAW RESOLUTION - The Board voted to approve the 2024 Tax Levy, which will be collected in 2025 and directly impacts the 2025 Fiscal Budget. The Board subsequently approved the Tax Levy Ordinance and the Reduction Resolution. The latter provides direction to the County on how to reduce the levy if necessary, once the Equalized Assessed Value of all property is finalized.


SOUTH BEACH OPERATIONS - Staff gave a presentation on the data driving the recommendation for access control and lifeguards at South Beach. Commissioners clarified details and listened to questions from the public, who were also given an opportunity to comment. The District announced plans to seek community input to refine beach operations for the upcoming season. Focus groups will be formed to discuss implementation in 2025. For more information on the South Beach focus groups, please visit our website.

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, January 13 - at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall at 1200 Wilmette Avenue.


COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW) MEETINGS:


Monday, January 27 - 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.

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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 December 4, 9 and 16 Board Meetings


Watch the December 9 Regular Board Meeting online


Read Meeting Minutes

Wilmette Park District Administration Office:

1200 Wilmette Ave. 

Wilmette, IL 60091

847/256-6100

www.wilmettepark.org


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