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

South Beach - Operations Proposal

Public Communications Inc. (PCI) shared findings from the South Beach Community Discussion groups. Feedback has informed operational planning for Summer 2025. On February 24, the Recreation and Lakefront Staff presented the first draft of the 2025 South Beach Operations Plan. This proposal was crafted from community feedback, lessons learned in 2024, and a commitment to safety, accessibility, and visitor experience. The project is still slated for final determinations in spring 2025. Click here to learn all about the South Beach Operations plans.

EXECUTION PHASE

Gillson Park Infrastructure Project

Gillson Park Phase 2: Coordination continues with Abbey Construction and GHA engineers. Weather permitting, work on the watermain, storm sewer system, and interior plumbing will resume within the next two weeks.



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

Guard hut walls were installed, and erosion control performed effectively after significant rainfall.

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.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E S

PARKS & GROUNDS - Ice rinks at Thornwood and Mallinckrodt were successfully opened for another week in February. West Park Maintenance Garage installed a motion sensor and converted 10 lights to LED for enhanced energy efficiency. Tree maintenance across various parks was completed.

RECREATION - 24 Dance Alliance team members, coaches, and families traveled to Walt Disney World from January 24-28, 2025, for a public performance and a special Disney Imagination Campus dance workshop at Epcot. This marked the first full-team travel through a Park District program. The Center for the Arts plans to make travel a regular feature of the team every three years, offering up to five travel opportunities for long-term team participants.

COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLANS - An overview of progress on the Wilmette Park District’s first Comprehensive and Strategic Plans, approved on July 8, 2024, was presented. The update included initiatives started in 2024 and plans for 2025, along with a review of the process and reporting structure for these objectives and initiatives.

FINANCE - The 2024 fiscal year resulted in a $6.6M operating surplus. These surplus funds are earmarked for capital projects. Capital spending for 2024 was approximately $12.4M, resulting in a $1.8M deficit in the Capital Fund. A new state law for 2025 will require the District to collect sales tax on all rental items in the registration process.  Rental Tax Implementation: A new state law required rental tax addition to all rental items in the registration system.

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, March 10 - at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall at 1200 Wilmette Avenue.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW) MEETING:

Monday, March 17 - at 6:30 p.m. at Mallinckrodt Center, 1041A Ridge Road (side entrance)

FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING:

Monday, March 10 - at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall at 1200 Wilmette Avenue.

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.