BoardBrief

Updates from the Wilmette Park District

Board of Park Commissioners

July 2026


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

EXECUTION PHASE

Recreation Feasibility Study

Work is officially underway on The Future of Rec in Wilmette, the District’s Comprehensive Recreation Feasibility Study. Wight & Company has begun initial work which includes facility assessments, demographic and market research, recreation-needs analysis and preparation for a broad community-engagement process.


The goal is to provide the Board and community with clear information about existing conditions, future recreation needs and potential long-term investments.



Click Here to learn all about the Recreation Feasibility Study Project. Click Here to take the Community Servey

EXECUTION PHASE

Centennial Cooling Tower Project

The first phase of the Centennial Recreation Complex Cooling Tower Replacement Project was completed in July. From July 13–17, ComEd completed electrical upgrades and transitioned the facility to a new transformer.


During the switchover, the building operated on emergency power and a temporary generator ran continuously to maintain essential facility operations. The work was completed as planned and represents an important early step in a larger infrastructure project designed to modernize critical systems, improve reliability and support the long-term operation of the Centennial Ice Arenas.


Click Here to learn all about the Cooling Tower Project.

A D D I T I O N A L

U P D A T E S

DRONE SHOW AT BLOCK PARTY - Following the weather-related cancellation of the July 3 Fun & Fireworks celebration, the Park District worked with its event partners to preserve an opportunity for the community to celebrate together. The show will provide a new element for the fifth anniversary of the Block Party and will incorporate themes recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.


CENTENNIAL POOL END OF SEASON - Labor Day, Monday, September 7, will be the final scheduled day for public swimming and lap swimming at Centennial Family Aquatic Center. Closing after Labor Day will provide staff and contractors with the time needed to complete several significant maintenance and construction projects before winter.


The Board approved a $56,704 contract to restore and repaint the Centennial water slides. Additional postseason work includes water-piping improvements, pool-shell maintenance, winterization and other preventative projects intended to extend the useful life of the facility.


FALL SOCCER REGISTRATION - Registration is underway for fall soccer leagues. Registration deadline is Friday, August 7. Click Here to register.


NATIONAL REGISTRY OF HISTORIC PLACES - A bronze plaque commemorating the inclusion of the Gillson Park and Wilmette Harbor Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places was installed at the south end of Gillson Park on July 10. Set in stone, the plaque marks the final step in finalizing this prestigious designation. Click Here to read more.

A C C E S S

To view Agendas and Minutes from past Board meetings, click here. Minutes are posted after they are approved.



REGULAR MONTHLY BOARD MEETING:

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



FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING:

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


COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING: 

Monday, August 24 - at 6:30 p.m. in the Mallinckrodt Center, 1041A Ridge Road.


NOTE: Wilmette Park District no longer prints full meeting packets. A QR code and link to an online packet will be made available. To request a printed packet for an upcoming meeting, please contact mparson@wilpark.org a minimum of two hours prior to the meeting start time.


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.

The Future of Rec in Wilmette Community Survey

Wilmette Board of Park Commissioners:



Patrick Lahey

President

email


Julia Goebel

Vice President

email


Julie Adrianopoli

Commissioner

email


Cecilia Clarke

Commissioner

email


Patrick Duffy

Commissioner

email


Allison Frazier

Commissioner

email



Mike Murdock

Commissioner

email


For comments to be included in the meeting packet, please email:

publiccomment@wilpark.org


View our Written Correspondence and Communications Policy here

_______________


Get the Details


View Meeting Packets and Minutes for August 2026 once available.


Watch the July 13 Regular Board Meeting online

Watch the July 27 Committee of the Whole 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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