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Lake Ellyn Boathouse Restoration Begins This September

Posted on: September 17, 2015

Glen Ellyn Park District to Begin Lake Ellyn Boathouse Restoration Phase III

September 27, 2015 — The Glen Ellyn Park District is excited to announce that after several years of discussion, public meetings and refinement, significant improvements to Lake Ellyn Park will begin at the end of September. The $2.9 million capital improvement project will concentrate on restoration of the Lake Ellyn Boathouse to its historic beauty, including replacement of the roof and the addition of a flood protection wall. The project also includes landscape enhancements and a stand-alone restroom near the playground. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late June, 2016.

The master plan is an exciting vision that reflects the consensus to retain and enhance what makes it a great community park – to “polish the gem.” It provides for a historically authentic restoration of the Boathouse, with an eye towards listing the building on the National Register of Historic Places as well as achieving LEED certification Gold Level. Construction management and oversight will be conducted by Wight Construction with Conservation Design Forum and Farr and Associates serving as the design team.

During construction, the Boathouse restrooms will not be available. Additionally, part of the interior path near the Boathouse will not be accessible. A temporary path has been created to allow park patrons to continue their walk around the perimeter of the lake. During the winter, the lake will be available for ice skating should the conditions allow. The Boathouse will not be available as a warming house but access to the ice will be provided.

Upgrading Lake Ellyn Park and the Boathouse was identified as a top priority for the Park District in the 2012 Community and Attitude Interest Survey and prioritized by the Park Board of Commissioners. After a collaborative and inclusive process involving residents, neighbors, stakeholders and community organizations in order to establish priorities and direction for the Lake Ellyn Park improvements, the Park District has identified funding and pursued implementing the restoration of the Boathouse and its surrounding elements.

The Park District will minimize disruption to the park and apologizes for any inconvenience while the improvements are taking place. Additional information regarding the project will be displayed on the District website, www.gepark.org, within the next few weeks. Any questions or comments please contact Dave Harris, Executive Director, at (630) 942-7255.