Posted on: February 24, 2017
The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners approved construction bids at the February 21st Park Board meeting for elements related to implementing Phase III of the Lake Ellyn Park Master Plan.
Phase III highlights include: replacement of the playground (built in 1991); park amenities such as energy-efficient L.E.D. pathway lights, park benches, bike rack, picnic tables, trash and recycling receptacles; a fishing pier in the northwest corner of the lake; vegetative restorers (small islands near the inlets which will filter and cleanse incoming storm water); interpretative signage; and realigned paths in the southern portion to expand green space closer to the lake and landscape.
Construction on Phase III will begin in spring, 2017 and will be completed in mid-June. The majority of the park will remain open with the exception of the playground. Once the specific dates for closure are established, notification will be posted at the site and on the District’s website.
“On behalf of the board of commissioners, I am thrilled that this next phase of the Lake Ellyn Master Plan will finally be accomplished. The jewel of Glen Ellyn, Lake Ellyn Park, will be shining in time for the Fourth of July festivities,” said Julia Nephew, Park Board Vice President.
This project follows Phase II, which was recently completed in 2016, and involved the historic restoration of the Boathouse and improvements to the central corridor of the park. Since its completion, the project has received national historic recognition, local landmark designation and Gold LEED certification.
Replacement of the playground, path reconfiguration, the addition of a fishing pier and other park improvements were to be included at that time of Phase II, but were deferred as a significant source of funding ($400,000 OSLAD matching grant) was suspended by Governor Rauner upon taking office. Phase II, minus the OSLAD elements, was completed on time and under budget in July, 2016.
As described in the Master Plan, the Boathouse restoration and the renovation of the entire west side of the park will be done in a way that is compatible with both the historic, traditional setting of the park and with cutting-edge, sustainable practices. Permeable pavement, water and energy conservation, ecological landscape enhancements, and other innovative elements will improve the water quality and habitat of the park in a visible way. These green enhancements will serve as a demonstration to the village and the region, and will allow the park to sustain for the next 100 years and beyond.
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. Since the master plan was approved, the Park District has begun to implement elements based on available funds. Through best practices the Park District has generated funding for the park improvements through operating surplus, non-referendum bonds, grants and donations.
The Glen Ellyn Park District initiated development of a master plan for Lake Ellyn Park in July, 2012. The project went through a rigorous and thorough design and development review. Numerous meetings with the neighbors and users of these parks and facilities were held with the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners before the Board agreed on a final master plan for the site. After the extensive and inclusive planning process, a master plan was developed for Lake Ellyn Park that represents the communities input and recommendations. The plan was accepted and approved in January, 2013, by the Board.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with the Park District staff, fellow board members, the professionals who have done such a fine job, and most importantly with community members to create the master plan and see the first two phases completed so beautifully,” said Commissioner Kathy Cornell. “I look forward to seeing the rest of the project come to a successful conclusion and to enjoy the results with all of our neighbors and fellow community members. I’m especially proud of the sensitive way the Boathouse project was done, including the green elements in and around the building. Lake Ellyn Park really is the crown jewel of our community.”
To view the Lake Ellyn Park Master Plan, please click here.