The June 2 Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board began with a report from Dan Davies president of Earthwerks Inc., regarding Commissioner Jay Kinzler’s complaints at the May 19 meeting regarding drainage issues at Village Green Park after heavy rains. Mr. Davies was available to answer any questions. He reminded all that he is also a Glen Ellyn resident and was respectful of the long relationship his organization has had with the Park District.
Commissioner Kinzler mentioned that Field 4 still needs more work which was apparent after Wednesday’s rains but it looks like most of the problems have been remedied. Commissioner Ed Hess stated that he appreciated Earthwerks time and effort.
James Warnstedt, Parks Foreman introduced Brendan Durkin a Glen Ellyn Eagle Scout who approached the Park District asking to do a service project at one of the parks. Brendan worked with him on a wetlands restoration initiative at Maryknoll Park. Brendan worked on this project from May 9 to May 16. Part of this Eagle Scout’s initiative was to remove scrub brush from around the pond, he mulched and weeded the flower beds and he removed shrubs from the pond. He planted iris and sedge grass to hamper soil erosion around the bank.
John Vann, from LandTech Landscape Architecture and Site Planning gave a comprehensive overview of Churchill Park in preparation for the OSLAD Grant Application. LandTech previously worked with the Park District on Phase II and has developed a plan for Phase III. A large focus on Phase III concerns the hydrologic conditions at Churchill as well as outdoor educational opportunities.
Commissioner Hess remarked for those in the audience that there was some misinformation on the web. He clarified for everyone that this project would cost $600,000 not $900,000 with $300,000 reimbursable via the OSLAD Grant. He then requested that Commissioner Melissa Creech correct the numbers on her blog. After some discussion, Commissioner Creech said she would correct the erroneous information she published.
Former Commissioner Marty Durkin stated that he was glad to see the current Board moving forward with this project. He further commented that the final phase at Churchill was 9 years in the making.
Commissioner Julia Nephew stated that when she toured Churchill Park she saw a heron and it was beautiful. She also noted that this is a property with amazing potential. It is a jewel.
Commissioner Creech asked how this ranks on community surveys. She further inquired if there was any other community input to show that it really is a priority. Commissioner Bill Dallman responded that it has always been in the top 10 of District priorities in the last 5 years.
John Vann from LandTech replied that when designing a site they try to anticipate how people will see it and want to use it. He likened it to smorgasbord and getting the public to find new and creative ways to want to spend time enjoying the outdoors. He also remarked that the IDNR’s highest priority is to create outdoor educational sites.
Phase I was completed in 2002. Phase I included paving the existing driveway, installing a “trex” boardwalk, kiosk, and an educational learning area near Churchill school.
Phase II was completed in 2007. Phase II included the open-air shelter, paths, educational signage, brick pillars, and native plantings/seeding throughout the area.
Phase III will consist of building a Shelter with accessible outdoor bathrooms/Nature Center for use by the entire community – including School Districts, installing a low ropes team building course, fire pit, primitive permit camping for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, several boardwalks, and removing non-native invasive plant species. The main emphasis will be on the ecological restoration by seeding with indigenous native plant species and installing new signs and exhibits.
Phase III and the FINAL PHASE of the Churchill Park renovation will consist of a budget of $600,000; $300,000 of which is eligible for a reimbursable Illinois Department of Natural Resources OSLAD Grant. The final Capital Expenditure from the Glen Ellyn Park District to enhance this facility and complete the final phase is $300,000.
Further discussion took place regarding placing additional Park District Documents on the website. Commissioner Hess remarked that he would like to see the concept plan for Churchill Park on the website for the public to view.
Commissioner Creech stated that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process was cumbersome. Executive Director Cory Atwell reminded her that she was always told that she did not need to use the FOIA system. Atwell said that the Park District has always been user friendly and that if a document is available they can easily provide a copy.
Commissioner Creech responded that it was her habit to utilize (FOIA) – in spite of being told by Executive Director Atwell that she did not have to.
Commissioner Nephew informed us that in Minnesota at any public meeting there have to be enough documents pertaining to the meeting in the back of the room for all attendees. She said this is the law in Minnesota and that Glen Ellyn should comply.
An informational meeting for Phase III at Churchill Park with be held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Avenue on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 PM. All are encouraged who are interested in the preservation and enhancement of this unique 23.3 acre facility to come.
Commissioner Kinzler mentioned that Field 4 still needs more work which was apparent after Wednesday’s rains but it looks like most of the problems have been remedied. Commissioner Ed Hess stated that he appreciated Earthwerks time and effort.
James Warnstedt, Parks Foreman introduced Brendan Durkin a Glen Ellyn Eagle Scout who approached the Park District asking to do a service project at one of the parks. Brendan worked with him on a wetlands restoration initiative at Maryknoll Park. Brendan worked on this project from May 9 to May 16. Part of this Eagle Scout’s initiative was to remove scrub brush from around the pond, he mulched and weeded the flower beds and he removed shrubs from the pond. He planted iris and sedge grass to hamper soil erosion around the bank.
John Vann, from LandTech Landscape Architecture and Site Planning gave a comprehensive overview of Churchill Park in preparation for the OSLAD Grant Application. LandTech previously worked with the Park District on Phase II and has developed a plan for Phase III. A large focus on Phase III concerns the hydrologic conditions at Churchill as well as outdoor educational opportunities.
Commissioner Hess remarked for those in the audience that there was some misinformation on the web. He clarified for everyone that this project would cost $600,000 not $900,000 with $300,000 reimbursable via the OSLAD Grant. He then requested that Commissioner Melissa Creech correct the numbers on her blog. After some discussion, Commissioner Creech said she would correct the erroneous information she published.
Former Commissioner Marty Durkin stated that he was glad to see the current Board moving forward with this project. He further commented that the final phase at Churchill was 9 years in the making.
Commissioner Julia Nephew stated that when she toured Churchill Park she saw a heron and it was beautiful. She also noted that this is a property with amazing potential. It is a jewel.
Commissioner Creech asked how this ranks on community surveys. She further inquired if there was any other community input to show that it really is a priority. Commissioner Bill Dallman responded that it has always been in the top 10 of District priorities in the last 5 years.
John Vann from LandTech replied that when designing a site they try to anticipate how people will see it and want to use it. He likened it to smorgasbord and getting the public to find new and creative ways to want to spend time enjoying the outdoors. He also remarked that the IDNR’s highest priority is to create outdoor educational sites.
Phase I was completed in 2002. Phase I included paving the existing driveway, installing a “trex” boardwalk, kiosk, and an educational learning area near Churchill school.
Phase II was completed in 2007. Phase II included the open-air shelter, paths, educational signage, brick pillars, and native plantings/seeding throughout the area.
Phase III will consist of building a Shelter with accessible outdoor bathrooms/Nature Center for use by the entire community – including School Districts, installing a low ropes team building course, fire pit, primitive permit camping for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, several boardwalks, and removing non-native invasive plant species. The main emphasis will be on the ecological restoration by seeding with indigenous native plant species and installing new signs and exhibits.
Phase III and the FINAL PHASE of the Churchill Park renovation will consist of a budget of $600,000; $300,000 of which is eligible for a reimbursable Illinois Department of Natural Resources OSLAD Grant. The final Capital Expenditure from the Glen Ellyn Park District to enhance this facility and complete the final phase is $300,000.
Further discussion took place regarding placing additional Park District Documents on the website. Commissioner Hess remarked that he would like to see the concept plan for Churchill Park on the website for the public to view.
Commissioner Creech stated that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process was cumbersome. Executive Director Cory Atwell reminded her that she was always told that she did not need to use the FOIA system. Atwell said that the Park District has always been user friendly and that if a document is available they can easily provide a copy.
Commissioner Creech responded that it was her habit to utilize (FOIA) – in spite of being told by Executive Director Atwell that she did not have to.
Commissioner Nephew informed us that in Minnesota at any public meeting there have to be enough documents pertaining to the meeting in the back of the room for all attendees. She said this is the law in Minnesota and that Glen Ellyn should comply.
An informational meeting for Phase III at Churchill Park with be held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Avenue on Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00 PM. All are encouraged who are interested in the preservation and enhancement of this unique 23.3 acre facility to come.
