OUTDOOR EDUCATION WINS BIG WITH MAJORITY OF PARK BOARD

The June 16 Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District began with Volunteer Janet Williams thanking the Park Board for all of their work on the proposed Nature Center at Churchill Park. She shared a plaque her Girl Scouts earned as recipients of a 2007-2008 EPA Presidential Youth Award. This award was the direct result of their activities at Churchill Park.

Dave Scarmardo Superintendent of Parks introduced Jack Pizzo, who designed the Phase II restoration; John Vann from LandTech Landscape Architecture and Site Planning; Jill Voegtle, District Horticulturist and Renae Frigo, District Naturalist. All were on hand to answer any questions from the Board and members of the public.

The majority of the Glen Ellyn Park Board of Commissioners voted in favor of a Resolution to apply for an IDNR OSLAD Grant at the June 16 Regular Board Meeting. Commissioners Melissa Creech, Jay Kinzler and Julia Nephew voted against Phase III which emphasized outdoor education at Churchill Park. Commissioners Creech and Nephew read prepared statements expressing their opposition.

Commissioner Creech opposed tearing down the house currently on the property and considered it irresponsible and wasteful without finding out about renovating it. Previously discussed was the fact that the average cost to renovate the 1954 ranch was approximately $650,000 to $860,000 in order to bring it up to code and ADA regulations. Furthermore there are issues concerning the basement ceiling height.

Commissioner Nephew asked when the deadline to apply for the grant is. The deadline to apply for the grant is July 1. Nephew compared the Churchill Park plan to Lincoln Marsh at the Wheaton Park District. In evaluating Lincoln Marsh it occurred to Commissioner Nephew that they do not have running water. The Churchill plan calls for running water and Commissioner Nephew finds that fiscally irresponsible.

Commissioner Kinzler said that the plan was rushed with inadequate information; that there was conflicting written and verbal information and that more information was required to do this project correctly.

Commissioner Ron Aubrey held up (with 2 hands) his file on Churchill Park. He has been involved with this project for 5 years. “The Board has to be responsible as stewards. We have to be responsible for them, for 34,000 residents.” Aubrey further stated: “What is our responsibility? To do what is right. To work together, to focus on the children. This (Churchill Park Phase III) is a wonderful, wonderful thing”.

Commissioner Ed Hess remarked that the Park District and this Board has foresight. This is a diversified Park District and they show leadership. Hess further commented that if they polled residents and tried to get a 51% consensus on anything it would never happen. Village Green received an OSLAD grant and look “what a beautiful facility it turned out to be”.

Hess also commented on the District’s fiscal responsibility and their AA Standard & Poor’s Bond rating. Hess concluded that as part of the IDNR grant process if we do not apply “…some other Park District will get the grant. We (the Park District) have been nothing but fiscally responsible. I will strongly vote for this”.

Commissioner Bill Dallman remarked that he takes his fiduciary and environmental responsibilities seriously. He remarked how proud he is that the District was recognized as one of the top Four Park Districts of their size in the United States. Dallman noted how the Park District staff has earned their trust since he became a Commissioner. Staff achieved this trust by their operational efficiency.

Moving on with the agenda items, the Board discussed placing items on the District website. Steve Adams District Counsel was on hand to address legal issues. The newer Board members requested the entire voucher list be placed on the website. Adams did not recommend doing this since in could intrude on the public’s privacy. He stated that there is considerable private information which could be compromised in their quest to enlighten the public. Further consideration should be given to the extra staff needed to ensure privacy and placing these items on the website.

Commissioner Hess asked Commissioner Creech “How do you feel that placing the entire Voucher List on the website better informs the public”?

Commissioner Kinzler responded that he does not care bout the detail. Kinzler gave an Earthwerks voucher as an example for Village Green and stated that this information is good for the community.

After a lively discussion the Board agreed to have Counsel come back with recommendations and suggestions for their approval. The Board did vote unanimously to make the Board packets available on the website prior to the Board meetings.

In a call for Board unity Commissioner Ron Aubrey discussed Safety Village at Maryknoll Park. The building replica is currently underway on the Bells and Whistles building and the Boathouse. The cost to construct the Boathouse is $6,000. Commissioner Aubrey stated that he would donate HALF of the cost of the Boathouse if the other Commissioners donated $500 each. Aubrey commented that this is an opportunity to support staff and work as a team. Aubrey also remarked that this is the Board’s opportunity to give Safety Village this building; and what other building reflects the Park District than the Boathouse.

RESIDENTS GET TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT CHURCHILL

The June 10 Special Meeting at the Glen Ellyn Park District to discuss the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) OSLAD proposed grant application for Phase III of Churchill Park was attended by Board President Sandra Minogue and Commissioners Ron Aubrey, Melissa Creech and Ed Hess. Members of the community were also in attendance.

Dave Scarmardo, Superintendent of Parks introduced John Vann from LandTech Landscape Architecture and Site Planning who gave an overview of the work completed in Phase I and Phase II (please refer to the June 2 Blogspot article of The Glen Ellyn Park Bench), in addition to the Concept Plan for Phase III..

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.

The deadline for the Park District to apply for this grant is July 1. They will find out early in 2010 is the grant is awarded. If the grant is awarded Phase III work will begin in summer of 2010 and completed in fall 2010 or by early 2011.

Jill Voegtle, District Horticulturist and Renae Frigo, District Naturalist were on hand to discuss their vision of outdoor educational opportunities for the community as well as restoration work needed in the prairie and wooded wetland portions of the site.

One resident wanted to know why a house currently on the property would be demolished and not renovated. The average cost to renovate this 1954 ranch was approximately $650,000 to $860,000 in order to bring it up to code and ADA regulations. Furthermore there are issues concerning asbestos abatement and the basement ceiling height.

One neighbor was concerned that this renovation would bring campers into the park at all hours and they would leave beer bottles on his lawn. He was assured that it would be primitive camping only by permit and most likely used by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who would be in relatively small groups and well supervised. The park entrance is locked at night and the bathrooms at the proposed shelter/Nature Center would be locked at night as well unless supervised permitted primitive campers were present. This park would also be patrolled as all parks are in the District.

One of Commissioner Melissa Creech’s supporters inquired as to why any of the trees should be cut down. He was informed that this would be necessary to restore the area to its natural habitat. Currently there is an overabundance of buckthorn which hampers a native species ability to thrive. Furthermore some of the non-native invasive species are rotting away due to soil conditions and creating hazards. Clearing the non-native species and opening up the forest canopy will only serve to enhance the ecosystem of the entire facility. This will be done by completing an up to date tree survey and by working with DuPage County to ensure a proper plan is in place for this facility.

The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners will be voting on proceeding with the IDNR OSLAD grant application at their monthly Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00 PM. This meeting is at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Avenue. As with all others, the public is invited to attend.

Information regarding the concept plan for Phase III at Churchill Park is available on the Park District website:

http://www.gepark.org/par_Churchill.htm

EDUCATION EMPHASIZED AT CHURCHILL

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.

FLOODED FIELDS REIGN OVER PARK BOARD MEETING

The Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District was held on May 19. Included in the Consent Agenda was an Earthwerks Village Green Park Pay Request. Commissioner Jay Kinzler promptly interjected to note that after severely heavy rains there may be a slight problem with the new fields at Village Green. He requested that the outside engineers look at some flooding on the newer fields.

Commissioner Kinzler mentioned concern with how the water after the heavy rains was being diverted and he suggested a meeting with the vendor and those users to point out the grading issue at the fields in question: 4-5-6.

Dave Scarmardo, Superindent of Park noted that Earthwerks is “one of the best contractors we (the Park District) have ever had.” Scarmardo further informed Kinzler that in the rebuilding of the fields, over the four feet of clay that was brought in, and the new fields need time to settle. “Patience is asked, we have a good relationship with Earthwerks. We will look into it, we will get it fixed.”

Board President Sandra Minogue also responded to Commissioner Kinzler’s concerns and reiterated: “I have to echo Dave (Scarmardo’s) comments and ask for patience; we have a long relationship with Earthwerks.”

Commissioner Kinzler was still concerned that heavy rains affected the field and made note that: The guys who voted for us are not happy – especially on a new field.

On the matter of the repairs to Sunset Pool after the March fire, Scarmardo reported that the job would be done by the opening day at the pool. Insurance covered all of the $160,000 of the costs after the $1,000 deductible. Commissioner Ron Aubrey commended Scarmardo and staff for the speed and efficiency with which the project was completed - 6 weeks from start to finish.

Kathleen Esposito, Superintendent of Recreation discussed the District survey that has been mailed out. Out of 14,000 households, 7,000 received the survey. The last survey was conducted in 2005. The survey results are sent to Western Illinois University for tabulation.

Laurie Woods, Superintendent of Finance received a Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Organization for the 2008 Fiscal Year. There are 285 Park Districts in Illinois. The GEPD was also recognized for their Standard & Poor’s AA Bond Rating, one of only two Park Districts with that rating in the State of Illinois.

Under New Business Executive Director Cory Atwell gave a Legislative Update including Grant accessibility given the current economic climate. This led to a lengthy discussion as newer Commissioners Creech, Nephew and Kinzler tried to catch up with ongoing projects while peppering staff with questions regarding the proposed Churchill Park Shelter/Nature Center. More specifically the Illinois Department of Natural Resources OSLAD grant, which is the same type of matching grant received for Phases 1 and 2 at Churchill, as well as for Maryknoll Park and more recently, Village Green Park.

The questions were well prepared and rehearsed. Kinzler wanted to know if they would proceed with the Nature Center at Churchill if the PD survey showed that it was not a priority for the community. Creech questioned if Churchill was based on a business decision or community input and not just what staff and the Board wanted.

Staff gave an overview of the OSLAD grant process for Phase 3 of Churchill.

Regarding the grant proposal for Phase 3 at Churchill Commissioner Bill Dallman noted that it was their practice to finish what they start, to which Kinzler asked why.

Commissioner Ed Hess added that when “we (the Park District) acquire open space; we acquire it for a reason.”

The following is an overview of past projects at Churchill Park, as well as future plans. While these points were not specifically addressed at the May 19 meeting, the author felt it was important to include as background for this story.

Phase 1 was completed in 2005 and Phase 2 in 2007. Phase 3 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 3 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.

Commissioner Nephew added a thank you for the welcome tours provided to her by staff. She had a picnic at Maryknoll the previous Sunday and had no idea about the amenities offered there. This picnic at Maryknoll served to remind me how important open space is for everyone. We should think about buying more open space and having more parks, concluded Nephew.