The September 21 Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at 7:00 PM. Several members of the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis playing community were present, as well as the Daily Herald and Glen Ellyn News.
The Consent Agenda containing the Finance Report and the Voucher List of Bills totaling $342,982.76 passed unanimously with a motion made by Commissioner Bill Dallman and seconded by Commissioner Sandra Minogue.
The Platform Tennis Community, led by Scott Park and Ryan Snyder presented a comprehensive proposal to add two Platform Tennis courts and a Warming Hut which would also be used as a future classroom for the Safety Village curriculum at Maryknoll Park.
Some key points from their proposal:
Chicago Area Platform Tennis has seen a 500% growth in a decade.
Comparisons of buildings, memberships and growth for similar programs in Hinsdale and Winnetka (the closest to Glen Ellyn) were referenced.
Why Should GEPD Care About Paddle in Glen Ellyn:
Need winter activities for everyone for a more vibrant, active and social community during the colder months (Sept.-May),
57.8% of the GEPD 2009 community survey responses indicated a need for a greater emphasis on adult recreation.
Lack of a viewing hut (and restroom) facility limits growth and utilization, especially for Women and Seniors.
Platform Tennis is seeking a partnership with the Park District to build the Warming Hut/Safety Village classroom. Platform Tennis is offering $150,000 which is the result of a 2 to 1 matching grant from a private foundation and a $150,000 loan to 2013. Platform Tennis would pay the interest on the loan until 2013 and at that time the Park District could either sell non referendum bonds, or use funds that are currently being used to repay the Village ($100,000.00 annually) for the purchase of Maryknoll Park in 2000. The Village will be paid in full in 2013.
The proposal seeks $50,000 from the Glen Ellyn Park District this fiscal year, with a firm commitment of $150,000 to be paid in 2013 when additional funds become available to the District.
With a building lifespan of over 40 years, the Park District is currently paying $5,000 for the trailer at Maryknoll Park: the District would incur costs of $200,000 either way. Mr. Park also remarked that the facility could be rented out for other tournaments and league play. Furthermore clinics can bring in additional revenue to the program as well as to the Park District. The Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Committee (GEPTC) is planning two fund-raising tournaments a year; one to fund the program and another to fund the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation.
Glen Ellyn Park District Counsel Steve Adams stated that the loan would NOT be secured with Park District property, and the Park District would not have an obligation to the bank. This is a technical negotiation and would require an intergovernmental agreement between the Park District and the Glen Ellyn Platform Tennis Committee.
When asked if the Park District had ever entered into an agreement like this before, Commissioner Ron Aubrey remarked YES: and during Matters From Commissioners detailed that in 1923, at the risk of a gas station being built at the corner of Park & Crescent, and at the risk of Ball Park (Memorial Field), being developed, a community association was formed to purchase the property which they later sold to the Glen Ellyn Park District for recreational use!
Mary Defiglia, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation commented that a previous proposal last winter was based on Winnetka’s facility. After further review a more modest and less expensive facility can be built and serve the same purpose for GEPTC and the Park District.
Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo said he has received calls from several companies offering in-kind donations pending Board approval and they can also seek assistance from the Technology Center of DuPage – TCD, the former DAVEA. TCD is constructing the Safety Village buildings. Currently three Safety Village buildings are complete.
Scott Park also remarked that Glen Ellyn Village Trustee Pete Ladesic has offered assistance from several of his contacts.
Commissioner Melissa Creech said she is concerned over the loan issue. She did not want to commit to something for other boards and suggested that they just go ahead and let Platform Tennis pay for added courts.
Ryan Snyder, in reviewing the Platform Tennis proposal asked Commissioner Creech if the GEPTC is paying for the additional courts than what is the Park Board willing to bring to the table?
Creech: It’s our land!
Mr. Snyder, Mr. Snyder and several taxpayer/platform tennis players in the audience responded: It’s our land too!
Commissioner Bill Dallman said that in his ten years on the Board, he has never seen a proposal presented where an organization came forward with this much “skin in the game”.
Commissioner Jay Kinzler proselytized in great length and in great detail before finally stating that his problem was philosophical said: …no argument it will be popular and possibly a revenue maker. “I know I probably won’t vote for it”. Kinzler has been a vocal opponent of Platform Tennis since his campaign and first Park Board meeting in May 2009 when he dismissed the sport a “Pet Project”.
Commissioner Sandy Minogue commented that when we talk of future Boards our job is to have a vision and see down the road.
Board President Ed Hess remarked that other organizations have contributed to enhancing Park District facilities. Over the years softball spent approximately $16,000-18,000 for the batting cages at Ackerman Park; Football $30,000 for the Press Box at Newton and Baseball most recently promising $35,000 for the lights at Village Green.
When the discussion appeared to have run its course, Park District Executive Director Cory Atwell said that the Board would have to give some direction to Platform Tennis, most likely in the form of a motion and a vote. Kinzler told Commissioner Bill Dallman to “take the moral high ground” and not vote since Dallman plays Platform Tennis.
Commissioner Ed Hess made a motion to move forward with the proposal for Platform Tennis to add two more courts and a dual use Warming Hut/Safety Village classroom building subject to Board approval a of an acceptable intergovernmental agreement and amended budget to reflect spending $50,000 this fiscal year. Commissioner Minogue seconded the motion, which passed: 4-3.
As the result of several Riford Road residents experiencing flooding during July and August, Superintendent of Parks Scarmardo updated the Board on a recent inspection of the earthen dam embankment conducted by Patrick Engineering. The berm embankment is structurally sound and the Park District will continue to work with the Village to seek a long term solution to the flooding at Lake Ellyn.
Park District Counsel Steve Adams stated that this is a regional stormwater issue NOT a Lake Ellyn issue. Commissioner Creech asked if there were other places in addition to Lake Ellyn to store stormwater. A prompt response was that they could have had it at Ackerman Park when in 2007 the Village took the lead and asked the Park District to add a stormwater detention/soccer field facility there.
Park District Naturalist Renae Frigo informed the Board that Saturday, September 25 is Natural Public Lands Day. The Park District will be celebrating at Churchill Park and the focus is public land stewardship. Of 285 Park Districts in Illinois, only 4 are participating. The Bookstore and the Library are partnering with the Park District for this event.
A motion to change financial reporting, which was recapped in great detail over the last few issues of The Glen Ellyn Park Bench failed 3-4.
Jim Rafferty, a recently retired 37 year employee of the Glen Ellyn Park District received a Proclamation of Achievement by the Board. Mr. Rafferty was instrumental in locating and preserving an artifact from Memorial Field which will be replaced at the artificial turf dedication at Memorial Park on Saturday, September 25.
During Matters from Staff and Commissioners Superintendent of Finance Laurie Woods introduced her successor, Nicholas Cinquegrani. Superintendent Woods will be retiring October 15.
Commissioner Ron Aubrey announced that the Park District will be participating in a Chamber of Commerce sponsored Harlem Globetrotters special event at Glenbard West on October 4.
The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 9:19 PM. The next Workshop Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The meetings are held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) 185 Spring Avenue. As with all meetings, the public is invited and welcome to attend.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
RIFORD ROAD RESIDENTS DISCUSS LAKE ELLYN FLOODING WITH VILLAGE
The Village Board Meeting on Monday, January 13 was attended by several Riford Road residents impacted by flooding in July and August. Glen Ellyn Park District Board President Ed Hess, Ppark District Executive Director Cory Atwell and Bill Rickert from RHMG (Rezek, Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende, Inc.) were also in attendance.
The following is a summary of comments made by those in attendance during the 80 minute discussion.
Jerry Dentinger, 700 block of Riford Road:
On July when the berm at Lake Ellyn overflowed, he suffered over $50,000 in uninsurable losses. His FEMA check barely covers the loss.
There was no warning, no help. The Fire Department needs to be involved with this as well. No emergency personnel arrived on their street. The road was closed but people were still driving by and creating wakes in their houses.
Lake Ellyn is an 18 million gallon lake for stormwater. It is NOT for recreation and should NOT be managed by the Park District. Lake Ellyn should be managed by the Village.
Curt Kabat, 700 block of Riford Road:
Mr. Kabat showed a video of the flooding and stated it is dangerous, beyond dangerous. The flooding left a 20 ft wide sinkhole in his yard.
With the Village fixing roads and channeling more water into the Lake, it can no longer be managed with 20 year old plans.
No Emergency Response was present; during a similar severe flood in September 2008 the Fire Department evacuated his children with harnesses. This time no one was present to help. With every rain he feels that the levy gets weaker. “Who wants to buy my house? I live in a floodplain. I just want something to be fixed.”
PJ Sinopoli, 700 block of Riford Road:
Remarked: “It is intuitive. Clearly Lake Ellyn is taking in a lot more water than it used to”. Ms. Sinopoli requested that the Lake level be lowered and the berm raised.
Ms. Sinopoli thanked the Village and Park District Board for their genuine empathy.
Joe Sinopoli:
Requested that the inflow to the Lake be reinstated to where it was 15 years ago.
Dan Anderson, 600 Block of Essex:
Mr. Anderson pointed out that this issue is larger than Lake Ellyn and that the Village is suffering, in part from their own success. This flooding did not occur until we embarked on a campaign to improve stormwater and drainage – the process began upstream. And they have not yet finished the process downstream.
Earthen dams are vulnerable, we may need a spillway. He applauded all for talking about the problem and for being committed to seeking a resolution.
Frank Bachochin, 700 Block of Riford:
Five Step Plan to resolve this:
1) A new engineering plan that specifically addresses the levy on the north end;
2) Lower the Lake 2 feet and keep it that way until a plan is in place;
3) Develop am emergency warning plan for the affected residents;
4) Police and Village need to develop a plan to move those who are in danger;
5) Village Board and Public Works should manage the Lake, not the Park District.
Village President Mark Pfefferman:
Promised to work together with the Park District and seek a joint solution
Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company Chief Scott Raffensparger:
Chief Raffensparger explained that the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company is prepared. They have a scuba team, boat, certified divers and they are swift water rescue certified. They are part of MABAS Illinois – Mutual Aid Box Alarm System as well as.
Steve Jones, Village Manager:
After the Park District Meeting on September 7 the Village and the Park District met to brainstorm. We are making progress. The flooding issue is not something we are proud of. This is our stormwater and we are absolute partners is seeking a solution.
We need a new engineering study; the last one is from 1991. We need answers to the following:
1) What is the condition – what is coming in and going out of the Lake:
2) Update the manual so management practices are in place:
3) Mitigation strategy to prevent flooding, minimize the damage and divert the water.
Park Board President Ed Hess:
Lake Ellyn is a passive entity for stormwater. We do not normally manage the water level but are trying to do so now to create a short term solution.
Patrick Engineering inspected the structural integrity of the dam after the September 2008 flooding and will inspect it again soon.
Joe Caracci, Director of Public Works:
This summer we had the largest recorded history of rainwater. The groundwater is high and 16% of the Village drains into Lake Ellyn. Sump pumps that were allowed to be hooked up to the storm sewers are not helping.
The July flood had 7” of rain in 5 hours and the system is not designed to handle that.
The Village of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Park District are committed to resolving the flooding issue that is affecting these residents.
The following is a summary of improvements made to Lake Ellyn in 2005:
The low flow bypass system was installed with the funds from an anonymous donation to the Village of Glen Ellyn. The park district funded approximately $300,000 for the Vortex separators. There is an 18" pipe buried at the bottom of the lake, the reason for the piping is collect the low flow of water that drains into the lake and cause the thinning of the ice through the center of the lake. The vortex separators collect most of the debris that funnels into the lake through the storm piping within the village. The vortex separator's are cleaned out once per year by the Village of Glen Ellyn.
The piping system carries the water through the lake and then lets it flow out through the outlet on the North side of the lake as it always does. The low flow system cannot help additional water flow out during a rain event s such as the one this past July 24th. The system is to only drain the low trickle flow of water that is carried in the winter months when the snow and ice thaws throughout the village. Over 2/3 of the villages storm water flows through Lake Ellyn, and all of the central business district storm water flows into Lake Ellyn. All of that salty, garbage laden water funnels into Lake Ellyn. That's how the vortex separators and low flow piping works...
The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The meetings are held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) 185 Spring Avenue. As with all meetings, the public is invited and welcome to attend.
The following is a summary of comments made by those in attendance during the 80 minute discussion.
Jerry Dentinger, 700 block of Riford Road:
On July when the berm at Lake Ellyn overflowed, he suffered over $50,000 in uninsurable losses. His FEMA check barely covers the loss.
There was no warning, no help. The Fire Department needs to be involved with this as well. No emergency personnel arrived on their street. The road was closed but people were still driving by and creating wakes in their houses.
Lake Ellyn is an 18 million gallon lake for stormwater. It is NOT for recreation and should NOT be managed by the Park District. Lake Ellyn should be managed by the Village.
Curt Kabat, 700 block of Riford Road:
Mr. Kabat showed a video of the flooding and stated it is dangerous, beyond dangerous. The flooding left a 20 ft wide sinkhole in his yard.
With the Village fixing roads and channeling more water into the Lake, it can no longer be managed with 20 year old plans.
No Emergency Response was present; during a similar severe flood in September 2008 the Fire Department evacuated his children with harnesses. This time no one was present to help. With every rain he feels that the levy gets weaker. “Who wants to buy my house? I live in a floodplain. I just want something to be fixed.”
PJ Sinopoli, 700 block of Riford Road:
Remarked: “It is intuitive. Clearly Lake Ellyn is taking in a lot more water than it used to”. Ms. Sinopoli requested that the Lake level be lowered and the berm raised.
Ms. Sinopoli thanked the Village and Park District Board for their genuine empathy.
Joe Sinopoli:
Requested that the inflow to the Lake be reinstated to where it was 15 years ago.
Dan Anderson, 600 Block of Essex:
Mr. Anderson pointed out that this issue is larger than Lake Ellyn and that the Village is suffering, in part from their own success. This flooding did not occur until we embarked on a campaign to improve stormwater and drainage – the process began upstream. And they have not yet finished the process downstream.
Earthen dams are vulnerable, we may need a spillway. He applauded all for talking about the problem and for being committed to seeking a resolution.
Frank Bachochin, 700 Block of Riford:
Five Step Plan to resolve this:
1) A new engineering plan that specifically addresses the levy on the north end;
2) Lower the Lake 2 feet and keep it that way until a plan is in place;
3) Develop am emergency warning plan for the affected residents;
4) Police and Village need to develop a plan to move those who are in danger;
5) Village Board and Public Works should manage the Lake, not the Park District.
Village President Mark Pfefferman:
Promised to work together with the Park District and seek a joint solution
Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company Chief Scott Raffensparger:
Chief Raffensparger explained that the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company is prepared. They have a scuba team, boat, certified divers and they are swift water rescue certified. They are part of MABAS Illinois – Mutual Aid Box Alarm System as well as.
Steve Jones, Village Manager:
After the Park District Meeting on September 7 the Village and the Park District met to brainstorm. We are making progress. The flooding issue is not something we are proud of. This is our stormwater and we are absolute partners is seeking a solution.
We need a new engineering study; the last one is from 1991. We need answers to the following:
1) What is the condition – what is coming in and going out of the Lake:
2) Update the manual so management practices are in place:
3) Mitigation strategy to prevent flooding, minimize the damage and divert the water.
Park Board President Ed Hess:
Lake Ellyn is a passive entity for stormwater. We do not normally manage the water level but are trying to do so now to create a short term solution.
Patrick Engineering inspected the structural integrity of the dam after the September 2008 flooding and will inspect it again soon.
Joe Caracci, Director of Public Works:
This summer we had the largest recorded history of rainwater. The groundwater is high and 16% of the Village drains into Lake Ellyn. Sump pumps that were allowed to be hooked up to the storm sewers are not helping.
The July flood had 7” of rain in 5 hours and the system is not designed to handle that.
The Village of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Park District are committed to resolving the flooding issue that is affecting these residents.
The following is a summary of improvements made to Lake Ellyn in 2005:
The low flow bypass system was installed with the funds from an anonymous donation to the Village of Glen Ellyn. The park district funded approximately $300,000 for the Vortex separators. There is an 18" pipe buried at the bottom of the lake, the reason for the piping is collect the low flow of water that drains into the lake and cause the thinning of the ice through the center of the lake. The vortex separators collect most of the debris that funnels into the lake through the storm piping within the village. The vortex separator's are cleaned out once per year by the Village of Glen Ellyn.
The piping system carries the water through the lake and then lets it flow out through the outlet on the North side of the lake as it always does. The low flow system cannot help additional water flow out during a rain event s such as the one this past July 24th. The system is to only drain the low trickle flow of water that is carried in the winter months when the snow and ice thaws throughout the village. Over 2/3 of the villages storm water flows through Lake Ellyn, and all of the central business district storm water flows into Lake Ellyn. All of that salty, garbage laden water funnels into Lake Ellyn. That's how the vortex separators and low flow piping works...
The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The meetings are held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) 185 Spring Avenue. As with all meetings, the public is invited and welcome to attend.
SAFETY VILLAGE: FACT NOT FICTION
Safety Village has been a part of the Site Plan at Maryknoll Park since the first Master Plan was developed. This is a project of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Park District for several years
Over the last 3 years the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has also donated over $20,000 to the Glen Ellyn Park District Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund enables every child and family in need the same recreational opportunities as everyone else in the community. The Foundation holds an annual fundraiser at Maryknoll Park, Putts for Kids, every June.
The Safety Village Lake Ellyn Boathouse and Bells & Whistles Buildings debuted at the 2009 Fourth of July Parade. This year the Library building debuted at the Parade and the Stacy’s Tavern building is nearing completion. The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has donated $25,000 for the infrastructure – utilities and grading to get this project off the ground and to install the completed buildings. The Site Plan for Maryknoll Park which includes plans for Safety Village is located on the Glen Ellyn Park District website:
http://gepark.org/assets/PDFs/Maryknoll%20Park/Maryknoll%20Development%20Plan.pdf
On Saturday, September 11 Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society held an Oktoberfest at Lake Ellyn Park. This year’s event raised funds for Safety Village at Maryknoll Park.
The $600,000 cost is the architect's estimated cost opinion for the project if no fund raising is received for the project. The GEPD is very hopeful that donations will drive the remaining portion of the project. The fact is that numerous people that donated homes are ready for the project to get off the ground. If nothing is done the project will just be kept on the back shelf. The district cannot fund the entire project which is the reason that it has been put on hold for so many years. The Parks Foundation Board decided to get things moving and offered $25,000 to get the program off the ground. Once the infrastructure is completed buildings can be added to the site and use the facility without a classroom if need be.
As an example Naperville’s Safety Town project cost approximately one million and was funded by the Naperville Junior Women’s Club. Run by the Naperville Junior Woman’s Club in cooperation with the Police and Fire Departments, this miniature town includes streets, tiny buildings, a railroad car and a classroom building. Safety awareness programs are held in the summer for children entering kindergarten and first grade. Classes are also held for residents on topics including babysitting clinics, bike safety, senior citizen crime prevention, women's safety and self-defense.
The following is from the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation Page on the Park District website:
Safety Village Project:
Building a Safer Future for Our Children
The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn and Glen Ellyn Park District invite you to join with us and help make a permanent Safety Village of Glen Ellyn a reality.
Safety Village is a long-running, popular program developed and run by the Glen Ellyn Park District. Curriculum-based, it is designed to build a foundation of safety awareness in young children, age four through seven. Key lesson components include personal, pedestrian, passenger, home and play safety incorporated into a fun atmosphere that helps develop a child’s confidence, self-reliance and sound decision-making abilities.
Staff engages students through play that teaches them how to handle specific safety situations such as being approached by a stranger and how community workers help people. Classroom visitors, such as local fire fighters and police officers, games, crafts, music, stories, films and role-playing are integral program features.
Injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among school-aged children. Many of these tragedies could be prevented if children had the proper knowledge and skills to avoid them.
The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation’s goal is to help the park district’s program achieve exceptional status by providing students with an experience that more closely resembles real-world situations they encounter daily. Instead of describing situations and playing make-believe, children would be placed in settings that where they can practice the safety lessons they have learned in the classroom.
An permanent safety village in Maryknoll Park would be ADA handicap accessible. It will allow children to travel through a replica of the Village of Glen Ellyn, passing through intersections named after real streets and riding their bikes past buildings that look like the actual businesses where they shop, eat, visit and travel with their parents. A permanent Safety Village will include:
* Railroad Safety
* Stranger Danger
* Electrical Safety
* Bicycle Safety
* Animal Safety
* Basic First Aid Practices
* Home and Personal Safety
* Fire Safety
* Water Safety
* Recognizing Safety Signs
* Safe Passenger and Pedestrian Practices
* Child Restrain Safety
* Role of Police Officers/Fire Fighters/Paramedics
* Appropriate use of 911
A permanent Safety Village will help Glen Ellyn’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens grow up to become tomorrow’s happy, healthy adults. For additional information please call Cory Atwell at 630-858-2462, x 116 for a personal visit to your business or to schedule a presentation to interested organizations.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways to become involved, including financial and in-kind sponsorships and donations. We would be pleased to offer further information on the sponsorship level that best suits you and your organization. Please consider the positive affects you can make and the lasting impression to the community should you choose to participate by making a donation or by volunteering your time. Our sponsorship package offers a wide variety of involvement and provides on-site publicity, annual sponsorship days in the Village and recognition on the prestigious Safety Village "Wall of Fame."
Charitable Organization
The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. All donations made to the foundation are tax deductible. This is an excellent opportunity to show your support for education and safety. To become a part of this project, please send checks, payable to the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, to:
Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation
185 Spring Avenue
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Donations
Click here to download a Donation Form
Sponsorship Opportunities
The sponsorship levels outlined below will recognize both financial and inkind contributions. Sponsors will be appropriately recognized through onsite signage, print advertising, promotions, various media and formal or ceremonial events. Sponsors donating $50,000 or more will be provided with an opportunity to work with the foundation to develop appropriate personalized recognition that reflects their significant contributions to the community.
Sponsorship Benefits
- Unique recognition for many years to come
- Increased community profile
- Demonstrated corporate citizenship
- A chance to save lives and make a real difference in the community
Sponsorship Levels
Diamond ($50,000 and Above)
Press Release w/Photo
Appreciation Plaque
Name of “Wall of Fame”
Sculpture in Safety Village w/Commemorative Plaque
Link on Foundation Website
Platinum ($25,000 to $49,999)
Press Release w/Photo
Appreciation Plaque
Name on “Wall of Fame”
Bench in Safety Village w/Commemorative Plaque
Link on Foundation Website
Gold ($10,000 to $24,999)
Appreciation Plaque
“Name on “Wall of Fame”
Tree Planted in Maryknoll Park w/Commemorative Plaque
Silver ($1,000 to $9,999)
Appreciation Plaque
Name on “Wall of Fame”
Bronze (Up to $999)
Appreciation Certificate
Name on “Wall of Fame"
Sponsorships include, but are not limited to:
Police Station/Civic Center
This structure will carry the name of the sponsor and appropriate signage.
$8,000
Train Station
This building will be a miniature replica of the train station in downtown Glen Ellyn.
$8,000
Fire Station (Storage)
This 12' x 18' building will be a replica of either the southside or northside fire house in Glen Ellyn. The building will house storage for the bicycles and other equipment.
$30,000
Smoke House
The building will consist of three rooms, large enough for children to learn the proper way to exit a burning building.
$25,000
Building Sites
Twenty building sites will be offered for construction throughout the Village. Building sites will be offered on a first come basis and site size will vary from 6' to 10' frontage.
$8,000 to $10,000
Train Cars/Tracks/Signals
Train Car and Track $25,000
Train Signals (electric) $20,000
Train Signals (non-electric) $17,000
Pedal Cars/Bicycles (SOLD)
Pedal cars and bicycles are a key component to the traffic safety curriculum. Cars and bicycles will be marked with company/organizational name and/or logo.
$100 to $200 each
Street Lighting
Fifteen decorative street lights will be placed throughout the Village.
$500 each
Street Names
Street signs will be customized to the sponsor’s request. Signs can be a company, organization, family name or named after an individual.
$500 each (one per family/donor name)
Classroom Furniture
Tables and chairs are necessary for the classroom. A plaque will be displayed in the classroom recognizing the sponsor.
Tables - $150 each
Chairs - $40 each
Benches
Six benches will be placed throughout the Village.
$1,200 each
Fountain
A decorative fountain, incorporating the Glen Ellyn Park District logo, will be located in the center of the Safety Village. Cost includes purchase and installation of fountain.
$15,000
Fencing
6' high decorative fencing around the site (225 l.f.).
$26,000
Brick Pillar
6' High Brick Pillar (8)
$1,400 each
Landscaping
Shade Trees (12) $425 each
Shrubs (50) $45 each
Perennials (300) $12.00 each
Misc. (1) $5,000
Sod (778 sq. ft.) $3,500
Irrigation System $15,000
Site Excavation
Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$15,000
Paving
Work consists of constructing asphalt roadways, concrete sidewalks, building slabs, and permeable parking lots. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$42,000
Lake Site Improvement
Install pond system/waterfall/faux culvert. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$25,000
Site Utilities/Underground
Work consists of installing PVC surface drain basins, PVC piping, two concrete catch basins, and copper water line to fountain and irrigation system, and installation of electrical work. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$30,000
The estimated Cost construction for this project is $546.652.00, with the funding being provided by donations.
The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The meetings are held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) 185 Spring Avenue. As with all meetings, the public is invited and welcome to attend.
Over the last 3 years the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has also donated over $20,000 to the Glen Ellyn Park District Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund enables every child and family in need the same recreational opportunities as everyone else in the community. The Foundation holds an annual fundraiser at Maryknoll Park, Putts for Kids, every June.
The Safety Village Lake Ellyn Boathouse and Bells & Whistles Buildings debuted at the 2009 Fourth of July Parade. This year the Library building debuted at the Parade and the Stacy’s Tavern building is nearing completion. The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has donated $25,000 for the infrastructure – utilities and grading to get this project off the ground and to install the completed buildings. The Site Plan for Maryknoll Park which includes plans for Safety Village is located on the Glen Ellyn Park District website:
http://gepark.org/assets/PDFs/Maryknoll%20Park/Maryknoll%20Development%20Plan.pdf
On Saturday, September 11 Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society held an Oktoberfest at Lake Ellyn Park. This year’s event raised funds for Safety Village at Maryknoll Park.
The $600,000 cost is the architect's estimated cost opinion for the project if no fund raising is received for the project. The GEPD is very hopeful that donations will drive the remaining portion of the project. The fact is that numerous people that donated homes are ready for the project to get off the ground. If nothing is done the project will just be kept on the back shelf. The district cannot fund the entire project which is the reason that it has been put on hold for so many years. The Parks Foundation Board decided to get things moving and offered $25,000 to get the program off the ground. Once the infrastructure is completed buildings can be added to the site and use the facility without a classroom if need be.
As an example Naperville’s Safety Town project cost approximately one million and was funded by the Naperville Junior Women’s Club. Run by the Naperville Junior Woman’s Club in cooperation with the Police and Fire Departments, this miniature town includes streets, tiny buildings, a railroad car and a classroom building. Safety awareness programs are held in the summer for children entering kindergarten and first grade. Classes are also held for residents on topics including babysitting clinics, bike safety, senior citizen crime prevention, women's safety and self-defense.
The following is from the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation Page on the Park District website:
Safety Village Project:
Building a Safer Future for Our Children
The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn and Glen Ellyn Park District invite you to join with us and help make a permanent Safety Village of Glen Ellyn a reality.
Safety Village is a long-running, popular program developed and run by the Glen Ellyn Park District. Curriculum-based, it is designed to build a foundation of safety awareness in young children, age four through seven. Key lesson components include personal, pedestrian, passenger, home and play safety incorporated into a fun atmosphere that helps develop a child’s confidence, self-reliance and sound decision-making abilities.
Staff engages students through play that teaches them how to handle specific safety situations such as being approached by a stranger and how community workers help people. Classroom visitors, such as local fire fighters and police officers, games, crafts, music, stories, films and role-playing are integral program features.
Injuries are a leading cause of death and disability among school-aged children. Many of these tragedies could be prevented if children had the proper knowledge and skills to avoid them.
The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation’s goal is to help the park district’s program achieve exceptional status by providing students with an experience that more closely resembles real-world situations they encounter daily. Instead of describing situations and playing make-believe, children would be placed in settings that where they can practice the safety lessons they have learned in the classroom.
An permanent safety village in Maryknoll Park would be ADA handicap accessible. It will allow children to travel through a replica of the Village of Glen Ellyn, passing through intersections named after real streets and riding their bikes past buildings that look like the actual businesses where they shop, eat, visit and travel with their parents. A permanent Safety Village will include:
* Railroad Safety
* Stranger Danger
* Electrical Safety
* Bicycle Safety
* Animal Safety
* Basic First Aid Practices
* Home and Personal Safety
* Fire Safety
* Water Safety
* Recognizing Safety Signs
* Safe Passenger and Pedestrian Practices
* Child Restrain Safety
* Role of Police Officers/Fire Fighters/Paramedics
* Appropriate use of 911
A permanent Safety Village will help Glen Ellyn’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens grow up to become tomorrow’s happy, healthy adults. For additional information please call Cory Atwell at 630-858-2462, x 116 for a personal visit to your business or to schedule a presentation to interested organizations.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways to become involved, including financial and in-kind sponsorships and donations. We would be pleased to offer further information on the sponsorship level that best suits you and your organization. Please consider the positive affects you can make and the lasting impression to the community should you choose to participate by making a donation or by volunteering your time. Our sponsorship package offers a wide variety of involvement and provides on-site publicity, annual sponsorship days in the Village and recognition on the prestigious Safety Village "Wall of Fame."
Charitable Organization
The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. All donations made to the foundation are tax deductible. This is an excellent opportunity to show your support for education and safety. To become a part of this project, please send checks, payable to the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, to:
Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation
185 Spring Avenue
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Donations
Click here to download a Donation Form
Sponsorship Opportunities
The sponsorship levels outlined below will recognize both financial and inkind contributions. Sponsors will be appropriately recognized through onsite signage, print advertising, promotions, various media and formal or ceremonial events. Sponsors donating $50,000 or more will be provided with an opportunity to work with the foundation to develop appropriate personalized recognition that reflects their significant contributions to the community.
Sponsorship Benefits
- Unique recognition for many years to come
- Increased community profile
- Demonstrated corporate citizenship
- A chance to save lives and make a real difference in the community
Sponsorship Levels
Diamond ($50,000 and Above)
Press Release w/Photo
Appreciation Plaque
Name of “Wall of Fame”
Sculpture in Safety Village w/Commemorative Plaque
Link on Foundation Website
Platinum ($25,000 to $49,999)
Press Release w/Photo
Appreciation Plaque
Name on “Wall of Fame”
Bench in Safety Village w/Commemorative Plaque
Link on Foundation Website
Gold ($10,000 to $24,999)
Appreciation Plaque
“Name on “Wall of Fame”
Tree Planted in Maryknoll Park w/Commemorative Plaque
Silver ($1,000 to $9,999)
Appreciation Plaque
Name on “Wall of Fame”
Bronze (Up to $999)
Appreciation Certificate
Name on “Wall of Fame"
Sponsorships include, but are not limited to:
Police Station/Civic Center
This structure will carry the name of the sponsor and appropriate signage.
$8,000
Train Station
This building will be a miniature replica of the train station in downtown Glen Ellyn.
$8,000
Fire Station (Storage)
This 12' x 18' building will be a replica of either the southside or northside fire house in Glen Ellyn. The building will house storage for the bicycles and other equipment.
$30,000
Smoke House
The building will consist of three rooms, large enough for children to learn the proper way to exit a burning building.
$25,000
Building Sites
Twenty building sites will be offered for construction throughout the Village. Building sites will be offered on a first come basis and site size will vary from 6' to 10' frontage.
$8,000 to $10,000
Train Cars/Tracks/Signals
Train Car and Track $25,000
Train Signals (electric) $20,000
Train Signals (non-electric) $17,000
Pedal Cars/Bicycles (SOLD)
Pedal cars and bicycles are a key component to the traffic safety curriculum. Cars and bicycles will be marked with company/organizational name and/or logo.
$100 to $200 each
Street Lighting
Fifteen decorative street lights will be placed throughout the Village.
$500 each
Street Names
Street signs will be customized to the sponsor’s request. Signs can be a company, organization, family name or named after an individual.
$500 each (one per family/donor name)
Classroom Furniture
Tables and chairs are necessary for the classroom. A plaque will be displayed in the classroom recognizing the sponsor.
Tables - $150 each
Chairs - $40 each
Benches
Six benches will be placed throughout the Village.
$1,200 each
Fountain
A decorative fountain, incorporating the Glen Ellyn Park District logo, will be located in the center of the Safety Village. Cost includes purchase and installation of fountain.
$15,000
Fencing
6' high decorative fencing around the site (225 l.f.).
$26,000
Brick Pillar
6' High Brick Pillar (8)
$1,400 each
Landscaping
Shade Trees (12) $425 each
Shrubs (50) $45 each
Perennials (300) $12.00 each
Misc. (1) $5,000
Sod (778 sq. ft.) $3,500
Irrigation System $15,000
Site Excavation
Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$15,000
Paving
Work consists of constructing asphalt roadways, concrete sidewalks, building slabs, and permeable parking lots. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$42,000
Lake Site Improvement
Install pond system/waterfall/faux culvert. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$25,000
Site Utilities/Underground
Work consists of installing PVC surface drain basins, PVC piping, two concrete catch basins, and copper water line to fountain and irrigation system, and installation of electrical work. Sponsor may choose to fund the cost of the work or contribute on an in-kind basis.
$30,000
The estimated Cost construction for this project is $546.652.00, with the funding being provided by donations.
The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The meetings are held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) 185 Spring Avenue. As with all meetings, the public is invited and welcome to attend.
RIFORD ROAD RESIDENTS DISCUSS SUMMER FLOODS
The September 7 Workshop Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM. Village President Mark Pfefferman, Bill Rickert from RHMG (Rezek, Henry, Meisenheimer and Gende, Inc). Several residents of Riford Road and Chidester Street were in attendance
Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo gave the Board an update on the Park District’s Recycling Program. So far the District has recycled 2,000 pounds more than they did at this time last year. They are placing extra recycling containers at the fields and have received a lot of support from the community and athletic groups at the facilities. This is contributing to the success of the recycling program.
Superintendent Scarmardo also discussed plans to install the infrastructure at Maryknoll Park for Safety Village. Safety Village has been a part of the Site Plan at Maryknoll Park since the first Master Plan was developed. This is a project of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization, the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn and the Glen Ellyn Park District for several years.
Over the last 3 years the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has also donated over $20,000 to the Glen Ellyn Park District Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund enables every child and family in need the same recreational opportunities as everyone else in the community. The Foundation holds an annual fundraiser at Maryknoll Park, Putts for Kids, every June.
The Safety Village Lake Ellyn Boathouse and Bells & Whistles Buildings debuted at the 2009 Fourth of July Parade. This year the Library building debuted at the Parade and the Stacy’s Tavern building is nearing completion. The Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has donated $25,000 for the infrastructure – utilities and grading to get this project off the ground and to install the completed buildings. The Site Plan for Maryknoll Park which includes plans for Safety Village is located on the Glen Ellyn Park District website:
http://gepark.org/assets/PDFs/Maryknoll%20Park/Maryknoll%20Development%20Plan.pdf
Commissioner Melissa Creech complained that the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation has no authority to build on Park District property and wanted to know when the Board was going to vote on this project.
Board President Ed Hess replied that previous Board’s voted on the Safety Village project, that it has been an ongoing project and goal for over 7 years and that the Parks Foundation is not building anything, the Parks Foundation is raising money and donating funds to build Safety Village. Furthermore, Safety Village was part of the OSLAD (Open Space Land Acquisitions and Development) Grant that the Glen Ellyn Park District received from the IDNR (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) in 2006.
Commissioner Julia Nephew expressed fear that children may drown since the plan calls for a replica of Lake Ellyn at Safety Village. Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito stated that at Safety Village students who are 3-5 years old are escorted on the premises, and that it is fenced and inaccessible when classes are not in session. In any event this same fear has never been expressed regarding Lake Ellyn, Lake Foxcroft, and the ponds at Maryknoll Park, Churchill Park or any other wetland on Park District property.
Commissioner Creech stated that in lieu of Safety Village at Maryknoll Park, she wants a 9 acre Oak Savannah planted instead.
Commissioner Nephew said if Safety Village is not built all at the same time then it will deteriorate and look bad. Commissioner Sandra Minogue stated her support for this ongoing project and asked Nephew to give an example of anything that is deteriorating on Park District property. Nephew promptly replied: the home at Churchill Park. The home on Churchill has been slated for demolition for years, is finally going to be torn down and was the subject of several Glen Ellyn Park Bench articles, most recently in April: Commissioners Vow to Save 1954 Glen Ellyn Architecture. http://theglenellynparkbench.blogspot.com/2010/04/commissioners-vow-to-save-1954-glen.html
Board President Hess concluded discussion of the subject by reminding everyone that Safety Village is not a secret. This has been discussed for 15 years; it is in the Park District 2009-2013 Master Plan that all Commissioners have a copy of. This project has been at numerous Workshop and Regular Board Meetings in the past 16 months and at the Board Retreat Meeting late last summer. In fact, most of the Commissioners and some of their spouses and children rode on the Bells and Whistles Building and Lake Ellyn Boathouse Buildings as part of the 2009 Fourth of July Floats. See photo of David Creech with daughter at the 2009 4th of July Parade.
Superintendent Scarmardo gave an overview of Lake Ellyn regarding July and August flooding events. Lake Ellyn consists of 535 acres of passive storage and holds approximately 16% of the Village of Glen Ellyn’s storm water.
Bill Rickert a hydrologist from RHMG gave an overview of the low flow pipes at Lake Ellyn and how the Lake operates with the valve, restrictor and stop logs. The last engineering study of Lake Ellyn is dated 1991 and the elevation of the lake is 707.5. Rickert also remarked that the July storm event exceeded that of a 100 year event and that the August event was a 50 year event.
Board President Hess asked how long it would take to lower the Lake one foot. Rickert replied that with no flow coming into the Lake 5 ½ to 6 hours.
Joe Sinopoli of the 700 block of Riford stated that with the roadwork improvements being done by the Village over the last 20 years that too much water is being fed into Lake Ellyn and that the Lake cannot handle the additional input.
Jerry Dentinger, also of the 700 block of Riford detailed flooding incidents in July and August, as well as September 2008. Mr. Dentinger stated in July he suffered $50,000 in losses, his check from FEMA barely covered his losses, his patience is wearing thin and that it is obvious to him that the Lake is being managed with 20 year old plans. He is concerned that the plans to manage the Lake have not been updated since the Village has improved the roads. Mr. Dentinger concluded by stating: doing nothing is not an option; you (the Village and the Park District) are all responsible.
Mr. Dentinger also commented on the lack of help he received during this summers rain events. The Park District, Public Works and the Fire Department did not help him. There was no warning and no emergency personnel showed up and no one pumped the water out of his house.
PJ Sinopoli asked is raising the berm would help and stated that sandbags would have helped them if emergency help had been available.
Curt Kabat also of the 700 block of Riford said that in 2008 the Fire Department evacuated his children and they did not do that this time. Neighbors on Chidester asked if the Lake can be kept at a lower level.
Board President Hess thanked Village President Mark Pfefferman for attending. Together the Village and the Park District will work together to seek a solution. In the meantime, as a buffer, the Lake will be lowered one foot until they can find a long term solution. The Riford Road residents will also attend the Village Board Meting on Monday, September 13. Park District personnel and Board President Hess will also attend.
The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 8:59 PM. The next Regular Board Meeting of the Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 7:00 PM. The meetings are held at the Spring Avenue Recreation Center (SARC) 185 Spring Avenue. As with all meetings, the public is invited and welcome to attend.
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