Wilmette Park District Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Monday, January 15, :30 p.m. Village Hall Training Room AGENDA

Transcription

1 Wilmette Park District Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Monday, January 15, :30 p.m. Village Hall Training Room AGENDA I. Meeting Called to Order: Members of Committee: Commissioner Abbott, Chair Commissioner Olvany Commissioner Foster Staff: Superintendent Kathy Bingham Superintendent Jerry Ulrich II. III. IV. Approval of Minutes A. November 20, 2017 Communications and Correspondence Recognition of Visitors V. New Business A. Renaming of Center Fitness Club Spin Room VI. VII. VIII. Managers Reports Unfinished Business A. Langdon Park Playground Verbal Update B. Memorial Tree Donation Program Verbal Update C. Landscape Design for Keay Nature Center Discussion Adjournment If you are a person with a disability and need special accommodations to participate in and/or attend a Wilmette Park District public meeting, please notify the Director s Office at Revised: 1/11/2018 3:23 PM

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3 6:30 WILMETTE PARK DISTRICT Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes Monday, November 20, :30 p.m. Village Hall Training Room Attendees Present Commissioners/Committee: Chair Bryan Abbott, Stephanie Foster, John Olvany Staff: Kathy Bingham, Jerry Ulrich Staff: Steve Wilson, Steve Holloway, Carol Heafey, Sean Flynn Commissioners: Gordon Anderson, Ryrie Pellaton Attendees Absent None I. Meeting Called to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. II. III. IV. Approval of Minutes A. Commissioner Foster moved and Commissioner Olvany seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2017 Parks & Recreation Committee; all voted yes, the motion carried. Communication and Correspondence Commissioner Abbott acknowledged an received from Paul Gillen thanking Humberto Maldonado and Tiffany Zanon for their assistance with a donation. Commissioner Abbott also expressed his thanks to the staff. Recognition of Visitors The Attendance Record will become part of the permanent record. V. New Business A. Langdon Park Playground Superintendent Bingham reported that staff will begin initiating public input in early April. Director Wilson explained to process of informing the residents of the opportunity to provide input. VI. Managers Reports Carol Heafey (Program Manager) reported on the following topics: Staff is focusing on winter activities. Santa s mailbox has started and will run through November 29. Staff will help respond to the letters. All three seatings of Breakfast with Santa on December 2 are sold out. Nutcracker tickets are on sale. Shows will be December 7-9. Page 1 of 4

4 Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes November 20, 2017 Youth Gingerbread workshops begin on December 8 th. An adult only class is schedule for December 7 th. Winter break camps begin December 26 and run through January couples attended the Mother Son Dance November 4 th. The Adult Theater just finished Big. Tickets sales were half of what was expected. Staff will be evaluating this program area. A preschool open house was held November 4. Registration begins December 5 for the school year. 450 kids are currently enrolled in basketball, which is down 10 from this time last year. A holiday tournament will take place December Kathy Bingham (Superintendent) reported on the following topics: Halloween Happening was a great success. The weather was perfect. Staff has done a great job expanded offerings. 517 kids were registered. The Holiday Parade was held last weekend. The weather was awful. There were few spectators, but a good turnout of staff. Mallinckrodt will be hosting Thanksgiving dinner for seniors who would otherwise be alone. The Harbor Rotary pays for everything. The numbers have dwindled over the years and staff had considered cutting the event. There are currently 60 people registered. Gymnastics participants are in the meet season. VII. Unfinished Business A. Memorial Tree Donation Program Superintendent Bingham reported that staff has been looking at other park districts and communities to learn what others are doing. It has been expressed that having a marker in every park makes them feel like a cemetery. Superintendent Ulrich will continue working on the donation contract that had been started. Superintendent Bingham also reiterated that there is currently a moratorium on donations and the plan is only to plant in parks that have a landscape plan. Staff hopes to show next month the parks that have plans, with the intention to have a plan added each year. Staff wants to explore all options so the Committee can decide what type of memorial program the district will offer. The use of tree tags, paver bricks, virtual GIS, digital mapping, and boardwalks with engraving were all discussed. Commissioner Olvany added that the golf course has also been discussing donations and recommended that the two committees talk. Staff will continue to explore options to present to the committee. Commissioner Olvany inquired about the district s tree maintenance plan and suggested that it be part of the landscape plan. Director Wilson explained that a maintenance plan and a landscape plan are two different things. He went to say that staff trims trees so they grow into a shapely tree and grow the way they should. He also added that we have the wrong kind of trees in certain locations. Page 2 of 4

5 Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes November 20, 2017 B. Landscape Design for Keay Nature Center Director Wilson presented the first conceptual design that was created with input from the public meeting sessions. Guidance from staff included; enhance park, return paths to accessibility, and enhancements should drive the educational mission of the site from when site was created. Director Wilson reviewed the design. He explained that the plan is a year look forward and that it could not be completed all at one time. The overall design shows different rooms or areas within the park that focus on similar landscaping. The current pond is leaking and would need a new liner. It will need to be fixed, but to what extent should be discussed. The conceptual design includes manty new plantings which are not needed right now, but could be part of future memorial plantings. Director Wilson asked for guidance on the overall scope and how the project should be phased so the park district can approach the Ouilmette Foundation. In order of importance, Commissioner Olvany commented that he prefers the wetlands, prairie and woodlands and likes the waterfall with viewing platforms, and the boardwalks and walkways and that we can enhance accessibility. Commissioner Foster agreed with the order of importance. Commissioner Abbott expressed that he is concerned about enhancement versus reimagination of the park and that the conceptual design is not what the committee originally thought it would be, specifically the regrading. Commissioner Pellaton commented that part of the vision is the educational component, but the plan doesn t include as much as he thought it would. He also expressed his concern that the park already has a lot of trees and with the proposed design they will be outnumbered by new trees. Commissioner Anderson expressed his opinion that the pond should be fixed. Commissioner Foster added that the priority should be on the existing paths, accessibility, and the water elements, and Commissioner Olvany agreed. Commissioner Abbott commentated that the Foundation should be asked how much money they think they can raise. Director Wilson expressed that the Foundation thinks they have the capacity to raise funds and would like to set the direction before approaching them. Based on the comments from the committee Director Wilson proposed eliminating the wetland, no expansion of the pond, focus on the primary then secondary paths with no reconfiguration of the existing paths, redo and clean up the front Page 3 of 4

6 Parks & Recreation Committee Minutes November 20, 2017 entrance and clean-up of invasive plants. Perimeter planting would be a long term project. A consensus was reached regarding the proposed items and Director Wilson will approach the Foundation. VIII. Adjournment There being no further business to conduct, the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Minutes Approved by Committee on Committee Chair Department Head Page 4 of 4

7 Memorandum Date: January 12, 2018 To: From: Cc: Re: Members of the Parks and Recreation Committee Commissioner Bryan Abbott, Chair Commissioner Stephanie Foster Commissioner John Olvany Kathy Bingham Steve Wilson Steve Holloway Jerry Ulrich Renaming of Center Fitness Club Spin Room The staff at the Center Fitness Club have been approached by a member who would like to raise money to have Studio A renamed The Barbara Rothrock Studio. Ms. Rothrock was long time group exercise participant and her friends would like to honor her by naming one of the exercise studios after her. Following a discussion with President Wolfe, it was suggested that this topic be discussed by the Parks and Recreation Committee. Staff have discussed this issue and we are uncomfortable with the idea for several reasons; we have lost many dedicated park district participants and choosing one over another may raise concern and cause conflict and, we currently do not have a naming rights policy and without that, we risk being inconsistent when these request are received. Given that the Committee is in the process of firming up a memorial planting policy, which will also include other ways to memorialize lost loved ones, a naming rights policy is perhaps something we need to consider before we grant any requests. Page 1 of 1

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9 Memorandum Date: January 12, 2018 To: From: Cc: Re: Members of the Parks and Recreation Committee Commissioner Bryan Abbott, Chair Commissioner Stephanie Foster Commissioner John Olvany Steve Wilson Kathy Bingham Steve Holloway Jerry Ulrich Per the Committee s request at its last meeting, I asked the landscape architects at Forum Studio to revise their plan based on the direction given by the committee. Attached you will find an updated plan presentation for your review prior to the meeting. At the meeting, I will present the slides and information based on a conversation I had with the designer. If you have questions in advance of the meeting, please contact me. Page 1 of 1

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11 KEAY NATURE LEARNING CENTER PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS JANUARY 11, 2018

12 CONTENTS VISION SITE ANALYSIS PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT PLANS PROGRAM ELEMENT IMPROVEMENTS 2

13 VISION ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PRESERVE UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY ADDRESS DEFERRED MAINTENANCE INCREASE NATIVE WILDLIFE AND PLANT SPECIES DIVERSITY PROMOTE PASSIVE RECREATION AMPLIFY THE MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE INCREASE MEMORABLE / UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES 3

14 SITE ANALYSIS SCALE: 1" = 60' 0' 30' 60' 120' 4

15 SITE ANALYSIS KEAY NATURE LEARNING CENTER 330 Hibbard Rd, Wilmette, IL Size: 4.6 Acres Highlights: - On-Site Parking / Roadside Parking Along Hibbard Rd. - Accessible Walking Path with Trail Markers - Pond and Waterfall - Open Lawn Space - Defi ned Entry - Fenced Space with 3 Potential Access Points - Gathering Spaces with Wood Decking - Benches, Trash / Recycling, Drinking Fountain - Port-A-Potty - Combination of Natural and Groomed Planting Areas - Native and Exotic Trees and Plants - Some Wildfl owers and Native Grasses - Some Tree Identifi cation Signage - Aquatic Life In Pond - Local wildlife present ENTRANCE - REFINE AND OPEN VIEWS IN / OUT PRESERVE SEASONAL INTEREST WOOD PAVING + ROPE BARRIER - UPDATE 5

16 SITE ANALYSIS TREE DONATION PLAQUES - STANDARDIZE ENHANCE BUFFER ZONES WHERE NEEDED IMPROVE WATERFALL VIEWING AREA MAINTAIN & ENHANCE MANICURED PLANTINGS REPLACE SEMI-CIRCLE WOODEN BENCHES FLOODING - ELEVATE PATHS AT MINIMUM 6

17 SITE ANALYSIS WATER FOUNTAIN - PROTECT IN PLACE WATERFALL AND POND - PROTECT IN PLACE PARKING LOT - PROTECT IN PLACE RECYCLING / TRASH RECEPTACLE - RELOCATE WOODEN BRIDGE - PROTECT IN PLACE POND EDGING - PROTECT IN PLACE PORTABLE RESTROOM & SHED - LEAVE AS IS 7

18 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS - BASE PLAN SCALE: 1" = 60' 0' 30' 60' 120' 8

19 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS - ENHANCED PLAN SCALE: 1" = 60' 0' 30' 60' 120' 9

20 PROGRAM ELEMENT IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVED ENTRY SEQUENCE BENCHES TREE TAGS AT SELECT TREES PRIMARY PATHWAYS - STABILIZED DG RECYCLING AND TRASH RECEPTACLES EDUCATIONAL SIGNAGE 10

21 PROGRAM ELEMENT IMPROVEMENTS OBSERVATIONAL STRUCTURES WOODLAND GARDEN WOODLAND BUFFER ZONE SAVANNAH GARDEN POND GARDEN LAWN AREA 11

22 12 APPENDIX

23 SITE CONTEXT SKOKIE BLVD WASHINGTON AVE HIBBARD RD HIBBARD RD SKOKIE BLVD WESTWOOD LN SEGER ST CHRISTENSEN ANIMAL HOSPITAL KEAY NATURE LEARNING CENTER LEYDEN LN WASHINGTON AVE PINE ST CLINTON LN 13 Scale: 1" = 100' 0' 50' 100' 200'

24 SEPTEMBER 15 CONCEPT PLAN MINOR ACCESS POINT FOR MAINTENANCE VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS PRAIRIE GARDEN SHADE STRUCTURE OUTDOOR LEARNING NODES PORTABLE BATHROOM RAIN GARDEN NEW FENCING DRINKING FOUNTAIN OPEN LAWN AREA VIEWING PLATFORM 3 MOW STRIP ALONG MAIN PATHWAYS WETLAND / MESIC GARDEN WOODLAND BUFFER ZONE SECONDARY PATHWAYS PERMEABLE PAVING PARKING LOT CONNECTION TO CROSSWALK AND EXISTING SIDEWALKS ORNAMENTAL PLANTING AT ENTRY BENCHES MAIN ENTRANCE WITH GATHERING SPACE ROTATING ART INSTALLATION NEW ENTRY SIGN WOODLAND GARDEN WATERFALL VIEWING PLATFORM ENLARGED POND WOODLAND BUFFER EXISTING WATERFALL NEW BRIDGE NEW ACCESS POINT BERM WITH ADA ACCESS AND NATURE PLAY TRAIL NEW ACCESS POINT N BOARDWALK WOODLAND BUFFER ACCESS POINT FOR MAINTENANCE 15

25 PROJECT PHASING PHASE 1 IMMEDIATE TERM Additional Bridges Entry Sequence Existing Waterfall Fencing Minor Access Points Pond Portable Bathroom Primary Pathways Update Existing Bridge PHASE 2 MID-TERM Benches Elevation / Contours Main Plaza / Orientation Area Outdoor Learning Classroom Nodes Recycling and Trash Receptacles Plant material for the series of rooms Woodland Garden Pond Garden Lawn Area Wetland / Mesic Garden Berm Prairie Garden Woodland Buffer Zone Secondary Pathways Wayfinding PHASE 3 LONG-TERM Arboretum Tree Tags at Select Trees Bird Feeders / Observational Structures Drinking Fountain Educational Signage Rain Garden Parking Lot Rotating Art Installation at Entry Shade Structure Minor Access Point at Washington Ave 16