America in Bloom 2018 Evaluation Report

Transcription

1 Community: West Chicago, Illinois Evaluation Dates: July 26-27, 2018 Judges: Linda Cromer and Rod Barnes America in Bloom 2018 Evaluation Report America in Bloom envisions communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work, and play benefitting from colorful plants and trees; enjoying clean environments; celebrating heritage and planting pride through volunteerism. Seven Criteria (Codes) Possible Points Actual Points Percentage 1. Flowers (FL) % 2. Landscaped Areas (LA) % 3. Urban Forestry (UF) % 4. Environmental Efforts (EE) % 5. Celebrating Heritage (CH) % 6. Community Vitality (CV) % 7. Overall Impression (OI) % Other 8. Evaluation Tour Preparation & Actions (ET) % Scoring Total Points and Percentage % Star Rating: 8 Community representatives to receive the Evaluation Report (three minimum) Name Title Ruben Pineda Mayor rpineda@westchicago.org Rosemary Mackey Gary Major Marketing and Communications Coordinator, City of West Chicago Executive Director, West Chicago Park District rmackey@westchicago.org gmajor@we-goparks.org West Chicago, Illinois 2018 All Rights Reserved America in Bloom

2 GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION: Communities are required to provide the following prior to evaluation: Community profile organized to follow the criteria and metrics. For repeat communities, call out what is new and/or implemented due to judges recommendations. Complete the Community Information pages - general information, metric implementation checklist, and contacts with s of community members that will meet the judges. Evaluation Tour Itinerary with start and finish times for each day Community Map with boundaries and the tour route The areas to be scored: Judges will review Community Profiles, Community Maps, and Evaluation Tour Itineraries to confirm the appropriateness of the areas to be evaluated and contact communities prior to the tour so adjustments can be made. All areas (municipal, commercial and residential) to be scored must be within the boundaries of the entrant's community/municipality (except as noted below) and a representative portion of all areas must be included. Property to be scored, whether public or private, must be subject to the codes and regulations of the entrant s community/municipality. When a property does not meet these requirements, but the community s volunteers significantly impact the areas with labor and/or funding, then judges may include in their scoring the property not subject to the codes and regulations of the entrant community. A community may request recommendations for areas toured but not scored. Metrics are noted with unique codes based on the criteria. Ratings include: N/A (Not Applicable): Communities should strive to implement all metrics; however, judges will use N/A when a metric is not scorable in a community. An N/A metric is not included in the point totals and does not affect percentages. Examples when N/A may apply in a metric: commercial/business areas do not exist; state or county statutes prevent implementation of a metric. Not Meeting (0 pts.): Programs or procedures are not in place Approaching (1 pt.): Programs or procedures are in place but not fully realized Meeting (2 pts.): Programs or procedures are implemented but need improvement Exceeding (3 pts.): Programs or procedures are implemented and succeeding but have not realized their full potential Exceptional (4 pts.): Programs or procedures are exceptional. Other: This Evaluation Report s scoring, general observations, and general and criteria recommendations are based upon the community s efforts in each of the criteria. Future projects and programs are not scored. The scoring for the seven evaluation criteria is adjusted to the climate and environmental conditions of the community s location.

3 General Observations and Recommendations (recommendations are indicated in italics): In the mid 1800 s, West Chicago developed rapidly as the first major multi-line railroad junction in the State of Illinois; and it continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, one of Illinois busiest airports, and three state highways. Reverence for its roots is reflected in the striking city logo, used effectively and tastefully as a branding mechanism that reinforces the City of West Chicago s motto: Where History and Progress Meet. The logo appears throughout the community and marks the city as a place with pride in its past and a vision for the future. West Chicago, Illinois, is an arms-wide-open community that celebrates its diversity and is engaged in achieving excellence as a city where no one is forgotten and no one is left behind. The city is characterized by outstanding engagement between and among residents, non-profits and other civic groups, and progressive and responsive city government. It was a pleasure to visit West Chicago, to be introduced to its many exciting initiatives, and talk to folks on fire with enthusiasm for the community where they live, work, and play. It s apparent that West Chicago is all in for America in Bloom even creating a free downloadable app available on the city website and web mapping for the AIB judges tour on July 26 and 27. We suggest that you make this evaluation available on the city website. It will provide an opportunity for residents to see their community through new eyes, take satisfaction in recognition of all that is right about West Chicago, and ponder ways to accomplish any suggestions that the community feels appropriate and achievable. The city s interactive website presented an appealing look at West Chicago before the judges even stepped foot into the community. Congratulations on the design and development of this excellent resource. The site is broad in its scope with information for every resident and visitor, and is surely an asset when prospective new businesses try to get a feel for a community where they are considering making an investment, as well as families planning a move and searching for a safe, inviting community with excellent schools and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. The site is comprehensive, easy to navigate, and kept current. It provides a model for other America in Bloom communities. We were pleased to meet a broad section of the community during our visit, and Mayor Pineda s warm welcome set the stage for a wonderful experience. That so many people were generous with their time, their invaluable insight, and their knowledge about what makes West Chicago unique brought your well-developed Community Profile to life as we saw your city first-hand. Special thanks to the gracious and indomitable Rosemary Mackey and to her comrades-in-arms, Valeria Lopez and Adrian Marquez. They got us where we needed to be and put us in contact with those we needed to meet--what an outstanding effort by three outstanding individuals. The City of West Chicago, Illinois, is experiencing a renaissance, and America in Bloom is dedicated to being a partner in your progress. Linda Cromer and Rod Barnes

4 Flowers Criterion Definition Metrics Ratings 1. FLOWERS (FL): flowering annuals, perennials, bulbs, tropical plants, flowering topiaries, and colorful foliage and/or cut plant material for season-round interest in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes, raised planters, trellises, and in-ground beds N/A Not Meeting (0 pts) Approaching (1 pt) Meeting (2 pts) Exceeding (3 pts) Excelling (4 pts) Leadership and Policy FL.01 - Management of flower display programs Plan of Action FL.02 - Action plan developed each season for procurement, scheduling, planting, and maintenance of flower displays Design FL.03 - Unity and Variety: plant combinations create visual interest and dramatic effect while appearing coordinated FL.04 - Suitability of Plant Selections: plants selected for environmental conditions and flourishing together FL.05 - Distribution and Location: displays found throughout the community and at key locations FL.06 - Seasonal Displays: seasonal displays with spring, summer, fall, and/or holiday displays Maintenance FL.07 - Watering program to maintain growth in place FL.08 - Fertilization: appropriate fertilization program using slowrelease, liquid fertilizers, and/or soil amendments FL.09 - Grooming: regular pruning, dead-heading, removal and replacement of dead plants FL.10 - Plant health programs in place to monitor and manage pests and diseases (IPM/Integrated Pest Management) FL.11 - Health and Vigor: plants are robust and floriferous Community Involvement FL.12 - Flower displays are funded all or in part by volunteer contributions FL.13 - Volunteers participate in the design, planting, and/or care of flower displays FL.14 - Civic groups, garden clubs, Master Gardeners, school programs, etc., sponsor plant sales, plant swaps, or educational sessions that contribute to the quality and implementation of the community s flower displays Judges' Discretion: Recognition by the judges of an item of special note FL.15 - Judges to enter text below Collaboration with Ball to develop innovative approach in solving past problems with hanging basket display Totals: Possible Points Actual Points Percentage 1. Flowers (FL) %

5 Flowers (FL) Recommendations: The city recognizes that strong floral displays are an important element in an attractive downtown street scape, but has been disappointed in the past when baskets failed to perform commensurate with the investment involved. The experts at Ball Horticulture Company came to the rescue this season by supplying Bloom Masters baskets planted with Easy Wave petunias in two colors. The baskets appeared to be performing well but are not as impactful as you might wish. The key to an outstanding hanging basket display is repetition and volume. As funds permit, and if the baskets continue to perform well, you might consider double-hanging them on either side of poles where you feature the baskets. This will allow for you to accommodate your outstanding banner program on alternating light poles while still increasing color mass with your baskets. Twelve handsome cast stone planters with a mid-century design profile parade along Main Street and feature an outstanding plant combination using the thriller-filler-spiller concept. They are gorgeous, and your beautiful new hardscaping sets the stage for a grand performance. An example is at the corner of Main and Galena. Again, as funds permit, add more planters to increase impact. This style of planter can often be a big investment. You might consider a simpler container featuring a similar color and texture to coordinate with the existing planters. Simple containers disappear when bountiful flowers are billowing over the rims. Opt for large containers with ample soil capacity. You may want to consider self-watering planters for maintenance purposes. Look into options at a Your downtown area is re-inventing itself as an arts and culture destination. Seasonal floral displays are going to be an important part of a successful effort. Businesses understand this, and that s part of the reason many are jumping on board making downtown bloom. El Coco Loco is an excellent example. Another eye catching example was the trio of rustic half barrels bursting with bright blooms in a primary palette at the Nuevo Imagine Hair Salon next to City Museum. As new businesses move into the available storefronts downtown, encourage them to include dynamic floral displays to invite customers in. The thoughtful planning that went into your streetscape overhaul allowed ample space to include container plantings. The city sets the standard for floral displays and is well on its way to creating a garden-like setting downtown. As

6 more businesses and non-profit groups become involved, look for opportunities to expand displays to areas where people congregate. One property that would benefit is the Wayne and Helen Fox Community Center, the repurposed C&NW railroad passenger depot. Its proximity to the very heart of the city and the large number of events scheduled at the center provide an opportunity to double down on nearby landscaped areas with shots of color near the entryway. Again, use ample planters for impact and utilize the thriller-filler-spiller concept so effective in the city s street urns. Consult with the knowledgeable members of the West Chicago Garden Club for suggestions about suitable plant combinations. The urns could easily be changed out to mums and kale for autumn and then displays of winter greenery, cones, and interesting sticks to add height during the holiday season. This is a great opportunity to use color to interrupt a rather static expanse of red brick and put a smile on the face of everyone who visits. We were impressed by the thoughtful use of annuals alongside low maintenance displays of blooming perennials at Reed-Keppler Park. These swathes of color provide effective accents to public art gracing the grounds and welcome visitors to enjoy the recreational opportunities at the ARC and the wet and wild fun of Turtle Splash. The West Chicago Park District is obviously committed to enhancing visitors enjoyment in every way as they explore the many amenities of this remarkable 89 acre complex. Consider adding an educational component to the displays by including simple plant markers. This might be a perfect venue to introduce the public to new-to-the-market plant varieties from West Chicago s Ball Horticultural Company. West Chicago understands the importance of horticulture to public health and opens up the Crayola box to color the community healthy and happy each spring at the Blooming Fest which features more than 80 vendors and activities. Notable among them are the West Chicago Garden Club Plant Sale where knowledgeable volunteers can discuss the many annuals, perennials, and seeds they have for sale. Many of the offerings come from members own gardens. Visitors also line up at Ball Horticultural Company s Wave Van and learn about the latest developments in plants designed to deliver for West Chicago s plant-loving public. Visits to a number of residential gardens in West Chicago provided ample evidence of that flower fascination interpreted in uniquely personal ways. Each and every private Eden was a pleasure to experience and we thank the generosity of these gardeners in sharing their accomplishments. The adoption of the purple coneflower as the city flower encourages its use in public plantings and residential gardens. It s an outstanding plant and is easily spotted throughout the community. Call for a family reunion and invite all the cousins Ball Horticulture has introduced a wide variety of coneflowers and might help you establish a coneflower garden as part of a revamp of the landscaping in Sesquicentennial Park.

7 Landscaped Areas Criterion Definition Metrics Ratings 2. LANDSCAPED AREAS (LA): plants and related programs for the leadership, design, installation, and maintenance of landscape (shrubs, ornamental grasses, vines, evergreen topiaries), turf, and groundcovers N/A Not Meeting (0 pts) Approaching (1 pt) Meeting (2 pts) Exceeding (3 pts) Excelling (4 pts) Leadership and Policy LA.01 - Management of planting of public landscaped areas LA.02 - Municipal landscape ordinance requires landscaping and maintenance for new and/or improved commercial development Plan of Action LA.03 - Planning for restoration of natural areas LA.04 - Program for management of invasive plants LA.05 - Promotion and installation of demonstration/display gardens with interpretive signage; i.e. pollinator, wildlife, native, low-water use LA.06 - Recognition program for attractive landscapes in place Design LA.07 - Unity and Variety: plant combinations create visual interest while appearing coordinated LA.08 - Suitability of Plant Selections: plants selected for environmental conditions and are flourishing together LA.09 - Distribution/Locations: landscaping found throughout the community and at key locations Maintenance LA.10 - Grooming: pruning of plants, removal and/or replacement of dead plants LA.11 - Plant Health: programs such as IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in place to monitor and manage diseases and pests LA.12 - Weed Management: programs in place to manage weeds (removal, mulching, etc) LA.13 - Health and Vigor: Plants are robust LA.14 - Turf Care: regular mowing, edging, and removal/replacement of dead turf LA.15 - Turf Health: programs such as IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in place to monitor and manage diseases, pests, and weeds Community Involvement LA.16 - Volunteer donations contribute to funding landscaped areas in public areas LA.17 - Volunteers assist in design, installation, and care of landscaped areas and turf in public areas

8 Judges' Discretion: Recognition by the judges of an item of special note LA.18 - Judges to enter text below The West Chicago Garden Club does an outstanding job with design, installation and care of the landscape at historic Kruse House and Gardens Totals: Possible Points Actual Points Percentage 2. Landscaped Areas (LA) % Landscaped Areas (LA) Recommendations: Ball Horticulture has been in the community since 1933 and works as a partner with the City of West Chicago on landscaping projects. One of the city s significant accomplishments in 2018 was the completion of the landscaping at the entrance signs to West Chicago. Ball donated the plants and volunteers helped plant the beautifully landscaped areas. Ball Horticulture also provided plants to the city s downtown beautification project. The project was coordinated among three service clubs - the Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. The project is an outstanding Service Club project in downtown West Chicago, IL example of residents working together to build a beautiful community. It is rare to see these three service clubs work together on a project. Kudos to West Chicago and its volunteer spirit for making this a huge success. Three other areas in the City of West Chicago deserve special mention for their landscaping efforts. The DuPage Airport, Prairie Landing Golf Course and St. Andrews Golf Course are outstanding examples of well-maintained DuPage Airport Landscaping Prairie Landing Golf Course St Andrews Golf Course, West Chicago, IL and landscaped properties. A small crew at the DuPage Airport turns the entrance drive at the airport into an oasis on the prairie with a wide variety of trees, native plants and flowering annuals in the meticulously landscaped beds. The crew even created a sitting and meditating area in one of the landscaped beds. In the case of Prairie Landing Golf Course, Beth DeFore, a one-woman army, looks after the grounds of the course. She uses a native plant pallet and lots of pollinator friendly plants. Over at the St. Andrews Golf Course, the one-woman effort by Bea Kowalski who tackles the herculean task of keeping the landscapes looking well through the seasons is remarkable. Bea uses natural methods for controlling pests and weeds.

9 The City of Chicago s transportation history played a huge role in the development of the city. Sesquicentennial Park contains transportation related art and a preserved train. The Park is in need of some major improvements to the landscaped areas. General maintenance and update of the plants would be beneficial. Perhaps the creation of a Monarch Sesquicentennial Park Landscape bed Butterfly Waystation garden would be a nice enhancement. The park area is one of the first spaces visitors see when exiting the train. Several of the landscape beds could be converted to pollinator gardens. Sesquicentennial Park Landscape bed The City of West Chicago has successfully planted a Certified Monarch Waystation at City Hall. The landscaping is very well done and filled with plants that attract monarch butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The success could be transferred to other public landscape areas in the city. The West Chicago Garden Club is a very active club which provides programs, a newsletter and management of gardens in the community, including the Kruse House native gardens. The club uses nice signage to recognize a residential yard. The City of West Chicago should consider partnering with the garden club and create a Yard of the Month program. Gift certificates from the We Grow Dreams Greenhouses & Garden Center could be offered along with the appropriate signage. The presentation could be done by Mayor Ruben Pineda. The program would encourage residents to maintain their yards well. Interest in the environment and making a difference by personal action is obviously a priority in the City of West Chicago. Urban areas are typically deserts for wildlife because they lack landscape plants for food, rest, nesting and protection. West Chicago has the West Chicago Prairie Preserve and the Green Disciples from the First United Methodist Church. Both organizations are promoting native landscapes. The city could work to promote this concept with private landscapes. Residential yards can support birds and pollinators by including a variety of landscaped areas with native plants and providing shelter and water for wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation has a certification program that includes a checklist on how individuals can create habitats in their United Methodist Church Green Disciples Garden own yards. Visit to learn more about Backyard Wildlife Habitat. Promote this program in the town newsletter and the town website. Ask certified homeowners to proudly display their signs so photos can be posted. First United Methodist Church Green Disciples Garden

10 Urban Forestry Criterion Definition Metrics Ratings 3. URBAN FORESTRY (UF): trees and related programs for the leadership, management, design, installation, and maintenance on public and private lands N/A Not Meeting (0 pts) Approaching (1 pt) Meeting (2 pts) Exceeding (3 pts) Excelling (4 pts) Leadership and Policy UF.01 - Qualified personnel on staff or access to trained individuals UF.02 - Tree board/commission is active UF.03 - Municipal ordinance(s) enacted/enforced for tree preservation on public and private property UF.04 - Municipal ordinance(s) enacted/enforced for protection of trees during construction UF.05 - Currently a Tree City USA community and/or has the Growth Award designation Plan of Action UF.06 - Tree inventory for public areas is complete and current UF.07 - Annual tree planting program for public areas UF.08 - Management program for dead, imperiled, and/or invasive trees UF.09 - Recognition and protection of heritage trees UF.10 - Effective communication to residents of recommended trees, proper planting, "Right Tree in the Right Place," and/or maintenance Design UF.11 - Variety: appropriate selection of tree species planted UF.12 - Placement: appropriate spacing and planting area for optimal root and canopy growth UF.13 - Planting: correct planting depth (root flare at/above grade) UF.14 - Arboretum in place with labels and descriptive signage Maintenance UF.15 - Tree Health: program in place to monitor and manage diseases and pests UF.16 - Watering, Mulching, and Pruning: program for watering new trees; proper mulching (i.e., no volcano mulching); appropriate pruning, removal of dead limbs, and canopies raised adequately above vehicle and pedestrian areas Community Involvement UF.17 - Volunteer donations contribute to funding tree planting in public areas UF.18 - Residents participate in Arbor Day activities UF.19 - Volunteers assist in tree planting and care

11 Judges' Discretion: Recognition by the judges of an item of special note UF.20 - Judges to enter text below The city utilized a grant to reforest a hillside at the Civic Center Complex with 300 native coastal oak trees. Volunteers planted the trees. Totals: Possible Points Actual Points Percentage 3. Urban Forestry (UF) % Urban Forestry (UF) Recommendations: The city and the West Chicago Park District are working to improve the urban forest in West Chicago. The entities have had to work hard to recover from the devastating microburst that damaged trees in Reed-Keppler Park. The district was creative in allowing a wood carver to carve images in the stumps of the damaged trees. In addition, trees were transformed into wood furniture that is currently being used in city facilities. The West Chicago Park District has a memorial tree program that allows residents to purchase a tree in memory of a loved one. The guidelines are very clear and well developed. Information is easily located on the park district website. Finally, The City of West Chicago has an outstanding program for handling the emerald ash borer. The city has been aggressive with identifying and removing diseased trees. Experiencing a devastating loss of ash trees emphasizes the importance of having a wide diversity of tree species in the community. With a number of small steps, the city is on the cusp of truly developing their urban forestry programs. The park district and the city should work together to develop an arboretum at Reed-Keppler Park. The park has a great diversity of trees. Information on how to create a Level I Certified Arboretum can be found at the following website: The City of Chicago should consider becoming a Tree City USA. The program provides guidance on the creation of a tree board and regulations for managing public and private trees in a community. Find information about the Tree City USA program at The City of West Chicago has completed a tree inventory, but it is outdated. The city needs to work towards completing the updating of its tree inventory. The tree inventory would be beneficial from a management standpoint and could help with the certification as an arboretum. The inventory could also help with the creation of a heritage tree program. The park district and the city have many beautiful specimen trees. Developing a heritage tree program could recognize these trees. Signs identifying the variety of trees located in the parks and at various landscaped areas could help residents become aware of what varieties work best in the City of West Chicago. Another program the Board of Aldermen could do to promote tree planting in the parks and the city is to choose an official tree for West Chicago. School children could promote this during Arbor Day activities.

12 Environmental Efforts Criterion Definition Metrics Ratings (NS = Not Scored) 4. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS (EE): environmental leadership, policies, plans and programs for resource conservation; pollution control; trash, recycling, and reuse; and alternative transportation Leadership and Policy EE.01 - Environmental Advisory Board or Green Team in place EE.02 - Pet waste policies developed and enforced EE.03 - Electric/alternative fuel vehicle(s) used by municipality EE.04 - Electric vehicle charging station(s) provided EE.05 - Stormwater management program in place Plan of Action EE.06 - Litter and/or environmental clean-up programs in use EE.07 - Brownfield clean-up programs in place Resource Conservation EE.08 - Buildings are LEED certified and/or follow the standards EE.09 - Rain gardens and/or bio-swales in place EE.10 - Home energy audit program available NS NS NS EE.11 - Rain barrel program offered NS NS NS EE.12 - Low-flow water device incentives available NS NS NS Trash, Recycling, and Reuse Management EE.13 - Curbside recycling collection available NS NS NS EE.14 - Yard waste composting available or offered NS NS NS EE.15 - Prescription drug drop-off offered NS NS NS EE.16 - Hazardous waste and/or electronics waste collection or drop-off offered EE.17 - Plastic bag and/or foam container collection available Community Involvement EE.18 - Participation in Earth Day celebrations, Bike to Work Days, Walk to School Days, and similar opportunities that enhance public awareness of environmental issues N/A Not Meeting (0 pts) Approaching (1 pt) Meeting (2 pts) Exceeding (3 pts) Excelling (4 pts) EE.19 - Garden clubs, Master Gardeners, school curricula, and/or Soil and Water Conservation District, etc. provide educational opportunities for rain barrel usage, backyard habitats, and other environmental initiatives Judges' Discretion: Recognition by the judges of an item of special note EE.20 - Judges to enter text below The community has an impressive holiday light recycling program. Totals: Possible Points Actual Points Percentage 4. Environmental Efforts (EE) %

13 Environmental Efforts (EE) Recommendations: Curb side recycling is available to residents through a private hauler, Groot Industries, Inc. The city contracts with Groot for the service for residents, but billing/payment is directly with Groot on a quarterly basis. Pickup is done in conjunction with regular garbage pickup and encouraged with a financial incentive through a modified volume-based waste program. Containers must be marked with recycling stickers available at City Hall. Down town streets appeared fairly quiet during our visit which occurred on non-event days, so a scarcity of waste receptacles and recycling cans was less an issue than it might be. We must assume that they are provided and accessible during peak pedestrian traffic times during festivals and outdoor events. We urge you now to promote recycling with more receptacles. The universal image isn t just a logo for identifying where to put recyclables, it is an educational tool reminding people that recycling is important. Encourage the West Chicago Park District to do the same. Virtually anything is recyclable in West Chicago and the community has a number of innovative recycling programs available, many spearheaded by SCARCE, School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting. One exciting initiative was rain barrel painting for grades 4-8. The kids unleased their artistic talents and absorbed an important lesson about the benefits of rain barrels. Another is a program to recycle strings of holiday lights. An amazing community program that the West Chicago United Methodist Church operates is a used shoe drop off. Residents can drop shoes off at the church. Volunteers sort and clean the shoes for shipment to be reused. One more example of West Chicago s efforts to ensure people are being helped and the environment is being sustained. The church is committed to Sacred Grounds principles which help congregations fulfill their environmental stewardship. Sacred Grounds is an initiative of the National Wildlife Federation s Garden for Wildlife program and includes a focus on creating Certified Wildlife Habitats at places of worship, as well as other important environmental efforts. Encourage other congregations to explore the program at As mentioned earlier, the City of West Chicago demonstrated its environmental commitment with the installation of a Certified Monarch Waystation in a landscaped area near City Hall. We urge the West Chicago Park District to inventory its parks for locations that could be easily altered to qualify for this distinction and then complete the registration and certification process. Reed-Keppler Park seems rife with possible locations. The landscaping will provide food for monarchs and other pollinators, the attendant interpretive signage will provide food for thought for park visitors. We encourage the City of West Chicago to explore two other certification programs: Million Pollinator Garden Challenge and Bee City USA The National Pollinator Garden Network was co-founded by the National Wildlife Federation and eight other organizations in 2015 to challenge gardeners, schools, plant professionals, and communities to grow plants that provide nectar and pollen that pollinators seek out. Bee City USA, an initiative of the erces Society, institutionalizes the local government and community s commitment to pollinators and provides accountability for achieving pollinator conservation results each year. These groups are committed to protecting bees, butterflies, and other insects as well as hummingbirds, bats and other wildlife that fertilize a third of our food crops while moving from plant to plant. They play a critical role in food security and showing support through association and public education is good for everyone.

14 The 358-acre West Chicago Prairie Forest Preserve is one of the region s premier natural areas. In addition to wetlands and upland oak savannas, the preserve is home to one of the most biologically diverse sites in northeastern Illinois, the 126-acre Truitt-Hoff Nature Preserve. It was a privilege to visit this site and experience its many wonders. There is attractive interpretative signage at the entry to the site, and a picnic table after just a short walk to rest and gather your reserves to continue into the heart of the preserve. While it is important to maintain the integrity of the site, consider widening the footpath marginally to allow slightly easier access and visual cues that you are, indeed, still on the path, maintaining your footing while having the experience of immersion into an unsullied environment. Making the path just slightly more identifiable will help keep pedestrians from mindlessly straying out of confusion as they look around to take in their environs. While we consider this a reasonable recommendation, it is important that the dedicated long-time champions of the preserve are comfortable with any proposed change.

15 Celebrating Heritage Criterion Definition Metrics Ratings (NS = Not Scored) 5. CELEBRATING HERITAGE (CH): recognition, designation, protection, commemoration, and celebration of historical, cultural, natural, agricultural, and industrial resources Leadership and Policy CH.01 - Historic preservation ordinance provides designation and/or protection from demolition CH.02 - Incentives offered to promote preservation: tax credits, waived permit fees, eased setbacks, available rebates, etc. CH.03 - Effective communication about ordinances, policies, and restoration methods CH.04 - Land trusts and/or conservation easements are available CH.05 - Historic Preservation and/or Architectural Review Board in place N/A Not Meeting (0 pts) Approaching (1 pt) Meeting (2 pts) Exceeding (3 pts) Excelling (4 pts) NS NS NS NS NS NS CH.06 - Historical Society is active NS NS NS Plan of Action CH.07 - National Register of Historic Places district and/or individual designations in place CH.08 - Natural and/or agricultural areas are protected CH.09 - Archives, artifacts, cemetery records, and oral histories in place and properly stored CH.10 - Historical publications/websites, interpretive signage, and programs in place Commemoration CH.11 - Signage in place for historic neighborhoods and/or structures CH.12 - Historical museum(s) and/or interpretive displays maintained CH.13 - Cemeteries, monuments, and/or plaques in place and well maintained CH.14 - Community heritage promoted through tours (guided or self), brochures, Smartphone apps, etc. CH.15 - Parades, festivals, and other events commemorating a community s heritage are held Community Involvement CH.16 - Volunteers participate in planning and implementing recognition of a community s heritage through historical tours, parades, festivals, etc. CH.17 - Volunteers participate in maintaining historical sites and structures Judges' Discretion: Recognition by the judges of an item of special note CH.18 - Judges to enter text below Voices of DuPage oral history project has created over 100 oral histories to preserve local history. Totals: Possible Points Actual Points Percentage 5. Celebrating Heritage (CH) %

16 Celebrating Heritage (CH) Recommendations: The City of West Chicago has a rich and deep heritage associated with gardening, farming and railroading. The city works very hard to connect the residents to the major tenets that developed the community over the years. The city has helped preserve five of the eight original train stations located in the community. They have developed a façade improvement program for the restoration of historic buildings in the downtown historic district. Two examples are the major renovation underway at the former Ripley Hotel and the renovation that occurred to the Wiant Home on West Washington Street. The home is being adapted to reuse as a restaurant. The city has two historic districts, the Turner Historic District located downtown and the East Washington Street District in a residential neighborhood. The Kline Creek Farm and its Timber Ridge Visitor Center provide a great example of a living history activity. Residents can see a pioneer home and can participate in many 19 th Century activities. Many enthusiastic volunteers provide support to the resident experts to help with A Day at the Farm and assist visitors with getting to know typical farm animals. The city has worked hard to create an active museum through the Historical Society. The City Museum s oral history program is an outstanding method to capture the history of West Chicago. These initiatives benefit from the expertise and knowledge of Sara Phalen. Her dedication to preserving the history and culture of West Chicago is laudable. Sara has learned to accomplish much with limited resources. The Mexican Cultural Center DuPage has developed programs that celebrate the diversity of West Chicago, and the annual Mexican Independence Day Festival is an example of commemorating how the Mexican culture played a key role in the development of West Chicago. The Mexican Cultural Center has wonderful art displays that tell the story of prominent Hispanics that helped develop the city. The WEST CHICAGO big block letters installation located in Gallery 200 is a treasure and a dynamic example of preserving the city s Hispanic heritage through art. While the letters in their current form are not weather-hearty, investigate working with the artist and pursuing funding to replicate them for outdoor display. The city should actively pursue a permanent display of the letters either outdoors or in a prominent building located in the downtown district. The city has current Historic District signage that is insignificant and easily missed. The city needs to work on developing the appropriate signage that is eye appealing and lets the traveler know they are in a historic district or neighborhood. The signs can be added to street signs. In addition, existing historical signage on buildings should be well maintained. The plaque at St. Michael s Church needs restoration. One of the historic depots in West Chicago was moved to a prominent location next to the proposed West Chicago City Hall campus on West Washington Street. The city should

17 work to restore the building for use as a community center or for office space. The City of West Chicago has an outstanding mural, In this - together (2014), on the Gallery 200 building downtown. The amazing work was inspired by the formation of relationships and the building of new networks in the city, and symbolizes a moment loaded with excitement for what s next. Murals can enhance a historic district by depicting or referencing the wonderful stories that created a community. The City of West Chicago has an active nonprofit arts organization, People Made Visible, that could help supervise and develop a program for downtown West Chicago. The murals could be located on buildings as you enter the downtown area or in locations that provide a large expanse to display the murals. One period mural currently exists on the back of the store fronts facing Main Street. The city should work with People Made Visible and the Cultural Arts Commission to ensure the ad sign for Coca Cola on the building facing Turner Court is restored.

18 Community Vitality (CV) Criterion Definition 6. COMMUNITY VITALITY (CV): policies, programs, and outdoor activities and facilities that lead to a vibrant community and a sense of well-being. Includes parks, playgrounds, dog parks, sports fields, water activities, trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities Leadership and Policy CV.01 - Clean Air (such as No Smoking) policies implemented CV.02 - Master plan in place for public green space and parks CV.03 - ADA accessibility in public outdoor areas including playgrounds Outdoor Facilities and Events CV.04 - Outdoor recreation facilities meet community needs CV.05 - Walking, biking, and exercise trails exist CV.06 - Outdoor performances/events for art, dance, theatre, music, and/or cinema CV.07 - Run/walk/bike races and marathons held CV.08 - Benches and seating available near walking, exercise, and playground areas CV.09 - Trees or shade sails are in proper areas to provide shade for spectators and/or participants CV.10 - Playground equipment exists and age-appropriate ranges are offered CV.11 - Farmers' Markets are available Community Involvement CV.12 - Community gardening sites are in use CV.13 - Volunteer involvement in planning, funding, and/or and implementing civic events such as organized runs, walks, etc. N/A Not Meeting (0 pts) Metrics Ratings Approaching (1 pt) Meeting (2 pts) Exceeding (3 pts) Excelling (4 pts) Judges' Discretion: Recognition by the judges of an item of special note CV.14 - Judges to enter text below Healthy West Chicago is a multi-faceted public health initiative that is making a real difference. Of note is the annual Move with the Mayor Challenge. Totals: Possible Points Actual Points Percentage 6. Community Vitality (CV) %

19 Community Vitality (CV) Recommendations: The City of West Chicago has worked hard to create a community that is healthy and sustainable. One major step in this effort has been the creation of the award winning Healthy West Chicago program. The program addresses healthy food systems, public safety, sustainable transportation, parks and recreation, healthy urban design and education about the importance of good nutrition and physical activity. These programs are helping to change West Chicago into a vibrant, healthy community. Mayor Pineda s example of leading school children on a weekly 5K walk is amazing. The city s efforts with Community School District 33 to install water bottle filling stations in elementary and middle schools are commendable. Another excellent example of working to create a healthy community is the decision by the West Chicago Park District to remove soda machines and replace them with healthy drink machines. The City of West Chicago s programs through Healthy West Chicago include free grocery store tour education and small bites after-school cooking classes; these endeavors are changing the community one meal at a time. The Athletics, Recreation, Community (ARC) Center in the heart of Reed-Keppler Park is a beautiful facility that provides many forms of recreation to the residents of West Chicago. The outdoor pool facility, the bandstand, the playground, the athletic fields and the beautiful picnic pavilions that are available in Reed-Keppler form a nucleus for West Chicagoans to engage in a wide variety of recreational activities and to appreciate nature via the trails, picnic areas, landscaping and public art on display in the park. We commend the West Chicago Park District and the City of West Chicago for their efforts to create first rate facilities for residents to enjoy. Wiggly Field is a free, fenced in dog park where dog owners can enjoy a place to play with their pets off-leash. The area is located at the west end of Reed-Keppler Park and is open seven days a week. The City of West Chicago is focused on improving the health and vitality of each resident. The city should explore developing an ordinance to limit public exposure to secondhand smoke in public areas within the city. One of the attributes many communities focus on to create a healthy environment is the development of community gardens. The community garden on West Washington Street across from St. Michaels Church deserves recognition. The sponsoring organizations in cooperation with St. Michael s are doing a great job developing the garden. The use of rain barrels to capture water is a great idea. The garden needs signage to let residents know about the garden and how residents can volunteer with the program. An area that the West Chicago Park District needs to look at is providing shade at the playgrounds. In visiting the district s website, it is noted that Kwasman Memorial Park, 1099 Cherrywood Lane does not appear to have any shade for children using the playground equipment. It also appears from the park district website that other parks do have shade trees and/or pavilions that provide shade. The park district should conduct a survey to review each park where playground equipment is located to ensure that the appropriate shade exists.

20 The We Grow Dreams Greenhouse and Garden Center is an example of a non-profit helping create jobs for people with special challenges. The Center provides an opportunity for individuals with special challenges to learn a variety of tasks. One of the side benefits of the operation is the creation of garden plots that provide produce to the local food bank.

21 Overall Impression (OI) Criterion Definition Metrics Ratings 7. OVERALL IMPRESSION (OI): adequate and effective amenities are provided in good condition, and the community is welcoming and beautiful N/A Not Meeting (0 pts) Approaching (1 pt) Meeting (2 pts) Exceeding (3 pts) Excelling (4 pts) Leadership and Policy OI.01 - Signage ordinances enacted and enforced OI.02 - Ordinances in place to address overgrown lots, abandoned vehicles, unscreened dumpsters, public nuisances, etc. OI.03 - Code enforcement or compliance officer on municipal staff and making a difference Amenities OI.04 - Site furnishings in place: water features, lamp posts, benches, bicycle racks, drinking fountains, trash and recycling receptacles, containers, planters, and cigarette receptacles OI.05 - Crosswalks well marked OI.06 - Public restrooms available OI.07 - Effective community gateway entry features OI.08 - Effective use of banners, murals, and/or public art OI.09 - Effective wayfinding signage OI.10 - Effective use of non-plant seasonal decorations (i.e., lights, ornaments) Condition and Maintenance OI.11 - Condition of structures, buildings, decks, patios related to lack of vandalism, graffiti, peeling or faded paint and rust OI.12 - Condition of infrastructure: roadways, road shoulders, curbs, medians, sidewalks, crosswalks/pavement markings, transformers, and utility poles related to lack of weeds, vandalism, litter, graffiti, peeling or faded paint, and rust OI.13 - Condition of signs and site furnishings: water features, lamp posts, benches, bicycle racks, drinking fountains, trash and recycling receptacles, containers, planters, and cigarette receptacles OI.14 - Condition of vacant lots, stormwater retention ponds, and swales OI.15 - Lack of snipe/stake signs, billboards, and posted flyers OI.16 - Regularly scheduled street sweeping Community Involvement

22 OI.17 - Volunteer funding and participation in community revitalization and improvement programs, such as river sweep, home repair programs (CHIP), disaster relief, clean-up days, etc. OI.18 - Programs are available for residents to fund public amenities such as memorial benches, brick pathways, etc. OI.19 - Volunteer involvement in Adopt-A-Spot Programs, Habitat for Humanity Projects, River Sweep, etc. OI.20 - Recognition programs for volunteers OI.21 - Volunteer hours recorded Judges' Discretion: Recognition by the judges of an item of special note OI.22 - Judges to enter text below The 10th annual West Chicago Community Banner Project features original works and allows viewers to vote for their favorite banner. Totals: Possible Points Actual Points Percentage 7. Overall Impression (OI) % Overall Impression (OI) Recommendations: West Chicago is on the cusp of a renaissance as a cultural and arts destination. The extensive downtown street scape revamp has created a central city open for business. We are convinced that your outstanding activities designed to bring people downtown for events will help repopulate the vacant buildings along Main Street and beyond. One great example of a thriving new business is Kindred Coffee Roasters on West Washington just off Main Street. While the repopulation of store fronts is percolating, use the valuable resources you have at the City Museum to create window clings featuring enlargements of the historic photos that comprise the museum s collection. It would be particularly interesting to include photos featuring historic buildings and use those photos in the windows of the building(s) pictured. Also of particular interest would be photos related to the community s railroad history, local business enterprises, and storied West Chicago characters. As buildings begin to attract tenants, the clings can be reused in other locations. Opportunity and ingenuity make for a heady brew. Streets, curbs, and sidewalks are in general good repair and your active street sweeping program is keeping most unwanted grass and weeds under control. In some residential neighborhoods, however, we observed problems creeping up between the curbs and streets. This is not surprising given the damp spring experienced this year. Rather than attacking the problem with a chemical fix, consider investing in or renting a steam machine or investing in a canister torch for the public works department to use to address the issue. This is a problem with which every community has to contend.

23 The public works headquarters and site of the water treatment ponds is nicely screened with grasses and forbs. The new downtown streetscape is attractive and designed to accommodate planters, benches, and other amenities. The low capped wall benches integrated into the sidewalk are outstanding. Now is the time to start introducing additional waste and recycling receptacles into the sidewalk areas. The period-style street lamps and the drinking fountain, railing and other amenities near the Woman s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) fountain provide a fine aesthetic to adopt stylistically. Sesquicentennial Park is beautifully designed to incorporate your history, current transportation facilities, the community s commitment to the arts, and a tranquil setting for wandering and reflection. That said, there are noticeable maintenance issues that need to be addressed. Memorial benches are showing rust and peeling paint and need to be refurbished; blocks in the terraced wall need repositioning; memorial bricks are deteriorating and need replacing. Artist Bobby Plumlee s magnificent mosaic Signa Rotae which honors West Chicago s industrial past and the railroad s importance to the community is impetus enough to make the needed repairs. West Chicago has an outstanding arts community and the themed Community Banner Art Project is one of the most intriguing projects we ve seen. This year s theme is Pop Art, and the banners are as colorful and creative as can be imagined. Consider asking artists to sign off on using banners from past years as an addition or alternative to the historic window clings suggested above. The banners truly bring art into the street and complement the community s permanent outdoor art installations. The nine-member Cultural Arts Commission has begun developing a Public Art Master Plan and will bring a new dynamism into the outdoor gallery that is West Chicago.