Elgin park to honor past forest preserve president

Kane County Forest Preserve District commissioners already have voted to honor the late Jack Cook in the naming of a park on Plank Road in Elgin.

Now it’s the city’s turn to do the same.

City council members will consider officially naming the park the Jack E. Cook Park and Forest Preserve at their committee of the whole meeting Wednesday. Elgin purchased the 224-acre parcel in 2006 and sold 93 acres to the forest preserve district. Those 93 acres already are officially named for Cook.

Forest Preserve Commissioner Jim Mitchell served with Cook on the board and thought it fitting to name something after him. When Cook died in January, Mitchell’s first thought was to name the Fox Valley Ice Arena after him because of Cook’s love of hockey.

In the end, it will be the park that will retain Cook’s legacy.

Cook served as a Kane County Board member/forest preserve commissioner from Elgin for 15 years and was president of the forest preserve board for eight. Mitchell said he was especially influential in creating the land acquisition committee that has helped the district obtain more open space.

“Jack did a lot for the forest preserve,” Mitchell said. “He really cared.”

Elgin will receive a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to help fund development of the park starting next year, according to Park and Recreation Director Randy Reopelle.

Until then, Kane County will move ahead with a temporary sign reflecting the new park name.

Elgin’s Park and Recreation Advisory Board voted unanimously in favor of naming the park after Cook at its June 28 meeting. Council members are now responsible for final approval.