Naperville Park District unveils 22 projects for 2012
Naperville residents got a sneak peek at several projects the park district hopes to include in its 2012 budget.
Roughly two dozen people attended an open house Thursday night showcasing the district’s plans for renovations at 22 sites.
“This is really the meeting before we set the capital budget for 2012 so we wanted to get all of our potential capital improvements, whether it’s design and permitting or actually brick and mortar construction, out before the public,” Planning Director Eric Shutes said. “We want to gather community input and feedback to help us define the scope and determine what goes in for 2012 and what dollars are spent.”
The 2011 capital budget totaled about $13 million. The 2012 capital budget has yet to be determined.
The focal point of next year’s projects, Shutes said, is a complete overhaul of Meadow Glens Park, just behind the Walgreens near Wehrli Road and 75th Street.
“There’s a lot of neighborhood parks, playgrounds and athletic field renovations in the plans but the highlight is Meadow Glens,” Shutes said. “That’s an 18-acre community park that we received a $400,000 OSLAD (Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development) grant for (in May) so we are in the process of designing it.”
The Meadow Glens plan, which could total about $900,000, includes a complete resurfacing of the parking lot, two basketball courts, a closed loop trail with fitness stations, a small shelter, a drinking fountain, a winter skating area, a few nature-based play pieces for children, such as climbing boulders, and a small restroom.
Most of the residents’ attention, however, was focused on a new walking path planned to loop the retention basin at 29-acre May Watts Park at 804 S. Whispering Hills Drive.
Several residents whose houses back up to the pond were less than happy to learn an 8-foot-wide asphalt walking path is planned behind their homes to link Raintree Drive with ball fields and May Watts School near South Whispering Hills Drive.
“I’m struggling with the purpose of the trail because I don’t see what recreational experience you are creating or enhancing here. There’s nothing here and no reason to walk here,” said Francine Rehor. “If you’re looking to make a scenic path that may be more accessible for some people, there’s plenty more attractive places to do it that’s not in our backyards.”
Rehor’s father-in-law, Charles, also lives on Raintree and said he believes the trail will attract noise and unwelcome visitors.
“Years ago, people rode their motorcycles and dirt bikes back there and we would call the police,” Charles Rehor said. “That’s all gonna happen all over again and I’m not happy with that prospect.”
Other plans displayed included the design of a new nature center and expanded disc golf at Knock Knolls Park, new basketball courts and a playground at Creekside Park, and renovations to the canoe launch and sidewalks at Dorothea Weigand Riverfront Park.
The public can continue to comment on the projects through Aug. 26, both in person and at the park district’s website.