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Fort Sheridan preserve concept plans open to public input, getting criticism

It's not good so far; more is welcome

Lake County Forest Preserve District officials are asking for input, and they likely can expect an earful about the next batch of improvements for the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.

Reducing or moving parking near the Lake Michigan shore and planting trees to replace grassland are among the issues that have generated pushback from some interests as the forest district considers options for the former Army base.

"It's not been received well," said Lake County Board member Steve Mandel, whose district includes the Fort Sheridan area.

Two concept plans will be available for public viewing and comment during an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Midwest Young Artists Center, 878 Lyster Road, Highwood, within the Town of Fort Sheridan. Images of the plans and existing conditions and directions are available at www.lcfpd.org/projects.

The public is invited to drop in any time during the open house. Also, a forum to provide written comments is available until April 29 at the district's idea exchange website, www.ideaexchangelcfpd.org/.

The concepts outline options for restoration and improvements, and they are part of the development of a final master plan. The forest district has restored wooded ravines and bluffs along the shoreline, installed a paved trail and outdoor educational exhibits, and made improvements at the cemetery since it acquired the northern 250 acres of the former military base.

At one time, the district planned to build a new golf course on the site. But that idea eventually was dropped due to high cost estimates and a national decline in golf play.

The latest ideas have evolved in the past few years. Essentially, the two concepts have similarities, said Ty Kovach, executive director of the forest preserve district.

"The main difference is how we address parking going forward," Kovach said.

One concept reduces the number of spaces near the shoreline, while the other moves the parking toward the center of the area.

In a letter to forest district President Ann Maine, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering and Highwood Mayor Charlie Pecaro said they were "strongly opposed" to having access and parking closed or significantly restricted.

"The end result would make lakefront access significantly challenging, contravening the goals of providing enhanced access in the first place," they wrote.

"When you take away parking in my mind, you're taking away access," Mandel said.

The district also wants to convert about a third of the parade ground area from grass to trees.

Birders also have voiced concern about the possible elimination of habitat for grassland species.

During an informal discussion of the concepts last month, Maine said she was concerned about protecting the unique environment and not having the money or staff to maintain facilities.

Kovach said adjustments likely will be forthcoming as a result of the open house and other opportunities for input.

"It's a work in progress," he said.

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The Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve includes a trail along Lake Michigan. An open house will be held next week for public input on two concepts for potential improvements at Fort Sheridan. courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserve District
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