More talk expected in Lake Zurich on big Paulus Park ideas
Lake Zurich village board members next month are expected to resume a discussion on how to pay for possible upgrades at Paulus Park, such as an amphitheater.
Village board trustees last week had been expected to authorize Hitchcock Design Group to pursue a $200,000 state grant to cover half of a projected $400,000 cost for proposed improvements at the popular park off Rand Road north of Route 22.
But in a report to the village board, recreation manager Bonnie Caputo said the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has yet to open the grant application process.
Without a looming deadline to submit an application to the state, she said, Hitchcock executive Steve Konters likely will appear at a village board meeting Monday, July 6, to present results from a resident survey regarding the proposed improvements at Paulus Park and potential expenses.
If built, the amphitheater would have an open-air band shell and stage. There would be terraced and handicapped-accessible seating near the stage.
Other possible Paulus Park upgrades outlined by Konters include a new fishing pier, better picnic area seating, a canoe and kayak launch, expanded swimming beach and a bags court. Also in the mix would be a redone main entrance off Rand Road and new directional signs.
Mayor Thomas Poynton said not all potential money sources for the Paulus Park improvements are in place.
"We're exploring different funding options as we move forward, even if we don't get the grant for some of the stuff," Poynton said.
Lake Zurich is paying $7,500 to Hitchcock Design Group for an updated Paulus Park master plan and other tasks. Konters first provided details about the Paulus Park ideas at a meeting June 1.
Talk of an amphitheater and band shell at Paulus Park dates at least to 2003, when residents spoke at a public forum on ways to improve parks and recreation facilities.