St. James Farm improvements to include water service

DuPage County forest district commissioners are taking steps to bring municipal water service to St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville to accommodate improvements to the site.

The board approved an intergovernmental agreement with Wheaton to extend the city's municipal water line to St. James Farm on Winfield Road, between Butterfield and Mack roads. The district will cover the $2.9 million cost to design, permit and construct the project, and Wheaton will maintain the water line in the public right-of-way outside of district property upon completion.

The water main will provide drinking water for people and animals and a reliable source of water for fire-suppression systems. This will allow the district to open various buildings at St. James Farm for public use and expand its programming at the indoor riding arena, barns and stables.

"After reviewing various alternatives, it was determined that obtaining water from Wheaton was the most efficient and economical option," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Al Murphy, District 6.

The proposed waterline route would follow Hoy Avenue from Wiesbrook and Butterfield roads near Wheaton Warrenville South High School to St. James Farm.

The district also is moving forward with improvements to the indoor riding arena so it can use the building for equestrian and other recreational activities.

Tentative plans call for upgrading the heating, air conditioning, electrical and lighting systems; adding restrooms, bleachers, fire alarms, sprinklers, emergency lights and signs; and modifying doors, windows and skylights.