Lilacia and library can live in harmony
Recent concern about a new Helen Plum Library's impacts to Lilacia Park shows our community understands how vital Lilacia is to Lombard. Our namesake - "The Lilac Village" - pays homage to 700-plus lilacs that live in the park.
As a landscape architect and resident I believe Lilacia's health is key to our identity and future prosperity.
What has not been discussed is how public investments are an opportunity to improve our community. Through good design we can capitalize on the library's facility needs and enhance Lilacia Park.
The existing library and Lilacia Park do not complement one another very well. Have you ever walked comfortably from Maple Street into the park? Or enjoyed park views from the library or Henderson Plaza? In November we can choose a future where the spaces will work together.
A new library will allow celebration of Col. Plum's gift and our unique Lilac collection. The new library will enhance the community space with:
• An accessible walkway from Henderson plaza into Lilacia.
• A functional and rooftop space for community and library events (Lilac-time festivities and tours).
• Windows for library users to enjoy Lilacia's beauty and natural sunlight.
• A "local history room" to learn about Lilacia's history.
• An expanded lilac collection surrounding the library.
A shade study of the proposed library shows no additional shade cast by the building. There will be loss of few plants immediately adjacent - but care will be given to protect, document, and/or transplant any lilacs.
My professional opinion is that the minor impacts to Lilacia Park are worth the trade-off for the benefits the new facility brings. Attention is being paid to understand the historical and existing conditions.
And with this passionate interest in Lilacia, can we resurrect the Lombard Lilac League to support this gem for years to come?
Andi Cooper
Lombard