Get your say in on Algonqun parks

The monthlong period for Algonquin residents to have their say on the village's long-range plan for parks, trails and open space is almost up.

So far, the village has received only a smattering of input from the public, Assistant Village Manager Jeff Mihelich said.

Residents interested in submitting questions, concerns or comments have until Friday.

The village will hold an open house at 6 p.m. Monday at village hall, 2200 Harnish Drive, where residents can meet with village officials to discuss the plan.

"The primary goal is that we want to have a park within an easy walking distance of each home in the village," Mihelich said. "We want to encourage an active lifestyle. It is good for people of all ages to get to a park."

The Parks, Trail and Open Space Plan recommends that the village expand the amount of parkland and open space by tapping developers for land donations or fees that can be used to buy land, applying for Illinois Department of Natural Resources grants and using general fund revenue.

There now are 20 active parks in the village that include amenities such as soccer fields, playgrounds, tennis courts and baseball diamonds, Assistant Village Planner Katie Thornton said.

In the future, the village will develop seven additional parks, including Ted Spella Park, which is under construction. When complete, the park will be the village's largest at more than 100 acres.

Trails that extend for 26 miles throughout the village will likely double in the future as the village plans to add another 25 miles to the extensive system.