Fire station's manifest destiny?

The new location of Mount Prospect's Fire Station 14, at 2000 E. Kensington Road, could be a familiar one.

Preliminary discussions are under way for the village of Mount Prospect to keep the fire station where it is, but expand it westward onto what is now Tamarack Trails Park, 1950 E. Kensington Road, which is owned by the River Trails Park District.

To compensate for the loss of recreational facilities by giving up Tamarack Trails, the park district is exploring a lease agreement with River Trails Elementary School District 26. The lease would allow the park district to use land south of River Trails Middle School for an athletic field.

On Tuesday, the school board discussed the lease with River Trails Park District Executive Director Debbie Carlson.

School officials were initially receptive to the idea.

"This kind of a venture really only benefits the school district. It does not interfere with anything that we do with children during the day. In fact, it just enhances yet another activity that we can have with children, the use of what will be a fairly state-of-the-art kind of softball field," said Superintendent Dane Delli.

Carlson said, "I'm excited about being able to cooperate with the fire department as well as with the school district."

Carlson said that, in addition to softball, the athletic field would accommodate soccer, track and flag football. Preliminary design includes fencing.

The area has been used informally by a variety of groups. Carlson said that eventually the park district would have to monitor that use under the lease agreement.

"We would have to have control over those agencies or groups," she said, adding, "We're not going to cut them off. We're going to talk with them and work with them."

School board members did have some concerns ranging from the installation of portable toilets to parking and possible conflicts with evening school events.

School board Member Jeff Bradley said, "I agree with the use of this for the park district," but added, "I wouldn't support it if they didn't put protective bumpers on the ends of every fence, because it is a middle school."

Carlson said the park district would be flexible.

As for the fire station location, "It's obvious that it's a very important situation for the community, and it's the best location for it, so we're trying really hard to make it work," Carlson said.

The board said it is willing to look at the idea.

School board Member Tom Fallucca said, "I think it's a good idea, because I really want to see the fire station stay where it is. It serves a pretty important part of the community, and with the train traffic that has been ever increasing, having a fire house over there is a necessity."

Carlson said the village of Mount Prospect wants to hold a community meeting. She said the River Trails Park District board will discuss the issue Thursday.

Village Manager Michael Janonis said the first step is a resolution of issues between the park district and the school district.

"Hopefully, everybody will view it as a win-win," Janonis said.