Wheaton finally has plans for Northside Park

The future of Wheaton's Northside Park was supposed to start 30 years ago when it was first slated for major improvements.

It never happened. In fact, upgrades to the park are the only thing left unaccomplished in the park district's long-range plan.

Park commissioners are in the early stages of drafting a new 15-year plan. Northside Park doesn't look to be part of the new checklist.

That's because 30 years of labor may be about to bear fruit. The park district and city will host a public discussion for residents about looming major changes to Northside Park at 10 a.m. Saturday next to the park's warming shelter.

Park district staff members and elected officials will discuss changes to the park that would improve flood problems, enhance recreation programs and alter the landscape of the park.

The staff wants resident feedback about what taxpayers want to see at their park.

There will also be a lot more soliciting of public opinion in the next 18 months as the new long-range plan is formulated. The plan will encompass all the major projects for the park district and methods to pay for them.

Part of that discussion will also likely involve the potential redevelopment of the Hubble Middle School space in Wheaton. The school may soon move to Warrenville, creating changes with the way open space is used by the park district at the site on which the school currently sits.

Hubble will also likely be a major topic of discussion at the state of the city forum hosted by the Wheaton League of Women Voters.

Park board President Dave Blankenship, Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200 school board President Andy Johnson and Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk are all expected to attend and answer questions from the audience.

The panel discussion begins at 7:30 tonight at the Wheaton Park District Community Center on Blanchard Road.