Wheeling park's grand plan unveiled
The Wheeling Park District debuted a plan Tuesday for Heritage Park after hearing resident input on three options for the project.
While the concept is still a draft, it has incorporated ideas from residents who have had the opportunity to comment through the district's Web site, at the library or at the main offices since May.
"This is going to be a signature park for this park district," commissioner Brian Lichtenberger said at the board meeting Tuesday.
The plan includes two entries to the park: one on the north end off Dundee Road and one on the east end from Wolf Road. The east entrance also includes a pedestrian-only path.
"Everyone seemed to like this idea of bringing access off Wolf Road," said Larry Raffel, superintendent of planning.
The entrances will also be highlighted with sculptures or other features.
The concept also includes four baseball fields arranged around a concession stand and soccer fields to the east.
Heritage Lake would also be expanded to both the east and the west for retention purposes, and the plan shows a boardwalk area near the lake. Raffel said the walkway would be elevated so that residents could stroll in a marsh-like environment when the water rises.
"I see it as a very elegant element," Raffel said.
The plans include a main bandshell in between the Aquatic Center and baseball fields and a smaller shell to the west of the lake.
"This park needs to be a gathering place," Raffel said.
The concept also calls for the parks building to be moved from Wolf Road to near the railroad tracks.
The north end of the park would include a state-of-the-art playground and the tennis and basketball courts. The park would also include walkways throughout.
Raffel said the committee will continue taking comments on the draft and present a final concept to the board in mid-August for approval.
A plan for funding and implementing the park will also be presented to the board by September.
To make comments or see a copy of the plan, visit www.wheelingparkdistrict.com.