Elgin council looking for a few good ideas for Lords Park

Elgin city council members are looking for more voices and ideas to forge the future of the 108-acre Lords Park.

"It's a treasure that we need to have a more holistic approach toward," said Councilman Mike Warren Wednesday night. "We'll convene a group and try to gather some more community support."

The park was thrust into the spotlight last year when the city decided not to reopen the petting zoo there due to budget concerns.

Residents formed the friends of the Lords Park Zoo in an effort to save and improve the conditions there for the bison, elk and deer.

The Friends group's latest fundraiser is a benefit concert at 8 p.m. Friday at the Gast Haus, 15 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.

Warren hopes any effort by the committee can be done within the next 90 to 120 days and be completed in concert with an update of the master plan for all city parks by the Parks and Recreation Department.

He hopes to create more public-private partnerships for a sustainable plan that goes beyond the zoo itself.

Councilman John Prigge described the park as an "anchor" that helps stabilize the city's east side.

"We don't want the anchor to come loose," Prigge said. "This is a key issue on the east side. This is a critical time for history of this park."

The city wants people to apply before the next council meeting on May 12.

A formal application is being formulated.

Interested residents should call (847) 931-6100.