Des Plaines set to buy most of former Methodist Camp Ground for $4M, ending legal battle

Des Plaines would purchase most of a historic — but flood-prone — campground for $4 million under a deal before the city council.

If approved, the proposed agreement will end a five-year legal battle over the property at 1250 Campground Road. The Chicago District Camp Ground Association, the group that owns the eponymous site, already has approved the settlement.

Founded in 1860 on the Des Plaines River’s east bank, the property long had been called the Methodist Camp Ground but no longer is affiliated with that religious tradition, said the Rev. Daniel Amarei, the association board’s president. The group now is nondenominational Christian, he said.

Primarily used during summer months, the campground features dozens of cottages, several tabernacles and other structures. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

Buildings at the campground repeatedly have been damaged by floodwaters from the nearby river, including several times this century. The site flooded after April’s rainstorms, but not as severely as in the past, Amarei said.

Despite the recurring damage, the campground remains active, with people occupying cottages throughout the year, Amarei said.

Des Plaines sued the association in 2021, alleging some structures violated building codes and flood-control regulations, and weren’t safe. City officials sought the demolition of some buildings and financial penalties.

Under the proposed settlement, Des Plaines will purchase 22 of the campground’s nearly 27 acres. The remaining five acres are on the southeast portion of the property and not in the flood plain.

Additionally, the city will relocate the historic Waldorf Tabernacle building to that five-acre portion for preservation. The association will be able to relocate other structures to the five-acre parcel as well.

The city intends to demolish all other structures on its portion of the property. The resulting open space will serve as a connection between the Northwestern Woods and Camp Ground Road Woods forest preserves.

According to the proposed settlement, the $4 million payout can only be used for expenses related to the campground. The association must provide the city with biannual reports on the use of that cash.

Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski said he’s pleased with the deal.

“The agreement provides a balanced solution that improves public safety, preserves an important historic site and protects taxpayers,” he said in a news release.

Amarei spoke favorably about the agreement, too, as well as the site’s future.

“The Chicago District Camp Ground Association is grateful that a settlement has been reached, allowing us to begin a solemn new chapter in the life of this historic Christian campground,” he said. “It’s a good day for us and for Des Plaines.”

City officials intend to apply for state and federal grants to help cover the purchase and demolition costs.

Monday’s city council meeting is set for 7 p.m. at city hall, 1420 Miner St. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed at desplainesil.gov.