Glen Ellyn Park Board: Master Plan for Ackerman, Prairie Path Turns 50

The Glen Ellyn Park Board will hear a presentation on the Ackerman Park master plan at its meeting at 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Keith Demchinski of Norris Design will present a preliminary concept for the plan based on maintenance needs, and current and anticipated use. The presentation will highlight long-term improvements. 

Short-term recommendations, five-year operating budget, project schedule, natural areas, funding resources, potential partnerships and an overall narrative still need to be formulated. 

Following board and staff input, Norris Design will meet with Ackerman Park users, including Lakers Soccer, Glen Ellyn House League Soccer and the Phillies Softball, to incorporate their ideas and suggestions. A public meeting will then be hosted by the Park District. 

Glen Ellyn Park District solicited proposals for professional services for the Ackerman Park master plan. The district was interested in design, renovating and improving athletic fields, irrigation system, lighting and trails, along with the passive and natural areas. For 30 years, the district has performed “band-aid” improvements to the property without an overall goal or long-term plan, according to board members. While functional, the property remains in almost the same condition it was in the 80s, despite increased usage, greater and evolving demand and higher expectations.

The master plan will be a working document that identifies the most efficient use and layout of athletic fields. Some improvements will be immediate, while others are long-term and conceptual.

After public feedback, a final master plan will be presented for approval. The estimated cost for park improvements is $1.5 million, but that estimate was created with limited design detail.

Also on the Park Board's Agenda Tuesday:

• Resolution honoring the 50th anniversary of the Illinois Prairie Path: The Illinois Prairie Path began Sept. 30, 1963, and was the first "rails-to-trails" recreational path in the world, according to the resolution. The path runs through Cook, DuPage and Kane counties and is 62 miles long. It connects to the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, West Branch Trail, Great Western Trail, Fox River Trail and numerous local trails.

• Termination of the Carol Stream and Glen Ellyn Park District Joint Commission: In 1981, the Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream and Wheaton park districts formed the Community Joint Park Commission to operate and maintain a 68-acre tract of land owned by Carol Stream. The districts agreed to manage this large open space for the benefit of residents in all three communities. The lease between the commission and Carol Stream terminated in January. At that time it was mutually decided the property was serving almost exclusively Carol Stream residents.

• Consolidation of agreements between Glen Ellyn Park District and Glenbard High School District 87: Currently, there are five agreements: Park District use of Memorial Field (expires December 2018); summer athletic camps (expires August 2015); Joint use of facilities by Park District and District 87 (expires June 30, 2020); District 87 use of Village Green (expired December 2012); and raising of dam at Lake Ellyn (no expiration date). The goal is to diminish Park District financial commitment while improving athletic fields. Staff said this can be accomplished with greater financial commitments from athletic organizations, getting greater use of additional facilities at no charge and generating additional revenue. Staff will provide more details on financing, environmental issues, lights and more at Tuesday's meeting. 

• Commissioner and director's reports
• Executive session to discuss pending or probable litigation