New Open Space Master Plan Wins Green Light

Since the beginning of the year, the  and its advisory board have been working with a consultant to create an updated Open Space and Recreation Master Plan.

The previous plan dates back to 2004.

Village trustees officially adopted the plan Sept. 6, but not everyone appeared to be comfortable with all that was contained in, or left out of the plan.

“I don’t feel that all the parks are being represented in this plan;  or the  are not even mentioned, for example,” said Trustee Jeff Halen, who cast the sole dissenting vote.

Halen also expressed concern over named park properties — including Cushman, , the southwest portion of  and portions of  — that consultant Norris Design suggested should undergo land valuation analysis.

“We never suggested selling parks. We only suggested that land valuations be conducted on parks that were underused,” said Keith Demchinski, principal at Norris Design.

The perspective appears to be slightly different.

“The reason that is in the plan is because of our financial situation; with 32 parks, limited funding and staff, money obtained from selling park property would hopefully go back to maintain parks,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mike Perkins.

At one point, Trustee Jonathan Sprawka stated he didn’t want the final plan to include anything relating to the sale of park land in addition to another proposal.

“I suggest we remove land valuation for future sale of park land and also remove the proposal to have dog parks,” Sprawka said.

Demchinski and Perkins both reiterated that the plan is simply a guide, and can be adjusted as time goes on.

“Just because something is in the plan, we don’t necessarily have to do it, and if something is not in the plan, it doesn’t mean it can’t be added in,” said Perkins. 

Before the board voted on the plan, Trustee Rich Sustich suggested an amendment that all expenditures for parks and recreation be included in future budgets and that they be brought before the Village Board for approval.

“Now the issue is what amount of money do we have to move forward with some of the recommendations,” Sustich said. “The board has to decide what investments can be made for community improvements.”

Trustees Sprawka, Sustich, Tom Poynton and Dana Rzeznik voted to adopt the plan. New Trustee Terry Mastandrea abstained and Halen cast the sole no vote.

Despite the plan's approval, it remains a work in progress.

Perkins said he will be working with the parks and recreation advisory board to set priorities for next year, and funds would be requested during village budget meetings in October.

“Our doors are always open if people have questions, comments or other ideas regarding improvements for recreation in the village,” Perkins said.

Perkins said having an updated plan is a very important step for the future of parks and recreation. 

“Not only is it important to have some sort of future plan, but having the updated plan makes the village more likely to receive grants to help fund future programs and improvements,” Perkins said. “A large majority of government grants require an updated plan.”

Perkins said he has sought and received just less than $1 million in grants since 2005 for various parks and recreation projects.

In terms of priorities, Perkins said he is using the feedback residents provided in the open forums, along with data that Norris Design gathered from the community. 

“People want to see more special events and I would like to look at bringing back some we’ve eliminated due to funding issues, such as the camp out in , the Fall Fest and the Haunted House,” Perkins said.

Residents who participated in the plan process also desired concerts and movies in the park.

Other ideas included replacing or improving Kids Kingdom at , adding fitness paths at other parks like the one at , and providing needed updates and maintenance at all 32 parks.

Residents having comments or suggestions are encouraged to call Perkins at 1-847-540-5068 or email at perkins@volz.org.