Park Panel Adopts Open Space, Recreation Master Plan

The Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Advisory Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to adopt the revised Open Space and Recreation Master Plan, which lays groundwork for future parks department improvements.

The plan is expected to be presented to the village board on Aug. 15, said Michael Perkins, director of the Park and Recreation Department.

Representatives from Norris Design were on hand — in-person and by conference call — to again discuss the Open Space and Recreation Master Plan. Keith Demchinski, principal at Norris Design, said the plan has been in the works for about seven months.

Norris Design representatives performed a site analysis, a needs assessment survey and a demographic analysis to create the plan. Additionally, residents’ input was gathered through focus groups.

The company's recommendations include:

• Improving pedestrian connections between parks.
• Performing a structural assessment for indoor facilities.
• Improving the restrooms at Paulus Park.
• Adding trails, an amphitheater and other amenities at Paulus Park.
• Making staff more efficient by providing training.
• Increasing targeted marketing.
• Improving the communications between the park and recreation and public works departments.
• Working to increase staffing levels.
• Evaluating a bond referendum or special taxing district to increase funding.
• Evaluating the possibility of forming a 501c3 nonprofit organization to increase fundraising and grant possibilities.
• Working with neighboring agencies to provide additional amenities.
• Working with developers to increase park acreage and impact fees.
• Adding lacrosse and football to the field use schedule.

Park and Recreation Advisory Board members asked Norris Design representatives to include information about a parcel of land on Grand Avenue in the master plan.