Park Department Revises Open Space Master Plan

"Mike's Copy" of the March 2004 Lake Zurich Open Space Master Plan sits atop Lake Zurich Park and Recreation Department Director Michael Perkins' desk.

It rests at arms' length the way someone would keep their favorite book on their night stand.

"I look at it quite often," he said.

The pages are worn and there's a hint of a coffee stain on the cover, but that's OK, because the park district is updating the plan—and Perkins' book.

The new plan is essential to future park projects because it's how the department gets major grants from the state that fund half the costs of many of the improvements, Perkins said.

Perkins said he hopes to receive funding for the second phase of improvements to Paulus Park improvements. The improvements include new pathways, a new bandshell instead to replace the existing stage; putting in a shelter pavilion to fit 100 to 150 people, a new fishing pier, upgraded bathrooms that would be more energy and water efficient and a new playground for the park.

The park district received about $400,000 in grants from Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grants from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for the cost of the first phase of improvements to Paulus Park.

Another $400,000 in OSLAD matching grants funded  improvements at Staples Park. Bristol Trails benefitted from  $192,000 in grants.

"The whole goal of getting those grants is to use our dollars wisely for improvements," Perkins said.

The $800,000 second phase of the project did not receive funding in the last plan, but Perkins said he is hopeful it will this time around.

Still, the application is a long process. It starts with hiring architects and engineers skilled in the state grant process to update the plan.

Because the 2004 plan was the first one for the department, it cost $80,000 to complete. Perkins expects the revision to cost $25,000 because much of the information can be garnered and updated from the 2004 plan.

The park district is conducting a community survey so residents can suggest what improvements they'd like to see.

"It's very well thought out, very meticulated," Perkins said.