parks and recreation master plan

Transcription

CITY OF PALOS HEIGHTS
PARKS AND RECREATION
MASTER PLAN
JUNE 2008
Table of Contents
Introduction
Community Setting
City Recreation Department
Current Parks and Recreation Issues
1
3
3
3
Section 1: Parks and Recreation Standards
Service Area Method
The NRPA “10 Acre Standard”
City of Palos Heights Standards
5
6
6
6
Section 2: Community Outreach
Parks and Recreation Survey
Parks and Recreation Programs
Parks and Facilities
Park Improvements
Level of Satisfaction
Major Projects
Highest Priority Project
Potential Tax Increase
9
10
11
11
12
12
13
13
13
Section 3: Goals and Objectives
Goal
Objective
15
16
16
Section 4: Existing Parks and Recreation
Existing Parks and Recreation
Parks & Recreation Department
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Lake Katherine Preserve
Recreational/Bike Paths
Recreation Associations/Organizations
Other Recreational Providers
19
20
20
21
22
22
23
24
Section 5: Parks and Recreation Plan
Baseball
Basketball
Fitness Stations
Game Court Areas
Gardens
Outdoor Ice
Playgrounds
Indoor Recreation
Sand Volleyball
Soccer & Football
Swimming
Tennis
Trails and Interpretive Signage
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30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Section 6: Implementation
Immediate Actions
Promote Cooperation and Participation
Alternative Funding Sources
Grants
Rental Fees
Donations and Volunteer Efforts
Public/Private Partnerships
Referendum
Promote and Communicate the Plan
Update the Plan on a Regular Basis
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58
59
59
59
59
59
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60
60
60
Page I
MASTER PLAN
Introduction
Page 1
Introduction
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan sets forth
the long-range recommendations for future
improvement and enhancements of parks,
open space, and recreation in the City of Palos
Heights. The Plan is the City’s official policy
guide for parks and recreation. The Plan strives
to help preserve and protect existing open space,
natural features and resources.
The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan is to ensure that all residents within the City
of Palos Heights are provided equal opportunities for parks, open space, and recreation in the
community. The Plan is based upon public input,
previously prepared studies, plans and reports, as
well as, input from private recreation providers
and organizations, City staff, and City officials.
The Plan provides a detailed analysis of the existing parks and recreation system in the community and establishes recommendations that will
maintain and improve upon the system.
The City of Palos Heights has a variety of parks,
open space, and recreation provided by the City,
other governmental bodies, and the private sector. Together, these groups provide the residents
of Palos Heights with a tremendous amount of
parks and programs to enjoy. Throughout the
planning process, residents continued to state
that the City’s park system and environmental
features were important to their quality of life.
Many residents consider Lake Katherine Nature
Preserve to be the “crown jewel” of the community. Lake Katherine creates much of the City’s
image and character, and continuing to market
the area for visitors is a common theme throughout this Plan.
recommendations for maintaining and improving
each City park and recreational amenity.
The demographics of Palos Heights show that
an increasing segment of the population is aging. As an increasing number of residents move
into the senior age demographic, it will become
increasingly important for the City to provide
parks and recreational programming for seniors.
The Plan recommends that the City continue to
work with seniors to provide programming that
is accessible and desirable. If the City considers
to construct an Indoor Recreation Center, it is
recommended that a senior center be included
in any future plans.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is based
upon the City’s recently completed Parks and
Recreation Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) as
well as the results of the community workshops,
questionnaire, and Parks and Recreation Survey.
Community input is discussed in more detail in
Section 2.
Recommendations within the Plan strive to
ensure that local dollars are spent efficiently, and
suggest that the City continue to partner with,
and promote other agencies, in the provision of
parks and recreation to minimize any duplication
in parks and recreation services in the community.
Finally, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will
be a benefit for the City in pursuing and receiving alternative funding sources such as State and
Federal grants.
As a “built-out” community, it is difficult for the
City to acquire new parks within the community.
This strengthens the need for the City to continue to monitor its existing parks to ensure that
the facilities are well-maintained and desired by
the community. The Parks and Recreation Master
Plan provides the basis by which the City can begin to budget for maintenance and new construction. Section Five of this plan provides detailed
Page 2
City of Palos Heights
Community Setting
The City of Palos Heights is located within Cook
County, Illinois, approximately 26 miles south
of Downtown Chicago. The City encompasses
approximately 4 square miles in Worth and Palos
Townships. The City was incorporated in 1959
and according to the 2000 Census the population was 11,260 which is a decrease of 1.9% from
1990. According to a 2005 Special Census the
City’s population has increased to 12,960.
Recreation Department
Parks and recreation are an important part of
Palos Heights and the City’s Recreation Department is the primary public provider for these
services. The City’s Recreation Department
has adopted the following mission statement:
“To provide quality programs and services to
the residents of Palos Heights.” This Parks and
Recreation Master Plan builds upon the mission
statement by providing recommendations to better provide quality programs and services.
Two groups work with the Recreation Department to guide and direct staff; a Recreation
Committee, and a Recreation Advisory Board.
The Recreation Committee is a standing committee of the City Council with four Aldermen. The
committee provides fiscal oversight of the Parks
& Recreation Department; reviews policy and
procedures; and provides recommendations on
policy and procedure for consideration of the
City Council as a whole.
The Recreation Advisory Board is a standing
board of the City and is made up of seven residents appointed by the Mayor. The Recreation
Advisory Board serves as an advisory role to the
Recreation Committee and City Council on parks
and recreation services & issues throughout the
City.
Association (SWSRA). The SWRA is a special
recreation cooperative comprised of the following communities: Alsip, Blue Island, Justice, Merrionette Park, Midlothian, Palos Heights, Posen
and Summit. The SWSRA was formed in 1981 to
provide year-round quality recreation programs
and services for individuals with disabilities or
special needs. A wide variety of programs is
available for individuals from early childhood
through adulthood.
Current City Parks and Recreation Issues
Throughout the community outreach process
two major issues were the focus of discussion:
swimming opportunities, and an indoor recreation center. According to studies conducted by
the City, the current condition of the Community
Pool is in need of either renovation, or complete
replacement. This Plan recognizes that swimming is an important recreational activity for
residents in the community based upon community outreach activities, but how best to provide
swimming is a decision that needs to be based
upon further study, input, and will likely require
a successful referendum to fund the facilities
desired by the community.
The outreach process also reports that there is
a desire for providing indoor recreation space
within the community. A new recreation center
may include space for seniors, and other recreational programming opportunities. Similar to
the swimming issue, how best to provide indoor
recreation in the community is a decision that
needs to be based upon further study, input, and
quite possibly the results of a potential referendum to fund such a facility.
In addition to providing parks and recreation on
city-owned property, the City has also teamed
with other affiliates, schools, and associations to
offer residents parks and recreation opportunities. An example of such a cooperative arrangement is with the South West Special Recreation
Page 3
MASTER PLAN
Section 1:
Parks and Recreation Standards
Page 5
Section 1: Parks and Recreation Standards
To ensure all residents enjoy the same opportunities to parks and open space, and to ensure that
a balanced or adequate park system is planned,
coordinated and established, communities use
standards to analyze and plan. Throughout
the State of Illinois and the country, parks and
recreation departments, and districts, use parks
and recreation standards to help guide their planning, acquisition, and development of parks. It is
important to note that standards should be flexible, but adhered to when possible to maintain a
consistent approach to planning. There are two
common types of standards, population based,
and geographic, or service radius standards.
Service Area Method
Parks and Recreation Master Plans typically utilize a technique for analysis called a service area
method. The State of Illinois and the National
Parks and Recreation standards have adopted
their suggested service area methods. These
range between ½ mile and 2 mile radii. The
½-mile radius is based upon walking distances
and the 2-mile radius is based upon preferred
driving distances. Their studies have shown that
residents are willing to drive up to 2-miles for
recreational activities. Because the City of Palos
Heights is approximately 2-miles by 2-miles, the
only service area method recommended in this
Plan is the ½ mile, barrier free walking distance
for playgrounds. Applying the 2-mile service areas to parks and recreation in the City would not
be useful for analysis or for future planning.
The NRPA “10 Acre Standard”
The National Recreation and Parks Association
(NRPA) attributes the origin of the 10 acres per
1,000 population standard to George Butler of
the National Recreation Association. Butler, who
worked on the standard methodologies, prepared a standard of ten acres of park and open
space per 1,000 population, and due to its ease
of application, the “10 Acre Standard” is used
regularly throughout the country.
The 1990 reprint of NRPA’s Recreation, Park and
Open Space Standards and Guidelines recommends, at a minimum, the core system of developed parklands should consist of between 6.25
to 10.5 acres per 1,000 population (Source: Lancaster, R.A. (Ed.). (1990). Recreation, Park, and
Open Space Standards and Guidelines. Ashburn,
VA: National Recreation and Park Association).
City of Palos Heights Standards
Although mentioned earlier, it is important to
restate that the City is considered a built-out
community, and has very little, if any, available
land for additional parks. Furthermore, the community outreach reported that residents did not
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feel strongly about acquiring new parkland for
active recreation, however, continuing to acquire
open space along the Cal-Sag Channel was desired. Based upon these findings, the results of
the NRPA 10-acre standard should only be used
to gauge how the City compares to national
standards.
The City of Palos Heights currently has a population of 12,960 residents. Based upon the NRPA
10-acre standard, this represents a need for 129
acres of open space. The City currently owns/
maintains a total of 207.2 acres, including Lake
Katherine, wooded areas, and floodplain. This
calculation shows that the City currently exceeds
the NRPA 10-acre standard, however, a large percentage of this acreage includes Lake Katherine
Preserve. Removing the acreage of Lake Katherine Preserve lowers the amount of neighborhood
and community parks recreational areas to 127.2
acres, which is very close to the recommended
129 acres of open space.
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MASTER PLAN
Section 2:
Community Outreach
Page 9
Section 2: Community Outreach
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan is built
upon community input and participation. The
Parks and Recreation Master Plan shared many
of the same community outreach activities as the
City’s Comprehensive Planning process such as
public meetings, workshops, on-line questionnaire, a mailed-out Parks and Recreation Community Survey, and key person interviews. These
community outreach activities are summarized
below.
Throughout the community outreach exercises
the following themes emerged:
The City must decide how to proceed with
providing swimming opportunities for the
community.
There is a need for an indoor recreation
center that consists of a variety of uses for
different users types, specifically senior activity space.
In order to fund swimming or indoor space
improvements, the City will most likely need
to seek alternative funding sources, potential
grants, public/private partnerships, or seek
funding through a referendum.
There is not a strong interest to acquire new
parks and open space.
There is a desire to improve existing parks
and open space.
The City needs to market Lake Katherine
and provide linkages to the rest of the community.
Continue to implement the City’s bike path
system, linking to the Forest Preserve District
trails, and the future Calumet-Sag Recreation
Trail.
the community. A fundamental question at the
outset of a survey research project is how many
observations are needed in a sample so generalizations can be made about the entire population. Based upon the sample size 5,942 households, 385 surveys were needed to achieve the
desired accuracy. The actual number of returned
surveys (451) provides a scientifically valid
sample, and affords a 95% confidence in the
responses with a confidence interval of 5%. To
further explain, as an example, if 65% of respondents answered that they are in favor of more
trails, we are 95% confident that the true number would fall between 60% and 70%. However, it should be noted that by mere chance alone,
some differences between a sample and the
population from which it is drawn must always
be expected to exist.
A copy of the survey and the results are on file at
City Hall. The following are the key results of the
Survey for the creation of this Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Parks and Recreation Community Survey
In the summer of 2007, the City of Palos Heights
conducted a community wide survey focused
on Parks and Recreation. Each household was
mailed a survey in the City’s fall newsletter.
In addition to forming this Plan, the results of this
survey will be extremely useful in assisting the
City in future planning for parks and recreation in
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Parks and Recreation Programs
Parks and Facilities
Most respondents and members of their families
(50.69%) participated in 2 to 5 programs offered
by the City of Palos Heights for recreation during
the past year. The next highest group (33.24%)
participated in only one program during the past
year.
In Question 8, respondents were asked how
frequently they used City parks or recreational facilities during the past year. Respondents stated
that those members of the households ages 5
and under, 6 to 11, and 31 to 54 used parks and
facilities most frequently.
Most felt the overall quality of the recreation
programs and activities were good, with only a
few responses stating the programs were poor.
When asked how they find out about City of
Palos Heights recreation programs and activities the overwhelming answer was the Program
Guide (84.62%), with word of mouth second
(26.11%). Only a small number (1.4%) learned
about the programs from the City’s website.
The top five parks and recreational facilities cited
as being most needed by respondents (in order)
included:
When asked what organizations their family uses
for parks and recreation programs and services
the number one response was the City of Palos
Heights (72.86%). However, after the City there
were several others that were selected often,
such as: Religious Institutions (40.71%), Private
or Public School (29.52%), Cook County Forest
Preserve (28.10%), Private Clubs (26.43%), and
neighboring Park Districts (21.43%).
Respondents were asked what programs their
family has future participation interests in. When
asked to rate their top three parks and recreation
interests, respondents and their families showed
most interest in fitness activities, swimming, and
summer concerts. The lowest rated future interests were for in-line skating, skate boarding, and
lacrosse.
1. Walking/Biking Trails
2. Community Parks
3. A Recreation Center
4. Neighborhood Parks
5. A Fitness Center
When asked what was not needed, respondents
stated the following facilities were the least
needed (in order):
1. Skate Park
2. Dog Park
3. Football/Lacrosse Field
4. Golf Course
Currently the need for community parks, nature
centers, and trails are being met. On the other
hand, the need for a fitness center, indoor swimming, and outdoor ice skating are needs most
identified as those which are not being met.
When asked to select the top three recreational
facilities needed most in order of importance,
When asked to select which interests they had
in general recreational programming, there was
strong interest for fitness activities, summer
concerts, water fitness, and sports programs. For
intramural leagues, there was strong interest for
youth athletics and baseball/softball. In addition,
for un-programmed recreational opportunities
there was strong interest for swimming, walking,
and biking.
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respondents selected the following facilities as
their top three facilities:
Top First Choice Selections:
Outdoor swimming, Recreation Center, Walking/
biking trails
Top Second Choice Selections:
Recreation Center, Outdoor swimming, Fitness
Center
Top Third Choice Selections:
Recreation Center, Fitness Center, Waling/biking
trails
Park Improvements
Question 13 asked respondents to select their
top three improvements. Three park improvements were selected most frequently. The top
three park improvements desired by respondents
were:
1. Restrooms
2. Drinking fountains
3. Walking/biking trails
Respondents also stated that they had the lowest
desire for the following park improvements:
More Parks
Respondents did not feel that there was a need
for acquiring new parks in the community. Most
were neutral (32.1%) or completely disagreed
(29.4%) with acquiring new parks. It is also
interesting to note that of the six questions in this
category that the highest number of “strongly
disagree” selections were made for this question.
Improve Existing Parks
Most agreed that the City should improve existing parks. 21.1% strongly agreed and 36.5%
agreed with improving existing City parks. Only
4.1% felt strongly that existing parks should not
be improved.
Expand Lake Katherine
Most (44%) answered that they had an interest
in seeing Lake Katherine Nature Preserve expanded, while 25% were neutral and 30% were
not interested in seeing it expanded.
More Walking/Biking Trails
Respondents stated that they would like to see
more walking and bike trails constructed. 53%
agreed that the City should create more walking/
biking trails, while 24% were neutral, and 22%
were not interested in the City creating more
trails.
1. Park signage
2. Parking areas
3. Lighted sports fields.
Level of Satisfaction
Question 14 of the Survey was designed to rate
respondents’ level of satisfaction with park and
recreation services as well as their opinion of tax
dollars.
Maintenance
When asked if the maintenance of City parks
and facilities met their expectations, most agreed
(41%) that it did. On each end of the scale,
11.3% strongly agreed that it met their expectations while only 5.1% strongly disagreed that
maintenance met their expectations.
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Expectation For Value Compared to Tax Dollars
The majority of respondents (42%) agreed that
the City meets their expectations for value compared to tax dollars paid. 28% were neutral and
29% answered they were not satisfied.
Future Interests
In Question 15, respondents were asked to rate
their future interests for parks and recreation in
the City. There was a strong future interest in
providing bike trails and walking paths, a recreation center, and swimming. Respondents were
then asked to rank their top three future interests,
which are listed below in order:
1. Recreation Center
2. Bike Trails and Walking Paths
3. Swimming Pool
Major Projects
Question 16 of the Survey dealt with asking respondents about major projects that would most
likely require a referendum to be constructed.
Six specific questions (16.A through 16.F) were
asked to gauge respondents’ attitude for major
projects.
16.F. – Not Plan any major projects during the
next five years.
Only 21% were against major projects and 18%
were neutral. It is clear from the responses, that
most (60%) support the City continuing to plan
major projects during the next five years.
16.A – Renovate the existing outdoor Community Pool
Respondents were closely split regarding whether the community pool should be renovated.
44% of respondents agreed with renovation,
while 14% were neutral, and 40% disagreed with
renovation.
Highest Priority Project
16.B – Build a new Community Pool
When asked if they would support building a
brand new community pool, respondents were
also very closely split. 43% of respondents
agreed with building a new pool, while 15%
were neutral, and 41% disagreed with building a
new pool.
1. Develop an indoor recreation center for all
ages, which may include a variety of space
and activities. (35% of respondents)
16.C. – Develop an indoor recreation center for
all ages which may include a variety of space
and activities.
The majority of respondents (64%), and the
highest number of “strongly agree” responses
in this section agreed with developing a new indoor recreation center for all age users and may
include a variety of space and activities. 14% of
respondents were neutral and 21% were against
development of another indoor recreation center.
16.D. – Develop a Teen Center.
41% of respondents would like to see a Teen
Center developed, while 33% were neutral and
25% disagreed with a new Teen Center.
16.E. – Develop a Senior Center
A similar number of respondents (41%) agreed
that they would like to see a Senior Center developed, while 36% were neutral, and 21% were
against the development of a Senior Center.
Of the six actions listed and discussed above
(Questions 16.A through 16.F), respondents
were asked in Question 17 to select what actions
should receive the highest priority. The following are the potential parks and recreation actions
listed in order of priority:
2. Renovate the existing outdoor Community
Pool (22%)
3. Build a new Community Pool (21%)
4. Not Plan any major projects during the next
five years (10%)
5. Develop a Senior Center (7%)
6. Develop a Teen Center (3%)
The majority of respondents stated future development of an indoor recreation center for all
ages should be the City’s highest priority. The
next most frequent response was to renovate the
existing pool and the third highest response was
to build a new community pool. Again, indicating that the respondents were closely split over
building a new recreation center or renovating
the existing recreation and pool facility.
Potential Tax Increase
In Question 18, respondents were asked if they
supported a tax increase in order to develop, operate and maintain the highest priority that they
selected. The majority of respondents (64.2%)
indicated they would support a tax increase.
Only 29.7% responded that they would not
support a tax increase with 6.24% stating a tax
increase did not apply to them because they did
not want any new developments.
Page 13
Question 19, the final question of the survey,
asked respondents what they would consider an
acceptable annual tax increase for their household. 26.23% of respondents did not favor a
tax increase, while the remaining 73% varied in
their amount of acceptable annual tax increase.
Most who supported a tax increase, selected an
increase of up to $100 per year (26.4%).
Of the 286 respondents supporting small to
large tax increases, 115 (40%) selected an All
Ages Recreation Center as their top priority; 73
(26%) selected Build a New Pool; and 58 (20%)
selected Renovate Existing Pool. Therefore, 246
(85%) tax increase supporters desire either pool
facilities or a Recreation Center. Additionally,
there were 354 respondents with a high priority
project in Question 17, but only 286 respondents
who would support any tax increase in Question
19, leaving 68 respondents who did not want to
pay for their favorite project. Also, 66 individuals
did not respond regarding their level of support
for a tax increase in Question 19. Of these only
4 answered on Question 18 that they were willing to support a tax increase to support the top
priority. Similarly, of those who did not respond
to Question 19, most answered they would not
support a tax increase on Question 18.
Page 14
MASTER PLAN
Section 3:
Goals and Objectives
Page 15
Section 3: Goals and Objectives
The goal and objectives of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan outline what the community wishes to accomplish with the Plan. They
provide direction and serve as a guide for the
planning of future parks and recreation improvements.
Goals describe desired results toward which
planning efforts should be directed. They are
broad and long-range. By nature, they represent
an end to be sought, although they may never
actually be fully attained.
Objectives describe more specific actions that
should be undertaken in order to advance
toward the overall goals. They provide more
precise and measurable guidelines for planning
action.
The goal and objectives presented below are
based on input from City staff, community workshops, key person interviews, and from feedback
and discussions at various public meetings.
Goal
Maintain and enhance the system of parks and
open space that satisfies the recreational, social,
leisure-time, and environmental protection needs
of Palos Heights residents.
Objectives
Maintain/support the City’s Parks and Recreation Department system that maximizes
recreational opportunities that are available
within the community.
Ensure adequate resources for the maintenance of City owned parks and recreational
facilities, and the construction of new facilities desired by the community.
Continue to pursue alternative funding
sources for park development such as donations, volunteer efforts, and grants, including
the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
(IDNR) Open Space Lands Acquisition and
Development (OSLAD) grant program.
Ensure that parks and open space are designed to maximize their utility and usefulness to residents in terms of meeting the
demand for programmable recreation space,
athletic facilities, and other desirable uses
and amenities.
Monitor local community needs and perceptions and develop new recreational facilities and services which respond to specific
desires of City residents.
Continue to provide swimming opportunities in the community, either indoor or
outdoor at the current Community Pool or
a renovated outdoor, or new indoor swimming facility.
Work with the community to identify the
need for an indoor recreation center that
supports a variety of uses and facilities, such
as seniors, teens, and potential swimming
opportunities.
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Promote continued cooperation between
the City, the School Districts, and other
public/private recreational providers, such as
Trinity Christian College, in the provision of
recreational services.
Support efforts to promote Lake Katherine
Preserve as a destination for tourism and
recreation.
Continue to work with other groups, agencies, and municipalities to construct the CalSag Recreational Trail.
Page 17
MASTER PLAN
Section 4:
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Section 4: Existing Parks and Recreation
This section identifies the City’s existing parks
and open space, including Lake Katherine, the
trail system, and the various City parks. The City’s
open space adds to the community’s unique image and character. This Plan strives to maintain
and protect the City’s existing environmental
features and open space. Recreational amenities
and facilities are also analyzed and reviewed as
part of this Plan. Specific recommendations are
identified for providing recreational facilities in
appropriate park sites to ensure equal opportunities for all residents.
The primary providers of public parks and recreation in the community are the City of Palos
Heights and the Cook County Forest Preserve
District. A summary of each provider’s holdings
are outlined below.
City of Palos Heights Parks & Recreation
Department
The Department provides parks and recreational
opportunities at its neighborhood parks, Recreation Center, and through its recreation programs. The City operates eight sites within the
community including: the Recreation Center,
Community Pool, Community Park/Memorial
Park, Palmer Park, Passarelli Park, Crawford
Park, Meyers Park, and Walsh-Westgate Park
(as illustrated in Figure 1). In addition to these
city-owned sites, the Department has a lease
agreement with School District 128 for the use
of Meyers Park and the land surrounding the
Recreation Center.
In addition to providing parks and open space,
the Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of recreational programs. Popular programs
include youth sports, early childhood, and dance
classes.
The City has begun to seek alternative funding
sources, such as State grants, to assist in the funding of new recreational facilities. In 2007, the
Parks & Recreation Department submitted to the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
an Open Space Lands Acquisition & Development (OSLAD) Grant Application for developing
Walsh-Westgate Park. Construction on the park
could begin in the summer of 2008.
The following is a summary of the existing City
parks:
Community Park/Memorial Park is 34.4 acres
and is located near 76th Avenue and IL Route 83.
The park contains a number of athletic facilities
including 6 ball fields (2 lighted), multi-purpose
fields, parking, picnic shelters, picnic tables,
Page 20
playground equipment, sand volleyball, soccer
field, swimming pool, 2 lighted tennis courts, and
walking paths. Summer concerts are also held at
the Memorial Park Gazebo.
The condition of the current 36 year-old Palos
Heights Pool has been the subject of much
debate and discussion. The Pool was originally
planned to be closed for the 2007 swimming
season, but City Council unanimously voted to
keep it open. The “Save the Pool” grass roots
movement reinforced the importance of not only
the pool, but parks and recreation in general
throughout the community.
According to the Parks and Recreation Department the pool needs the following infrastructure
improvements: resurfacing of the pool, hot water
heater, pool deck, chain link fence, recirculation pumps, gutter system, shade structures, and
potential additional amenities such as a spray
area and a new slide. Previous pool studies have
recommended that the City continue to monitor
the success of the pool (participation numbers),
as well as the condition of the pool facility. Potential options for the City to provide swimming
in the community include the continuing maintenance of the existing pool, the development of a
new pool at the current location, or a new pool
elsewhere in the City.
Palmer Park is located at 123rd Street and 73rd
Avenue and is 3.6 acres. The Park contains a ball
field, a basketball court, a multi-purpose field,
parking area, picnic tables, playground equipment, and 2 tennis courts.
Meyers Park is located at 6601 West 127th
Street. The 3.9 acre park consists of a ball field,
a basketball court, a multi-purpose field, parking area, picnic tables, playground equipment, a
recreation center, a soccer field, a tennis court,
and walking paths.
The Recreation Center is located at Meyers
Park on 127th Street. In 2007, Room 110 at the
Recreation Center was renovated into a new
Group Fitness Studio. Also, the parking area
was improved with new lighting, blacktop, and
sidewalks. These renovations were made possible by a grant from the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
In addition to the Community Pool issue, the
City should evaluate the potential for a new
Senior Center and/or Recreation Center. As the
population of the community continues to age,
the need and/or desire for a Senior Center will
increase. Currently the seniors in the community
meet at the church across the street from the
Recreation Center, as the City no longer has adequate space within its own facilities to accommodate the seniors.
Walsh-Westgate Park - This park is located at
Ridgeland Avenue and Shadow Creek Drive.
The park is 2.0 acres and contains a detention
pond, picnic tables, and a walking path. The City
has applied for an Open Space Lands Acquisition
and Development (OSLAD) grant for developing
the park. If the application is successful, construction could begin in summer 2008.
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Passarelli Park is a 2.5 acre park located at 124th
Street and Oak Park Avenue. The park contains
a ball field, a basketball court, a multi-purpose
field, parking area, picnic tables, playground
equipment, and tennis courts.
Crawford Park is 3.8 acres and is located at
Sequoia Drive and Cedar Lane. Crawford Park
contains a ball field, a multi-purpose field, picnic
tables, playground equipment, and a sand volleyball court.
The Forest Preserve District is a separate, independent taxing body, overseen by the Cook
County Board of Commissioners, which also acts
as the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners. The District owns 68,000 acres of
open space throughout the County. In addition,
it provides recreational areas consisting of six
nature and educational centers, nine bike trails,
200 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback
riding, and cross-country skiing, hundreds of
picnic groves, 30 fishing ponds and lakes, access
to fishing and canoeing on rivers and streams,
Page 21
golf courses, swimming pools, model airplane flying fields, dog training areas, a cross-country ski
center, and other winter sports areas are among
the facilities provided. Woodlands, prairies, and
marshes, including 4,400 acres of dedicated
Illinois Nature Preserve, are habitat for birds and
other wildlife.
The District’s Conservation Department is responsible for wildlife management and public instruction. The district cooperates with public and
private school systems to provide workshops,
field trips and courses for teachers in outdoor
science education. One of these facilities is the
Adult Education Center, Camp Sawagau, located
in Palos Hills.
The Cook County Forest Preserve maintains
numerous facilities along the southern border of
the City of Palos Heights. As part of the Forest
Preserves Region 8, recreational amenities are
provided for residents of Palos Heights, Palos
Park, Orland Park, Crestwood, Tinley Park,
Midlothian, and Oak Forest. Specific areas of
Region 8, which are easily accessible to Palos
Heights residents, include Arrowhead Lake, Burr
Oak Woods, Elizabeth Conkey Forest, and Turtlehead Lake.
The Palos Heights Bike trail links Lake Katherine
Nature Preserve on the north end of the city
to the Tinley Creek Bike Trail and Cook County
Forest Preserve to the south. The two trails meet
close to Hambone and Arrowhead Lakes. Activities within the northern area of Region 8 are
numerous and include, bike and hiking trails, fishing, sheltered picnic areas, cross country skiing,
snowmobile trails, ice skating, and bird watching.
The Forest Preserve District currently operates
a dog park in its northern territory, however, the
District has no dog park in its southern territory
near Palos Heights. Although the desire for a
dog park was rated low on the Parks and Recreation Community Survey, in the future, if a dog
park is desired, the City should begin a dialogue
with the Forest Preserve District to add such a
facility in this area.
Page 22
Lake Katherine is a beautiful 80-acre natural area
that contains outdoor and indoor facilities. It
is considered by many to be the jewel of Palos
Heights. Lake Katherine is owned and supported
by the City of Palos Heights and managed by the
Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, a non-profit organization. In 2008, the City
plans to construct a bike path that connects Lake
Katherine Preserve to the Harlem Avenue Bridge.
In addition to the environmental features and
walking trails, Lake Katherine Preserve has two
indoor facilities; the Lake Katherine Nature Center, and the E.G. Simpson Clubhouse. The E.G.
Simpson Clubhouse, formerly the Palos Heights
Gun Club, now serves as a banquet facility
overlooking Lake Katherine. The facility can accommodate 100 people on its second floor. The
Brigit O’Malley Auditorium is also located at the
Preserve.
Recreational/Bike Paths
Palos Heights Bicycle Trail - The 1.8-mile bike
trail is located along the Commonwealth Edison
property which the City leases. The trail travels
along the western edge of the community, running north and south between 131st Street (a
connection to the Cook County Forest Preserve
District trail) and north to Lake Katherine Preserve.
Calumet-Sag Recreational Trail – When completed the Trail will run 26 miles form Lemont to
Burnham through 14 separate communities, connecting five regional multi-use trails, creating a
trail system that will stretch more than 150 miles.
It is expected that this year Phase 1 engineering
will begin on the Cal-Sag Recreational Trail. The
Trail is planned to run along the northern boundary of the City through Lake Katherine Nature
Preserve.
Three of the main goals for the Cal-Sag Trail are:
1) Strengthen local economies, 2) Reinforce and
protect the corridor’s natural and historical legacies, and 3) Improve people’s lives.
Recreation Associations/Organizations
St. Alexander Parish Athletic Association - St.
Alexander Parish Athletics limits its recreation
to parishioners of the following age and athletic
groups: Kindergarten to 3rd Grade floor hockey;
4th Grade to 8th Grade Interscholastic Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer; High School
Alumni Basketball; and, Adult Co-recreational
Volleyball leagues. The Association has approximately 650 children participating in programs
from September to June in after-school and interscholastic athletics.
The Association currently owns and programs 1
gymnasium and 1 football/soccer field at 126th
Street and 71st Avenue in Palos Heights, and
rents public school gymnasium time for the winter volleyball and basketball sports teams.
According to the Association, both the current
gymnasium and field are in good condition. The
Association has recently upgraded their athletic
field including crowning, sodding, and installing
an irrigation system. Although the facilities are
in good condition, the Association has stated
that an additional gymnasium and field would be
ideal for providing more recreational programming.
Palos American Youth Soccer Association
(AYSO) Region 733 - AYSO 733 provides soccer
recreation for Palos Heights, Palos Park, Palos
Hills, and Orland Park. AYSO is a nonprofit,
nationwide organization founded in Torrance,
California in 1964. They have grown to over 900
regions and 50,000 teams. Region 733 received
its charter in 1990.
Each year, nearly 400 children between the ages
of 8 and 18, predominantly from Palos Heights
and Palos Park playon 30 teams in four divisions. According to the AYSO the number of
participants has been fairly stable. AYSO Region
733 does not have U8 (ages 8 and under) and
U6 (ages under 6) divisions. The Association
estimates that if at some time these were to
be added, they would expect very substantial
growth in the number of participants, since in
other regions, the U6, U8 divisions make up 60%
to 70% of their total program.
The organization programs fields throughout
the region, and only one soccer field in the City.
AYSO 733 uses a soccer field at Community
Park. In addition to the one playing field, AYSO
733 also uses a practice field at Palmer Park.
The Fall Season begins in mid-August and ends
at the end of October. Region 733 plays on the
following field dimensions: U10 is 40 yards by 80
yards; U12 is 45 yards by 90 yards; and U14 is 50
yards by 100 yards.
While the present arrangement has been adequate, the Association is waiting for the Village
of Palos Park to renew their lease at Palos West
with the School District as it expires in the spring
of 2008. According to the Association, if the
lease is not renewed, they need to look for 3
additional field locations by August 2008. In addition, if the program were to expand its age divisions, additional fields would likely be needed.
According to the Association, there are concerns regarding the soccer field at Community
Park. The Organization would like to see the
field at Community Park “refreshed”. They also
expressed concerns regarding the distance of
the portable toilets from the soccer fields. The
Association has also been cooperating with Our
Lady of the Woods Athletic Association in their
discussions with Palos Park to organize field
repairs/improvements at Palos West.
Palos Baseball Organization – The Palos Baseball Organization provides organized baseball
for children at Community Park in Palos Heights.
The Organization programs the most northern
baseball field (called North Field), a Bronco field,
a Pony Field, a Pinto Field, a Colt Field, and a
Mustang Field (for a total of 6 fields), and utilizes
the batting cages, concession stand and the restrooms. The baseball season starts in early April
and ends in late June.
Page 23
During the 2007 season the Organization made
the following upgrades using fundraising dollars:
New lights for the Pony field
Installation of new infield for the Pinto field
New scoreboard for the Pony field (donated
by St. Rita High School)
Installation of scoreboard for the North field
Remodeling of bathrooms
Replacement of worn equipment (helmets,
catcher’s gear, etc) at all levels
The Organization uses the following field dimensions: Pinto 60 feet bases; Mustang 60 feet
bases; Bronco 70 feet bases; and Pony 80 feet
bases.
As a response to declining participants and the
loss of players to travel leagues, in 2007 the
Organization expanded to include a part-time
travel league. The Sunday part-time travel league
expanded to also include Wednesdays in the
2007 season. By allowing more part-time travel
games, the Organization believes it is offering a
better travel experience and still allows players to
enjoy their successful in-house program.
Other Recreational Providers
In addition to the private organizations/ associations discussed above, there are other public and
private recreational facilities in the City. These
include Cardinal Fitness, Palos Courts, Ladies
Workout Express, Body Image Personal Fitness
Training, Palos Heights Senior Citizens Club, Oak
Hill Golf Course, School Gymnasiums and athletic fields, and Trinity Christian College Gymnasium and Athletic Fields.
Page 24
FIGURE ONE : EXISTING PARKS & OPEN SPACE
Community Parks & Open Space Areas
Cal Sag Trail
Community Park
Palmer Park
Passarelli Park
Trinity College & Chicago Christian
High School Sports Fields
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
#
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Palos East Elementary Open Space
Evers Park
Moraine Valley Baptist Open Space
St. Alexander Sports Fields
Palos Heights Bike Trail
Meyers Park
Crawford Park
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Forest Preserve
Lake Arrowhead
Tinley Creek Trail
Walsh-Westgate Park
Hambone Lake
Alan Shepard High School
Private Recreational Facilities
7
Y
PARLIAMENT DR E
HW
T
ES
UT
HW
SO
D. Body Image
E. Oak Hill Golf Course
A. Cardinal Fitness
B. Palos Courts
C. Ladies Workout Express
1
CALU
MET
COLLEGE DR
SAG
A
CHAN
NEL
2
C
119TH PL
120TH ST
SE
RV
ICE
LIN
E
3
COACH RD
CA
LUM
D
YR
7
126th St
10
WYANDOT DR
ENGLEWOOD AVE
W
A
CT
FOX LN
R
FORESTVIEW RD
UTE LN
W 130th St
70TH CT
N
OL
EBL
PU
71ST AVE
LN
WA
KIO
S Seneca Rd
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
DEER LN
AD
AL
N
ISH
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
12
PARK LN
DR
78TH AVE
125TH CT
126TH PL
SAWGRASS
79TH AVE
CH
CAROL LN
A
RD
O
13
WESTGATE AVE
DR
AUBURN AVE
PALOS AVE
CEDAR LN
11
PAWNEE
124TH ST
124TH PL
9
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
RD
MELVINA AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
8
CARMICHAEL DR
5
W NAVAJO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
124TH ST
SAG
123RD ST
NAGLE AVE
4
NATCHEZ AVE
123RD ST
123RD PL
RIDGELAND AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
D
ET
B
122ND ST
E NAVAHO DR
122ND ST
CHEYENNE DR
ME
TR
A
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
6
121ST ST
121ST ST
GOLFVIEW LN
19
131ST ST
E
GOLF DR
15
16
SHA
DO
14
EDINBURGH DR
REE
KD
R
17
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
WC
18
NORTH
0
Existing Parks & Open Space Legend
City Parks
Cal-Sag Trail
Indoor Space/Recreation Center
School Open Space
Tinley Creek Trail
Swimming Pool
Forest Preserve
Palos Heights Bike Trail
City Boundary
Open Space - Other
Trinity College Trail
1/4
1/2 Mile
Page 25
Mu
lti-P
urp
ose
Fie
Par
lds
kin
g
Pic
Pla
ygr
ou
Ind
eat
ion
dV
olle
yba
ll
Soc
cer
Ten
n
Tra
ils
Foo
tba
ll
34.4
6
0
0
0
0
1*
0
1
1
1
1
1*
1, 1*
1
1
2
1
0
1*
0
Palmer Park
3.6
1
1
0
0
1*
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
-1
0
0
2
1*
0
1*
1*
Passarelli Park
2.5
0
1
0
0
1*
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
1*
0
1*
1*
Crawford Park
3.8
1
0
0
0
1*
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
-1
0
0
0
1*
0
1*
0
Meyers Park
3.9
1
1
0
0
1*
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
1*
0
Lake Katherine
157
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
Walsh-Westgate Park
2.0
0
0
0
0
1*
0
1
0
0
0
1*
0
0
0
0
0
1*
0
1*
0
urt
Values preceded by a negative (- #) symbol represent removal of facilities as recommended in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (2007)
Page 26
rde
ns
Co
Values with an * represent proposed facilities
Ga
is
me
Ga
Sw
imm
ing
Rec
r
San
nd
oor
nic
ll
eba
age
Acr
e
s
Bas
Community Park
ket
ba
Bas
ll
EG
Sim
pso
nC
lub
Env
hou
iron
se
me
nta
l
C
Fitn
ent
er
ess
Sta
tion
s
Ice
Ska
ting
Lak
e
MASTER PLAN
Section 5:
Parks and Recreation Plan
Page 27
Section 5: Parks and Recreation Plan
This section presents an inventory and analysis of
all parks and recreation in the community. Each
park and facility is discussed and recommendations are provided to ensure that equal opportunities for each resident to access the facility are
provided. The Plan aims to provide a well-balanced, and efficient parks and recreation system,
due to the fact that park space is at a premium in
the City.
This Plan is based upon public input and the
City’s current Capital Improvement Program.
The City’s Capital Improvement Program recommends a variety of new uses as well as the renovation of existing facilities, and in some instance,
the removal of existing facilities from City parks.
Specific analysis and recommendations are provided for each of the following parks and recreational amenities:

Baseball
Basketball
Fitness Stations
Game Court Areas
Gardens
Ice Skating
Playgrounds
Recreation Centers
Sand Volleyball
Soccer/Football
Tennis
Trails/Sidewalk (interpretive signs)
For each of the park facilities above, the analysis
includes:

Page 28
Development Guidelines for the facility
Philosophy
Inventory and Analysis
Recommendations
A map illustrating the information discussed
along with the recommendations
Emerging Sports and Activities
In addition to the facilities presented above and
analyzed on the following pages, the City should
be open to analyzing new sports and activities as
they become popular and desired by the community. This is also true for those sports and
activities that diminish in popularity since park
space in the City is at a premium.
Page 29
Baseball
Development Guidelines
For the purposes of this Master Plan in providing
analysis and recommendations for baseball in the
community, the term baseball is an all-encompassing term. Baseball includes Little League,
Mustang, Pony, Pinto, Colt, Bronco League baseball and softball.
Each of these levels of play has slightly different requirements for distances and playing field
dimensions. Baseball requires the largest area
(almost 3.5 acres), and Little League requires the
smallest (1.2 acres). Pony League and softball can
utilize similar size fields (2.0 acres), although the
distances between bases vary (see page 26).
Philosophy
City-owned baseball fields are available for dropin play or are used by the City Recreation Department for programs, or by affiliate groups for
league play. Currently, all residential areas of the
City are within a 2-mile service radius of existing
baseball fields. Currently, Baseball Affiliates and
baseball organizations use Community Park for
practice and games.
Recommendations
This plan recommends that the City continue to
provide the current number of baseball facilities
in the community on City-owned parks. The City
should renovate the baseball fields at Meyers
Park, Crawford Park, and Palmer Park. The City
should also renovate the Mustang Field, Pony
Field, Pinto Field, Colt Field, Bronco Field, and
North Field at Community Park.
The City should also continue to work with affiliate groups to monitor field and facility conditions
at Community Park and undertake any maintenance or repair as needed. If affiliate groups
undertake improvements on their own, the City
should continue to ensure that they are involved
with the planning process and approve improvements on City property.
Summary
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
New proposed City Facility
Total Facilities
Renovate Existing City-owned
9
9
0
18
9
The baseball fields in Community Park are well
suited for illumination, extending the playing
time and improving field efficiencies. Sports field
lighting should be designed and installed to have
minimal negative impacts on adjacent uses. New
sports field lighting technologies has improved
their directional ability, and have lessened the
amount of spillover onto adjacent properties.
These new lighting technologies should be used
whenever feasible.
The City provides 9 baseball fields. Each of the
fields varies in size, type, and primary user group.
Also in the community, the school districts and
Trinity Christian College provide an additional 9
baseball fields (although of limited public availability) for a total of 18 baseball fields in Palos
Heights.
Page 30
FIGURE THREE : BASEBALL
Parks and Schools with Baseball (Number of fields)
Community Park (6)
4 Meyers Park (1)
5 Crawford Park (1)
Palmer Park (1)
Trinity College & Chicago Christian 6 Alan Shepard High School (4)
High School Sports Fields (5)
HW
Y
7
1
2
3
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
LIN
E
120TH ST
3
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
1
121ST ST
CA
126th St
NAGLE AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
WYANDOT DR
E NAVAHO DR
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
76TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
125TH ST
CARMICHAEL DR
W NAVAJO DR
D
YR
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
RD
123RD ST
2
124TH ST
SAG
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
W
A
CT
FORESTVIEW RD
UTE LN
W 130th St
70TH CT
N
OL
EBL
PU
71ST AVE
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
LN
WA
KIO
PARK LN
DR
78TH AVE
N
ISH
SAWGRASS
79TH AVE
R
AD
AL
5
DEER LN
FOX LN
O
CH
4
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
6
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
COOK COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Parks with Baseball Fields Legend
City Parks with Baseball
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Boundary
Schools with Baseball
#
Renovate Existing Field(s)
Page 31
Basketball
Basketball courts are appropriate for all parks in
the City, however, the Plan does not recommend
a court at Community Park since space is limited,
and since Palmer Park’s basketball court services
residents in the northwest sector of the City.
In addition to Community Park, basketball courts
are appropriate in neighborhood parks if they
are well-designed and positioned strategically in
parks to create appropriate distance or buffer
between the court and adjacent residential uses.
Philosophy
City-owned basketball courts are available for
informal play by residents or use by the City’s
Recreation Department for various playing
leagues or for use by affiliate groups and programs. Studies have shown that most residents
are willing to drive up to 2 miles to take their
children to a community facility where basketball
courts are available for use. All residential areas
of the City are within a 2-mile service radius of
basketball courts.
The City provides 5 full size outdoor courts within the community; three at neighborhood parks
and 2 behind the existing Recreation Center
at Meyers Park. In addition to these 5 outdoor
basketball courts, the schools in the City provide
indoor basketball courts.
Recommendations
This plan recommends that the City continue to
provide the current number of basketball facilities in the community on City-owned parks. It is
recommended that the City renovate the basketball courts at Crawford Park, Palmer Park, Passarelli Park, and evaluate the two courts at the
Meyers Park for renovation.
The City should also continue working with other
affiliate programs and organizations within the
community to ensure adequate basketball facilities are maintained and available for public and
programmed use. If the City finds deficiencies in
their current facilities, coordination with existing
schools and Trinity Christian College should be
considered before the constructing any new additional basketball courts.
Summary
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
Total Facilities
Page 32
5
0
0
5
5
FIGURE FOUR : BASKETBALL (OUTDOOR)
Parks with Basketball (Number of courts)
Palmer Park (1)
Passarelli Park (1)
3
4
Crawford Park (1)
Meyers Park (2)
HW
Y
7
1
2
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
LIN
E
120TH ST
121ST ST
HW
121ST ST
SO
UT
COACH RD
CA
W NAVAJO DR
D
YR
WYANDOT DR
NAGLE AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
2
CARMICHAEL DR
126th St
RD
123RD ST
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
124TH ST
SAG
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
1
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
FORESTVIEW RD
UTE LN
W 130th St
70TH CT
N
OL
EBL
PU
71ST AVE
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
LN
WA
KIO
PARK LN
DR
78TH AVE
N
ISH
SAWGRASS
79TH AVE
R
AD
AL
3
DEER LN
FOX LN
O
CH
4
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
W
A
CT
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Parks with Basketball Legend
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Parks with Basketball
#
Renovate Court(s)
City Boundary
Page 33
Fitness Stations
Fitness stations are a unique recreational amenity appropriate for Community Park, neighborhood parks, and or in the areas surrounding
recreation/activity centers.
The City currently has no fitness course. In 2007
the fitness court was removed from Community
Park because it was in disrepair.
Ideally, fitness station areas should be located
in parks along trails routes or multi-use paths
used for walking or jogging, where they can be
designed to be incorporated into an exercise
routine with a walking or jogging component.
Additionally, fitness stations can be stand-alone
areas used as part of a workout routine.
This plan recommends placing fitness stations in
parks directly along trails at measured intervals.
This will allow the stations to be utilized as part
of an exercise routine incorporating use of existing paths and park amenities. A network of such
stations at existing park locations will also minimize costs since water and lighting will already
be provided or easily added in most locations.
All fitness stations should incorporate water
fountains and adequate lighting to promote use
and ensure a safe exercise environment. Any
areas with lifting or hanging exercises should
also have rubberized ground material for safety.
Other dimensional requirements or standards
for specific stations may be required depending
on the design of a specific piece of equipment.
Fitness stations should also consider people with
disabilities and be compliant with the Americans
With Disability Act (ADA) Guidelines.
Recommendations
Summary
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
Total Facilities
0
0
5
5
0
Philosophy
Fitness stations should be considered for existing
parks where direct access to existing trails and
paths exist, where they can be easily integrated
into a fitness routine.
Page 34
FIGURE FIVE : FITNESS STATION
Parks with Proposed Fitness Stations
4 Meyers Park
4.
5 Walsh Westgate Park
5.
HW
Y
7
1.
1 Palmer Park
2 Passarelli Park
2.
3 Crawford Park
3.
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
121ST ST
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
LIN
E
120TH ST
CA
W NAVAJO DR
126th St
WYANDOT DR
RD
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
NAGLE AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
D
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
124TH ST
SAG
123RD ST
NATCHEZ AVE
FFLAMBEAU DR
2
1
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
W
A
CT
FORESTVIEW RD
UTE LN
W 130th St
70TH CT
N
OL
EBL
PU
71ST AVE
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
78TH AVE
LN
WA
KIO
PARK LN
DR
79TH AVE
R
AD
AL
N
ISH
SAWGRASS
3
DEER LN
FOX LN
O
CH
4
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
5
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Fitness Stations Legend
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Parks with Proposed Fitness Stations
#
New Fitness Stations
City Boundary
Page 35
Game Court Areas
Game court areas are a unique recreational
amenity, which are appropriate for Community
Park, neighborhood parks, or within indoor recreation/activity centers.
Currently, the City does not have any game court
areas provided within existing parks. A future
putting green is planned for Walsh-Westgate
Park.
Generally, game court areas will cater to one
outdoor game type such as bag toss, putting,
horseshoes, or bocce ball. If a game court area
is designed for a single type of game, multiple
facilities will be constructed to allow for tournaments or competitive play. If a game court area
contains multiple game types, careful consideration should be given to layout and spacing
between playing areas.
Recommendations
There are no development standards for game
court areas expect for following the dimensional
requirements or standards for each game type.
If a game court area contains only one type of
recreational use, such as bocce ball, the configuration and additional corresponding amenities of
the court should complement the use. Components such as scoreboards, shaded seating, and
water fountains are all examples of additional
amenities, which can accompany a game court
area.
A game court built at the Recreation Center
should provide the most variety of game types,
especially those which may require specific
equipment since these items could be easily
checked out at the front desk.
Philosophy
This plan recommends that the City provide
game court areas at each of their parks to diversify its recreational opportunities to residents.
Depending on the size of the park and existing
recreational amenities in each park, new game
court areas should, at a minimum, provide games
with different basic skill sets required than other
existing recreational amenities.
Summary
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
Total Facilities
0
0
6
6
0
Given the present lack of game court areas
within existing parks, the City should determine
the extent they wish to provide game court areas
within neighborhood and community parks. Input from residents about the types of games and
quantity of courts at each park location are also
important considerations. Game court areas
should be located appropriate distances from
adjacent residential uses. If needed appropriate
buffering or screening should be incorporated
into game court designs. Game courts should
be ADA accessible, and connected to parking
areas or to adjacent street frontages by asphalt or
concrete paths. To encourage use and discourage vandalism, game courts should be visible
from the street.
Page 36
FIGURE SIX : GAME COURTS
Parks with Proposed Game Courts
Community Park
Palmer Park
Passarelli Park
4
5
6
Crawford Park
Meyers Park
Walsh Westgate Park
HW
Y
7
1
2
3
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
LIN
E
120TH ST
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
1
121ST ST
CA
W NAVAJO DR
126th St
RD
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
WYANDOT DR
E NAVAHO DR
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
D
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
NAGLE AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH ST
SAG
123RD ST
3
2
124TH PL
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
W
A
CT
FORESTVIEW RD
UTE LN
W 130th St
70TH CT
N
OL
EBL
PU
71ST AVE
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
78TH AVE
LN
WA
KIO
PARK LN
DR
79TH AVE
R
AD
AL
N
ISH
SAWGRASS
4
DEER LN
FOX LN
O
CH
5
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
6
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Game Courts Legend
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Parks with Proposed Game Courts
#
New Game Court(s)
City Boundary
Page 37
Gardens
Philosophy
Community gardens and specialty gardens do
not have standard development guidelines,
however, there are basic principles to follow to
ensure a garden is utilized by the community
and positively contributes to the City.
For all City-maintained gardens, a detailed and
itemized maintenance plan should be developed
for regular maintenance. This will ensure the
plant material and other amenities found within
the garden are regularly inspected and cared for.
This will increase the longevity of the plants and
site amenities, maintain the aesthetic quality of
the facilities, and make them a desirable place
for residents to visit.
For community gardens, any designated gardening areas should be located in a relatively flat
area with minimal shade. At least one water
pump or water line should be centrally located
for filling watering containers necessary to water
plants. Individual plots can vary in size, but
they should generally be square or rectangular
allowing flexibility in creating small or large plots
depending on demand.
Community gardens consisting of natural plantings and a waterfall are located in Lake Katherine
Preserve.
Recommendations
Formal gardens maintained by the City should
have a theme (native prairie) carried throughout
the plantings and other site amenities. Interpretive signage and other interactive stations should
engage visitors in experiencing the garden as
well as educating them on the relationships between the plants they are witnessing.
Sensory and healing gardens have many requirements to successfully achieve their goals. The
City should consult with a Landscape Architect
with significant experience in designing specialty
gardens to ensure location, plant material, and
outcomes of the design will achieve the goals of
the City and residents who will use them.
Page 38
This plan recommends that the City identify
areas where providing a community garden or
specialty garden would enhance recreational
experiences within the community. Ideally, a
public garden(s) should be easily accessible from
walking paths and bike trails. Sensory or healing
gardens should be located in areas where they
are easily accessible to maximize their intended
purpose.
Summary
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
Total Facilities
1
0
3
4
0
FIGURE SEVEN : GARDENS
Parks with Gardens
1
Parks with Proposed Gardens
Passarelli Park (sensory)
Palmer Park (formal)
Art Park
2
3
HW
Y
7
4
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
1
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
121ST ST
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
LIN
E
120TH ST
CA
W NAVAJO DR
126th St
RD
WYANDOT DR
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
D
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
124TH ST
SAG
123RD ST
2
NAGLE AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
123RD ST
CHEYENNE DR
4
3
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
FOX LN
O
R
70TH CT
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
78TH AVE
UTE LN
W 130th St
PARK LN
DR
79TH AVE
N
OL
EBL
PU
SAWGRASS
LN
WA
KIO
FORESTVIEW RD
AD
AL
N
ISH
71ST AVE
CH
DEER LN
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
W
A
CT
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Gardens Legend
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Parks with existing or proposed Gardens
#
New Formal Garden Area
#
New Sensory Garden Area
City Boundary
Page 39
Outdoor Ice-Skating
Given the unique nature of ice-skating and ice
hockey rink facilities, these types of facilities do
not have a recommended service radius as they
are considered a destination type recreational
use. Facilities such as these generate traffic from
both within the community and surrounding
communities, especially if surrounding communities lack any existing ice skating facilities.
Currently there are no outdoor or indoor ice
rinks or ice skating facilities in the City of Palos
Heights.
Recommendations
Since these facilities tend to produce traffic, it is
highly recommended such a facility be located
where adequate parking and easy access from
roads is available.
The City should continue to monitor resident’s
desire for an outdoor skating facility in the community. Based upon the need for parking for
such a unique facility, this Plan recommends
Community Park for potential outdoor ice-skating facilities. If funding is available, the City
should consider installing a coolant system to
ensure that there is an adequate skating season.
Size & Dimensions
Summary
The recommended minimum size for an ice rink
is 85’ by 185’. Rinks designed to cater to ice
hockey leagues and ice-skating competitions
vary in size and shape. According to US Hockey
In-Line the recommended size for an In-Line
rink is 65’-85’ wide and 145’-185’ long. When
located outside, it is recommended that the long
axis of the rink run north to south. Informal, iceskating facilities can vary in size and shape. No
standards need to be met and no marker boards/
walls are not required.
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
Total Facilities
0
0
1
1
0
Philosophy
Given the unique properties of an Ice Skating
Rink and the potential service area from which
it can draw, the City should carefully plan for the
addition of such a facility to ensure components
such as parking, programming, and access are
adequately provided.
Due to the warmer winter months, many municipalities have experienced shortened outdoor
ice-skating seasons. For this reason, some recreation providers in the region are turning to, or
exploring, coolant systems to extend the skating
season. This however, is an expensive amenity to
install and maintain.
Page 40
FIGURE EIGHT : ICE SKATING
Parks with Proposed Outdoor Ice Skating
Community Park
HW
Y
7
1
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
LIN
E
120TH ST
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
1
121ST ST
CA
W NAVAJO DR
WYANDOT DR
NAGLE AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
D
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
126th St
RD
123RD ST
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH ST
SAG
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
124TH PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
FOX LN
O
R
70TH CT
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
78TH AVE
UTE LN
W 130th St
PARK LN
DR
79TH AVE
N
OL
EBL
PU
SAWGRASS
LN
WA
KIO
FORESTVIEW RD
AD
AL
N
ISH
71ST AVE
CH
DEER LN
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
W
A
CT
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Ice Skating Legend
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Park with Proposed Ice Skating
#
New Ice Skating Facility
City Boundary
Page 41
Playgrounds
Goal
The service area goal for a playground is onehalf mile (1/2-mile) barrier-free walking distance.
Families and small children use these facilities
and it is important that they be safely accessible.
Playgrounds are suitable recreational uses for
both neighborhood parks and for Community
Park. Regardless of the location, all playgrounds
should be designed to meet ADA standards and
promote pedestrian access. It is also recommended that shade and benches be provided
within all playground areas. As the City continues to renovate its existing playgrounds, there
should be an effort to work with nearby residents
to assist in their design. Residents can assist the
City in the selection of the playground configuration, color, and equipment features.
Philosophy
Playgrounds have a typical lifespan of 10-15
years. Playground equipment is replaced when
they become too worn, or if there are safety
concerns, particularly for the young users. Playground equipment should not be made of wood.
Wood poles are unattractive when they wear
and pose safety concerns. New equipment
should be made of colorful metal and plastic.
Playground service areas are limited by physical
barriers, such as train tracks and major roads,
which impede safe walking routes for residents.
Currently there are 5 city-owned playgrounds
located in the community. These playgrounds
are located in Community Park, Palmer Park,
Passarelli Park, Meyers Park, and Crawford
Park. There are also 4 additional playgrounds
owned by the school district or private institutions including Palos Lutheran School and Palos
East Elementary within the City (limited public
access). Collectively, the 1/2-mile, barrier-free
service area provided by playgrounds serve most
of the City. With the exception of a small amount
of homes in the southeast and southwest areas
of the community, the City is well served by
playgrounds.
Recommendations
This plan recommends the City continue to
provide and maintain its five (5) existing playgrounds. The City should continue to renovate its
playgrounds based upon its Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) and continue to maintain each facility.
The City should also construct a new playground
at Walsh-Westgate Park to provide appropriate
service to residents in the southeast sector of
City. In the future, if land becomes available in
the southwest sector of the City, consideration
should be given to installing a playground at a
new park. This would provide playground coverage for all residents within that sector of the City.
Summary
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
Total Facilities
Page 42
5
4
1
10
5
FIGURE NINE : PLAYGROUNDS
Parks and Schools with Playgrounds
Community Park
Palmer Park
Passarelli Park
Palos East Elementary School
Palos Evan Lutheran School
1
2
3
4
5
Moraine Valley Baptist Park
Crawford Park
Palos Christian Pre School
Meyers Park
6
7
8
9
Park with Proposed Playground
Walsh-Westgate Park
HW
Y
7
10
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
LIN
E
120TH ST
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
1
121ST ST
CA
D
4
W NAVAJO DR
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
126th St
WYANDOT DR
E NAVAHO DR
RD
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
NAGLE AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
71ST CT
125TH ST
70TH CT
5
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
124TH ST
SAG
123RD ST
NATCHEZ AVE
DR
L
FFLAMBEAU
3
2
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
6
126TH PL
W
A
CT
FORESTVIEW RD
UTE LN
W 130th St
70TH CT
N
OL
EBL
PU
71ST AVE
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
LN
WA
KIO
PARK LN
DR
CYPRESS LN
R
AD
AL
N
ISH
SAWGRASS
78TH AVE
DEER LN
FOX LN
O
7
9
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
CH
79TH AVE
8
PALOS AVE
DR
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
10
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
0
Playground Legend
City Parks with Playground
Schools with Playground
#
#
New Playground
1/2 Mile Barrier Free
City Boundary
Walking Distance
1/4
1/2 Mile
Renovate Playground
Page 43
Indoor Recreation
Indoor Recreation/activity centers are unique
with respect to the number of recreational
programs and amenities they can include. Thus,
they vary in size, configuration, and cost, and
therefore their development or should only be
considered after extensive public input.
Philosophy
Since community centers are costly to build or
renovate, and their users will generally travel
from throughout the community to use such a
facility, any future changes to the existing recreation center should be carefully considered. Specific user and resident surveys, and focus groups
should be conducted to identify any shortfalls
the existing facility has and what programs and
amenities should be retained in the future. If a
new recreation center is constructed, it should
be designed to hold a number of community recreational, meeting, and programming space and
activities. Due to the cost of a new facility, the
more diversified the expected users, the more
useful the facility will be for the community.
Currently, the City of Palos Heights has one
Recreation Center located at 6601 West 127th
Street. The facility currently has a combination
gymnasium/auditorium providing courts for
basketball, badminton, floor hockey, plays and
performances, presentations, meetings, and
special events. The building also contains several
smaller rooms for holding classes, arts & crafts
sessions, and Scout functions. Seniors have also
been using the auditorium for regular meetings,
however, due to growing attendance and inadequate space at the Recreation Center, the seniors
have moved their meetings to the church across
the street from the Recreation Center.
The Recreation Center was recently renovated
(parking lot and Room 110). The renovations
were made possible by a grant from the Illinois
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Page 44
Recommendations
The plan recommends two potential options for
providing indoor recreation space in the community.
Option One: If the City chooses to renovate
the existing Recreation Center, additions should
be considered to provide additional space for
indoor recreational activities. The City should
also explore acquiring additional land from the
School District on property to the south. Additional land would assist the City in building
additions, parking additions, or new outdoor
amenities.
Option Two: If the City chooses to construct
a new Recreation Center it should be located
in Community Park. The City should explore a
new City Hall/Recreation Center/Pool Support
Building Facility. A shared building would create
a Civic Campus in that area of the community.
A new recreation center could consist of multipurpose activity and meeting space, a senior
center, teen center, and indoor gymnasium. If a
new City Hall is part of a new recreation center,
the City should study the land outside of community park where the existing City Hall is located.
This land may be used for the new building, additional parking, or new open space. New developments in this area will need to address additional
parking and stormwater requirements. Parking
at this location will be a factor in the design of
the building(s) and the overall site plan for the
property. Consideration should be given to a
parking structure, which would use less acreage
and therefore potentially increase the amount
of open space in the park. These options have
construction and maintenance costs associated
with them that are outside of the City’s current
financial means. The potential exists for either a
private/public partnership, or a successful referendum to renovate the existing Recreation Center or construct a new Recreation Center. Before
the City commits to either option, extensive
public input including surveys, focus groups, and
development of a facility amenities list should be
conducted.
FIGURE TEN : INDOOR RECREATION
Existing Public Indoor Recreation (Number of facilities)
5 Recreation Center (1)
Lake Katherine (2)
Trinity College & Chicago Christian 6 Alan Shepard High School (1)
Palos East Elementary School (1)
4 St. Alexander High School
1
2
3
Proposed Public Indoor Recreation
7
Community Park
Existing Private Indoor Recreation
HW
Y
7
A
B
C
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
1
CALU
MET
COLLEGE DR
SAG
D Body Image
Cardinal Fitness
Palos Courts
Ladies Workout Express
CHAN
NEL
C
119TH PL
ICE
LIN
E
7
120TH ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
2
121ST ST
121ST ST
CA
D
3
126th St
WYANDOT DR
PALOS AVE
DR
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
MELVINA AVE
DEER LN
WA
LN
KIO
BLO
LN
E
PU
UTE LN
W 130th St
PARK LN
DR
CYPRESS LN
A
SAWGRASS
78TH AVE
125TH CT
FOX LN
IS
79TH AVE
CAROL LN
DR
FORESTVIEW RD
LA
A
HN
70TH CT
C
71ST AVE
C
HO
124TH ST
124TH PL
126TH PL
5
RD
W
TA
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
NAGLE AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
4
W NAVAJO DR
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH ST
RD
123RD ST
NATCHEZ AVE
123RD ST
SAG
B
RIDGELAND AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
D
123RD PL
124TH PL
ET
122ND ST
CHEYENNE DR
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
GOLFVIEW LN
6
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
0
Indoor Recreation Legend
City Parks with Indoor Recreation
#
Renovate Indoor Recreation Facility
Schools with Indoor Recreation
#
Potential New Indoor Recreation
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Boundary
Page 45
Sand Volleyball
Ideally sand volleyball courts should be located
within community parks, however, they are appropriate in neighborhood parks if appropriately
situated and buffered from adjacent residential
uses. Programmed sand volleyball courts will
attract people of all ages, and possibly generate
traffic, especially in a multiple court facility. Sand
volleyball courts that are programmed and are
located in Community Park are well suited for
illumination to extend their usability.
Summary
Existing City-owned Courts
Courts Provided by others
New proposed City Courts
Remove Existing City Courts
Total Courts
3
0
1
2
2
1
The City currently has 3 sand volleyball courts all
located in parks on the west side of the community at Community Park, Palmer Park and Crawford Park.
The sand volleyball court at Crawford Park is in
need of improvement. The court at Palmer Park
is in fair condition.
Recommendations
This plan recommends that the City remove
the sand volleyball courts at Crawford Park and
Palmer Park as recommended in the City’s CIP.
This allows more space for future additions and
improvements to the existing playgrounds and
possibly game court areas.
In addition to the existing sand volleyball court
at Community Park, this Plan recommends an
additional sand volleyball court be added adjacent to the existing court. These courts should
be lighted to extend the playing times for these
facilities.
Page 46
FIGURE ELEVEN : SAND VOLLEYBALL
Parks with Existing and Proposed Sand Volleyball (Number of courts)
Community Park (1 existing, add 1 more, for a total of two courts at this park)
Palmer Park (1 existing, recommend removal, for a total of 0 courts at this park)
Crawford Park (1 existing, recommend removal, for a total of 0 courts at this park)
HW
Y
7
1
2
3
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
LIN
E
120TH ST
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
1
121ST ST
CA
W NAVAJO DR
126th St
WYANDOT DR
NAGLE AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
D
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
RD
123RD ST
2
124TH ST
SAG
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
FOX LN
O
FORESTVIEW RD
UTE LN
W 130th St
70TH CT
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
N
OL
EBL
PU
PARK LN
DR
78TH AVE
LN
WA
KIO
SAWGRASS
3
79TH AVE
R
AD
AL
N
ISH
71ST AVE
CH
DEER LN
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
W
A
CT
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
0
Sand Volleyball Legend
City Parks with Sand Volleyball
#
Remove Court(s)
#
Add New Court(s)
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Boundary
Page 47
Soccer & Football
Soccer fields are intensely programmed for most
of the year by camps, games, and practices.
They accommodate youth leagues, including
traveling and City Leagues, and draw visitors
from within the City and surrounding areas that
enjoy watching games. Given their heavy use,
parking, access, noise, and the field size, programmed soccer fields are an undesirable use
at neighborhoods parks. Fields that are heavily
used by organizations and affiliate groups should
be limited to community parks.
Although football fields have not been designated in the community, soccer fields are appropriate playing surfaces for football if needed.
Consideration should be given to not over
programming soccer fields, which will lead to
increased “wear and tear” on the facilities.
over programmed. Sports field lighting at Community Park should be designed and installed to
have minimal negative impacts on adjacent uses.
Sports field lighting manufacturers have improved the directional ability of the lights, which
has lessened the amount of spillover onto adjacent properties. These new lighting technologies
should be used wherever feasible.
The City currently maintains 4 soccer fields or areas for soccer fields at Community Park, Palmer
Park, Meyers Park, and Crawford Park. Another
5 fields, 3 of which are full size fields, are located
at the various public and private schools (limited
public access) within the City. There are currently no City maintained football fields, however, 3
full size fields (2 of which are lighted) are located
at the two local high schools and Trinity College
(limited public access).
Recommendations
To overcome the issue of “wear and tear” on
these types of facilities, recreation providers are
turning to, or exploring artificial turf. Although
these facilities are expensive, there are also
benefits for the community. Potential benefits
may include increased programming time, higher
participation numbers, and a possible revenue
source for the City. Due to the expected construction costs for such a facility, this Plan does
not recommend the City construct an artificial
field.
The City should continue to maintain its soccer
fields and monitor turf quality and drainage to
ensure continued use of these areas for both
practices and games for all age groups. If there
is an increased demand in the community to
provide soccer or football, the City should work
on agreements with local institutions such as
schools, the college, and religious institutions. To
extend soccer (and potentially football) playing
time and seasons, lighted fields are appropriate
at Community Park.
Recommended field sizes for football fields
should are 160’ by 360’ with a minimum of 6’
of clearance on all sides (minimum of 1.5 acres).
Soccer fields can vary in size to meet different
age groups. According to the Illinois Youth Soccer Association fields range between 15 yards by
25 yards to 100 yards by 130 yards.
Summary
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
Total Facilities
4
5
0
9
4
Philosophy
Future soccer and football facilities should be
designed to maximize the use of open space and
promote multi-use. The City should work with
soccer and football affiliate groups and organizations that use City fields to ensure the fields
are maintained and utilized efficiently and not
Page 48
FIGURE TWELVE : SOCCER/FOOTBALL
Parks with Soccer/Football (Number of fields)
Community Park (1)
Palmer Park (1)
Meyers Park (1)
Palos East Elementary School (2)
St. Alexander High School (2)
Crawford Park (1)
Alan Shepard High School (1)
5
6
7
8
HW
Y
7
1
2
3
4
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
LIN
E
120TH ST
4
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
1
121ST ST
CA
D
6
126th St
WYANDOT DR
NAGLE AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
5
W NAVAJO DR
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
RD
123RD ST
2
124TH ST
SAG
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
FORESTVIEW RD
UTE LN
W 130th St
70TH CT
N
OL
EBL
PU
71ST AVE
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
78TH AVE
LN
WA
KIO
PARK LN
DR
79TH AVE
R
AD
AL
N
ISH
SAWGRASS
7
DEER LN
FOX LN
O
CH
3
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
W
A
CT
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
8
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Soccer/Football Legend
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Parks
School Parks
#
Renovate Field(s)
City Boundary
Page 49
Swimming
Swimming and aquatic facilities are unique community facilities. Throughout much of the community outreach activities, the poor condition
of the current Community Pool was a primary
concern. Throughout the planning process there
was a desire by many residents to continue to
provide swimming in the community, however,
future decisions need to be made on how best to
provide it. This plan recommends that swimming
be provided in the community and continue to
offer residents swimming and aquatics recreation. Renovation of the existing outdoor Community Pool or construction of a new outdoor
or indoor pool should only be considered after
extensive public input.
Philosophy
Considering swimming pools are costly to build
or renovate, and maintain, any future changes to
the existing swimming pool should be carefully
considered.
Specific user and resident surveys and focus
groups should be conducted to identify the
future direction for providing swimming opportunities.
Currently, the City of Palos Heights has one
Community Pool located at Community Park.
The facility has been carefully studied by pool
experts and it has been determined that it is
in need of renovation. Also, throughout the
community outreach process, many residents
expressed the desire to make improvements to
the pool that are more attractive and inviting to
families, such as zero-depth areas for children.
Page 50
Recommendations
The plan recommends the following options for
providing swimming opportunities in the Community.
Option One: If the City chooses to construct
a new outdoor community pool, it should be
located in Community Park.
Option Two: If the City chooses to construct a
new Recreation Center, the City should explore
including a new indoor pool within the building
that would replace the existing outdoor Community Pool.
Option Three: If the City chooses to renovate the
existing Community Pool, the City should begin
identifying potential funding sources. There may
be improvements that the City may budget as
part of its annual Capital Improvements Plan.
New development in this area will need to address additional parking and stormwater requirements. Parking at this location will be a factor in
the design of any new pool and overall site plan
for the property. Consideration should also be
given to a parking structure which would use less
acreage and increase the amount of open space
in the park.
These options have construction and maintenance costs associated with them that are
outside of the City’s current financial means.
The need exists for either a private/public partnership, or a successful referendum to renovate
the existing or construct a new Community
Pool. Before the City commits to either option,
extensive public input including surveys, focus
groups should be conducted and detailed plans
prepared.
FIGURE THIRTEEN : SWIMMING
Parks with Swimming
Community Park
HW
Y
7
1
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
120TH ST
121ST ST
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
LIN
E
1
CA
W NAVAJO DR
WYANDOT DR
NAGLE AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
D
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
126th St
RD
123RD ST
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH ST
SAG
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
124TH PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
126TH PL
PALOS AVE
DR
FOX LN
O
R
70TH CT
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
78TH AVE
UTE LN
W 130th St
PARK LN
DR
79TH AVE
N
OL
EBL
PU
SAWGRASS
LN
WA
KIO
FORESTVIEW RD
AD
AL
N
ISH
71ST AVE
CH
DEER LN
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
W
A
CT
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Swimming Legend
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
Community Park
Community Pool
Page 51
Tennis
Tennis courts are appropriate for community
parks and neighborhood parks if appropriately
located and buffered from adjacent residential
areas. Lighted tennis courts should only be located at community parks. Lighted tennis courts,
significantly extend their use during the spring
and fall, however, illumination of tennis courts
should be permitted only if there are no impacts
on adjacent residential properties. To achieve
economies of scale and construction costs and
to facilitate programming, it is recommended
that tennis courts be constructed in batteries of 2
or more courts.
Recommended tennis court dimensions are 36’
by 78’ with 12’ clearance on each end of the
court (7,200 square feet for a single court area).
It is also recommended that when constructing
tennis courts that the long axis run north and
south.
Recommendations
This Plan recommends the City continue to maintain and provide its existing tennis court facilities. Conditions at some of the courts suggest
renovations to fencing, surface treatments, and
addressing drainage issues will prolong the life of
these courts. In some instances, surface cracks
and irregularities may require replacement of the
court.
Summary
Existing City-owned
Provided by others
Total Facilities
5
8
0
13
3
Philosophy
City-owned tennis courts are available for informal play or programmed use by residents and
the City’s Recreation Department for various
playing leagues or for use by affiliate groups and
programs.
Currently, the City owns and maintains 5 tennis
courts located in Community Park (2), Palmer
Park (2), and Meyers Park (1). In addition to the
City-owned courts, there are an additional 8
courts at Alan Shepard High School and 5 courts
at Trinity College totaling 13 additional courts
but with limited public access. These additional
facilities while utilized by their respective institutions for scheduled matches, are available for
public use or league play.
Page 52
FIGURE FOURTEEN : TENNIS (OUTDOOR)
Parks with Tennis (Number of courts)
Community Park (2)
Palmer Park (2)
Meyers Park (1)
Alan Shepard High School (8)
5
6
HW
Y
7
1
2
3
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
LAKE KATHERINE
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
LIN
E
120TH ST
3
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
1
121ST ST
HW
121ST ST
SO
UT
COACH RD
CA
W NAVAJO DR
126th St
WYANDOT DR
PALOS AVE
DR
R
UTE LN
W 130th St
FORESTVIEW RD
N
OL
EBL
PU
70TH CT
LN
WA
KIO
71ST AVE
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
DEER LN
PARK LN
DR
CYPRESS LN
4
SAWGRASS
78TH AVE
125TH CT
AD
AL
N
ISH
79TH AVE
CAROL LN
FOX LN
O
CH
124TH ST
124TH PL
126TH PL
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
W
A
CT
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
NAGLE AVE
NATCHEZ AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
D
YR
CARMICHAEL DR
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD AVE
73RD CT
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
RTH
CA
Mc
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
RD
123RD ST
2
124TH ST
SAG
MELVINA AVE
FLAMBEAU DR
CHEYENNE DR
123RD ST
123RD PL
ET
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
GOLFVIEW LN
5
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DO
WC
REE
KD
R
EDINBURGH DR
ARQUILLA DR
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
Tennis Legend
0
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Parks with Tennis
Schools with Tennis
#
Renovate Court(s)
City Boundary
Page 53
Trails and Interpretive
Signage
Trails should be designed to accommodate
multiple modes and users, including walking, hiking, jogging, bicycling, and in-line skating. Trails
that are expected to be heavily used or part of
a broader connected trail network should be at
least 10’ in width to accommodate the various
users. Trails should be constructed of crushed
limestone or asphalt, depending upon the environmental sensitivity of the site and the expected
primary users. Asphalt is preferred when providing multiple uses, such as wheelchairs, strollers,
and in-line skating. Trails not expected to be
heavily used may be narrower then 10’.
where feasible and should connect to other
trails such as the Cal-Sag Recreational Trail, Palos
Heights Bike Trail, and Tinley Creek Trail, creating
a network of linked trails throughout the community. Where trails cross streets signage and/or
markings should be installed to alert both trail
users and vehicles. Similarly, sidewalks in some
areas may double as trails where connections
through urbanized areas are limited.
Presently, there are three trails located within the
City of Palos Heights; Tinley Creek Trail, Palos
Heights Bike Trail, and a section soon to be part
of the Cal-Sag Recreational Trail, which presently
connects into the walking paths around Lake
Katherine. All three of these trails currently connect through the walking paths at Lake Katherine.
Philosophy
Trails are one of the most popular recreational
amenities for community’s to provide their
residents. Trails are popular with all ages from
children to seniors. Trails should be developed
Recommendations
This plan recommends the City continue expanding trail access throughout the community. New
connections to the Cal-Sag Recreational Trail can
be made from the Commonwealth Edison rightof-way on the west side of the city, extending the
Palos Bike Trail through Community Park and
joining into the future Cal-Sag Trail and far west
side walking paths of Lake Katherine. Trailheads
should be established at points along Lake Katherine and just north of Palos East Elementary.
These trailhead areas provide space for sheltered
picnic areas, signage, public restrooms, water stations and parking facilities for users.
Continuous sidewalks along major streets in the
City should be installed that connect to the larger
Trail system. This Plan recommends constructing a continuous trail system from the Metra
Station, south along the east side of Southwest
Highway to connect to a trail running along College Drive (IL Route 83). Additionally, linkages
into the Cook County Forest Preserve near Alan
B. Shepard High School and existing residential
developments along Ridgeland are possible with
coordination between Crestwood, Worth Township, and the School District.
Page 54
FIGURE FIFTEEN : TRAILS AND INTERPRETIVE SIGNS
City Parks with Existing Trails/Interpretive Signage
1
2
M
Lake Katherine (renovations)
Community Park
Crawford Park
Meyers Park
3
4
City Parks with Proposed Trails/Interpretive Signage
PALOS HEIGHTS METRA STATION
Palmer Park (new)
Passarelli Park (new)
7 Walsh Westgate Park (new)
Community Park (add to existing system)
Crawford Park (add to existing system)
4 Meyers Park (add to existing system)
5
6
HW
Y
7
2
3
LAKE KATHERINE
NE
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
PARLIAMENT DR E
1
CALU
MET
SAG
CHAN
NEL
COLLEGE DR
119TH PL
LIN
E
120TH ST
121ST ST
COACH RD
SO
UT
HW
ES
T
SE
RV
ICE
2
121ST ST
CA
Mc
W NAVAJO DR
CARMICHAEL DR
126th St
SAG
RD
WYANDOT DR
124TH ST
124TH PL
CAROL LN
125TH CT
MELVINA AVE
68TH CT
OAK PARK AVE
69TH AVE
70TH AVE
69TH CT
71ST AVE
6
126TH PL
D
YR
RTH
CA
E NAVAHO DR
125TH ST
70TH CT
71ST CT
72ND CT
73RD CT
73RD AVE
124TH ST
74TH AVE
75TH AVE
RICHARD AVE
76TH AVE
HAROLD AVE
124TH PL
ET
123RD ST
NAGLE AVE
5
NATCHEZ AVE
123RD ST
123RD PL
CHEYENNE DR
M
FLAMBEAU DR
PALOS PARK METRA STATION
RIDGELAND AVE
ME
TR
A
LUM
122ND ST
122ND ST
PALOS AVE
DR
W
A
CT
UTE LN
FORESTVIEW RD
W 130th St
70TH CT
N
OL
EBL
PU
71ST AVE
SHAWNEE RD
ALGONQUIN RD
WINNEBAGO RD
CYPRESS LN
78TH AVE
LN
WA
KIO
PARK LN
DR
79TH AVE
R
AD
AL
N
ISH
SAWGRASS
3
DEER LN
FOX LN
O
CH
4
RD
S Seneca Rd
CEDAR LN
ENGLEWOOD AVE
WESTGATE AVE
PAWNEE
AUBURN AVE
127TH ST
MANITOBA DR
GOLFVIEW LN
131ST ST
GOLF DR
SHA
DOW
CRE
7
ARQUILLA DR
EDINBURGH DR
EK D
R
MCINTOSH DR
NORTH
0
Trails Legend
1/4
1/2 Mile
City Parks with Trails
Cal-Sag Recreational Trail
Planned Continuous Sidewalk
Other Open Space with Trails
Palos Heights Bike Path
Potential Trailhead Location
Schools with Trails
Tinley Creek Trail
Controlled Intersection
Pedestrian Improvements at Intersections
City Boundary
Cook County Forest Preserve
Trinity College Trail
#
Trail & Signage Renovations
Trinity College Trail Extension
#
New Trails & Signage
Existing Sidewalk to Metra Station
Page 55
MASTER PLAN
Section 6:
Implementation
Page 57
Section 6: Implementation
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan presents
an agreed upon “road map” for parks and recreation development for the City. The recommendations of the Plan are meant to provide the
needed parks, open space, and recreation for
both the current and future population of the
City. The Plan is the product of considerable
effort of the City staff, elected and appointed
officials, and residents. This section outlines the
next steps that should be undertaken by the City
to begin implementing this Plan’s recommendations.
Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)
The City should follow and update the Recreation Department’s CIP on an annual basis as it
prepares a recommended 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) as part of its annual budget, which lists construction projects for parks
and recreation. The Capital Improvements Plan
should be based upon available funds. The main
vehicle for implementing the Plan’s recommendations will be the City’s annual budget. As part
of the annual budget process, the CIP should be
managed within available budget resources.
Immediate Actions
The following are the key recommendations
identified for each park site as outlined in the
City Recreation Department’s current CIP:
Based upon input and dialogue throughout the
planning process, the following have been identified as the top actions to be undertaken by the
City in no particular order.
Adopt the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan.
Complete construction drawings for WalshWestgate Park and begin construction in
order to complete the project within the
IDNR two-year timeframe.
Decide upon actions the City should pursue
for providing swimming in the community
and move forward with acquiring funding if
necessary.
Decide upon what action the City should
pursue for providing indoor recreation including space for seniors in the community
and move forward with acquiring funding if
necessary.
Continue to pursue alternative funding
sources, such as the OSLAD grant program.
Adopt and use the Plan on a Daily Basis
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan should
become the City’s official guide to the development of parks and recreation. To be effective,
the Plan must be adopted by the City Council
and then used by the City staff. The Plan’s recommendations should be incorporated into the
City’s annual budgeting process.
Page 58
Community Park
New playground
New drinking fountain at shelter A
Remove shelter B
Add 2 sand volleyball courts
Add trails
Soccer drainage
Renovate tennis
Improve baseball fields
New game court area
New interpretive station
Crawford Park
New playground
Renovate baseball field
Repair basketball court
Remove sand volleyball
New trails
New game court area
New fitness station
New portable restroom
New Interpretive Station
Meyers Park
New playground
Renovate tennis court
Renovate multi-purpose/basketball
Renovate baseball field
New trails
New game court area
Palmer Park
Renovate playground
Renovate tennis courts
Renovate basketball court
Renovate baseball
Remove sand volleyball
New trails
New game court area
New parking
New shelter
New formal garden area
Passarelli Park
Renovate playground
Renovate multi-purpose/basketball
New trails
New game court area
New fitness stations
New sensory garden
Walsh-Westgate Park
New playground
New game court area
New fitness stations
New picnic shelter
New practice putting green
The CIP states that the development of WalshWestgate Park is the highest priority based upon
the review and evaluation of the existing parks.
The City has pursued an Open Space Land
Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant to
fund the improvements.
Promote Cooperation and Participation
The City should continue to strengthen and
develop community partnerships, which will
maximize resources. Cooperation with the
School Districts, Athletic Clubs, and Trinity Christian College are important wherever feasible.
The School Districts have land and recreational
amenities in the City especially in built-out areas
of the community. Collaborations between the
City and the School Districts should benefit the
community. The City should continue to pursue
any potential partnerships so as not to duplicate
parks and recreation services and to explore possible joint operation and maintenance opportunities.
Alternative Funding Sources
In addition to its Annual Budget, the City should
explore all available funding sources when
implementing the recommendations of this
Plan. Some possible alternative funding sources
include: grants; rental fees; donations and volunteer efforts; foundations, and public/private
partnerships.
Grants
There are several grants administered by the
State and Federal governments for park development and land acquisition such as the Illinois
Department of Natural Resource’s Open Space
Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD)
grant program.
Rental Fees
The City should continue to monitor surrounding communities and study the value of it’s own
facilities to charge appropriate rental fees for
certain recreational facilities. These fees should
be charged to assist in maintenance and operation costs.
Donations and Volunteer Efforts
Donations and volunteering efforts are considered part of the alternative funding sources that
should be pursued by the City. Donations may
be from private businesses, and corporations, or
private individuals. Volunteer groups often look
for community projects such as the maintenance
of City parks. This also creates a sense of com-
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munity and a pride of ownership for the residents
who volunteer.
Public/Private Partnerships
These are being used more often throughout
the area in order to construct large, expensive
projects such as the Darien Sportsplex in Darien,
Illinois. The Darien Sportsplex is a public/private venture that consists of indoor ice, soccer,
exercise facilities, and an outdoor skate park. In
these type of partnerships, the City enters into
relationships with a private business and together
they fund, build, and/or operate the public facility. Typically, the City has land that they can use
for the project and there may be tax advantages.
Update the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan on a Regular Basis
The City should continue to update the Plan on
a regular basis. This helps ensure that the Plan
does not become outdated and that new community needs are included. By creating annual
goals and a Capital Improvements Plan, the City
will be indirectly updating the Plan. Routine
review and updates of the Plan will help ensure
that the recommendations remain relevant to the
community.
Referendum
The construction of large capital projects such as
indoor recreation centers or swimming facilities
very often are beyond the financial means of
a municipality. In these instances, municipalities may pursue a successful referendum. It is
recommended that the municipality work with
its residents to ensure that the project is well
planned, studied, and eventually successful. A
municipality should use a variety of community
outreach activities to share information and ideas
about the project.
Promote and Communicate the Plan
The City should make copies of the Plan available for purchase or review by the community.
The City should keep a copy of the Plan on file at
City Hall and at the library for residents to view.
The City should also include an executive summary of the Plan in a City Newsletter, and post
an electronic version of the Plan on the City’s
web site.
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