Homer Glen expects to acquire slightly more than 14 acres with ponds and paths that could expand Erin Hills Park.
“The bank is going to turn it over to us,” said Trustee Marcia De Vivo, who is also chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. The bank does not want the responsibility of maintaining the land, she said.
Erin Hills Park, in the Erin Hills subdivision, is about 1.5 acres, which includes an approximate half acre which the village does not own yet but is allowed to use, said Michael Salamowicz, director of development services. The village purchased the rest of the park, which offers amenities such as a putting green, playground equipment and a doggie water fountain. It is the third village-owned park, and wasofficially dedicated in July.
The “boot” shaped parcel to the south and east of the current park boundaries is composed of detention wetlands with two ponds and walking paths, De Vivo said. The property was acquired by the bank after a developer of the Erin Hills subdivision went bankrupt, she said, and could be turned over within a couple of weeks.
“There’s a lot of nature in that area,” De Vivo said, pointing out that the detention wetlands already attract birds, frogs and insects, but fish will likely thrive as well if the ponds are kept clean.
The village hopes to eventually have fishing in the ponds and plans to maintain surrounding tall plants, which filter debris and stop erosion, De Vivo said.
“We want to make it safe,” she said, explaining that the village may install steps to make the ponds accessible. The paths may be assessed to determine if resurfacing is needed.
“We hope to turn this into one of our model projects,” De Vivo said of plans to showcase native landscaping and various improvements.
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