Landmarks Illinois, a Chicago-based advocacy group, has classified Gillson Park in Wilmette’s as “endangered,” in a designation heralded by some residents, but is puzzling Park District officials.
On April 20, Landmarks Illinois announced that Gillson was one of five places statewide on its “2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois” list.
At a virtual news conference that day, Landmarks Illinois President and CEO Bonnie McDonald elaborated on her concerns about Gillson, a 60-acre prairie-style park, noting how there is a comprehensive planning process underway regarding the park’s future.
McDonald said she fears some changes could lead to an alteration of the park’s design by changing its roadways, parking and other “intrusive” surfaces.
“They would put old growth trees and other open green space at risk,” she said.
Wilmette Park District Executive Director Steve Wilson responded in an interview with Pioneer Press, stating that he was “confused” by the designation.
“I think it is a very flawed analysis. I think ultimately it is based on speculation more than it is on facts,” Wilson said. “I don’t see in any way shape or form the park is endangered. It is always going to be there.”
McDonald’s presentation referred to the planned renovation of Gillson’s Lakeview Center, built in 1989. The space serves as a summer camp shelter and meeting space – and is set to have a makeover later this year, according to the Park District website.
“I don’t understand how an interior renovation to a nearly 25-year-old facility … is a problem,” Wilson countered. “We all update our houses as we go, so I don’t see how that is an endangerment to the park as a whole, let alone the facility to maintain it and bring it up to more current standards.”
The Landmarks Illinois designation is a new chapter regarding the park’s future.
In 2015, voters rejected a nearly $13 million bond referendum to fund massive renovations at Gillson. After that, the Park District constructed a new beach house and parking lot at the facility.
More Top Picks Best Commercial Treadmills For Home Use
In the years afterward, Park District officials have continued to examine Gillson and hired a consulting group for the planning process.
Wilson stressed some changes need to be made.
“It is time to address the needs of the park with crumbling roads and less than properly functioning storm sewers,” Wilson said. “These are the things that need to be addressed and we need to have a plan before we do that.”
Wilson said the immediate task ahead is for Park District officials to finalize planning, as four concepts have been presented to the board from the consultants, which he said would lead to few overall changes.
“The only question was around whether one or two roadways should be removed to create more green space and be a little bit more environmentally friendly and create more green space,” Wilson said.
McDonald called for minimal alterations, specifically in the consultant’s plan labeled “Concept 1.”
“We feel it is imperative that the Park District officials maintain the historic landscape design of Gillson Park,” McDonald said. “Respect its beloved natural space and heritage trees and avoid building intrusive and unnecessary hard surfaces such as new roads and parking areas.”
Mary Shea, the co-founder of Keep Gillson Green, endorsed the Landmarks Illinois classification.
“We are grateful for the attention that Landmarks brings to the importance of the preservation at Gillson,” she said.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelancer.