While still facing opposition from some residents, the Wilmette Park District board has taken another step toward a renovation of its Lakeview Center at Gillson Park.
At an Oct. 18 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved the conceptual design for the planned refurbishments at Lakeview along with a corresponding professional services agreement with an architectural firm.
It is all part of a plan to overhaul the roughly 2,300-square-foot center originally constructed in 1989. The renovation will create more usable space inside the two-level facility for a projected total cost of approximately $1 million, according to Park District Executive Director Steve Wilson.
“The interior renovation is a reconfiguration and updating of the interior spaces to better utilize the facility and serve the public. The removal of certain interior walls and incorporating partitions will result in spaces for classes and a rental space that meets the expectations of the community both in style and size. It also includes updating bathrooms and adding a family restroom,” Wilson wrote in a community letter sent before the meeting. “The plans also call for the removal of a portion of the existing exterior deck, and a rebuild of decking for an overall increase of 1,200 square feet in usable deck space. The current design proposes to rebuild the deck over the existing asphalt or concrete patio and drives without loss of green space.”
However, the proposal has met resistance from some residents who believe the changes are not necessary. The public comment portion of meeting lasted more than an hour with a majority of residents arguing against the plan.
“A Lakeview redo is not a need or a priority,” said resident Mary Shea.
“You are willing to spend $1 million on the Lakeview Center but not a penny on trees. That is insane to me,” resident Joe Zuercher said.
However, the plan did have its advocates, including Margaret Martin-Heaton, who is a board member from Go Green Wilmette. She said the organization supports the proposed renovations as long as the building’s footprint is not increased and no additional parking is created.
After the public comment portion of the meeting concluded, board members discussed the situation and voted to move forward with the conceptual design.
“I don’t understand the angst, I simply don’t,” Park Board President Mike Murdock said. “I don’t see it (as an) expansion, I see it as modernizing a tired facility that we need to bring up to date.”
Added commissioner Patrick Duffy, “It seems to me a renovation of the center is beneficial for the village and the Park District as a whole as we are supporting the community through our services and facilities.”
With the vote from the commissioners, Wilson said the architectural firm would now proceed with a more detailed design that would come back to the board for final approval.
Wilson was not certain of the timing, but there is a goal of having the renovation completed by the end of 2022.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter.
