News and Events
April 20, 2022
On April 20th, Landmarks Illinois listed Gillson Park as one of 2022's Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. In its announcement, Landmarks recognized the historical and cultural significance of Gillson’s design, saying that Gillson is a remarkably intact historic park and likely eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Read more by clicking on the button below.
December 13, 2021
Residents suggested an alternate walk/bike path to the proposed path next to Harbor Drive in each of the concepts. This alternate path would be north of Harbor Drive and travel around the edge of Gillson’s south lawn to connect with Middle Drive, the Beach House and the bike/walk path between Lake and Washington Aves. The path would be permeable, wide enough to accommodate walkers and bikers, and far safer than the concepts path, which right next to a busy road. Trees and small gardens could be planted along the alternate to make users feel as if they are on a nature trail. Keep Gillson Green supports the alternate path, and hopes that the Board will consider it seriously and as a valuable option for Gillson. See a photo of the proposed bike path HERE.
December 13, 2021
At the December 13 Board meeting, Landmarks Illinois, the most important preservation organization in the state, noted that Gillson is a historically significant site. They oppose any changes that would alter its historic integrity, favoring Concept 1 as the “least intrusive and most respectful.” Their presentation confirms the opinion of two prominent, well-respected historians. See our page on the Historical Significance of Gillson.
November 8, 2021
At the November Park Board meeting, the consultants stated that Concept #1 was the most popular choice among residents at three open houses. They said that residents are happy with Gillson and that most consider Middle Drive a valuable walking path through Gillson.
The consultants presented a 5th concept, further confusing and making it difficult for residents to easily evaluate the concepts.
The Board asked the consultants to provide costs for the road and sewer repair under each concept. Residents have asked for this, as well as a true assessment of the repairs needed. Without costs, neither they nor the Board can make an informed choice.
October 12, 2021
The Chicago Tribune recently wrote a piece entitled “Wilmette Park District to consider $1 million renovation of Lakeview Center at Gillson Park,” which outlines the plans to upgrade the Lakeview Center, quotes an email from Steve Wilson, and notes there has been and is still opposition to any changes.
October 3, 2021
The Park District’s consultants have released four new concepts for Gillson Park. The high level summary of why we oppose these plans can be found HERE. A more in-depth analysis for our opposition to each concept can be found HERE. Finally, the four proposed plans in the PDF presented by the Park District can be found HERE.
September 13, 2021
The Park Board is moving ahead quickly with plans to spend $1 million expand Lakeview Center. We don’t know why they are rushing this decision. What’s the hurry? Shouldn’t this be part of the Comprehensive Plan for Gillson? They have presented no evidence that a need exists for more programming space in Gillson or elsewhere in the Park District. Nor have they told us why they need to allow larger events at Lakeview. That will only make the overcrowding, parking woes, noise pollution, and traffic worse, especially on summer weekends. Merely because Lakeview is 30 years old is not a valid reason to spend $1 million of public funds. Lakeview functions well as a refuge for summer campers, offices, a community center, and bathrooms. The Board’s Lakefront Committee will discuss Lakeview Center on October 4th at 6:30 pm (not televised, at the Lakeview Center) and the full Board will likely vote to approve the plans on October 18th at 7:30 pm (Channel 6, at the Village Hall). Your voice matters. The Board needs to hear from you. A quick email is easy and will let them know that expanding Lakeview is a bad idea. Say no to overdevelopment of Gillson!
September 13, 2021
The Park District consultants are expected to present their 10-year Comprehensive Plan for Gillson to the Park Board on September 27th at 7:30 in Village Hall (Channel 6). We don’t know yet what is in the Plan, but will attend the meeting, keep you informed, and continue our advocacy. You can help! Please keep your yard signs up, visit our updated website, ask us for a yard sign, talk to your friends and neighbors, and attend/watch the Park Board meetings.
August 11, 2021
The Record North Shore writes that an architecture firm, The Lakota Group, plans to have preliminary park concepts presented to the Park District in September, in hopes of having a solidified Gillson Park Comprehensive Plan by the end of 2021.
August 9, 2021
At the Park Board meeting, consultants presented the results of the 2021 community survey on Gillson. They noted that over and over again, residents said that they like Gillson’s “natural character,” want it to “remain as it is,” and “do not over-program it.” Several Board members said, as has the Executive Director Steve Wilson, that the 4 concepts the consultants presented in May that proposed up to 108 more parking spaces, two-way, widened roads, and the loss of up to 90 trees, are no longer on the table. Several Board members said that they want to preserve the park and do not advocate adding more parking.
August 6, 2021
The Record North Shore reports on the Keep Gillson Green movement, covering the yard signs that have popped up throughout Wilmette, the proposed plans from The Lakota Group and the petition circulating to keep Gillson as it is.