https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/protecting-at-risk-trees daily 0.75 2021-08-22 https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/passive-use-of-gillson daily 0.75 2021-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629670203263-ZQAT14DXH6O2BQDNWYMB/IMG_9587.JPG Passive Use of Gillson - Gillson Park gives extraordinarily of herself. She’s been at it since the early 1900’s and performs splendidly for being a patch of displaced clay. Yes, she is in need of critical infrastructure attention! But, I propose that Gillson and we residents, are best served by giving all of the un-mandated development a break. Isn’t “passive programming space” a great thing, especially when most moments of our lives are active? https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/additional-information daily 0.75 2021-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629669159666-9IJ3JDURGR7KB64MDSBZ/d23.jpg Additional Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629669333780-VF8JZTQ43YU2YU5702CS/IMG_6384+copy.jpg Additional Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629669690410-V5CQQFQ1O7406LO8WBYQ/a221.jpg Additional Information https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/history-of-protecting-gillson daily 0.75 2021-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629648034343-QSS5Y061M4BSQNI6RRBU/d322.jpg History of Protecting Gillson - 2012 Lakefront Commission Report A 14 member citizen group assembled by the park District met over a two year period. They reiterated the same historical concerns and recommended “No new buildings, other than the Beach House, no more cars in the park, no more parking in the park, no additional cement, support a landscape plan, no additional activities which can be done elsewhere, and the preservation of a natural park environment. “ Photo courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/fdf1aebd-65aa-4a7f-91c4-7a52f9f6840f/015_d676.jpg History of Protecting Gillson Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/3fc47335-04d7-4e88-8c72-972f3a2687b1/820.jpg History of Protecting Gillson Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/ca8afe43-8238-4411-a7dc-fa964abc30f1/a221.jpg History of Protecting Gillson Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/beb71b6c-5814-40d6-8a99-4b8a1e53b5c6/b1000.jpg History of Protecting Gillson Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/65c98dfd-9ef7-49bc-9ac0-de5200c34706/d477.jpg History of Protecting Gillson Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/d214abcc-e053-4a98-81da-2cb07f38fe42/d478.jpg History of Protecting Gillson Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/home daily 1.0 2024-06-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/cac77b86-0ccc-4917-a38a-0b0305371ecf/Screenshot+2024-05-07+at+5.37.36%E2%80%AFPM.png Home This is the original plan of Gillson Park. The Park District’s current plan dishonors the original design and the Park’s historic character. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/f8dbdbad-3868-4853-b4e7-9e634cfba219/Screenshot+2024-05-07+at+5.31.49%E2%80%AFPM.png Home The existing roadway is 20’ wide. The proposed changes shorten the roadway to 15’ wide and add a 5’ wide bike lane and 5’ wide sidewalk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/46735634-5b5d-465c-afd5-13b755bbaae5/Screenshot+2024-05-07+at+5.33.54%E2%80%AFPM.png Home - Make it stand out Above in green, an alternative 10’ wide permeable walking and biking path that is safe and what residents want and deserve. This path is completely away from traffic would join with Middle Drive along the tennis courts. This path and keeping Middle Drive 20’ wide mirror exactly the original historically significant plan. https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/lakeview-center-plan daily 0.75 2021-08-22 https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/what-residents-think daily 0.75 2021-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1628524660220-QQS1SX9ETMMD6N05MY9Y/tempImagenmv9gu.png What Residents Think https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1628524660277-VO8OFQYSEQZV5REDMBZG/tempImagesnQY5S.png What Residents Think https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1628524660193-9DO2DT1YPKB8SJ637FW1/tempImageljGZuM.png What Residents Think https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/about-us daily 0.75 2023-04-05 https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/take-action daily 0.75 2021-10-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1628524639924-UK0PX2KU68VFDILAK508/F9B3E3D5-F505-48F8-9AE1-30B5AE09BE8E_1_201_a.jpeg Take Action - Make it stand out Sample yard sign https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/news-and-events daily 0.75 2022-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629051061233-AOJ4C8L7XJMJ8UY5NQ6Z/IMG_0466+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629050966023-OJ5N4539ACHGPK2T7SO2/IMG_0462+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629051061233-AOJ4C8L7XJMJ8UY5NQ6Z/IMG_0466+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629050966023-OJ5N4539ACHGPK2T7SO2/IMG_0462+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629051061233-AOJ4C8L7XJMJ8UY5NQ6Z/IMG_0466+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629050966023-OJ5N4539ACHGPK2T7SO2/IMG_0462+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629051061233-AOJ4C8L7XJMJ8UY5NQ6Z/IMG_0466+copy.jpg Updates - 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! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629050966023-OJ5N4539ACHGPK2T7SO2/IMG_0462+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629051061233-AOJ4C8L7XJMJ8UY5NQ6Z/IMG_0466+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629050966023-OJ5N4539ACHGPK2T7SO2/IMG_0462+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1629051061233-AOJ4C8L7XJMJ8UY5NQ6Z/IMG_0466+copy.jpg Updates - 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. https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/analyses-of-five-concepts daily 0.75 2021-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633310917547-OQ4IP1MJ6ZRZDMBFF2MH/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+7.48.26+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out Concept 1 is the least obtrusive and the most in line with residents’ views about keeping Gillson natural. It cuts down the fewest trees and preserves open space. Yet, it adds 40 new parking spaces along Middle Drive. No parking has ever been allowed there, so these should be considered new spaces. Because no traffic is currently allowed on Middle Drive, many walkers and bikers use it as a safe pathway away from traffic through the park. So do families pushing strollers to get to the playground. We have seen people roller skating on Middle Drive, as well as children running, playing four square, and shooting hoops. Prohibiting driving and parking on Middle Drive keeps playground users safer and gives parents peace of mind. Under concept 1, two mature trees would be cut down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/8804925f-7d54-4f43-9a86-82ddbd7888e8/Screen+Shot+2021-12-11+at+10.12.21+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out Concept 5 removes Upper Drive. It adds 32 new parking spaces and 2 new parking pods (more concrete), mostly near Lakeview Center. It also adds new pedestrian paths (more concrete) near Middle Drive, even though that road already adequately serves walkers and bikers. Eliminating Upper Drive is a bad idea. It leaves upper park users, as well as harbor and Sheridan Shore users, with no nearby parking. All vehicles entering the park would have to drive through the entire park to exit, adding noise, congestion, and pollution. Boat owners with trailers would also have to drive through the entire park, as would emergency vehicles, both of which are now able to use the shorter, less crowded Upper Drive. Most importantly, with no turn off at Upper Drive to exit the park, diverting visitors who are non-parking pass holders and unable to park along Overlook Drive will now occur at Michigan Avenue, causing dangerous traffic tie-ups and back-ups north and south along Sheridan Road. Four trees would be cut down, and some of the trees lining Upper Drive would likely be damaged or die when the road is removed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633311446375-1C90PAO4B7JCJU0KJ4KX/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+9.31.34+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out Concept 3 also removes Middle Drive and, like Concept 2, adds new concrete pedestrian pathways in its place. Again, why? It adds new concrete in four expanded and redesigned parking pods, three located near Lakeview Center. It removes Upper Drive, which is used for parking year round by a wide variety of park users, including ice skaters, participants in the Park District’s soccer and lacrosse programs, tennis players, playground visitors, and bird watchers. Removing Upper Drive would leave all with no nearby parking. It would also require all vehicles to drive through the entire park to exit, adding noise, congestion, and pollution, instead of using the shorter, less crowded Upper Drive. With no exit onto Upper Drive, it will be difficult to limit parking along Overlook Drive to residents and parking pass holders like is currently done during the summer. Concept 3 also includes new parking (more concrete) near the dog beach, even though most dog owners can and will walk or use the large lot along Overlook Drive. It appears to remove the well-used sand volleyball court that is a welcome amenity, particularly for younger park goers. Thirteen trees would be cut down, possibly including some of the 1919 trees. The trees lining Middle and Upper Drive, both removed, as well as the trees near the new parking near the dog beach, would likely be damaged or die. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633311513996-ZX8JINVBK8N5K07T8ZUS/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+9.31.46+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out Concept 4 also removes Middle Drive and, like Concepts 2 and 3, adds new concrete pedestrian pathways in its place. It adds even more concrete---27 new parking spaces, mostly around Lakeview Center. It uses more concrete to widen Upper Drive to allow for two way traffic, as well as a row of diagonal parking. It relocates the main entrance further north on Michigan Avenue through the Rotary tree grove, making the turn into Gillson narrower and more difficult for emergency vehicles, service trucks, and boat trailers. Concept 4 also includes new parking (more concrete) near the dog beach, even though most dog owners can and will walk or use the large lot along Overlook Drive. It appears to remove the well-used sand volleyball court that is a welcome amenity, particularly for younger park goers. It erects a pedestrian plaza at the south entrance (more concrete) and closes off the Washington Avenue exit to cars. It cuts down 25 mature trees, and likely adversely impacts all of those lining the roads that are to be removed or widened, as well as the trees near the new parking pod near the dog beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633311324201-61AELNRFTEQ8GUDZE16Q/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+9.31.20+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out Concept 2 removes Middle Drive and also moves and widens roads to add 40 new parking spaces, mostly in four new parking pods, three around around Lakeview Center. It adds new concrete pedestrian pathways where Middle Drive already exists. Why remove Middle Drive and then build new concrete pedestrian pathways when Middle Drive already serves that purpose? In addition to the uses mentioned in above, Middle Drive was intended to be and still acts as a catch basin to move stormwater in the park. Without it, drainage and standing water will become a problem at the playground and nearby areas. Concept 2 widens and moves Upper Drive, adding parking and more concrete. It also includes new parking (more concrete) near the dog beach, even though most dog owners can and will walk or use the large lot along Overlook Drive. It appears to remove the well-used sand volleyball court that is a welcome amenity, particularly for younger park goers. It also cuts down 20 mature trees and fails to consider the likely injury and death to the trees lining Middle and Upper Drive once they are removed or moved and widened, as well as the trees near the new parking near the dog beach. It may also adversely affect the 1919 trees near Lakeview that honor those residents killed in action in World War I. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/88973638-26e6-4370-9949-ebbdd21b8e17/Screen+Shot+2021-12-11+at+10.18.47+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out F. ADA Ramp Adjacent to Stairs at Lake Avenue entrance: This winding ramp would require 32 trees be removed, many of which help shore up the bluff to the parking lot. That is unacceptable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633312092426-UM42LNDZZ4EP11Y45UR5/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+9.33.00+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out C. New Shelter Facility: This would build a concrete structure near the volleyball court. We don’t understand its purpose. There are already picnic tables, including an ADA accessible one, under the shade trees in this area. Picnickers prefer sit within their own group and move the existing tables around to accommodate their group. This building is unnecessary and superfluous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633312199878-V5MSDTD0VDMNS41DSKA7/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+9.33.56+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out E. Overlook Drive Boardwalks and Benches: This would add wooden jetties jutting toward the lake along the south beach. We don’t understand their purpose. The existing walk is wide, and seating pockets allow users access to the lake, as do the sand paths among the dunes. Not all visitors keep to those paths, but neither will all visitors will stay on the jetties. Limited signage about the value of keeping off the dunes would work just as well and be a less expensive alternative. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633312015636-EXFIP3UTOVUIXLUXZ7MX/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+9.32.01+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out A. Alternate Entrance: This would move the main entrance further northeast along Michigan Avenue through the Rotary tree grove, destroying seven mature trees and impacting more. The consultants said that this would allow for a “ceremonial” entrance. It would add more concrete and eliminate some parking along Michigan Avenue, while narrowing the turn into the park, making it more difficult for boat trailers and fire trucks to enter the park. Six trees would be removed, and likely others nearby would be damaged or die during construction, including several trees honoring past presidents of the Harbor Rotary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633312135254-0A1J2HMHZMKE5UHB6EX8/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+9.33.09+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out D. New Sailing Beach Facility: This would be a new sailing shack with no new restrooms. Long-time users of the sailing beach say no new sailing shack is needed, especially if it is costly and is in use only a few months of the year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1633312049477-GE2UHS63GWS1VMYOTTZQ/Screen+Shot+2021-10-03+at+9.32.47+PM.png Analyses of Five Concepts - Make it stand out B. New Restroom Facility: This would build a bathroom and shelter near the tennis courts and playground. Nearby trees provide plenty of shade and shelter, and existing bathrooms at Lakeview Center are so close to this location that it is unnecessary. Also, as the consultants noted, water lines would have to be extended and a sanitary pump installed, making this a costly option. https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/our-analysis daily 0.75 2021-12-12 https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/historical-significance-of-gillson daily 0.75 2022-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1628524660220-QQS1SX9ETMMD6N05MY9Y/tempImagenmv9gu.png Historical Significance of Gillson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1628524660264-ABML674WEVJB6H2UAH3Q/tempImageqYCf6s.png Historical Significance of Gillson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1628524660270-S8MDC4M4YKO09Y1VWJDQ/tempImagexJmuTd.png Historical Significance of Gillson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/1628524660277-VO8OFQYSEQZV5REDMBZG/tempImagesnQY5S.png Historical Significance of Gillson https://www.keepgillsongreen.com/landmarks-illinois-announcement daily 0.75 2022-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6111505f3e433b53203e6472/46230aff-26ef-4593-9d82-fd4a5776029f/7e2b256b-4333-b5d0-fa33-213a85aa1d01.jpg Landmarks Illinois Announcement - Landmarks Illinois lists Gillson Park as one of the “Most Endangered Historic Places” in Illinois