Parks & Facilities • Northside Park Renovations
Northside Park Update - May 30, 2011
The extreme weather this spring has affected the schedule at Northside Park like many other projects. However, we are nearing completion in time for the opening of the pool and for the many camps that use the park.
Dredging
Last week our contractor completed dredging of the east side of the lagoon. This involved creating an access road through the middle of the lagoon and hauling approximately 30,000 cubic yards of sediment. Much of this material will be reused on other projects including the creation of sports fields in a neighboring park district. The access road was relocated to the west side of the lagoon where the area outside of the warming shelter will be dredged. There is much less sediment to be removed from this area and it should only take a few days of good weather to be complete.
Plantings
While we had access to the island on the east, park district staff took the opportunity to add some plantings. Over two dozen trees and shrubs were added, including: bald cypress, river birch, viburnum and dogwoods. In addition, wetland plugs and seed were used to fill in bare spots. Supplemental planting throughout the rest of the park began earlier this spring with a dozen oaks that were transplanted from our tree nurseries.
Boy Scout Cabin
The cabin has benefited from a couple of volunteer groups this spring. On May 14, a local Boy Scout enlisted his troop to plant trees, shrubs and ferns around the cabin for his Eagle project. They will be watering the plants to make sure they grow. On the inside of the cabin, Wheaton’s Noon Rotary club has been giving the cabin a much needed face lift. Approximately a dozen volunteers gathered on May 21 to clean and paint. This is in addition to several other members who have worked on projects such as building new screens for the window.
Questions or Comments?
I can be reached at 630.510. 4975 or via email rsperl@wheatonparks.org. Our Executive Director, Michael Benard, is available at 630.510.4945 or mbenard@wheatonparks.org.
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Ever wonder what "Dredging" at Northside Park involves?
View an article published in the May-June 2010 issue of Land and Water magazine titled,
"Muck and Gunk".
The article highlights a project utilizing dredging to clean up a Wisconsin pond.
Land and Water is published for contractors, landscape architects, consultants and engineers, government officials and those all those individuals involved in natural resource management and restoration, from idea stage through project completion and maintenance. For more information, please visit www.landandwater.com.
Northside Park Playground Re-opened
The playground at Northside Park was re-opened last fall. Listed below are just a few of the unique features at this nature themed, tree house inspired playground:
- 8 foot high triple embankment slide
- Bonded rubber mulch surface (looks like wood mulch that stays in place and is accessible)
- 90 foot long zip line
- Interactive water spray feature (will be removed for the season)
Chat with the Mayor
The Northside Renovation project is featured on the November edition of Chat with the Mayor. This half hour program provides an in depth discussion on all aspects of the project.
Questions or Comments?
I can be reached at 630.510. 4975 or via email rsperl@wheatonparks.org. Our Executive Director, Michael Benard, is also available at 630.510.4945 or mbenard@wheatonparks.org for any questions or comments.
Previous Updates
Click on any of the dates below for past updates.
- June 18, 2009
- July 10, 2009
- August 19, 2009
- October 21, 2009
- November 12, 2009
- November 25, 2009
- December 11, 2009
- January 13, 2010
- February 12, 2010
- March 11, 2010
- April 9, 2010
- July 1, 2010
- August 27, 2010
- March 14, 2011
- March 21, 2011
Northside Park Renovation Overview
The Wheaton Park District began construction at the end of September 2009 on this long anticipated project. Since 1999, we had looked at various options to solve ongoing flood related problems at Northside Park. The initial phase of the project reconstructed the weir (dam) near the warming shelter. This allows the City of Wheaton to widen the culvert at Main Street and reduce the frequency that it becomes flooded. We also graded and planted the shoreline to prevent erosion, provide water quality benefits, provide forage and habitat for wildlife, and make the area less attractive to geese.
Beyond the initial work phase of work, we are looking at all aspects of the park to ensure that it can meet the needs of the community for the next century. Since November 2008, a small group of neighbors have formed a Friends of Northside Park Committee. This group has been reviewing the current plans and coming up with ideas for work outside of the initial phase. This includes improving the roads and parking lots throughout the park, renovating the cabins, adding new path lighting, and replacing the warming shelter with an environmentally friendly interpretive center.
Thank you for your interest in this project. If you have any further questions or would like to be a part of future planning, please email or call the Wheaton Park District Planning Department at (630) 510-4975.
Northside Email Request
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