Frequently Asked Questions
A plan to revitalize Highland Park’s unique resources for today and for the future
Plan Specifics
Environmental Impact
Process
Implementation
Operational
Financial
Plan Specifics
GeneralWhat about connectivity to the upper parks? Will there be sidewalks? I live on Sheridan Road – will I be able to walk to the sites?
Connectivity between the upper and lower parks and into the neighborhoods is a goal. Both Central and Rosewood Parks will have new connections down the bluff. A new, substantial stairway with overlook platforms will be built at Central. A new handicapped-accessible ramp system will be added at Rosewood. Both parks have sidewalks along the city streets leading to them. A trail along the entry drive to lower Rosewood Park may be added. Sheridan Roadis regulated by the state and there are no plans currently to add a sidewalk. Also, the Park District has developed a shuttle system which will transport patrons from remote parking areas such as Ravinia Elementary School, Port Clinton Squareand Highland Park High School. Off-site parking would be complimentary and the shuttles would pick up and drop off on the half hour.
How do you know it will stand up to storms and minimize the need for dredging?
Extensive testing of the planned breakwaters was done in a state-of-the-art wave tank at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. This is one of only three facilities of its kind in North America. 1/35th scale models of our beaches and lakefront were constructed in the tank, with every detail – from the shape of the bottom to the size of the rocks – accurately represented. Models were subjected to scale waves at low, high and moderate lake levels, and they held up completely. Further evaluation was performed using powerful computer modeling.
Central Park Site
Why isn’t the marina part of this proposal?
The marina is targeted toward a specific user group. The Park Board believes funding should come from that group and not be included in the referendum. User fees – not tax dollars – will pay for construction of the harbor. The Board also believes the activity and ambience a harbor will bring to the site will provide enjoyment for more than boaters and be an asset to the wider community.
Why build the harbor to serve only 100-120 people when the City has 32,000 residents? Even if it pays for itself, why bother – few people benefit from it.
The lakefront is such a wonderful and unique resource for Highland Park. It separates us from almost every other community. The Board believes that while the harbor will have approximately 125 boat slips, it will be enjoyed by many more than just the boaters who dock their crafts there. It will have much farther-reaching effects on the wider community. In the Board’s opinion, the harbor will serve as an attraction for boaters and non-boaters to visit the lakefront to view the boats and utilize the other amenities, including the north swimming beach, the breakwater trail, the boat launch and the restaurant. In addition, the harbor will be an economic stimulus for the Highland Park economy. The Board expects that both slip holders, transient boaters, daily launchers and other users will not only spend money on site but will also patronize shops and restaurants within Highland Park.
What if boaters can’t fund the cost of building the harbor – are there any provisions for boating without a harbor?
If the Park District is unsuccessful in obtaining the funds needed to construct the harbor from boaters and the referendum is successful, existing boating amenities will either be improved or added in the near future. The existing boat launch will be renovated and expanded to three lanes, a small craft sailing building will be constructed at the south end, as will a storage facility for small boats and buccaneers. On-land boat storage will be added at the north end of the property.
The lake is very low. What if levels drop more – won’t the marina be unusable?
Lake levels vary seasonally, lower in winter and higher in summer. As designed, the harbor will have at least 8’ of depth at the standard reference lake level. Even if the lake were to reach the record low depth for April, at the beginning of the boating season, depth would be 6’ 9”.
Environmental
GeneralFrom an ecological standpoint, will there be any effect on the lake (i.e. water quality)?
The Board expects our project to reduce pollutants from stormwater runoff. Restoration and naturalizing of the ravines, especially near their mouths, should filter harmful pollutants and sediments from water discharging into the lake. Restoration of the ravines and bluffs with native vegetation should reduce erosion and the production of silt running into the lake. Also, the Park District will continue to work with the Lake County Health Department in providing the SwimCast water monitoring system. As a result of State Senator Susan Garrett, Rosewood water quality is monitored by a predictive system which provides timely results of lake conditions.
Are you restoring native habitats?
Extensive ecological restoration is planned as part of this project. This includes restoration of native vegetation on the bluffs and ravines and improvement to the hydrology in the ravines, resulting in better flow and cleaner water. Restoration of native vegetation already being carried out by the District under the supervision of Natural Areas Coordinator Rebecca Grill with the goal of reducing erosion and the resulting influx of silt into the water.
Central Park Site
Will the proposed Central Park community harbor have any impact on water quality, particularly in light of the Water Treatment Plant at Central Park?
Water quality issues typically focus on E. coli bacteria contamination that can lead to beach closings. The source of such bacteria is generally source pollution upstream of the impacted site, which in Highland Park could include polluted storm water flowing through the ravines and discharging into the lake. Addressing the bigger picture water quality issues at Central Park will require the identification and elimination of such off-site pollution sources. But as part of the design of the Central Park community harbor and the other improvements proposed as part of the Lakefront Improvement Project, the design team is looking at using a variety of Best Management Practices (BMPs), including: providing an enhanced water flow through the harbor itself; utilizing the most current and sustainable harbor infrastructure equipment and techniques; the treatment of parking lot runoff; the capture and treatment of storm sewer runoff: the management of site-generated waste, including pet waste and garbage; and sustainable site practices such as pavement cleaning, sand filters and infiltration systems. Each of these BMPs will have a positive benefit and will contribute to positively impacting the water quality at Central Park.
Process
What permitting process does the Park District go through?Both projects will go through an extensive permitting process at the federal, state and local level. Any work in Lake Michigan below mean high water, such as the new breakwaters, is required to go through a joint permitting process led by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but also involving the Federal and State EPAs and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Locally components of the project will go through a permitting process with review by the Plan, Environmental, Lakefront, Design Review and Historic Preservation Commissions as required.
Why not just one project at a time, and why aren’t the other two beaches being renovated?
The Park District initially developed a comprehensive plan for the entire lakefront, which includes four properties – Moraine, Millard, Rosewood and Central. As the plans progressed from the conceptual phase to the schematic design, the Park Board chose to focus on its two most active beachfront properties. Additionally, public feedback had also identified Rosewood and Central as their first choices to be improved. Both are in need of major repair, with Rosewood’s bathhouse being demolished several years ago and Central Park’s boat launch crumbling. By doing both at the same time, the District addresses major issues and can take advantage of cost savings with planning, development, permitting and construction.
Implementation
What current operations will be interrupted during construction?
Staff anticipates the relocation or cancellation of some nature programs and nature camps. In addition, we expect the interruption of recreational boating, sailing, and sailing programs at the Central Avenue site, as well as the interruption of recreational swimming at the Rosewood site for the 2010 season.
Does the Park District have a start and completion date if the project goes through?
If the referendum passes, construction would most likely begin in the summer of 2009 and we expect that Rosewood and Central would be open for summer 2011.
Operational
General
Will there be considerably more traffic? What will the impact be on neighbors with adjoining property?
A comprehensive traffic and parking study was done by the Oak Park-based Fish Transportation Group as part of the overall planning process. It confirmed that the planned access and parking are adequate and safe. The Park District is having a second, independent traffic study performed by KLOA from Rosemont. Safety is paramount throughout the Park District. Just as we did when we built the Recreation Center, we will fully analyze the impact of this project and take any steps necessary to ensure safety. The Recreation Center turned out to have little impact on local traffic. Can I rent either site for a party, wedding or other event?
Yes, the current phase of the design has multipurpose rooms available at Rosewood Beach in the main pavilion and at Central Park in the small craft sailing center, as well as the restaurant in the Harbor House, which will be open seasonally.
An overall plan regarding parking and access to the lakefront and its related facilities will be developed to benefit and give priority to residents. The goal will be to ensure priority access to residents in an orderly and controlled manner. In addition, a shuttle system will be created to transport patrons from remote locations within Highland Park (i.e. school parking lots, Hidden Creek AquaPark, Recreation Center of Highland Park, Port Clinton) to Central Park and Rosewood Beach. In the Board’s opinion, the shuttle will minimize traffic within the neighborhoods, reduce parking demands and be environmentally beneficial.
How will you accommodate handicapped users?
The entire project will be ADA-compliant, including such components as the bluff walkway that will connect upper and lower Rosewood Parks. The Park District is committed to facilitating access to a range of recreation for people of all abilities. We would like our project to be a model for others in helping those with physical limitations to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating. Staff will be looking at other recreational programs around the country and working with local advocacy groups to explore ways we can achieve this goal. In addition, the District is a partner with the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSRRA) who can help in the review and oversight of the plan to meet ADA requirements.
What portions of the project will be open all year?
At the Central Park site, the Harbor House will be open year–round, with the restaurant open for six months. At Rosewood, the main pavilion will remain open for classes and rentals throughout the year, with the concession and the spray play opening seasonally.
Will educational and additional programs be offered at both sites?
Yes. The Park District will be offering educational opportunities at both facilities and will be able to expand its offerings at both Central and Rosewood. At Central Avenue there will be a variety of sailing, kayaking and small-craft safety courses offered. Rosewood Beach will have year-round program offerings for the community as well as rental opportunities on the lakefront. Heller Nature Center will continue to offer its popular summer camps, Sand Trackers and Coast Guardians. Heller Nature Center will also be developing special lakefront programs for school groups using materials available from the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Program. Throughout the year the Park District will continue to offer a wide variety of programs in the arts, nature and preschool areas for both children and adults. The Rosewood pavilion along with the Spray Play area will also offer the community unique rental opportunities.
What about mosquitoes, flies, insects?
Mosquitoes should be reduced as the ravines are restored and areas of stagnant water are eliminated. Stable flies, those annoying biting insects that resemble houseflies, are a problem when the wind and other environmental factors are just so. There is no effective way for the Park District to control them. They breed in debris that washes up on the beach. While the District meticulously maintains our beaches, the same may not be true for other communities. This allows more areas for the flies to reproduce.
Will there be fishing at both sites?
Yes. The fishing pier at Rosewood will be completely rebuilt. The new breakwater at Central Park harbor will also have spots for fishing. We expect the new stone breakwaters at both sites to improve fish habitat, making these both excellent sites to throw in a line.
Central Park Site
At the Central Park site, there will be different users. How will they mix?
In planning the Central Park site, the Park District took into account the full spectrum of potential users. A traffic and parking plan has been developed to provide an organized and structured process and to handle peak conditions. Furthermore, controlled scheduling of the facility by the District will be able to coordinate the activities to minimize the impact on the site as well as the community.
Will staff/security be increased at the harbor?
Due to the nature of the increase in demand at both of the sites, staffing of part-time employees will be increased. Additional full-time staff to program, maintain and run the facilities will be hired as well. Security will also be added in the form of fences and a locked gate for the harbor as well as a video surveillance system covering the higher risk portions of the property. A security plan will be reviewed in detail with the Police and Fire Departments to ensure adequate protection and security.
Can canoes and kayaks launch? What will be the fee?
Canoes, kayaks and windsurfers will be able to launch at either Central or Rosewood. If the referendum is approved the Park Board will be carefully developing policies and fees for use of the lakefront. As with other Park District programs and activities residents may expect reduced or no fees when using the lakefront.
Rosewood Site
Will I still be able to use Rosewood for free?
Rosewood will still be free. In regards to parking an overall plan regarding parking and access to the lakefront and its related facilities will be developed to benefit and give priority to residents. The goal will be to ensure priority access to residents in an orderly and controlled manner. In addition, a shuttle system will be created to transport patrons from remote locations within Highland Park (i.e. school parking lots, Hidden Creek AquaPark, Recreation Center of Highland Park, Port Clinton) to Central Park and Rosewood Beach. In the Board’s opinion, the shuttle will minimize traffic within the neighborhoods, reduce parking demands and be environmentally beneficial.
Referendum
Why can’t we ask for state or federal grants to support this?
The Park District has received money grants for parks over the years. As examples, Jens Jensen Park was recently restored with a “Save America’s Treasures” grant of $176,000 from the National Park Service and the stairway at Central Park was repaired with a $100,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. We will continue to seek grant assistance from a variety of state and federal agencies. Although government programs will not cover the cost of this work, grants can help with certain aspects such as environmental components.
I never use the lakefront; why should I spend my money on this?
In the Board’s opinion, the value of your home probably will increase once this project is completed, due to its favorable impact on our community as a whole. The addition of numerous new facilities and activities at the lakefront will encourage even those who have not used our beaches in the past to try them out. The Board believes that there will be something for all residents to enjoy. Improving our lakefront should help Highland Park to remain a leading community on the North Shore. The Board believes that increased property values will more than offset the cost of the project, which would allow everyone to benefit whether they use the lakefront or not.
Why $32 million? It seems the Park District could enhance the beaches to functional swim beaches for a lot less money.
In order to fully realize the potential of our special lakefront resource, plans include a wide variety of improvements, activities and protection measures. The plan is designed to expand opportunities at the lakefront to include a variety of activities from boating and swimming to education and passive enjoyment of our region’s signature natural resource. Infrastructure improvements are not always noticeable, yet are necessary and costly. The Board believes that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right. We want to avoid a band-aid approach.
Operation
With taxes being increased, will residents not have to pay for anything?
Increased tax revenue will go toward construction and long-term maintenance. Consistent with fee structures within the District, certain activities and areas will be free while others will have user fees. It is the District’s goal to offset operating costs that, in turn, should minimize the burden on the taxpayer.
If this project is approved and completed, will it generate any increased revenue for Highland Park or the Park District?
Direct revenues could result from potential fees related to concessions and other amenities. Indirectly, the Park Board expects the project to have a positive influence on the business community. People will have one more reason to visit and shop in Highland Park which would increase sales for stores and restaurants and generate a corresponding increase in sales tax revenues.
