PARK DISTRICT INFORMATION
Energy & Emissions
POINT OF CONTACT
Lucy Mellen
Sustainability Coordinator
LOCATION
1200 Wilmette Avenue Wilmette, IL 60091
PHONE
(847) 853-7510
Energy and Emissions
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EV Charging Stations
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Solar Energy
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Electric Equipment
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LED Lighting
EV Charging
The Wilmette Park District has three charging stations available for public use. Charging at these stations is free, and consecutive use is limited to three hours. Please note that only electric vehicles may park in designated EV charging station spaces, and unauthorized use by non-EVs is prohibited by Illinois Vehicle Code (ILCS 625 ILCS 5/11-1308). The District’s EV charging station locations are:
- The Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Rd.
- West Park, 513 Lake Ave., Wilmette
- Wilmette Golf Club, 3900 Fairway Dr.
Project Timeline
Solar Energy Now Powering Community Recreation Center
The Solar Panels at the Community Recreation Center Are Officially On! We’re excited to share that the solar panels installed at the Community Recreation Center are now up and running. The switch was officially flipped on Friday, December 12, 2025, launching solar power at the CRC and marking a major sustainability milestone for the Wilmette Park District.
The CRC is now utilizing solar power to support its operations, with surplus energy supplied to the electrical grid for the benefit of the broader community. Throughout 2026, we will monitor the energy generated by the panels and assess the impact of solar power on operational efficiency at this high-traffic facility.
Be sure to check out the video below featuring Lucy Mellen, Sustainability Coordinator, who explains how the system works and what this achievement means for our community. We couldn’t be more excited to officially turn on the system and share this success with Wilmette.
Electric Equipment
The District began the transition to electric equipment in 2022 and has continued to replace end-of-use gas-powered equipment with electric alternatives. Current electric equipment includes a van, hand-held tools, mowers, backpack blowers, chainsaws, pole saws, line trimmers, and 70 electric customer golf carts at the Wilmette Golf Club. Electric-powered equipment is environmentally conscious due to the reduction in associated emissions, and parkgoers benefit from their quieter operation.
Project Timeline
LED Lighting
The Wilmette Park District continues to transition its lighting to LEDs for both indoor and outdoor lighting installations. The transition of interior lighting to LEDs is 72.66% complete has been funded with the help of ComEd rebates that have covered an estimated 50% of the process. LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy and lasts 25x longer than traditional incandescent lighting, therefore saving District money and reducing the energy demand from our facilities.
Project Timeline
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