Sustainability Plan Update: Guide to Green

Sustainability Plan Update: Guide to Green

5/8/24 – In 2023, the Wilmette Park District and Village of Wilmette hired Lucy Mellen as Sustainability Coordinator. Lucy spent the last year collaborating with Wilmette Park District patrons, our Board of Park Commissioners, and an internal Sustainability Steering Committee to craft a comprehensive Sustainability Plan for the District. We’re thrilled to announce that the Wilmette Park District Guide to Green Sustainability Plan was enthusiastically approved by the Board of Park Commissioners on April 8.

This visionary four-year plan will address five key areas: District Operations, Education Initiatives, Energy and Emissions, Land Stewardship, and Waste Management.  Some objectives in the plan are:

• Including environmentally sustainable options in all new electric work bids and new vehicle purchases
• Planting more native species to bring Park District installations up to 85 percent native
• Implementing a Park District staff composting program

“The heart of our mission is a steadfast belief in our capacity to build environmentally-conscious practices into our operations and advance more sustainable processes and approaches,” said Park District Executive Director Steve Wilson. “We’re working to mitigate our impact on climate change while preparing for future environmental challenges.” Mellen will conduct quarterly evaluations and present a report to the Board of Park Commissioners annually to monitor progress and maintain focus.