Project Overview
In a joint project with the Village of Wilmette, the Wilmette Park District took part in a three-phase project to manage stormwater and address flooding issues for residents living west of Ridge Road. This project involved the installation of underground storage tanks in three Park District parks: Community Playfields (Phase I), Hibbard Park (Phase II) and Thornwood Park (Phase III). As of December 2002, all three phases are complete or near completion. For more information, visit the Village of Wilmette's project website here.
Phase I - Community Playfields
Construction at Community Playfields began in the spring of 2020, and the retention vault installation was completed ahead of schedule in the fall of 2020. Continued work at the site included improvements to the park and new amenities provided for in an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Wilmette the use of Community Playfields in the Stormwater Project. As of the end of November, 2022, a one-mile fitness path and a public restroom and shelter structure have been installed.
Phase II - Hibbard Park
Construction at Hibbard Park began in early 2021 and is now complete.
Phase III - Thornwood Park
The Village of Wilmette kicked off the start of Phase III on March 24 with a virtual public meeting to discuss the project and obtain community feedback for Thornwood Park. As of the end of November, construction is close to completion. Thornwood Park's tennis courts have been resurfaced, and are ready for crews to paint and coat the surface. Staff is monitoring the weather, and with colder temperatures, this final phase of the project may be delayed until the spring. For week-to-week updates, visit the Village of Wilmette's project website here.
1/11/23 Summary, from Village of Wilmette:
November saw the substantial completion of the Neighborhood Storage Project - the largest infrastructure investment in the history of the Village. After years of studying, planning, and public education, the Village broke ground in 2019. The $64 million project involved constructing an additional 5 miles of storm sewers and constructing three stormwater reservoirs that hold a total of 13.8 million gallons of water at Community Playfield, Hibbard Park, and Thornwood Park, offering flood relief for 98% of the homes vulnerable to flooding west of Ridge Road. The project is estimated to be $4 million under budget and coupled with favorable debt issuances, will save Wilmette taxpayers nearly $35 million in stormwater utility fees over the next 30 years. Click here to view the project overview video.
For more information about the Village Stormwater Project, go here.