Will County Gazette

Village of Homer Glen Parks & Recreation Committee met Oct. 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order.

The meeting was called to order at 9:36 a.m. by Chairperson Rose Reynders.

2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

3. Roll Call.

Present at 9:36 a.m. were Chair-Trustee Reynders, Members: Bob Kman, Dale Janssen, Amy Blank and Dan Kenney

Members who arrived late: Matt Hosteny 9:40 a.m.

Others Present: Engineer Brett Westcott and Lakota Group Kevin Clark

Approval of Minutes- none.

4. Public Comment- none.

5. Reports from Chairs- none.

6. New Business- none.

7. Old Business- none.

8. Discussion-

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group talked about the park plan and where we are now. Clark would then like to open it up as a discussion.

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group talked about the added parking and now it is time to think about the rest of the park. Clark also talked about when The Lakota Group came in here all the components were there. Clark talked about some of the components such as the stage, amphitheater and wanting to have larger events along with the Veteran's Memorial with some shelter, bathrooms and recreation such as soccer.

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group talked about their job and it is to create a park that makes sense as you arrive and move through it. Clark talked about the starting point and creating a hierarchy as you move through the space. Clark then talked about the idea of the amphitheater and the stage building and creating a flexible plaza space behind the amphitheater. Clark said this will create access for vehicles for pick up or drop off or unloading equipment. Clark also gave an option of having landscaping, seating and movable furniture in a flexible plaza.

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group talked about the second part which was creating a promenade that cuts through the park linking the main walkway all the way down to the new parking lot.

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group then talked about every time he is in Heritage Park he sees people walking around the park and to him you want to create loops. Clark said as you see there are loops created all the way around. Clark said there is a big loop and minor loops. Clark said this is for people to experience the park in a passive way whether it is just walking or enjoying the park with the family. Clark then talked about the events and that there will be landscape barriers to separate the park.

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group then talked about the Veteran's Memorial and water feature and that you do not want it to feel like it is part of the parking lot. Clark said you will have a lot of seniors coming, along with a lot veterans coming and will want it in proximity to the parking but also do not want it to feel like it is part of the parking lot. Clark said part of this will be creating an interest through landscape, arrival point, gateway signage coming through this experience to arrive at the Veteran's Memorial. Clark mentioned when you get to the space, they are showing a curved monument wall that kind of steps down where there is water flowing over it. Clark also talked about the pavilion and restrooms which are pretty important to have next to the water.

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group then talked about the amphitheater. Clark said the reason why this works is because of the grading. The grading rises up and the amphitheater can be built into a natural grade.

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group talked about the four soccer fields and how he is showing them as they are now. Clark mentioned to regrade and flatten it out, which will create a flexible space where there can be one bigger field.

• Kevin Clark of The Lakota Group talked about speed tables and having an appropriate speed throughout the park. Clark said this help make cars drive the appropriate speed. Clark then talked about the space behind the amphitheater and how it can also be a plaza and not just dropping off equipment and servicing. Clark suggested on the back side, a shade structure, pergola, movable furniture or even just a backstage area. Clark also let the committee know we need to make sure we provide vehicular access. Committee Member Amy Blank said she loves the idea and said there is a lot of programming in Active Core. Blank said maybe this will change when this is all developed. Committee Member Bob Kman would like to know how speed tables work with plowing. Jennifer Vittori, Parks Coordinator, said they may be asphalted.

• The Parks and Recreation Committee would like to bring Lakota Group's architectural design and engineering services for the Heritage Park Master Plan to the Village Board meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The Parks and Recreation Committee would also like to make a motion at the next Village Board meeting to approve an ordinance to adopt Lakota Group's Master Plan for Heritage Park.

9. Reports and Communications from Staff- none.

10. Committee Member Updates- none.

11. Adjournment.

10:53 a.m.

• Member Bob Kman Motioned to Adjourn. Seconded by Committee Member Matt Hosteny

http://www.homerglenil.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10042024-2807