Shorewood OKs design contract for park upgrade
By Clare Walters For The Herald-News July 25, 2012 7:50AM
Updated: August 30, 2012 6:09AM
SHOREWOOD — Village officials are moving ahead with plans to overhaul Westshore Park after receiving a sizable grant award from the state last month.
The village board Tuesday unanimously approved a $53,700 contract with Naperville-based Hitchcock Design Group for design development and management of the nearly $430,000 park project.
The village will be reimbursed with half that amount from an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grant, which is administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and funded by the real estate transfer tax.
Westshore Park is slated for a variety of improvements, including a fish- and river-themed play environment with playground and splash pad, a new shelter, fishing station, interpretive sign, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, baggo courts, site furniture and native landscaping.
Eric Hornig, a principal at Hitchcock, said work on the project will begin immediately with a survey.
Research, analysis, design work and permitting will be completed in the fall, and construction will begin next year with completion eyed for early summer.
“It shouldn’t be a lengthy process,” he said.
Improvements are limited to the existing Westshore Park footprint; however, about 14 parking spots will be added on the east end of the park to address parking concerns.
Interim village administrator Roger Barrowman said the village also is planning to add oak trees to the site.
In other business, the village board also approved a contract for custodial services at the village hall, police department and public works facilities.
Officials gave unanimous approval to a nearly $38,000 contract with GFS Cleaning & Support Services. The annual cost is an $8,600 savings over the current cleaning costs.
