McHenry Times

Village of Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Board met Nov. 7

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. Roll Call was answered by Member Carman, Donahue, Vice-Chairman Andrea, and Chairwoman Tredore. Member Wackerlin, Member Cairns, and Member Sivakumar were absent.

Also present were Director of Parks and Recreation Randy Splitt, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Kim Buscemi, and Recording Secretary Dana Popovich.

Audience Participation

Village resident living near Natures View Park shared their vision and ideas for equipment at Natures View Park.

The Board asked for their feedback and they shared that they liked Celebration Park. Looking for amenities similar with climbing features and netting, in keeping a theme of nature.

Director Splitt thanked them for attending and informed them that we are currently in the idea phase.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Motion to accept the Parks and Recreation Board meeting minutes of October 03, 2024 was made by ViceChairman Andrea, and seconded by Member Carman. Motion was approved by a voice vote of 4-0.

Old Business

None

New Business

A. Chapter 8 Parks and Recreation Board Meeting Update

Director Splitt discussed changing monthly meetings to every other month per calendar year monthly, which would be 6 meetings a year. He also discussed the changes needed to chapter 8.16, Parks and Recreation Board, that are in their Board packet and suggested changes are in red. Also reviewed was the addition of the Parks and Recreation Board Members expectations as Board members, highlighted in the board packet.

Member Donahue said she really liked every other month schedule idea.

The Board discussed the expectations of the Parks and Recreation Board.

Motion to approve the recommendation to update chapter 8 was made by Vice-Chairman Andrea and seconded by Member Donahue. Motion was approved by a voice vote of 4-0.

B. Jaycee Park Playground Replacement Project

Director Splitt reviewed the information in their packet regarding Jaycee Park. There are two concepts that Director Splitt asked the Board to take a look at. Concept one is two surfaces, one a hard surface for basketball and the other a sand volleyball court, and concept two is two surfaces, one a hard surface for basketball and the other synthetic grass surface for volleyball. Board requested to see impacts to Ken Carpenter Park with Randall Road Project to assist with the additional surfacing at Jaycee Park.

C. Concept Park Equipment Plans for 2025 Park Projects

Director Splitt reviewed the two parks that will up for replacement in 2025, which are Avalon Park and Nature’s View Park. Nu Toys and Staff visited the playground locations and based on sites visited, site footprints, staff input and Nu Toys expertise, staff presented the concepts for the Board’s review and recommendation. The concept ideas align with the projected 2025 budget. It also keeps the community’s best interests with the parks theme and providing equipment that is new, exciting, and accessible. Director Splitt asked for their initial feedback.

The Board discussed the options for each concept design and they really like both concepts for Avalon Park, and thought that the Nature’s View Park concepts needed to make some changes.

Director’s Reports

Director Splitt, staff members from the Recreation Department, Public Works Properties Department, and Administration met with Jill Moore Inclusive Play Specialist for Landscape Structures. Director Splitt reviewed the objective for the visit was identified in our Parks Master Plan to improve accessibility, safety, and inclusivity at all parks and facilities. Overall staff was very appreciative of the day.

Superintendent Buscemi reviewed upcoming events. Highlights included the Veteran’s Day Ceremony, Cookies with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and the Flurry Fest, which is themed Let it Snow.

Superintendent Buscemi wanted to give a shout out to Supervisor Theresa Chapman, who over sees our Camp, and Beyond the Bell Program. She has done a phenomenal job extensively training her Staff. Superintendent Buscemi said it’s been wonderful to see the young staff grow and transform into great leaders.

Village Trustee Liaison Report

None

Member Reports

The Board members discussed putting information out that let people know that we are not a Parks and Recreation District, but a Parks and Recreation Department. Vice-Chairman Andrea said a lot of people moving into the area, are not aware of this.

Adjournment

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Vice-Chairman Andrea and seconded by Member Donahue. The motion was approved by a voice vote 4-0.

There being no further business to discuss, the Parks and Recreation Board meeting was adjourned at 7:21 PM.

https://www.lith.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5317/638690773378508836