The Blue Trail Renovations have been completed, the trail is now open for use.
Are any trees going to be removed?
Five trees on the West side of the playground will be removed as part of this project.
The Blue Trail Renovations have been completed, the trail is now open for use.
The contractor has mobilized, the equipment has arrived on site and excavation work will begin this week.
At the August 10, 2022 Board Meeting, the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners gave approval for an unexpected and necessary replacement of the Centennial Ice Arena rink floor.
During regular annual maintenance in June 2022, staff uncovered an unknown issue on the Centennial rink floor. The Park District acted swiftly to conduct an exhaustive investigation of the facility and ice flooring system with an engineering firm. The findings confirmed that the building is structurally sound. However, the rink floor had been compromised and requires complete replacement.
The rink floor emergency replacement project cost approximately $1.5M. The Park Board awarded the project to Ice Builders, Inc, headquartered in Liverpool, New York. Ice Builders has completed several successful ice-skating rink installations in the Chicago area, including the Glenview Ice Center and Skokie Skatium Ice Rink, and successfully completed a project for the Park District of Highland Park at Centennial in 2003. The Centennial rink project began in September 2022 and took approximately six months to complete.
The vestibule glass has been installed and the remaining roof work completed. The project is now complete, just in time for the ceremonial ribbon cutting scheduled for September 20, 2023.
The lobby is open and landscaping is nearly complete. There are a few remaining elements that need to be installed including the replacement of the temporary vestibule glass with the bird-safe glass. A ceremonial grand opening celebration is tentatively scheduled for September.
Crews are wrapping up the renovation finishes including flooring, and the new vestibule has been installed. Crews are on-site starting to pave the main lot. Landscaping is on track to begin in May.
Installation of finishes continues. The drywall is up, the walls are getting primed and painted, and the doors have been delivered.
The rough-in stage of the project is wrapping up as the construction team shifts to putting up drywall and finishes. Crews are working on the tile in the reception area this week.
The foundation for the new entry vestibule has been poured. Inside the building, crews continue to work on roughing in utilities in advance of the interior finishes.
Concrete curing has been completed, and dasher boards are now being installed. Soon contractors and staff will begin testing the system in preparation for ice when the facility reopens in spring.
The layout for the new facility is starting to take shape. Over the last few weeks, the most transformative updates have been the installation of the curbs for the new turnaround and the installation of the new masonry walls inside the building. By year-end, masonry walls will be complete, along with the installation of ductwork and utilities. Installation of drywall will begin towards the end of the month. Around the site, the new concrete walks are expected to be poured as well as the installation of the underground electrical lines for the exterior lighting and car charging stations.
The concrete slab has been poured. The contractor will now conduct work on the mechanical system while the concrete cures.
Construction of the rink floor is nearing completion. The cooling system has been installed and the concrete slab will be poured next week.
Lots of exciting activity at Centennial Ice Arena. The underground drainage pipes, electrical, and plumbing were installed, and crews are now busy working on backfilling and site grading. This week foundation wall will be poured for the new vestibule, and the binder course for the north parking lot will be installed. Over the next few weeks, the existing curbs in the main lot will be removed and the new curbs will be framed for the lot and turnaround. Crews will be busy inside, installing the walls and door frames, and roughing in utilities.
Installation of the under-floor drainage and pouring of concrete have been completed. Crews have begun installation of the warm floor system.
Interior demolition is nearing completion, take a look at what Centennial Ice Arena looks like today!
This is a view looking towards the entrance and what used to be the reception desk.
In the coming weeks crews will begin working on the site drainage.
Demolition of the rink floor and concrete trench have been completed. Installation of under-floor drainage will begin soon.
Construction fence is up and crews are on site focusing on interior demolition.
Tree removals are likely to begin this week.
The pedestrian path north and west of the athletic fields closest to Centennial Ice Arena is closed.
Crews began the demolition of the rink slab in preparation for the new ice floor replacement.
The Park District Board of Commissioners approved the Centennial Ice Arena Renovation and Site Improvements project at the August 24th Park Board Meeting. Construction is expected to begin in the next month. We’ll post updates on both the Ice Rink Replacement and Renovation on this project page.
Project Begins. Crews began removing glass, dasher boards and the ice mat in preparation for demolition of the rink floor.
At their Board Meeting, the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners gave approval for an unexpected and necessary replacement of the Centennial Ice Arena rink floor. The project begins immediately and will take approximately six months to complete.
Bids were considered at the Park Board of Commissioner’s August 10th Finance Committee meeting to renovate the Centennial Ice Center lobby, multi-purpose room, locker rooms, office space, restrooms, and parking lot. The contract award for this renovation project is expected at the August Park Board meeting, and construction is anticipated to start in Sept.
The Park District received three bids. Bids are currently under review.
The project is out to bid. Bids are due Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 1pm.
The Facility and Recreation Committee reviewed the plans on February 9, 2022. The project team is working on finalizing the plans to send the project out for bid this Spring.
The new Park Avenue Boating Facility breakwater and boat ramp grand re-opening celebration was held on July 19, 2023. The rejuvenated Boating Facility continues its legacy as a place where residents can come to restore their minds, bodies, and spirits through boating, fishing, social activities, walking, or simply sitting to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Michigan for generations to come.
High lake levels accompanied by intense storms over the past decade caused damage to the original breakwater wall/barge and concrete ramp at Park Avenue Boating Beach. These extreme weather conditions affected communities all along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline.
In June 2018, the Park District engaged with SmithGroup JJR to explore a variety of solutions, including repair of the original barge breakwater, removal and replacement of the barge breakwater, and removal of the barge breakwater and replacement with an alternate breakwater structure.
In 2019, the Park District formed a Park Avenue Working Group comprised of Park District Staff and Board, Highland Park City Staff and Council, North Shore Yacht Club Members, and resident boaters. The Park Avenue Working Group worked with our coastal engineer to seek fiscally responsible site improvements that provide long term access to boating activities at Park Avenue Boating Facility. The Park Avenue Working Group’s objectives were to:
The future of boating at Park Avenue and the Park District’s ability to provide programs and services safely amidst Lake Michigan varying water levels and weather-related conditions were contingent upon:
At the April 27, 2022 meeting, the Park Board approved construction of Phase 1 of the Park Avenue Breakwater Project in the amount of $2,221,890. The base scope of this project includes removal of the existing barge breakwater and boat ramp, stockpiling and salvaging existing breakwater fill and armor stone, construction of a new steel sheet pile breakwater with a concrete crown wall and construction of a new concrete boat launch. Funding for the project includes $2,000,000 from the Park District’s capital fund and $400,000 from the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, made possible from community donations. Construction began as scheduled on Sept 6, 2022.
Phase 2 of the Breakwater Project was construction of ancillary items that support safe use of the boat ramp including an ADA accessible floating dock, safety bollards and lighting. After close to a year of delays from the State of Illinois the Park District was awarded a Boat Access Area Development Grant through IDNR for $200,000 toward the project.
For more information on the project, e-mail Jeff Smith, Director of Planning and Projects at [email protected].
The Park District has operated the Park Avenue concrete boat ramp and decommissioned barge since they were installed by the Park District in 1981. Power boaters and non-power boaters including their family members and guests enjoy the benefits of boat launching and boat storage at Park Avenue Boating Facility. Additionally, many enjoy the benefits of kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and simply appreciating the natural beauty of Lake Michigan.
Boat launching and boat storage is also a service provided by the Park District. Like many recreation programs and services offered through the Park District, these services provide the most benefit to the individual participant. In keeping with Park District Policy, recreation services must be supported by user fees and are expected to exceed the direct operating cost. User fees support the administration, staffing, annual dredging and maintenance for the barge, concrete boat launch, and beach at Park Avenue. The Park District works with the North Shore Yacht Club (NSYC) providing small craft boating programs and services to the community. NSYC is an affiliate of the Park District and provides its own leadership and administration.
The boat ramp is now open! Power Boats and PWCs can now launch at Park Avenue. Construction fencing has been relocated and traffic can now resume on the east side of the water plant. Use of the west side road is no longer needed.
Please keep in mind, there will still be work occurring and construction equipment will remain on site. The breakwater is fenced off and access is not allowed at this time. Additionally, some areas will require temporary closures for construction, in which case we will send out an email update.
We will continue to send regular project updates until completion to inform facility users. Our goal is to provide all users with a safe, welcoming, and extraordinary experience. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch with Debbie Pierce at 847.579.4047 or Kari Acevedo at 847.579.4051.
Due to predicted high winds and waves tomorrow, the additional concrete planned for tomorrow has been rescheduled for Saturday. As a result, the road on the east side of the water plant will remain closed to vehicular traffic. The west side road remains available from 8am-11pm this weekend and 9am-11pm during the week.
Power Boats and PWCs are not permitted to launch at Park Avenue until the concrete ramp is safely accessible. All Power Boat and PWC Season Launch Pass Holders with a Highland Park Launch Sticker may launch, at no additional charge, at Winnetka’s Lloyd Beach, 799 Sheridan Rd. until construction at Park Avenue has been finalized.
The south beach and sand ramp at Park Ave are available for launching sailboats, kayaks, and standup paddle boards. PWCs are not permitted to launch from the sand ramp.
We will continue to send regular project updates until completion to inform facility users. Our goal is to provide all users with a safe, welcoming, and extraordinary experience. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch with us at Debbie Pierce at 847.579.4047 or Kari Acevedo at 847.579.4051.
Crews are completing the concrete prep work at the top portion of the launch ramp and the surrounding area. The concrete is scheduled to be poured next week. Once the concrete is cured, the launch ramp will open. Following the completion of the launch ramp, final work on the breakwater will be completed, including pouring the concrete parapet wall and installing bollards.
Construction continues to progress at the Park Avenue Boating Facility. Concrete for the launch ramp was poured this week, and the ramp area is being flooded. The cofferdam is scheduled to be removed on Monday. Final concrete work will occur in the coming days, including the top portion of the launch ramp and the surrounding area. Once the concrete is cured, the launch ramp will open.
Power Boats and PWCs are not permitted to launch at Park Avenue until the concrete ramp is safely accessible. All Power Boat and PWC Season Launch Pass Holders with a Highland Park Launch Sticker may launch, at no additional charge, at Winnetka’s Lloyd Beach, 799 Sheridan Rd. until construction at Park Avenue has been finalized.
The south beach and sand ramp at Park Ave are available for launching sailboats, kayaks, and standup paddle boards. PWCs are not permitted to launch from the sand ramp.
Due to ongoing construction, vehicles are only allowed in and out access to the boating facility from the west side of the water plant. Limited parking is available at the south and north lots only. Park District staff will be on hand daily for Park Ave launch sticker holders from 9 am – 11 pm to open the west side gate and ensure safe traffic flow.
We will continue to send regular project updates until completion to inform facility users. Our goal is to provide all users with a safe, welcoming, and extraordinary experience.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch with us at Debbie Pierce at 847.579.4047 or Kari Acevedo at 847.579.4051.
Construction continues to progress at the Park Avenue Boating Facility. With the summer boating season underway, we will send regular project updates until completion to inform facility users. Our goal is to provide all users with a safe, welcoming, and extraordinary experience.
The concrete surface of the new breakwater is complete, providing critical protection and safe access to Lake Michigan from the south beach. While our project goal was to complete all construction by the Memorial Day holiday weekend, challenging lake conditions have extended the completion of the concrete boat launch and ancillary items on the breakwater.
As a result, these amenities will remain closed until construction is completed. While we are hopeful construction will be completed in the next few weeks, Power Boats and PWCs will not be permitted to launch at Park Avenue until the concrete ramp is safely accessible. While we are excited to open the south beach and sand ramp to all non-motorized boaters over the Memorial Day Weekend, our Power Boat and PWC Season Launch Pass Holders with a Highland Park Launch Sticker will be provided free launch access at Winnetka’s Lloyd Beach, 799 Sheridan Rd., until construction at Park Avenue has been finalized.
The south beach and sand ramp at Park Ave will be available beginning Memorial Day Weekend for launching sailboats, kayaks, and standup paddle boards. PWCs will not be permitted to launch from the sand ramp.
Due to ongoing construction, vehicles will only be allowed in and out access to the boating facility from the west side of the water plant. Limited parking will be available at the south and north lots only. Park District staff will be on hand daily for Park Ave launch sticker holders from 9 am – 11 pm to open the west side gate and ensure safe traffic flow.
We will continue to keep you updated on the project’s progress. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, Debbie Pierce, 847.579.4047 or, Kari Acevedo, 847.579.4051.
Phase 2 of the Breakwater Project is construction of ancillary items that support safe use of the boat ramp including an ADA accessible floating dock, safety bollards and lighting. After close to a year of delays from the State of Illinois the Park District has been awarded a Boat Access Area Development Grant through IDNR for $200,000 toward the project. The delay in receiving the grant has delayed purchase of the ancillary items. Park Avenue Boating Facility is on schedule to open Memorial Day Weekend. If any ancillary items, such as the bollards, are not delivered and installed by Memorial Day weekend, the Park District will provide temporary measures to ensure safety for boat launching.
Pipe piles for the floating dock have been installed. Crews are wrapping up work for the season and will return in early spring.
Sheet pile installation has been completed. Crews will complete work on the breakwater next week in preparation for pouring concrete in early spring. Crews will then install the pipe piles for the floating dock before demobilizing for the winter.
Sheet pile installation continues and is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.
Demolition of the barge breakwater has been completed. Crews have begun installing sheet pile.
Work continues to remove the existing barge breakwater in preparation for the installation of the new breakwater and boat ramp.
Crews are mobilizing at the site to begin demolition of the existing breakwater and boat ramp.
At the April 27 meeting, the Park Board approved construction of Phase 1 of the Park Avenue Breakwater Project in the amount of $2,221,890. The base scope of this project includes removal of the existing barge breakwater and boat ramp, stockpiling and salvaging existing breakwater fill and armor stone, construction of a new steel sheet pile breakwater with a concrete crown wall and construction of a new concrete boat launch. Funding for the project includes $2,000,000 from the Park District’s capital fund and $400,000 from the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, made possible from community donations. Construction begins this Fall.
PHASE 1 | |
---|---|
Capital Budgeted 2022 | $2,000,000 |
Donations (approximate as of 4/27/22) | $400,000 |
Lakes & Rivers Construction Total Base Bid with Value Engineering | ($2,221,890) |
5% Contingency | ($110,000) |
SmithGroup Construction Phase Service | ($68,000) |
Anticipated Amount Under Budget | $110 |
Staff reported to the Park District Board of Commissioners that six bids were received for the Park Avenue Boat Launch Improvement Project on February 23, 2022. Staff reviewed potential savings through value engineering. Due to the fact that bids were over budget, staff will continue to explore potential project savings and work with the Parks Foundation and community to continue to fundraise.
Bid Results:
Company | Total Base Bid | TOTAL BID (With Alternates) |
---|---|---|
Lakes & Rivers Contracting | $2,265,450 | $2,582,400 |
Rausch Infrastructure | $2,434,000 | $2,694,560 |
John Keno & Company | $2,685,302 | $2,925,662 |
Kovilic Construction Company | $3,743,150 | $3,979,650 |
Michels Construction | $4,009,382.53 | $4,392,664.88 |
Copenhaver Construction | $4,186,505 | $4,621,705.00 |
Capital Budgeted 2022 | $2,000,000 |
---|---|
Donations | $361,881 |
BADD Grant (If Awarded) | $200,000 |
Lakes & Rivers Construction Bid | ($2,582,400) |
5% Contingency | ($129,120) |
SmithGroup Construction Phase Service | ($68,510) |
Anticipated Amount Over Budget | ($218,149) |
Staff reported to the Finance Committee that SmithGroup has completed construction documents and that on January 19, 2022 a bid solicitation was released for the reconstruction of the breakwater and boat ramp. If approved, construction will begin after Labor Day 2022 and be completed by Memorial Day 2023. Staff shared an updated opinion of probable construction cost.
Construction Cellular Sheet Pile - 100% Design OPCC
Mobilization & Site Preparation $115,941
Demolition & Removal $493,000
Boat Ramp Construction $195,275
Breakwater Construction $1,140,076
Ancillary Items and Furniture $349,150
Project Total $2,293,442
Contingency @ 20% (100% Design) $458,688
Project Subtotal (w/contingency) $2,752,130
The Park Board approved Phase 3: Final Engineering and Permitting for Option 3 Cellular Sheet Pile. Option 3 will provide pedestrian access with an approximately 12 foot-wide ADA accessible walking surface as well as a two lane boat ramp with two 6.5 foot ADA accessible floating docks. The anticipated timeline for the project is:
January 2021 – Release Bid
September 2022 – Start Construction
December 2022 – Construction Complete
SmithGroup presented its Phase 2 findings, including an updated opinion of probable construction cost, to the Lakefront Committee. SmithGroup reported that current cost estimates were:
Option 3 Cellular Sheet Pile Option 4 Rubble Fill (Barge Not Removed) Option 7 Rubble Breakwater with Pre-Cast Walkway
40' wide ramp w/ 2 floating docks Publicly accessible walkway 32' wide ramp w/ 1 floating dock No public walkway access 40' wide ramp w/ 2 floating docks Publicly accessible walkway
Mobilization & Site Preparation $110,000 $110,000 $110,000
Demolition & Removal $530,000 $150,000 $530,000
Boat Ramp Construction $100,000 $270,000 $470,000
Breakwater Construction $1,350,000 $320,000 $970,000
Ancillary Items & Furniture $230,000 $90,000 $200,000
Project Total (w/o contingency) $2,320,000 $940,000 $2,280,000
Contingency @ 25% $580,000 $235,000 $570,000
Project Total (w/ contingency) $2,900,000 $1,175,000 $2,850,000
At their meetings this week, the Highland Park City Council and Park District Board of Commissioners approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for the City-owned property commonly known as Park Avenue Boating Facility. Under the conditions of the IGA, the Park District will have the right to use the property for public recreation purposes for a term of 50 years, including but not limited to fishing, power boating, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, use of the Yacht Club building, camp programming, and other comparable activities. No rent or fee will be paid to the City by the Park District for the term of the agreement. The agreement allows the Park District to make any necessary repairs or improvements to the boating facility so long as they do not impact the operation and maintenance of the water plant or present any threat to the safety and security of the water plant.
At the Regular Board Meeting, the Park Board approved Phase 2: Preliminary Engineering.
At the Workshop Meeting, the Park Board approved Phase 1: Data Collection.
The Lakefront Board Committee provided consensus for staff to request a proposal from SmithGroup to develop engineering and construction documents for Option 7 Rubble Breakwater with Pre-Cast Walkway.
Last week, Park District staff met with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). Both agencies were accessing damage to the south parking lot from the January 10 and 11 storm for possible federal funding to help with the repair of the lot.
SmithGroup presented additional options for the repair or replacement of the barge/breakwater including a Trapbag Cofferdam with Walkway and an H Pile adaptive wall. After extensive discussion, the Working Group recommended that the only options considered going forward should include removal of the current barge, and replacement with a new structure. The Park Avenue Working Group identified two of the options as viable including: Option #3 Cellular Sheet pile and Option #7 Rubble Breakwater with Pre-Cast Walkway. Park District staff will discuss the two options to refine costs and begin working on funding models to be shared with the Park District Finance Committee. The Working Group will reconvene in March.
SmithGroup presented an overview on lake levels and the effects to the beach if the barge were completely removed. In addition, the following barge repair/replacement options were presented to the Park Avenue Working Group:
Barge Repair Encapsulation: The barge would be cut down and encapsulated with sheet pile. However, the length of the barge cannot be extended nor is there a pedestrian walking surface. 65-70 year lifespan.
Barge Replacement In-Kind: The barge would be removed and replaced in-kind. This option includes a pedestrian walking surface, however, the length of the barge cannot be extended. 28-34 year lifespan.
Cellular Sheetpile: The barge would be removed and replaced with a cellular sheet pile. The sheet pile can be adjusted to any width or length, which increases the project costs, but provides flexibility. Low cost maintenance would be required every 10-15 years. A floating dock is included with this option. A cantilever dock is an alternative option. 65-70 year lifespan.
Rubble Fill & H-Piles: The current barge would remain, H-Piles installed for support, the cargo box will be filled with rubble. 20-25 year lifespan.
Rubble Breakwater with Sheetpile: The barge would be removed, a sheet pile would be driven and surrounded with rubble breakwater. A floating dock can be attached for an additional cost. 50 year lifespan.
Rubble Breakwater with Raised Core: The barge would be removed and replaced with a breakwater. A floating dock can be attached for an additional cost. 50 year lifespan
Rubble Breakwater with Pre-Cast Walkway: The barge would be removed and a breakwater would be built around a pre-cast narrow pedestrian walking surface. High cost optional items are an H-Pile with an attached floating dock and the pier or groin can be widened. Low cost infrequent maintenance would be required. 50 year lifespan.
Cantilevered Sheetpile Wall: The barge would be removed and replaced with a sheet pile wall and stiffeners. The wall would block the view of the lake from certain points of the beach when the lake levels are low. 65-70 year lifespan.
H-Pile Adaptive Panel Wall: H-Piles would be installed behind the current barge to extend its life. This project can be completed in two phases to maximize the life of the current barge and reduce upfront costs. Once the barge is completely removed a floating dock can be attached for an added cost, but this will reduce the launch to a single lane. There are potential high costs for ongoing maintenance, because the panels can break easily during severe storms. 50 years beyond residual barge.
Trapbag Barrier Wall: A leveling base material and trapbags filled with tremie concrete would be placed inside the cargo box of the barge. Tremie concrete is $300 per cubic area and requires special equipment to place the trapbags into the cargo box, so this increases the costs of the project. The residual life of the barge is dependent on the stability of the trapbags. Lifespan based on residual life of barge.
The Park Avenue Working Group identified its goals and objectives:
– Gain a clear understanding of the current lake conditions, the proposed concepts for the barge/breakwater repair or replacement, and the risks associated with activities and shoreline protection at Park Avenue.
– Explore fiscally responsible funding options to support site improvements.
– Evaluate site improvement options and determine priorities based on feasibility.
– Provide a recommendation to the Park Board on proposed site improvements and funding options.
Park District staff was directed to work with Smith Group to develop conceptual design options for barge repair or replacement.
On Wednesday, November 13, the Park District of Highland Park invited Park Avenue powerboat launch pass holders to a meeting, at which an update was provided on the current status of boat launching via the concrete ramp at the Park Avenue Boating Facility. Park District staff indicated that the barge, which acts as a breakwater for the concrete boat launch, has met its useful structural life and needs repair or replacement. The costs associated with a repair or replacement of the barge is estimated to range between $550,000 – $1.6 Million. The Park District is seeking third party funding for this project and asked the boaters to share their feedback. Currently, the Park District plans to operate all facilities at Park Avenue Boating Facility in 2020. However, numerous factors will play a role in the future of boating at Park Avenue.
Staff provided a recommendation for the repair or replacement of the barge breakwater structure at the October 23 Board Meeting. The Board asked that Staff go back to SmithGroup to discuss additional options.
At the March 12 Board Workshop Meeting, SmithGroup presented on the options developed for the repair or replacement of the barge breakwater structure, including four additional options. The Board directed Staff to review the options presented and prepare an economic analysis based on usage costs, fees and the various costs involved and report back to the Board.
A summary of the options is below:
Barge Repair – 6-8 months permit process, 8-10 week construction. Cost: $1,588,100 (65-70 year service life)
Barge Replacement – 12+ months permit process, 12-14 week construction. Cost: $1,337,350 (28-34 year service life)
Cellular Sheetpile – 6-8 months permit process, 12-14 week construction. Cost: $1,389,620 (65-70 year service life)
Rubble Fill w/ H-Piles – 3-4 months permit process, 6-9 week construction. Cost: $555,770 (20+ year service life)
Rubble Breakwater w/ Sheetpile – 8-10 months permit process, 10-12 week construction. Cost: $848,950 (~50 service life)
Rubble Breakwater w/ Raised Core – 9-11 months permit process, 12-14 week construction. Cost: $918,550 (~50 year service life)
Rubble Breakwater w/ Precast Walkway – 8-10 months permit process, 12-14 week construction. Cost: $827,500 (~50 year service life)
Cantilevered Sheetpile Wall – 3-4 months permit process, 6-8 week construction. Cost: $1,136,750 (65-70 year service life)
At the October 16 Board Workshop meeting, SmithGroup JJR presented its findings and four design concepts for the repair or replacement of the barge at Park Avenue. As part of their work, SmithGroup JJR was asked to explore a variety of solutions, including repair of the existing barge breakwater, removal and replacement of the barge breakwater, and removal of the barge breakwater and replacement with an alternate breakwater structure. Each concept was examined for ease of design and construction, permitting requirements, service life, and cost. A summary of the concepts is below:
Barge Repair – 6-8 month permit process, 8-10 week construction. Cost: $1,588,100 (65-70 year service life)
Barge Replacement – 12+ month permit process, 12-14 week construction. Cost: $1,337,350 (28-34 year service life)
Cellular Sheetpile – 6-8 month permit process, 12-14 week construction. Cost: $1,389,620 (65-70 year service life)
Rubble Fill w/ H-Piles – 3-4 month permit process, 6-9 week construction. Cost: $555,770 (20-22 year service life)
A staff recommendation will be presented to the Board for approval at the October 23 Board Meeting.
The Board approved the staff recommendation to engage SmithGroup JJR to explore a variety of solutions, including repair of the existing barge breakwater, removal and replacement of the barge breakwater, and removal of the barge breakwater and replacement with an alternate breakwater structure. SmithGroupJJR will also consider need for any temporary repairs. At the completion of this study, staff will present options to the Park Board which will include estimated cost, project timeline and required permitting. A determination will then be made on how to proceed with the project.
A discussion on the Park Avenue barge will take place at the June 12 Park Board meeting. A recommendation for selection of an engineering firm will be presented for approval at the June 26 Park Board meeting.
About the Project
Record-setting, heavy rainfall in spring of 2019 caused portions of the ravine path leading to the beach to fail. For our residents and dog beach pass holders’ safety, the path and access to the dog beach were closed.
In the summer of 2019, the Park District began working with engineering firms, contractors and the US Army Corps of Engineers to investigate numerous repair approaches and reopen the path and Dog Beach.
In early 2020, an engineering firm was hired to develop preliminary site improvement plans. In August of 2020, those plans were presented to the Park Board, and after careful consideration, the Park Board elected to defer the final design phase to a future year.
Repair of the beach path was included in the District’s 2021 Capital Plan and the project’s construction began in the fall of 2022.
Construction of the new pathway and boardwalk was completed in April of 2023, and a new dog enclosure fence was installed in March.
Repair of the stairs leading up to the new path is scheduled to begin late fall of 2023.
The existing stairs leading to the Moraine Beach boardwalk are scheduled for repair to begin in late fall of 2023.
A dog entry enclosure fence was installed; however, the fence project is not complete. Adjustments still need to be made, crews will return to complete the work. Updated signage will be forthcoming.
On Wednesday, March 15 crews will begin the installation of the dog enclosure fence at Moraine Park and Beach. The path will be closed during the times that crews are working. Work is expected to take 4 days. We appreciate your patience during the fence installation.
Required handrails have been installed and the site is now reopened. The Moraine Beach Off-Leash Dog Area will open in April.
Boardwalk construction and site restoration have been completed. The site remains closed awaiting the fabrication and installation of the required stair handrails. The site is anticipated to open in early February.
Boardwalk construction is nearing completion. Crews are also working on site restoration. Project completion is anticipated in the next couple of weeks.
Helical piles that will support the new boardwalk are currently being installed. Boardwalk sections have been delivered and will begin being installed next week. The project is expected to be completed by mid-December.
Crews have completed demolition of the path and are currently working to stabilize the toe of slope along the ravine.
Crews are currently removing the flagstone path and retaining walls and have begun stabilization work at the toe of the slope. The boardwalk sections are currently being fabricated offsite. Additional equipment and materials will be delivered over the next several days. Once received, on-site work will resume.
Supply chain issues, contractor availability, and a recent trucker strike delayed the start of construction, but we pleased to announce that the Park District’s Contractor, Team REIL, has begun site mobilization and will begin demolition after Labor Day.
In preparation for the new ravine boardwalk at Moraine Park, natural areas staff and volunteers relocated spring wildflowers to a safe spot down the path where they will be out of the way of construction.
The Park Board approved a contract with Team REIL for repair of the Moraine Park beach access path. Construction is planned to take place mid-summer through mid- fall and will include the construction of a boardwalk along the path and stabilization work along the toe of the ravine slope.
Staff reported to the Finance Committee that four unresponsive bids were received on March 9, 2022 for the repair of the Moraine Park beach access path. Adjustments will be made to the construction documents and the bid solicitation will be re-released in late March. Staff anticipates requesting contract approval from the Park District Board of Commissioners on April 27, 2022. If approved, construction would begin in June.
Staff reported to the Lakefront, Parks and Natural Areas Committee that construction documents are nearing completion for the repair of the Moraine Park beach access path. The work will include the construction of a raised boardwalk over the path. A bid solicitation for construction will be released in mid-February and work is anticipated to take place in summer.
On June 8, 2021, the Park District Board of Commissioners approved moving forward with the final design for the project. Staff is currently working with an engineering firm to develop construction documents. Construction of a boardwalk to restore lakefront access is scheduled for 2022.
Five trees on the West side of the playground will be removed as part of this project.
The playground will have new woodchip surfacing. Curbs will be added around the playgrounds, to help keep the woodchips in place. The tot lot will have a small section of pour-in-place surfacing surrounding the embankment slide (slide built into a hill).
The playground will be closed beginning in August of 2024 until November 2024.
The design with two separated playgrounds for the different age groups improves safety for users and to maximizes the efficiency of the space.
The fields have reached their useful life. Neither the north or south ballfields are used for programming and the District understands there is limited use. As part of this project, the South ballfield will be completely removed and restored to grass. The North ballfield backstop will be replaced and the infield will be restored to grass.
Yes, four new trees will be planted around the playground area.
If funding allows, the evergreens will be removed and replaced with deciduous conifers. The Park District is exploring the option to remove the evergreens because their health is declining.
Yes, the new path will end at the tennis court gates, extending the existing path that currently ends a few feet before the gate.
No, the sand play element will be removed as part of this renovation. The water spigot near the existing sand play feature will also be removed.
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Two diseased trees will be removed as part of this project.
No, the racoon swings will remain. The post will be reused, and the swing seats will be replaced.
The 2-5 playground will have pour-in-place rubber surfacing. The woodchip surfacing at the 5-12 playground will also be replaced with new woodchips. In addition, concrete curbs will be added around both playgrounds.
The playground will be closed beginning in August of 2024 until November 2024.
The basketball court is scheduled to be repaved this year, and the Park District is taking the opportunity to reorient the basketball court. The basketball hoop will be shifted to the East side to improve playing experience. The Park District explored relocating the basketball court, but due to the ravine and topography of the park the District determined that the court is currently in the most suitable location.
The Park District understands that the game table is underutilized. The game table will be removed and replaced with seating..
The park pathway was scheduled for repaving this year and the Park District saw this as an opportunity to improve the path layout. The new path will loop around the park to improve circulation.
After careful evaluation of the 5-12 playground, the Park District identified that the playground equipment is in good condition and not in need of replacement. Though, as part of this project, certain elements of the 5-12 playground will be replaced to extend the useful life of the playground and to improve the user experience. Updates to the 5-12 playground include: replacement of the steppers/ground play feature with a new climber, replacement of the woodchip surfacing, the addition of concrete curbing and the replacement of the play panels on the playground structure.
The backstop is being removed because it has reached it’s useful life and was damaged in a storm last year. At this point, the District does not intend to replace the backstop because of limited use in its current location.
No, the sand play element will be removed as part of this renovation. Despite the diggers being a favorite element, feedback indicated support for removing sand play.
Complete this form if you would like to receive project updates or if you have any questions.
Complete this form if you would like to receive project updates or if you have any questions.