"The Park District welcomes all feedback and will strive for transparency and better public communication as it moves forward with the project." --winpark.org
work·shop /ˈwərkˌSHäp/ - a meeting at which a group of people engage in intensive discussion and activity on a particular subject or project. - - Oxford Languages
On Thursday, August 25th, the Winnetka Park Board held the second of what was initially billed as a "Workshop." The promise: "Breakwater design concepts will be reviewed and discussed by the public, the Park District commissioners, the Park District staff, and any consultants attending the meeting."
The concepts were the Board's synthesis of the previous "workshop," and included three concepts for Elder Beach, four for Centennial, and two submitted by residents – all minus louvers, walls, or planter pockets.
For many, the evening didn't go as planned. Visions of post-its on whiteboard, pushpins on foam core, and posterboard-mounted illustrations met dias, projection screen, podium, microphones, and auditorium seating. Intro, public comments, slide show, back up top for board-only discussion, straw pole, "the only obvious choice," thank-you-for-comings, see-you-next-times.
Oh, and we'll let you know what "Orchard" (as in the guy with the penchant for privacy and pocket planters) says when we take it to him next week.
In Case You Were Wondering...
Wait...what? No rigorous debate? Sifting? Winnowing? Audience participation? No show-of-hands? And what's with that take-it-to-"Orchard" thing?
Without discussion, the dog beach – "Orchard's Number One non-negotiable" – was back, which on paper, slammed the door on the land swap. Curious process notwithstanding, some heard the sounds of progress: No louvers, no walls, no planter pockets, no co-applicant, dog beach. The germ of a kumbaya.
But then, "Orchard." Downtown. A Tuesday morning Prez/Commissioner show-and-tell. Something about being a good neighbor. Kumbaya iced out.
Lose the Loose Ends?
It's highly unlikely the Board got two thumbs enthusiastically up on Tuesday. The reason for the meeting (and its concomitant taxpayer waste of time and treasure) moves to the top of a growing list of questions-without-answers:
The negotiables, non-negotiables, and their flexibility. What's on the table, off the table, or yet to be invited? Looks like no one's leaving the room soon.?
The fate of the two resident-submitted plans – worked with the help of the WPD staff.
Why the dog beach when the 2030 Lakefront Master Plan called for it to be 86'd – which kinda got this party started. Quid pros?
What the Park Board Prez means when he says "no louvers, no walls, no planter pockets, no way." Side-eying a new definition of terms?
The fate of the land swap when residents are increasingly scrutinizing the WPD's mission to acquire – rather than swap – land when possible.
The validity of a mission signed off on seven economic and environmental lifetimes ago.
The fate of the entire issue when the Park District's empty pockets meet taxed-out taxpayers.
Where are We and What's Next?
The Park District staff is working their you-know-whats-off to get the Commissioners the information they need to get the President the head nods he wants.
According to the schedule, that includes "...using the input from the July and August meetings, staff will present to the Board the breakwater design for Elder Lane Beach and the breakwater design for Centennial Beach." Expect this to include a drill-down on:
A marine-based construction option.
Environmental implications.
Water quality issues.
Costs.
Funding sources and options.
A tall order by Thursday. A meeting not to miss.
Make Yourself Smart.
The 8/25 "Workshop #2" Presentation minus community-submitted options
Workshop #1 - beach, beach, aud.
Original Elder Lane+Centennial Project (from the Waterfront 2030 Plan)
Always wanted to be a coastal engineer – or just play one? Try this.
And as always...the WPD Commissioners and their contacts:
Warren James, President: wjames@winpark.org
Christina Codo, Vice President: ccodo@winpark.org
Mickey Archambault: marchambault@winpark.org
Eris Lussen: elussen@winpark.org
Cynthia Rapp: cyrapp@winpark.org
Colleen Root: croot@winpark.org
David Seaman: dseaman@winpark.org
John Peterson, Exec. Director Winnetka Park District: jpeterson@winpark.org
PS - if you're new to the party, we're here to help. Strap yourself in. We wrote what we know here, here, here, here, and here. We'll keep it coming.