The Elgin, Illinois Parks and Recreation Advisory Board discussed the park smoking policy at a recent meeting.
The subcommittee prepared the draft policy for the board to review. The board discussed the council presentation, materials, enforcement and citations. The subcommittee was to meet on Oct. 8 to prepare the presentation of the policy to the city council.
The Sherman Park property was discussed. Although considered too small for a playground, the board decided to accept the property, but ask for more land to develop a park.
The naming of Bowes Creek Park was also discussed. While some residents suggested naming the park with a street name, committee member Marino Lamantia suggested sending the homeowners a survey with name options and a write-in option. Among the board's suggestions were Creekside Park and Tournament Park. In addition to Sherman Park, the city may be in a position to accept the Bowes Retirement Center parcel as a neighborhood park. There is a historic building on the property that requires deferred maintenance, but Dan Miller of the Gifford Park Homeowners Association has indicated to the committee the building must be saved.
Parks and Recreation Director Randy Reopelle updated the board on his meeting with Mayor David Kaptain and City Manager Sean Stegall regarding the sports complex expansion. The board was seeking direction on approaching outside groups for partnerships. Landmark Illinois applied for a grant to allow a reuse study of a nearby building once used as a laundry. If the board accepts its offer, Landmark will share the recommendation and report on the building. The board approved the offer to do the study.