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Rosewood Beach plan up for a Park Board vote Aug. 23 in Highland Park
Updated: September 17, 2012 12:03PM
HIGHLAND PARK — After months of intense study and public scrutiny, the Park District of Highland Park’s Board of Commissioners is set to vote Aug. 23 on the Rosewood Beach redevelopment proposal.
The five commissioners — president Scott Meyers, Cal Bernstein, Elaine Waxman, Brian Kaplan and Lori Flores Weisskopf — will determine the fate of the task force’s entire recommendation, which includes the controversial 1,960-square-foot interpretive center.
The rest of David Woodhouse Architect’s plan, which features a boardwalk that links the multipurpose room to restrooms, a concession building and lifeguard stand, has garnered the community’s support.
In total, park officials reported that the project would cost $4.66 million for construction and a subsequent $50,000 estimated annual subsidy to maintain the new Rosewood Beach.
To accommodate the large crowd expected to attend the Aug. 23 meeting, the district is offering free child care for children 4 to 10 in the gym and preschool room at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Road. For more information, contact the Park District at (847) 831-3810.
The meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m., will be held in the same building.
The public comment portion of the meeting sets up to be another long and passionate session as dozens of residents have lined up to address commissioners and task force members during dozens of previous meetings.
Members of the Ravinia Neighbors Association have voiced the strongest opposition. They have targeted the Interpretive Center, arguing the space is unnecessary and should be considered separately.
A second community group, Friends of Rosewood, has formed in support of its inclusion on the north side of Rosewood, which is located off Roger Williams Avenue at the lakefront.
Residents unable to attend the meeting may view the beach plan at pdhp.org and submit comments directly to the Park Board by email to info@pdhp.org before the Aug. 23 meeting.
