“Gillson Park…has remarkable historic integrity and is treasured by Wilmette residents and visitors from the region…The landscape design was inspired by noted Prairie School landscape architect Jens Jensen…

[W]e strongly encourage the board to proceed with [Concept1].”

December 7, 2021

“[I]t appears [the Board] has overlooked an important step—documenting the historic landscape and analyzing [Gillson’s] character-defining features. One of the reasons that the park is so well-loved today is that its historic plan created a public green space that people find beautiful, relaxing, and enjoyable…

Gillson Park clearly has substantial significance and it retains good integrity…If one of the planning concepts must move forward, I would strongly encourage you to select Concept 1, which is the only concept that is respectful of the historical integrity of the landscape.”

October 10, 2021

“Gillson park is an homage to Jens Jensen—the master of Prairie-style landscapes. Plus, it is incredibly intact. With its curvilinear road patterns, broad grassy meadows, overlook, and native stonework, its landscape architects created a design that reflects the Midwest’s unique contribution to the field of landscape architecture...

Gillson Park can be counted among the most significant of Chicago area parks…”

October 12, 2021

Below is a link to a not-to-be missed wonderful blog post discussing the history and cultural significance of Gillson Park since its founding more than 100 years ago.