The synopses of the following expressions of Wilmette residents from the years 1981, 1999 and 2012 all share an appreciation of the natural beauty of Gillson and the desire for its preservation. Residents value Gillson as a “treasure” and a community asset to be treated with respect and care.
Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum
Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum
Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum
Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum
Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum
Courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum
The Lakefront Plan presented in 1981 by the Parks Committee
The planning process included a lakefront survey of residents conducted in 1980. Analysis was sent to Park Board in June 1980. The study indicated that :
1 Gillson Park has a reasonably good image
2. Automobile traffic within the park should be partially restricted and limited to Wilmette vehicles.
3. Security within the park should be increased
4. The park should be kept as a place for passive types of recreation.
5.There was a need for more washrooms.
Two public hearings were held on 4/24/80 and 9/24/80. The major concerns voiced by the 100 people present were:
1. Traffic flow into and out of park needs improvement
2. Parking regulations around the lakefront need review and improvements
3. The physical condition of some of the buildings within the park needs improvement
4. Attention should be given to the limitation of any further expansion of fencing or paving within the park.
5. Vehicle access to the lakefront area should be limited.
Passive use areas within Gillson Park should be preserved.
30 residents attended the second meeting and the following concerns were voiced:
1. limitation of vehicle access into the park
2. Increased security within the park was needed.
3. Preservation of the park’s natural setting.
4. The need for increased pedestrian and bicycle access into and throughout the park.
“Mission of the Wilmette Park District is to provide and administer a sound, well-rounded public park and recreation system for the benefit of all members of the community within the limits of available financial resources and in accordance with applicable law. To help accomplish this aim the Park District has adopted a set of goals and objectives.”
1.Create and maintain open areas for play, balancing active and passive recreational opportunities for the public.
2. Emphasize recreational and cultural activities on a year round basis.
3. Emphasize water-oriented recreation activities.
4. Preserve and utilize the Wallace Bowl as a unique and historic amphitheater.
5. Avoid the creation of facilities and programs which are not unique to the lakefront and can be put in place at other Park District locations.
1999 Gillson Park Usage Report to Wilmette Park Board from Wilmette Park distric Community Relations Committee
In response to community concern regarding usage of Gillson Park the Wilmette Park District Community Relations Committee undertook a join study with two delegates from the Village Community Relations Commission. For the purpose of receiving public comment, gathering relevant facts, and making recommendations to the Park Board. The comments and suggestions focused on a desire for better enforcement of park rules and village ordinances, need to alleviate over-crowding at the park , especially on weekends, a desire for better communication concerning issues relative to Gillson and concerns as to parking both inside the surrounding neighborhoods.
Atty for the WPD stated that “prohibiting usage by non-residents or unfairly discriminating against non-residents is not legally permissible.
2012 Lakefront Commission Report
A 14 member citizen group assembled by the park District met over a two year period. They reiterated the same historical concerns and recommended “No new buildings, other than the Beach House, no more cars in the park, no more parking in the park, no additional cement, support a landscape plan, no additional activities which can be done elsewhere, and the preservation of a natural park environment. “
Photo courtesy of the Wilmette Historical Museum
The 2016 aQuity professional community–wide survey was undertaken following the failed referendum. Respondents rated the importance of eighteen specific proposed improvements or features at Gillson. Based on responses, these were grouped into three “tiers” with varying level of priority. Since then, a July 2021 community survey to residents by the Park District has been issued. You can learn more about that here.
In our view, tension exists between the continued desire of the Park District to expand and build structures in order to monetize activities in the park. This reflects a business model perhaps appropriate for the recreation component, but which has a destructive impact on the natural beauty of the park. Expanding Lakeview for private events is destructive of peaceful enjoyment of the park. Removing shade trees to build a rental shade structure is destructive. Additional cars and parking in the park are destructive of the natural surroundings and pedestrian safety.
Yet these things continue to be brought forth by the staff and some commissioners as desirable by the Park District. Citizens are being asked to choose. Is Gillson a treasured asset to be preserved or a business opportunity to be exploited?