Grant Park is looking forward to hearing from the community on proposed changes and updates to Hilgert Park if the village is awarded grant funding to make them happen.
At the January 21 board meeting, resident Valgene Raloff attended the meeting to provide his comment on the proposed layout changes to Hilgert Park in hopes of encouraging some discussion.
“I looked at that plan, and I think there’s some objections I have to that plan that you might want to consider in the future before they do bids,” Raloff said.
“If we do get the money for it, I think we should retain the signs at the front of the park, giving credit that it is Hilgert’s Park and not move down where they have proposed it. I think the parking area should be at the very front of the park to keep people from driving by a play area the kids all play at,” Raloff explained.
“I want you to look at it more for the children, not so much for the adults,” he said. Raloff made a few other suggestions and offered a proposed layout he provided to the board.
Raloff’s comments were well received by the board, with Board President Jamie Hawkins thanking him.
“I really appreciate this, Valgene. I always love when community members come to us,” Hawkins said.
She explained they were on a time crunch to apply for grant funding, so what was presented was more of an outline and would not be the exact plan they would commit to doing. She added they are looking forward to getting more input from the community.
“I’d like to thank Valgene. The input was very nice, and the work you’ve done on this gives us an idea on hearing another perspective, so thank you,” Trustee Ben Detloff said.
Detloff offered a reminder for the community to work together to keep fire hydrants clear of snow in the event of a snowfall. He also reported the upcoming Cabin Fever Reliever fundraising event for the parks is on February 1. The event features raffles, prizes, bingo, food, drinks, and more.
The village also had an asbestos company inspect the village hall for asbestos. The inspection, which cost $495, was amenable to the board, with several trustees remarking that the inspection cost and the company was reputable.
Hawkins explained the report had not yet come back, but she did find out that the ceiling tiles and actual floor tiles were clear of asbestos. A sample of the glue used to secure the tiles was sent out for further inspection.
“I think if we have an issue, as we have village employees working in there every day for their benefit and for the people that come in the village hall, we need to address them,” Detloff said.
Hawkins also explained she felt it was necessary to conduct the inspection because the building is old, and should they want to replace carpeting or do any updates, it would be important to know in advance.
The board was all in agreement.
Toward the end of the meeting, Hawkins explained that if the public sees signs for Luis Maldonado, the reason is that Maldonado is a 15-year-old lifelong Grant Park resident who is battling cancer.
“We’re a community. Just hug your little ones as much as you can. So that sign is probably going to be up there for quite a while just to show support,” Hawkins said
She explained the school is taking donations, and a fundraiser will be held in April.
The board is also interested in honoring Trey Boeker, a young man who graduated from Grant Park High School and who has been an outstanding golfer, having won many competitions. Hawkins would like to have an IDOT sign noting his accomplishments but is having difficulties getting a response.
Hawkins was hoping that the village could come up with an alternative, while working on it to promote how exceptional the youth in Grant Park are.
Before the meeting concluded, Police Chief Carl Frey advised the board that he and Steve Fick were able to repair a sign honoring a young man who was killed in Vietnam.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.