Lake Ellyn Park 2013 Master Plan

Lake Ellyn Park 

2013 Master Plan 

A Vision for the 21st Century 

January 2013 

Prepared for: 

Glen Ellyn Park District 

Prepared by: 

Conservation Design Forum 

Farr Associates

Client: 


185 Spring Avenue 

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 

(630) 858-2462 

Project Lead, Landscape Architecture, Planning: 


185 South York Street 

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 

(630) 559-2000 

www.cdfinc.com 

Architecture: 

Farr Associates 

53 W. Jackson Boulevard #650 

Chicago, Illinois 60604 

(312) 408-1661 

www.farside.com 

2 Glen Ellyn Park District

preface 

Lake Ellyn Park Master Plan 

3

acknowledgements 

Glen Ellyn Park District Board of 

Commissioners 

Melissa Creech, President 

Jay Kinzler, Vice President 

Julie Nephew, Treasurer 

Ron Aubrey, Commissioner 

Kathy Cornell, Commissioner 

Richard Dunn, Commissioner 

Gary Mayo, Commissioner 

Glen Ellyn Park District staff 

David Harris, Executive Director 

Katherine Wendland, Executive Assistant 

Kathleen Esposito, Superintendent of Recreation 

Jeannie Robinson, Recreation Supervisor 

Dan Hopkins, Superintendent of Parks & Planning 

Brian Cannaday, Parks Foreman 

Village of Glen Ellyn staff 

Staci Hulseberg, Director of Planning and Development 

Mark Franz, Village Manager 

Robert Minix, Village Engineer 

Michele Stegall, Village Planner 

District 87 and Glenbard West High School 

Linda Oberg, Athletic Director 

Rod Molek, Assistant Superintendent for Human 

Resources and Student Services 

Lake Ellyn Park neighborhood residents 

Village of Glen Ellyn Historic Commission 

Glen Ellyn Historical Society 

Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation 

Glen Ellyn Lions Club 

Glen Ellyn 4th of July Committee 

Glen Ellyn League of Women Voters 

Glen Ellyn community members 


table of contents 

1. Background & Introduction ............................................................... 7 

a. Project summary ....................................................................................................7 

b. Lake Ellyn Park today ........................................................................................... 8 

c. Goals + Objectives ................................................................................................10 

2. Site Analysis & Existing Conditions .................................................13 

a. History ................................................................................................................... 13 

b. Site & Surrounding Uses ..................................................................................... 15 

c. Boathouse ..............................................................................................................24 

d. Community Perspective ..................................................................................... 26 

3. The Vision ..........................................................................................29 

a. Planning & Design Approach ............................................................................. 29 

b. Plan Elements .......................................................................................................35 

c. Implementation ....................................................................................................67 

4. Appendices 

A. The Public Process 

B. Tree Inventory 


5

Ackerman 

Park 

Churchill Woods County 

Forest Preserve 


Village of 

Glen Ellyn 

context map 

6 

Glen Ellyn Park District

1 background & introduction 

a. Project Summary 

The Lake Ellyn Park master plan is a vision for the parka 

guide to help it to continue to best serve community 

residents long into the future. In early 2012, this master 

plan was initiated as a comprehensive, 21st century vision 

of the park in response to several events, activities, and 

issues, including: 

• A hydrologic and hydraulic study of Lake Ellyn was 

conducted by the Village of Glen Ellyn to address 

regional flooding; 

• A community-wide park attitude and interest 

survey was initiated by the Park District; 

• Several stretches of park trail were in disrepair; 

• Portions of the lake shoreline were eroding, and 

bank stabilization materials have shifted; 

• The playground was in need of major refurbishment 

or replacement; 

• The boathouse had long been identified as an 

opportunity to better serve its function as 

community space; 

• Many areas of the park landscape, including mature 

trees, were in decline; 

• Other elements including benches and lighting 

were in need to refurbishment or replacement. 

While some of these issues are more urgent than 

others, the opportunity has never been better to take a 

existing Lake Ellyn park 

comprehensive look at the entire park and articulate a 

vision for its long-term disposition. This vision includes 

possible repair, replacement, and/or improvement to 

existing park elements based upon current and potential 

use and community feedback. It is meant to serve as a tool 

to help prioritize and focus community resources towards 

the preservation, long-term management, and stewardship 

of the park’s facilities, features, and landscapes. 

The master planning process began in the summer of 2012, 

when the consultant design team of Conservation Design 

Forum, Inc. (CDF, landscape architecture, planning, civil 

engineering) and Farr Associates (Farr, architecture) was 

retained to assist the Glen Ellyn Park District (GEPD) in 

the analysis and planning for the park and boathouse. An 

open, inclusive community process was deemed essential 

to the project. The GEPD sought public input to the 

Lake Ellyn Park Master Plan 7

1. background & introduction 

Lake Ellyn Park is a well-loved community asset 

master plan at significant stages of the process through 

in-person interviews with key stakeholders, and a written 

questionnaire sent to community groups and neighboring 

residents. Public comments, suggestions, and concerns 

were also gathered through a series of public meetings and 

charrettes with Glen Ellyn Park District Board members, 

staff, citizens, and stakeholders, and the project process 

has been well publicized in local media and on the GEPD 

website. 

Goals and First Principles for Lake Ellyn Park were 

established at the beginning of the process, and various 

concepts and ideas tested against those priorities. 

The resulting master plan establishes the uses, facility 

improvements, and landscape enhancements to ensure the 

continued enjoyment of Lake Ellyn Park for the remainder 

of this century and beyond. 

b. Lake Ellyn Park today 

Lake Ellyn Park is one of - if not the most - cherished 

community assets in Glen Ellyn. Generations of Glen Ellyn 

citizens and visitors of all ages have and continue to enjoy 

the park’s beauty and amenities for strolling, picnicking, 

playing, fishing, ice skating, festivals, and events. Located 

adjacent to the Village of Glen Ellyn’s thriving downtown 

business district, the 28.7-acre park includes a 10-acre 

lake, the 1.4-acre Sam Perry Nature Preserve, many mature 

native trees, and a historic boathouse that celebrated its 

The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta 

75-year anniversary on November 11, 2012. 

The park is located in the well-established Lake Ellyn 

residential neighborhood, adjacent to Glenbard West 

High School and Duchon Field to the south. The park 

is well-served with adjacent roads and sidewalks to the 

north, east, and west. The park includes the Ruth Candy 

Parkway at the north end of the lake, and the Sam Perry 

Nature Preserve further north, named in honor of U.S. 

District Court Judge Joseph Sam Perry, who discovered 

a prehistoric mastodon skeleton nearby in 1963 which he 

donated. The Churchill Woods County Forest Preserve is 

located north and east of Lake Ellyn Park. 

Lake Ellyn Park is both a local neighborhood park and 

a regional community park. As a local neighborhood 

park, residents walk or bike to enjoy the trails, picnic 

space, playground, and other activities. As a community 

park, the Lake Ellyn boathouse provides a very special 

venue for a variety of gatherings, and the park hosts the 

annual Fourth of July fireworks, the Great Cardboard Boat 

Regatta®, and other events. 

Lake Ellyn and the park have a legacy of providing 

community benefits in addition to active and passive 

recreation. Lake Ellyn also currently provides stormwater 

detention and flood attenuation for a significant portion 

of the Village. 



OAK STREET 

Perry Preserve 

ESSEX ROAD 

picnic tables 

tennis court 

GRAND AVENUE 

Ruth Candy Parkway 

LAKE ROAD 

LENOX ROAD 

LINDEN STREET 

picnic tables 

boathouse 

dock 

Lake Ellyn 

playground 

Veteran's Memorial 

LAKE ROAD 

HAWTHORNE BLVD 

CRESCENT BLVD 

N ELLYN AVENUE 

Bill Duchon Field 

0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ 

north 

existing conditions plan view 


9


c. Project goals and objectives 

Together with the Glen Ellyn Park District and the Board 

of Commissioners, the design team developed a set of 

overarching principles and project goals to help guide 

the master plan. The goals are divided into three primary 

topics: Park Experience, Beauty and Authenticity, and 

Sustainability and Ecology: 

Park experience 

1. A variety of experiences, especially connected 

to water and the lake, will support greater use 

and improve the value of Lake Ellyn Park to the 

community; 

2. The use and enjoyment of the park will be 

optimized through the preservation and 

enhancement of primarily passive recreation uses; 

3. Enhanced play space for all children will contribute 

to the health and vitality of the neighborhood and 

community; 

4. The community will benefit to the degree the park 

can provide space for shared, mutually beneficial 

use by Glenbard West High School, the Village of 

Glen Ellyn, and the Glen Ellyn Park District; 

5. The use of the boathouse for various functions 

will be enhanced through historically sensitive 

improvements such as separation of private events 

and general public access to facilities and the lake; 

6. The enjoyment and safety of the park will be 

enhanced though appropriately improved lighting, 

wayfinding, and accessibility for people of all 

abilities; 

Beauty & authenticity 

1. Improved views and access to Lake Ellyn from 

various vantage points will greatly enhance the 

scenery and appreciation for the lake; 

2. The preservation and enhancement of historic 

vegetation and tree canopy is of utmost importance 

to the character and enjoyment of the park; 

3. Recognition and celebration of Lake Ellyn’s 

cultural significance to the Glen Ellyn community 

will increase admiration of the park; i.e. through 

the integration of local art, craft, and fabrication 

of certain site features; 

4. Park visitors will appreciate an opportunity to 

learn about Lake Ellyn’s rich history through 

interpretive elements woven into the site 

improvements, i.e. display of historic documents 

and photographs in the boathouse; 

5. The visibility and appreciation of the park can 

be expanded and improved through renewal and 

upgrades to paths, furnishings, landscapes, and 

other amenities that unify all three parcels; 



Sustainability & ecology 

1. Clean water in Lake Ellyn will improve its health 

and beauty; 

• Improved management of all precipitation both onsite 

and within the tributary watershed will benefit 

Lake Ellyn and downstream conditions; 

• Improved water quality will provide better habitat 

for aquatic vegetation, fish, and other species; 

2. Comprehensive solutions that address multiple 

objectives gain greater value for the investment 

made; 

• Planned infrastructure improvements can provide 

an opportunity to create enhancements, i.e. the 

lake overflow reconstruction could be designed to 

create a water/park gateway feature; 

• Off-site redevelopment can be done in a way that 

improves the park, i.e. planned reconstruction of 

Lenox Road as a green street; 

• An integrated, holistic approach may attract other 

sources of funding and support; 

3. Expanded park programming and improved 

facilities can increase revenue streams, which 

can then in turn help fund and support a higher 

quality, more functional and beautiful park; 

4. On-going operations, maintenance, and 

stewardship are design considerations that are 

closely linked to first cost decisions, and when 

properly addressed, will lower costs and improve 

park performance. 


11

12 


2 site analysis & existing conditions 

a. History 

Lake Ellyn Park and the parcels it occupies have a long, 

fascinating history. The history of Lake Ellyn and the 

Village of Glen Ellyn are inextricably interconnected - 

the story of Lake Ellyn Park is a big part of the founding 

and development of the Village. The Glen Ellyn Historical 

Society curates many historical records, articles, images, 

and records about the park. Following are a few brief 

highlights: 

Natural history 

Much of DuPage County, including the land around 

Lake Ellyn Park was historically a tapestry of prairies, 

open-grown woodlands, savannas, wet meadows, fens, 

and springs. These landscapes were home to many 

hundreds of species of trees, grasses, wildflowers, birds, 

insects, and other animals. The land was occupied by 

Native populations for approximately 10,000 years prior 

to European settlement. In the mid 1800’s, the land 

was actively “managed” through cultural activities by 

the Native people, such as selective harvesting of wood, 

collection of certain medicinal and dye plants, and annual 

fire. These practices ensured that food, fuel, fiber, and all 

of the other needs were provided. These practices coupled 

with stable, constant natural process (hydrology) also 

provided for the health and fertility of the land. A glimpse 

of what this landscape might have been like is still visible 

in nearby Churchill Woods Forest Preserve downstream 

(northeast) of the park. It is home to one of the county’s 

few remaining remnant prairies, and the many tree and 

perennial species found there are indicative of the plants 

native to Glen Ellyn. 

churchill woods 

natural infiltration diagram 


2. site analysis & existing conditions 

Lake Ellyn itself was a wetland fen or seep, and the 

surrounding upland landscape was woodland and prairie. 

This upland landscape absorbed all of the rainwater that 

fell upon it, and it was then slowly discharged as springs 

and seeps around the base of the hills into the low lying 

area that is now near and under the lake. The natural 

filtering of the water as it moved through the ground 

provided clean, cool water and supported the habitat for 

the rich, diverse landscape. 

Cultural history 

The springs and the natural beauty of the valley drew 

people out from Chicago and beyond. The spring water 

was known to have healing and therapeutic values, and 


Park 

1825 land survey 

Mastadon found in Sam Perry Nature Preserve 

the area immediately around Lake Ellyn was developed 

with a hotel as a spa/resort – the Lake Glen Ellyn Hotel, 

established in 1892. After European settlement, much of 

the DuPage County prairie landscape was plowed under to 

grow crops, and the Oaks and other hardwoods harvested 

to build plank roads that “floated” on the seasonally wet 

land. Lake Ellyn was created by impounding the water 

flow through the valley as an amenity. Eventually, the 

springs dried up as the landscape changed from woodland 

and prairie to streets, rooftops, and lawns. 

After the Lake Glen Ellyn Hotel burned down in 1906, the 

area was eventually subdivided into residential home sites. 

The land around the lake was given to Glenbard West High 

School, who in 1919 had the lake drained and a portion 

filled to develop Bill Duchon Field. The high school later 

dedicated the lake and north, east, and west shores to the 

Village to be used as a park. The Village subsequently 

made drainage modifications to direct storm drainage to 

the lake. An area to the north of the lake was dedicated 

to the Village for use as tennis courts, and two clay tennis 

courts were constructed and have been on the site since 

1924. The Boathouse (formerly known as the Recreation 

House) was built in 1937 as a community facility and 

warming shelter for ice skating. 

Lake Glen Ellyn Hotel 

Lake Ellyn and the park that now surrounds it has been 

known and recognized for well over a century for its 

sublime beauty and many restorative qualities. 



b. Site and context 

A number of factors helped shape the park to what it 

is today, and create the framework to consider viable 

enhancements or improvements. Cultural factors 

include existing uses, physical elements, and contextual 

relationships. Natural factors include geology, geography, 

hydrology, and landscape ecology. The following is a brief 

discussion of some of these features and qualities: 

1. Adjacent land use and access 

Lake Ellyn Park is located just northeast of downtown 

Glen Ellyn, in an established, primarily residential 

neighborhood. It is bordered with local residential 

streets on the west, north, and sides, and shares the south 

property line with Glenbard West High School. 

The west boundary abuts two blocks of Lenox Road, a 25’ 

wide residential street with on-street parking on the east 

side of the road that serves residents and park users. The 

main park access is across Lenox from Linden Street at the 

mid-point. The main portion of the park, including the 

lake, is south of Essex Road, another residential street with 

on-street parking on the north side of the road. Essex road 

terminates on the east into the park. Single family homes 

line both streets, with front porches overlooking the park. 

The south end of the park is a narrow strip of land that 

wraps around the southern edge of Lake Ellyn. Duchon 

Field, Glenbard West High School’s legendary football 

venue and practice area are immediately south of the line. 

This land was formerly part of the lake, and was reclaimed 

by the school many decades ago. The field remains below 

flood elevation, and is occasionally incapacitated with 

ponding stormwater. 

The park is accessible from the perimeter roadways and 

sidewalks. Park visitors on foot or bicycle can enter the 

park informally along virtually the entire length of Lenox 

Road, Essex Road (including the crosswalk near the north 

end of the lake), and from the trail along Lake Road. The 

main (paved) walkway/bicycle entrance is from Lenox 

Road at Linden Street. This entrance allows for vehicular 

access, but is restricted to two handicap-accessible parking 

spaces, Park District staff, or service vehicle parking. Park 

visitors arriving by car are intended to park outside of 

the park on adjacent streets where on-street parking is 

permitted. 

A narrow “panhandle” of the park extends further north, 

including the Ruth Candy Parkway -the open space 

between Grand Avenue and the northern stretch of Lake 

Road - and the Sam Perry Nature Preserve. Sam Perry 

Nature Preserve is a triangle of open space north of Oak 

Street, and also has homes facing it on all three sides. The 

eastern boundary of the park is Lake Road, which extends 

south from Oak Street to the high school. The ground 

rises steeply to the east, and there are only three homes 

that are accessed from Lake Road adjacent to the park. The 

remainder of the frontage is rear-yard space of homes that 

face east onto Crescent Boulevard. 


15


key 

park path, concrete 

park path, limestone 

sidewalk 

road 

street parking 

OAK STREET 


pedestrian access 

vehicular and pedestrian access 

special event use area 

school 

2’ contour 

RESIDENTIAL HOMES 

project boundary 

ESSEX ROAD 


picnic tables 

clay tennis courts 

GRAND AVENUE 


LAKE ROAD 

LENOX ROAD 

walking paths 

LINDEN STREET 

picnic tables 

boathouse 

dock 


playground 

regatta boat 

launch 

typical bandshell 

location 

Veteran's Memorial 

LAKE ROAD 

4th of July 

fireworks launch 



incomplete path 

CRESCENT BLVD 


Glenbard West High School 


VILLAGE OF 

GLEN ELLYN 

0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ 

north 



2. Park use & recreation 

Lake Ellyn Park includes a number of amenities and 

features: 

• Lake Ellyn, a 10 acre water body with approximately 

3,340 feet of shoreline, used for fishing, nonmotorized 

boating, and ice skating 

• Lake Ellyn boathouse, a 75-year-old structure that 

seats 150 people, which can be rented for events 

and gatherings. The boathouse includes the park’s 

only restrooms (public, open from April through 

October), and serves as a warming shelter for ice 

skaters 

• A large wooden deck extends from the east side of 

the boathouse, and provides fishing access to the 

lake 

• Over 10 acres of wooded open park space, and 

picnic space with tables and grills 

• Over a mile of walking paths (some paved, some 

soft-surface) 

• A playground with climbing structures, slides, and 

swings 

• Two clay tennis courts, which currently require 

membership for a nominal fee to use 

• Park accouterments including benches, lighting, 

drinking fountains, and picnic tables 

• A Veteran’s Memorial 

The existing park facilities are generally in good repair, 

but many are dated and at the end of their design life, 

including the playground, and some of the trails/walking 

paths and benches. The clay tennis courts are maintained 

by the Glen Ellyn Park District Tennis Association. The 

boathouse will be discussed in greater detail below. 

existing recreation at Lake Ellyn Park 


17


3. Lake, landform, & hydrology 

Lake Ellyn Park lies in the valley between Lake Road to 

the east, Glenbard West High School to the south, and a 

residential neighborhood to the west. The parkland slopes 

gently towards the lake from the east and the west. The 

Ruth Candy Parkway and Sam Perry Preserve are lower 

than the lake elevation (approximately 703 el.). 

The 10-acre Lake Ellyn is a manmade lake that serves as 

a regional stormwater detention facility for a 614-acre 

watershed that includes a significant portion of the Village 

of Glen Ellyn. Lake Ellyn was historically spring-fed, 

although its hydrology was altered as part of the Village’s 

stormwater management system. There are two inflow 

points at the south end of the lake, and an outflow at the 

north. Events greater than an approximately XX-year 

event rise above the banks and begin to spill out into 

the lawn areas surrounding the lake. The 100-year storm 

event floods an area of approximately 20 acres, including 

Duchon Field and the boathouse. 

A Hydrologic and Hydraulic study of Lake Ellyn was 

prepared by RHMG Consulting Engineers for the Village 

of Glen Ellyn and was completed in April 2012. The 

drainage area and flood statistics above were taken from 

that study. The purpose of the study was to assess the 

capacity of the Lake and to identify alternatives to prevent 

the Lake from overtopping the dam during the 100-year 


Lake Ellyn Watershed 

linden drainage area 


lyn 

lake road drainage area 

main inlet drainage area 

Village of Glen Ellyn 

Lake Ellyn watershed diagram 



key 

Lake Ellyn normal water level 

100-year flood area 

project boundary 

OAK STREET 


ESSEX ROAD 

714 

712 

GRAND AVENUE 


overflow 

route 

LAKE ROAD 

LENOX ROAD 

718 

surface 

drainage 

716 

714 

712 

712 

716 

718 

702 702 

704 

706 

708 

outlet 

control 

structure 

712 

712 

712 

LINDEN STREET 


100-year 

flood 

boundary 

712 12 

716 

714 

4 

718 

724 

722 

surface 

drainage 

718 

716 

714 

inflow 

712 

712 

712 

LAKE ROAD 


inflow 

CRESCENT BLVD 



0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ 

north 

existing hydrology diagram 


19


event. Recommended improvements included lowering 

the lake level by six inches, increasing the discharge rate 

to the maximum allowable under the DuPage County 

stormwater ordinance, and modifying the outlet structure 

to allow greater discharge during smaller events. None of 

the proposed improvements would prevent flooding of 

Duchon Field during large events. However, the proposed 

improvements would reduce the potential flooding of the 

boathouse. 

A bypass pipe was installed in 2005 to allow the lake to 

freeze in the winter months to allow skating on the lake. 

Today, virtually all the runoff entering Lake Ellyn 

originates from the roofs, lawns, and streets within the 

watershed drainage area of the lake. This runoff contains 

heavy metals, petroleum based hydrocarbons, salt, and 

other automobile related pollutants from the streets as 

well as fertilizers and pesticides that run off from lawns. 

Urban runoff also typically includes salt from winter 

deicing, which impacts water quality. However, the bypass 

pipe that was installed to reduce water movement in the 

lake to allow for wintertime freezing routes runoff straight 

from the inflow structures to the outflow structure during 

winter months, bypassing the lake, and reducing the 

amount of salt directly entering the lake. 

To address the other urban pollutants, particularly 

the nutrients in fertilizers that result in algae blooms, 

a number of features are proposed as discussed in a 

subsequent section. These features include aquatic plant 

material to utilize the nutrients, reducing their availability 

to grow algae. 

Lake Ellyn is excavated in 2005 to install a bypass pipe 

flooding overtops the dam in a large storm event in 2008 

inflow structure on the south side of Lake Ellyn 



4. Vegetation 

Historical land surveys indicate that Lake Ellyn Park is 

located largely in what was once described as a “timber” 

by land surveyors, and Lake Ellyn was once a wetland 

or marsh. Many of the existing native canopy trees are 

likely offspring of trees from the original woodland described 

by the land survey in 1825. 

The current landscape vegetation within Lake Ellyn Park 

includes several distinct areas defined by different landscape 

typologies: 

• The main part of the park south of Essex Road 

on both the east and west sides of the lake is 

predominated by mature, primarily native canopy 

trees and turf grass understory. The trees are 

predominantly Oak throughout the park, including 

White Oak, Red Oak, and Burr Oak. Along the 

west side of the lakeshore, there are a number of 

Green and White Ash, now threatened by the 

Emerald Ash Borer. Several other species are 

scattered throughout the park, including Hickory, 

Sugar Maple, American Elm, Cottonwood, Black 

Walnut, and others (see Appendix B for complete 

tree inventory). There are also exotic (non-native) 

species including Norway Maple, Crabapple 

species, and Callory Pear. The turf grass understory 

is in varying conditions; heavily used and/or 

shaded areas include areas of exposed soil and are 

difficult to maintain in turf. 

• The shoreline of Lake Ellyn includes two markedly 

different conditions. One portion, generally along 

the eastern and northern shores, is primarily turf 

grass up to a varied reinforced stone edge, including 

some sections of vertical stone wall extended below 

the normal water level. Portions of the shoreline 

are planted with shrubs, which block views and 

access to the lake in these sections. The stone wall 

and shoreline edge has deteriorated or separated in 

many areas. 

mature canopy trees dominate the landscape 

• The shoreline generally along the southeast 

and south lake shores, is in a more naturalized 

condition, and has been more recently planted 

with native prairie vegetation, with various levels of 

establishment. Shoreline restoration plans indicate 

aquatic vegetation was planned in several areas that 

was either never implemented or did not succeed. 

This included proposed wetland or marsh areas at 

the two storm inlets. 

• The Ruth Candy Parkway is primarily comprised of 

open turfgrass and a few scattered trees, mostly of 

younger age. The area was disturbed recently when 

it was used as a construction staging area, when the 

turfgrass was re-sodded. 

• The Sam Perry Nature Preserve is a small piece of 

remnant woodland. Although the park districtwide 

tree survey does not cover this piece of 

property, the Preserve includes a number of native 

tree species with an understory that is severely 

degraded and overgrown with non-native shrubs. 


21


There are a number of opportunities to enhance the 

landscape at Lake Ellyn Park to address multiple issues 

simultaneously, including: 

• Understand and interpret area-wide historical 

terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems 

• Explore opportunities for the integration of native 

and drought tolerant ornamental species 

• Reduce traditional maintenance and associated 

costs 

• Reduce erosion and surface water runoff 

• Enhance aesthetic beauty and authenticity of the 

park landscape 

• Preservation, protection, and stability of stands of 

mature native trees 

• Increase biodiversity and ecological health 

• Enhance views and access to the lake edge 

turf and stone lake edge 

naturalized shoreline 




key 

boulder wall 

outcrop rock wall 

vegetative shoreline stabilization 

manicured lake edge 

nautral lake edge 

sidewalk 

road 

2’ contour 

park boundary 

naturalized 

wooded area 

OAK STREET 

ESSEX ROAD 

manicured 

landscape 

wooded area 

with mowed 

understory 

GRAND AVENUE 

LAKE ROAD 

LENOX ROAD 

LINDEN STREET 

ornamental 

planting 

tall shrub 

edge 

LAKE ROAD 


CRESCENT BLVD 


0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ 

north 

existing vegetation diagram 


23


c. Boathouse 

Since its construction in 1937 as a WPA project, the Lake 

Ellyn Boathouse has been one of Glen Ellyn’s community 

gems. The original Boathouse consisted of a large meeting 

room, adjacent kitchen, storage, men’s and women’s 

restrooms and a mechanical room. The first alteration, the 

southern addition, relocated and expanded the kitchen in 

1959. A second addition was added sometime between 

1960-1973 expanded the mechanical area and covered the 

original limestone fireplace facing the park facade to the 

west. In 1990, modifications were made to the roof, doors, 

mechanical systems and interiors changing many of the 

Boathouse’s historic elements. 

view of the boathouse from the east 

view of the boathouse from the southeast accross Lake Ellyn 



Currently, the Boathouse is used as a warming shelter 

for skaters & walkers in the winter and an event and 

concession space in warmer months. The restrooms are 

currently required to be open to the public from the 

exterior making it difficult to hold closed, private events 

in the Boathouse. The existing North and South entrances 

lack historic appeal with commercial, opaque metal doors 

that do not create a welcoming entrance coming either 

from Lenox Road or Lake Ellyn. 

Inside the Boathouse, many original finishes were replaced 

with those that do not align with the original historic 

design. For example, the ceiling in the Main Hall was 

lowered to accommodate mechanical systems and fitted 

with acoustic panels, and ceiling fans - erasing the original 

aesthetic of a vaulted ceiling and exposed collar beam. In 

addition, the present windows with plastic mullions and 

the metal doorways are not historically appropriate. 

Separate from the actual building, the outdoor spaces 

surrounding the Boathouse could be improved to connect 

and engage with Lake Ellyn. For example, the concrete 

retaining wall to the east blocks views of the lake and 

constricts connections between the patio viewing areas 

and the top level of the deck. In addition, the current deck 

and railing design with broad wood members obscures 

the view of the boathouse from the east. 

historic images of the boathouse 

view of the boathouse from the west 


25


d. Community Perspective 

The master planning process for Lake Ellyn Park relied 

heavily upon the participation and input from numerous 

community members. Meetings were held with the Village 

of Glen Ellyn staff, Glenbard West High School staff, and 

others. A questionnaire was used to gather opinions, 

several workshop meetings were conducted with the Park 

Board to which public was invited, and two public forums 

were conducted to dialogue with community members. 

All of the draft materials were posted on the GEPD 

website. Over 100 residents completed questionnaires, 

and many submitted written comments. All of these 

comments, suggestions, ideas, and opinions are included 

in Appendix A. 

Several things became evident early in the process: 

• Lake Ellyn Park is a highly valued, cherished 

community asset, and any modifications or 

improvements should be carefully planned and 

implemented as to preserve and embellish the 

essential qualities and assets of the park. 

• One of these assets is the stand of mature native 

trees; tree protection is of utmost priority. 

• Lake Ellyn, its beauty, year-round use, and 

ecological quality are also of the highest level of 

priority. 

feedback gathering at the first public meeting 

selected graphs representing feedback from the questionnaire 



Many participants agreed on other aspects of park use and 

development, including: 

• The trail system is very important, and could be 

improved in several ways. 

• The playground is generally of an appropriate size 

and location within the park. 

• The boathouse is the right size, and renovations 

should enhance and bring back historic qualities. 

• Pedestrian and bicycle access to the park is very 

important, and could be improved in several ways. 

• Vehicular access to the park, including available 

on-street parking, is generally adequate, except 

for major events, when other strategies (traffic 

direction, remote parking/shuttles, etc.) can 

facilitate access. 

• A small dedicated group of tennis enthusiasts use 

the clay tennis courts, but this is generally one of 

the more underutilized spaces in the park. 

There were also a few things that opinions were split on, 

including: 

• The need for a permanent outdoor stage 

• The need for an additional shelter or pavilion 

• The need for public restrooms separate from the 

Boathouse 

In general, there was a great deal of input and feedback 

throughout the planning process, all of which has 

influence the master plan. 

selected graphs representing feedback from the questionnaire 


27

Sam Perry Nature 

Preserve 

OAK STREET 


GRAND AVE 

Picnic pavilion 

LENOX ROAD 

ESSEX ROAD 

LAKE ROAD 

Restroom 

facilities 

Playground 

Boathouse & deck 

LAKE ELLYN 

Memorial 

circle 

Lake access point 

HAWTHORN STREET 

DUCHON FIELD 

0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ 

Lake Ellyn Park master site plan 

north 

28 


3 

the vision 

a. Overall planning & design approach 

The long-term vision for Lake Ellyn Park relies on the many 

existing features, attributes, and history of the park, as well 

as the current attitudes and perspectives of the community 

it serves. The vision is illustrated in an overall site plan that 

generally locates proposed “plan elements” that already 

exist, are proposed to be modified, or proposed new park 

features. The plan elements are described in further detail 

in this section of the plan. 

used features and programs in place, and replace, repair, 

and upgrade them in accordance with the principles and 

goals of the master plan. The Lake Ellyn Park master plan 

is largely about “polishing the gem” of Lake Ellyn Park in 

subtle yet functionally and aesthetically significant ways. 

This approach will allow for the park to continue to serve 

the people of Glen Ellyn for many more generations. 

1. “Polishing the gem” 

It is clear from the long history of the park and the opinions 

and comments offered by many people throughout 

the design process that Lake Ellyn Park is a substantial 

community asset. Lake Ellyn is inseparably connected to 

the fabric of the Village, and its features and elements are 

much loved by most everyone in the community. It is truly 

a gem for the people of Glen Ellyn. 

While it is a gem, many of its elements, features, and 

landscapes are impacted and depreciated by age, use, 

weathering, and other factors. In order to even maintain 

existing features, a robust program of protection, 

renovation, management, and stewardship must be 

proactively planned for, budgeted, and implemented. 

While a range of options for various plan elements and 

features were considered during the planning process, 

the end result was to largely keep existing, frequently 

existing conditions at Lake Ellyn Park 


3. the vision 

2. Design language 

The existing features and amenities of the park are 

currently a mix of various vintages, styles, and materials. 

The boathouse is the most significant existing structure, 

and is a traditional style that has been modified over time. 

The design approach for the boathouse is to restore it with 

materials and details that reflect its origin 75 years ago, but 

with modern durability, maintenance, and performance 

characteristics. Other proposed structures will take 

their design cues from the boathouse and other locally 

authentic structures, and include the use of stone, wood, 

and metal, as was found in the original design. 

Part of the master plan is to adapt the design language, 

details, and materials to the different areas of the park. The 

west side of the lake is the most actively used, and includes 

the boathouse. The materials and details in this portion of 

the park, including the lake edge, will be more traditional, 

manicured, and slightly more formal than the other three 

sides of the lake, which tend to be more naturalistic. 

The park landscape aesthetic can be reinforced through 

the adoption of details and materials that reflect these 

varying contexts and conditions, but are still unified. 

Further, the use of locally-obtained craft in the creation of 

certain elements, including signage/identification, walls, 

and garden elements will greatly enhance the beauty, 

authenticity, and therefore durability of these elements 

within the park. 

Traditional 

aesthetic 

Naturalistic 

aesthetic 

design aesthetic diagram 


3. the vision 

3. Green infrastructure 

The GEPD has prioritized sustainability and ecological 

enhancement as essential considerations in the 

development of the master plan, and encourage the 

Village and residents to adopt similar priorities in their 

own properties. There is a potential for Lenox Road 

to serve as a community exhibition of the best current 

practices in the integration of “complete streets/green 

infrastructure” practices. Lenox Road is currently planned 

for renovation in 2013, and we encourage the Village 

to employ leading-edge, high-performance strategies 

and techniques regarding tree protection, sustainable 

stormwater management, pedestrian safety, and other 

qualities as a demonstration “complete green street.” 

All of the proposed pavement replacement and renovation 

within the park is intended to employ green infrastructure 

practices. It is recommended that any street replacement or 

improvements surrounding the park should employ these 

practices as well. The GEPD is eager to collaborate with the 

Village in the planning, design, and implementation of the 

imminent reconstruction of Lenox and Essex Roads, and 

strongly encourages them to employ the same priorities 

for these roads and for any infrastructure throughout 

the Lake Ellyn Watershed. The following are the green 

infrastructure priorities developed for Lake Ellyn Park: 

Preserve existing trees 

The Park District will take all possible measures to 

protect, preserve, and maintain existing healthy, mature 

trees within the park, and accommodate additional 

trees over time. 

• Design improvements to preserve and protect all 

healthy trees; 

• Maximize root zone volume with appropriate space 

and growing conditions for existing and future 

trees; 

• Retain a certified arborist for pavement and 

landscape improvement projects; 

• Plan for tree protection and take appropriate 

measures such as root pruning and careful 

demolition of existing pavement infrastructure in 

cooperation with arborist; 

• Carefully monitor the ongoing work during the 

project to protect trees and ensure long term tree 

health. 

green infrastructure includes rain gardens and permeable 

pavement, as seen at the Morton Arboretum 

mature canopy trees at Lake Ellyn Park 


31

3. the vision 

Improve pedestrian safety and comfort 

The Park District will plan improvements to prioritize 

the safety and convenience of neighborhood residents 

and park visitors that are walking and/or cycling to and 

from the park. 

• Install a sidewalk/trail along the entire length of 

Lenox Road on east side through western edge of 

park; locate the path and construct it with materials 

that help protect and maintain the root zone of 

existing trees, i.e. permeable pavers, careful grade 

adjustments, meandering alignment, etc.; 

• Delineate specific pedestrian crosswalks across 

adjacent public streets. 

• Encourage the Village to Consider and integrate 

traffic calming measures, including the possible use 

of “speed tables” at crosswalks. 

• Use of high-performance unit pavement systems 

for all paved surfaces that achieve multiple benefits. 

• Relocate street lighting from west side to east side 

of Lenox Road to improve visibility along the west 

edge of the park. 

Minimize Pavement Surface 

The Park District will minimize paved surfaces to the 

degree possible while accommodating accessibility for 

people of all abilities. 

• Encourage the Village to narrow the pavement on 

perimeter roadways (through-lanes) to the degree 

possible. Delineate separate, adjacent parking 

spaces, either parallel and/or angled; angled spaces 

will allow for a longer stretch of the narrowed 

roadway edge to be landscape/tree zone if the same 

number of parking spaces are retained; 

• Define parking spaces with curb extensions at 

crosswalks; 

• Maintain on-street parking without an increase in 

total parking capacity; 

• Provide additional handicap parking near the main 

park entrance (several disabled parking spaces will 

be retained near the Boathouse). 

A neighborhood replaced asphalt streets with permeable 

pavement in Charles City, Iowa 

32 Glen Ellyn Park District 

Close up view of a permeable pavement safe crossing in 

West Union, Iowa

3. the vision 

Enhance environment/Lake Ellyn ecology 

The Park District will prioritize the reconstruction of 

existing trails and other paved surfaces to be done in 

a way that supports the health and ecological quality 

of Lake Ellyn, and serves as a demonstration of best 

strategies in Green Infrastructure practices. 

• Slow, cool, cleanse, and infiltrate rainwater from 

the paved surface to minimize direct surface water 

runoff into the inlets leading directly to the lake; 

• Consider the use of permeable pavement for the 

drive and walkway surfaces; 

• Consider the use of integrate bioretentionbioswales 

and rain gardens- these could be 

carefully working into the parkway, park edge, and 

other areas in a way that is harmonious with the 

Park District’s long-term approach for the park 

landscape; 

• Use environmental friendly materials that can be 

maintained year round and have a long life. 

Maximize Community Benefits 

The Park Board will continue to consider and promote 

other elements to improve the Lake Ellyn neighborhood, 

based in part upon citizen input received in the master 

planning process. 

• Consider burying overhead utility lines. 

• Consider adding Wi-Fi capability in the boathouse, 

and throughout the park. 

• Consider low-level security lighting, call boxes, 

and other safety measures near the boathouse and 

along the main paths. 


33

3. the vision 

b. Plan elements 

The master plan identifies an interrelated set of elements to 

help serve all of the various uses and programs anticipated 

in the park. All of these elements are intended to be 

implemented or developed consistent with the project 

Goals and Objectives, which will help improve and sustain 

the park over time: 

1. Trails and access 

The existing system of trails and walking paths is 

enhanced in the master plan with a hierarchy of trails. As 

part of the design approach, trail surfaces are kept to a 

minimum surface area, and are proposed to be (primarily) 

permeable, high-performance pavements. 

be similar and would be slightly higher maintenance costs 

over time. 

A series of smaller walks and footpaths have been 

articulated on the plan to allow for concentrated foot 

traffic to minimize impact to tree root zones while still 

providing a comfortable, pleasant walking experience to 

and from picnic areas and the playground. These path 

sections are proposed to be 3’ to 5’ (three feet to five feet) 

in width, constructed of permeable, unit paver system of 

neutral (medium) color(s). 

The primary park trail extends north from the park 

entrance at Hawthorne Blvd. past the boathouse up to the 

crosswalk on Essex Road. This trail is shifted slightly to 

the west to bring it up further on the grade, just outside 

of the flood prone area. This will not only help from a 

use and maintenance standpoint, but will also allow for 

a better vantage of the lake for patrons that stroll and sit 

along this path. This path is proposed to be 8’ (eight feet) 

in width to accommodate a range of use, including service 

and maintenance equipment to minimize the need to 

drive over turf areas. It is proposed to be constructed of a 

permeable unit paver system of medium neutral color(s). 

A secondary trail circles the entire park. This includes a 

slight realignment and improvement of the existing path 

along the east, north and south sides of the lake, and a new 

path that parallels Lenox Road and Essex Road. This path 

will provide a complete park loop as well as connections 

to most of the other park entrances. This will help 

improve safety and accessibility for park patrons. These 

path sections are proposed to be 5’ (five feet) in width, 

constructed of permeable, unit paver system of neutral 

(medium) color(s). An option for the portion of the path 

loop around the lake is a crushed stone path with pave 

edge to provide a softer surface for joggers; the cost would 

Path hierarchy graphic 


3. the vision 

Canopy trees with turf grass and selected 

root zone restoration areas 

8’ wide paver walkway Canopy trees with turf grass and selected 


Primary path section 

Canopy trees with turf grass and selected 


Tertiary path section 

4’ wide 

limestone walk 

Stone lake edge 


35

3. the vision 

For patrons arriving by car, on-street parking is located 

on adjacent perimeter neighborhood residential streets. 

Lenox Road is and will remain where the majority of 

park visitors park, as the boathouse and playground are 

the two uses that draw the most daily and weekly traffic. 

Both Lenox Road and Essex Road are planned to be 

reconstructed by the Village in the next few years, and 

the Park District strongly recommends that these streets 

be rebuilt as demonstration ”green streets”, following the 

same green infrastructure approach that will be employed 

in the park. 

Accessible parking will remain near the boathouse on the 

small drive access, which also serves as a service and dropoff 

drive. This pavement merges with the path systems and 

walkways in and around the boathouse/deck/boat launch 

area. It is proposed to be re-constructed and reconfigured 

to provide hardened surface for year-round access and 

walkability to areas of more intense use in this part of the 

park. Pavement design is intended to be complimentary 

to the boathouse architecture, and pavement materials are 

proposed to be a combination of permeable unit paver 

(clay or concrete) in a darker neutral color that contrasts 

with the trail color slightly, with stone accents. 

Surrounding connections 

Connections into the park have been added at key 

neighborhood crosswalk locations at every roadway 

intersection and mid-block adjacent to the park, 

including the northern panhandle that includes the Ruth 

Candy Parkway and the Sam Perry Nature Preserve, and 

at the southeast corner of the park near Duchon Field 

(connecting to the existing sidewalk on Lake Road) to 

increase community connectivity. 

Lake Ellyn Park is also adjacent to Glen Ellyn’s excellent 

regional bike trail network and nearby several significant 

recreational amenities, including Ackerman Sports 

and Fitness Center, Churchill Woods County Forest 

Preserve, both just a few blocks away. The park is situated 

between the Illinois Prairie Path and the Great Western 

Trail, and could be part of another north-south link 

between these two regional bike trails. In order to better 

foster wayfinding, signage to direct cyclists and joggers 

from these trails and from the Metra station/downtown 

district should be installed that is complimentary to park 

identification signage. 


3. the vision 


Churchill Woods 

Forest Preserve 

Crescent Blvd 

Existing and Proposed Bikeways in DuPage County, Illinois 

Illinois Prairie Path 

Great Western Trail 

Salt Creek Greenway Trail 

West Branch DuPage River Trail 

East Branch DuPage River Greenway Trail 

Southern DuPage County Regional Trail 

North Central DuPage Regional Trail 

Centennial Trail 

Virgil Gilman Trail 

* Dashed line indicates proposed future improvement 

System Designation * 

Veterans Memorial Trail 

Hinsdale Bikeway 

Itasca - Addison Trail 

DuPage Technology Corridor Trail 

Aurora - Naperville Trail 

Arboretum - Forest Preserves Trail Connector 

Carol Stream - Bloomingdale Trail 

O'Hare Connector 

I-88 Central DuPage Bikeway 

Bikeway Classification 

Existing Regional Bikeway 

(209 Miles) 

Proposed Regional Bikeway 

(90 Miles) 

Existing Local Bikeway 

(277 Miles) 

Proposed Local Bikeway 

(201 Miles) 

Regional Open Space 

Memorial Toll 

This map was created for planning purposes only. 

This work may contain valuable and proprietary information of the County of DuPage, 

For more information, contact: 

which is protected by the United States Copyright Law, Title 17, Section 101, ET SEQ. 

DuPage County Department of Economic 

You are not permitted to use and/or reproduce any part of a copyrighted work of the 

Development and Planning 

County of DuPage in violation of federal copyright law. Doing so may result in 

421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 

prosecution under such law. If you wish to use property in which the County owns a 

Phone: (630) 407-6700 

copyright, you must obtain written permission through the Public Information Office 

Website: www.dupageco.org/bikeways 

of the County of DuPage at: 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, Illinois 60187. 

Map produced March, 2012 

existing and proposed bikeways in DuPage County 

Local and Other Open Space 

Water 


37

3. the vision 

2. Lake and hydrology 

Since flooding and water quality is of great concern at 

Lake Ellyn Park, strategies to improve water quality 

and reduce rainwater runoff should be implemented 

at the park and surrounding community. This includes 

green infrastructure, native landscape, and water quality 

enhancement techniques. The following strategies are 

being employed to contribute to a healthier Lake Ellyn: 

Filter Berms 

Filter berms located near the two inlet structures provide 

the first line of defense to filter stormwater entering the 

lake. The planted filter berms are constructed of open 

graded gravel that allows runoff to pass through them. 

Because the roots are in virtually hydroponic conditions, 

they take their nutrients from the water rather than from 

soil. Most of the water entering the lake from the two inlet 

structures will pass through the gravel of the filter berms 

allowing the plant roots to take up the nutrients as well as 

other dissolved pollutants in the runoff water. The berms 

will also help to filter sediments and other particulate 

pollutants. Larger flood events will pass over the top of 

the berms, to ensure that the berms do not increase flood 

potential. 

Open water Gravel filter berm under boardwalk bridge Open water 

gravel berms with boardwalk bridges filter incoming stormwater and provide a scenic viewing platform 


3. the vision 

Floating Restorers 

The filter berms described above will primarily address 

runoff as it enters the lake. The floating restorers are 

intended to address water already in the lake and pollutants 

that are not filtered by the berms. Floating restorers would 

be located at key points throughout Lake Ellyn to provide 

further cleansing. Vegetation within the floating restorers 

have their roots suspended within the lake water below 

and like within the filter berms, the roots will take up 

nutrients from the lake water, reducing the availability of 

nutrients to grow algae. Further, the restorers include a 

plastic substrate that hangs within the water, providing a 

surface for biofilms to develop to further utilize nutrients 

within the lake water. The restorers are mobile, so they 

can be placed in the most strategic locations during the 

spring, summer, and fall, and relocated to the edges of the 

lake during the winter to allow a larger skating surface. 

Shoreline Restoration & Stabilization 

Stabilization of the shoreline through native plant 

community establishment will help to reduce shoreline 

erosion and take up nutrients and other pollutants as 

well as provide aquatic habitat for fish and other aquatic 

organisms. Additionally, renovation of some portions 

of the stone edge can provide additional stability and 

aesthetic benefits. See the Landscape section for further 

explanation. 

floating restorer examples 

Shoreline restoration example 


39

3. the vision 

Watershed-wide Strategies 

Many urban runoff pollutants entering Lake Ellyn, 

particularly those associated with sediments will not be 

taken up by the proposed in-lake improvements described 

above and instead they will settle to the bottom of the 

lake. Further, the proposed improvements above will 

not address the frequent pulses of stormwater runoff 

that cause water levels to fluctuate and destabilize the 

shorelines in addition to causing periodic flooding. 

To address these issues, a long-term, watershed-wide 

approach is recommended to reduce the volume and rate 

of stormwater runoff discharged to the lake during rainfall 

events. 

Glen Ellyn is not alone in its need to address the issues 

associated with stormwater runoff. Many communities are 

faced with the impacts and costs associated with managing 

stormwater runoff, including nuisance ponding, flooding, 

and the installation, maintenance, and replacement of 

a conveyance systems (ditches, pipes, and detention 

ponds). Many communities are currently investigating 

and beginning to implement watershed-wide infiltrationbased 

stormwater management approaches, sometimes 

referred to as “green infrastructure,” to naturally absorb 

and filter stormwater runoff to improve water quality 

and reduce the need and size of traditional storm sewer 

systems. Benefits of green infrastructure include reduced 

flooding, improved water quality, reduced discharge 

of polluted runoff to streams and rivers, and longer 

lasting, better performing streets, sidewalks, and alleys. 

Infiltration practices include permeable, decorative 

paving, rain garden planters, and bioinfiltration practices 

integrated within parkways and medians. These practices 

can be installed within or adjacent to nearly any street, 

alley, parking lot, or other paved, impervious surface to 

help capture and infiltrate rainwater runoff. Examples of 

this approach can be seen throughout the Chicago region 

as well as in West Union and Charles City, Iowa, where 

multiple blocks and streets have been reconstructed using 

infiltration practices and help contribute to a healthier 

watershed. 

The Iowa Green Streets Pilot Project in West Union, Iowa includes permeable pavement, bioretention, geothermal heating and 

cooling, art, and interpretation in complete-streets renovation throughout the downtown area 


3. the vision 

3. Landscapes and systems integration 

A healthy, more naturalized landscape at Lake Ellyn Park 

will provide a beautiful setting for passive recreation, 

support a broader array of native flora and fauna than 

exist at the park today, and provide an opportunity for 

interpretive learning about historical landscape systems. 

Naturalizing portions of the park landscape will reduce 

runoff and enhance on-site infiltration, allowing it to 

percolate into the ground. This will not only contribute 

to higher lake water quality, but will also serve as a 

demonstration of historically dominated groundwater 

hydrology. A healthier landscape will be established 

through a number of strategies: 

Root Zone Restoration and Woodland 

Re-establishment 

Healthy, existing canopy trees at Lake Ellyn Park should 

be protected and enhanced wherever possible. Delineated 

“root zone restoration areas” comprised of native sedge and 

perennial woodland plantings will improve soil and root 

conditions in order to renew, repair, and re-establish the 

woodland as a healthy system. The restoration of a healthy 

ground plain will enhance the natural regeneration of the 

remnant oaks and other native canopy trees. Additional 

locations throughout the park may be identified for 

other native tree and shrub plantings in order to increase 

biodiversity and beauty. 

Shoreline Restoration & Stabilization 

As previously discussed, the implementation of 

naturalized landscapes in strategic portions of the lake 

edge will help to stabilize the shoreline and filter sheet 

runoff from adjacent hardscape and landscaped areas. 

Plantings will also be designed to enhance the aesthetic 

qualities of the park and provide a more beautiful 

lakeshore. The addition of select native and ornamental 

grasses, sedges, rushes, and forbs will ensure a beautiful, 

resilient, and stable lakeshore, as well as provide improved 

Root zone restoration area vignette 


41

3. the vision 

0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ 

Lake Ellyn Park landscape plan 

north 


3. the vision 

aquatic habitat. In more actively-used locations along the 

lakeshore, a naturalized edge may not be appropriate. In 

these locations, turf grass is proposed to be extended to the 

lake edge, coupled with a reinforced stone or cobble bank 

and walking surface to provide improved stabilization and 

access to the lake. It is also recommended that additional 

lake access structures and overlooks be incorporated 

along the shoreline. These access points will be designed 

in the form of multi-functional deck or terrace structures 

that provide additional fishing access, gathering locations, 

and improved underwater fisheries habitat throughout the 

park. 

Stabilized Turf/Lawn Areas 

A significant portion of the park on the west side of the 

lake is deployed in turfgrass lawn, which accommodates 

a range of uses and activities. The plan anticipates 

improvements to the turfgrass, edges, and adjacent 

landscapes to help improve the enjoyment and beauty of 

these spaces, as well as reduce maintenance liabilities. 

Sam Perry Nature Preserve Habitat Restoration 

Currently, the landscape within the Sam Perry Nature 

Preserve is dominated by a combination of weedy invasive 

species such as Eurasian multi-flora rose, honeysuckle, and 

buckthorn shrub species common to such conditions. The 

ground plain is dominated in many areas by the presence 

Vinca minor (Perrywinkle), a common ornamental nonnative 

groundcover. Stewardship activities such as select 

shrub and brush thinning in the understory combined 

with annual burn management would facilitate the 

healthy restoration of the entire system and improve park 

and preserve security. The current densely overgrown 

character of the preserve has created an attractive 

nuisance in that it has become a popular location for 

underage drinking. Proper stewardship could result in 

the restoration of a valuable local natural resource unique 

to this area. 

The areas north and south of the boathouse receive the 

most use daily and during events. These areas require 

special attention to ensure turf vigor, and protect tree 

roots. These areas may require the addition of a high 

performance soil blend, irrigation, and maintenance 

regime that accommodates more intense use. 

The turfgrass area bordering the entrance drive to the 

boathouse is a high visibility area within the park that is 

also subject to a substantial amount of pedestrian traffic. 

The grass on either side of the drive gets heavy use during 

events such as the art fair and Fourth of July fireworks, 

and should be stabilized to keep it functional and lush. It 

is recommended to stabilize 18-20’ of turf on either side of 

the edge of pavement. The turf could be stabilized using a 

material such as gravel grass (a compacted, open-pore soil 

and gravel mix) as a growing medium, or other turfgrass 

reinforcement options. 

Close up view of Sam Perry Nature Preserve improvements 


43

3. the vision 

Ruth Candy Parkway integrated water landscape 

The landscape in the Ruth Candy Parkway provides an 

opportunity to combine and stack several important 

landscape, use, hydrology, and aesthetic functions into a 

single concept. This concept involves re-shaping a portion 

of the parkway and reinforcing it with ornamental stone 

interplanted with perennials as a meandering, (mostly) 

dry overflow spillway leading to a channel/water feature. 

The low-flow sub-surface discharge could be daylit as it 

moves through the parkway, coordinated with the sizing 

requirements outlined in the Village’s recent engineering 

report to maximize efficiency of this part of the regional 

drainage system. This daylit section would be both 

functional and ornamental; water could be re-circulated 

into the channel (using renewable solar or wind power), 

and a walking path, decorative footbridges, plantings, and 

other landscape enhancements added. The north face of 

the dam would be planted with naturalized native grasses 

and wildflowers, and two large areas of turf would remain 

as casual play space. This would provide a much more 

distinctive northern park gateway and entrance feature, 

connect more directly to the Sam Perry Preserve, provide 

year-round passive play space, and serve valuable water 

functions as well. 

a precedent image represents the character of the channel and 

bridge crossings 

Close up view of Ruth Candy Parkway integrated water landscape 


3. the vision 

Bioretention along perimeter roads 

The landscapes adjacent to Lenox Road, Essex Road, 

Grand Avenue and Lake Road are intended to include 

bioretention (bioswales and/or rain gardens) to help slow, 

cool, and cleanse rain water runoff from the adjacent 

road surface. These landscape enhancements would be 

both functional and beautiful enhancements to the park 

scenery. The bioswales could be designed and maintained 

to appear as landscape bed with defined edges, and 

the planting arrangements can range from formal to 

naturalistic. They would be designed to include native and 

adapted plant species that also helps attract and provide 

some habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. 

This approach in concert with other green infrastructure 

strategies provides valuable water quality and flood 

attenuation functions. 

a precendent image of bioretention along a roadway that 

provides color and seasonal interest 


45

3. the vision 

4. Recreation/features 

Natural play 

One of the elements identified at the beginning of the 

process that is currently in need of attention is the existing 

playground. In consideration of a replacement or upgrade, 

the plan represents the overarching desire to keep the 

playground in approximately the same location and at 

the same size and scale. The plan anticipates replacing 

some of the play structures with traditional swings, slides, 

and (possible) climbing structures. The plan calls for the 

playground to be divided into three primary areas: swings, 

a structure for tots (ages 2-5), and a larger structure for 

older children (ages 5-12). 

One of the ideas that was brought up and discussed during 

the planning workshops was the idea of incorporating 

an element of “natural play” into the park. Natural play 

environments provide three primary developmental 

benefits: active living, educational success, and healthy 

social and psychological development. Different types of 

play environments stimulate different forms and amounts 

of play. Plants, as an example, increase the diversity of 

play and learning opportunities by encouraging children 

to explore and discover the environment around them. 

The playground space will be re-built into the topography, 

2-5 year 

structure 

5-12 year 

structure 

Swings 

a conceptual layout for the playground shows the relationship 

of the playground structures 

a natural playground utilizes native materials and muted colors 

a play structure for 2-5 year olds 

a climbing play structure spans a walkway for 5-12 year olds 


3. the vision 

and will be located next to the trail just east of the existing 

playground. Design elements include curving pathways, 

anchored play structures, open areas, and a compact 

layout. Plants, natural colors, and, natural materials 

are recommended to be incorporated throughout the 

playground, and structures should be selected with a 

complimentary and natural color palette. The playground 

should be designed as an inclusive play space that addresses 

physical, sensory, social/emotional, communication, and 

cognitive disabilities. 

Tennis courts 

One of the earliest recreational features developed in 

Lake Ellyn Park, the existing tennis courts are indicated 

to remain in their current location and configuration on 

the plan, and will provide a place for tennis throughout 

the spring, summer, and fall. The clay tennis courts are 

currently in need of significant repair and renovation if 

they are to provide a suitable playing facility. GEPD will 

continue to evaluate and prioritize the renovation and/or 

replacement of these facilities. If the tennis courts were to 

be removed in the future, that portion of the site could be 

utilized for other passive recreational uses. 

Picnic facilities 

Passive picnic and gathering spaces remain throughout 

the park, and tables, grills, and other accouterments will 

be refurbished or replaced. Picnic spaces will be enhanced 

through some of the restorative landscape enhancements 

described elsewhere. A picnic pavilion is proposed to 

be constructed in the middle of the treed park space 

northwest of the boathouse, where grills are currently 

located. This structure will provide covered space for 

picnics, family gatherings, and other activities, and will 

accommodate approximately 50-75 people with movable 

picnic tables. Refer to the c. Boathouse and other structures 

for additional details on the pavilion. 

Lake overlook/access features 

Several lake overlook/access points have been located 

around the Lake Ellyn shoreline. These access points 

range from a simple path leading down the water’s edge, to 

an ornamental stone terrace, to a constructed pier. Access 

points provide formal locations for interaction with the 

water’s edge and help to create a separation between the 

naturalized edges and those that invite visitors. These 

features could be used for fishing, sitting, or gathering. 

the pavilion at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles serves as a 

precedent for Lake Ellyn 

a stone water access point at the Chicago Botanic Garden 


47

3. the vision 

OAK STREET 

GRAND AVE 

ESSEX ROAD 

LENOX ROAD 

LAKE ROAD 

LAKE ELLYN 

HAWTHORN STREET 

DUCHON FIELD 

0’ 50’ 100’ 200’ 

site furnishings diagram 

north 


3. the vision 

5. Site furnishings 

Amenities such as benches, drinking fountains, bike 

racks, signage, and lighting are located throughout the 

park. These elements provide important amenities, as 

well as opportunities to reinforce the Lake Ellyn Park’s 

character. The plan recommendations for the selection of 

site furnishings are as follows: 

• Use forms compatible with the traditional 

architectural style of the boathouse and adjacent 

homes; 

• Select traditional, locally relevant materials 

including stone, metal, and wood; 

• Prioritize sustainable characteristics- low energy 

use, durable, locally/regionally sourced, sustainably 

harvested wood, etc; 

• Employ local/regional artisans and craftsmen 

into the design and fabrication process for some 

elements as practical; reflect the natural and 

cultural history into signage, memorial, and 

decorative elements 

The following examples exhibit some of these qualities, 

and are a starting point for product sourcing: 

Furnishings example family A 

Bench - family A 

Trash and recycling containers - family A 

Backless bench - family A 


49

3. the vision 

Furnishings example family A, continued... 

Bike rack - family A 

Pathway lighting - family A 

Pedestrian lighting - family A 


3. the vision 

Furnishings example family B 

Bench - family B 

Backless bench - family B 

Picnic table - family B 

Bike rack - family B 

Pedestrian lighting - family B 


51

3. the vision 

Furnishings example family C 

Pathway lighting - family C 

Pedestrian lighting - family C 

Bike rack- family C 


3. the vision 

Furnishings example family D 

Bench - family D 

Bench detail - family D 

Bike rack - family D 

Planter fencing - family D 


53

3. the vision 

6. Boathouse & other structures 

Proposed Boathouse Alterations 

The master plan recommends renovations and 

improvements to the existing Boathouse entirely within 

the footprint of the existing structure. No expansion of 

any sort is proposed, and the capacity for various elements 

will remain essentially the same as it is today. The first 

emphasis is to return the Boathouse to a close replica of 

its original 1937 historic architecture and design. This 

historic renovation will require select removal of several 

of the modern additions and finishes. Reconfiguration of 

the interior spaces will both restore the original historic 

feeling and help increase the use of the Boathouse for 

various activities throughout the year. Along with the 

landscape changes outlined in this Master Plan are 

courtyard extensions to the Boathouse, which expand 

its use, and connection to the beautiful Lake Ellyn. In 

addition, operating systems (mechanical, plumbing, 

X 

Mechanical 

Trash 

Existing Addition & 

Trash Enclosure 

X 

Entrance 

Men’s 

Restroom 

Storage 

Women’s 

Restroom 

X 

Entrance 

X 

X X X 

Kitchen 

X 

Storage 

Main Hall 

Storage 

X 

Entrance 

1’ 4’ 8’ 

N 

boathouse alternations 


3. the vision 

One proposed alteration is the restoration of the Boathouse 

west facade by removing the small West Addition, 

resurfacing the original limestone fireplace and restoring 

the original shape of the West facade. The trash and 

HVAC equipment is intended to be relocated away from 

the Boathouse to a new enclosure near the accessible parking. 

Where there is currently a blank west wall, a new West 

entrance is proposed to allow users from Lenox Avenue to 

be welcomed to the Boathouse facilities. The redesign will 

include a hallway with access to restrooms for Boathouse 

users. An additional Restroom Facility is proposed to be 

constructed for park users south of the Boathouse near 

the Playground Area allowing continued public access to 

restrooms during private events. Other exterior changes 

include restoring the roofing to with the original 1937 

‘precision’ wood shingle, and restoring the original paint 

color on all wood cladding and trim. 

Original Floor Plan 

Entrance 

Hall 

Mechanical 

Women’s 

Restroom 

Storage 

Men’s 

Restroom 

Kitchen 

Main Hall 

Entrance 

New Floor Plan 

1’ 4’ 8’ 

N 


55

3. the vision 

Entrance Condition 

After removing the west addition, a new West Entrance 

will be designed to create a visual connection from the 

driveway through to the Main Hall and lake. The existing 

North and South Entrances will be eliminated, converting 

their spaces to storage and restroom areas. The new 

West Entrance will be a warm and inviting procession 

for the primary entry to the park into the newly restored 

Boathouse. 

New West Entrance 

Current Boathouse from the West 

Entrance 

Hall 

Mechanical 

Women’s 

Restroom 

Original Boathouse from the West 

Storage 

Men’s 

Restroom 

Kitchen 

Main Hall 

Entrance 

1’ 4’ 8’ 

N 


3. the vision 

Boathouse Restrooms & Storage 

With the new West Entrance, the interior spaces of the West 

wing of the Boathouse will be reconfigured for renovated, 

energy efficient restrooms and storage areas. Restrooms 

will meet accessibility standards and be accessed from the 

new West Entrance Hall. The bathroom renovation will 

remove existing interior doors to the Main Hall, creating 

more interior wall space. Additional public restrooms 

will be relocated to a separate restroom facility south of 

the Boathouse, allowing the Boathouse restrooms to be 

private for events and rentals. 

Existing Boathouse Restrooms 

Entrance 

Hall 

Mechanical 

Restrooms & Storage 

Women’s 

Restroom 

Storage 

Men’s 

Restroom 

Kitchen 

Main Hall 

Entrance 

1’ 4’ 8’ 

N 


57

3. the vision 

Main Hall 

To make the Boathouse a more appealing venue for events 

and park users, the Main Hall will be restored to its original 

design. The original ceiling and structure will be exposed, 

requiring a new mechanical system and energy efficient 

lighting. Modern interior finishes will be removed and the 

interior restored to the original historic design. Historic 

photographs, publications, maps and drawings will be 

installed throughout the interior to both explain and 

display the Boathouse’s history to all Glen Ellyn’s citizens. 

Existing Main Hall 

New Main Hall to expose Historic Ceiling & Structure 


3. the vision 

Kitchen & South Patio 

The anticipated increase in use of the Boathouse will 

require a modernized and redefined Kitchen. Passage 

from the Main Hall to the new South Patio area will be 

accessed through hallways accessed on both the east and 

west of the new kitchen. Two doors, East and West of the 

current service counter window will create symmetrical 

access both to the trellis/ warming shelter to the east and 

the patio to the South. The existing Kitchen and storage 

spaces will be reconfigured to accommodate this new 

circulation and service capabilities. 

Warming Shelter 

The boathouse will continue to be used as a warming 

shelter for skaters during the winter. In order to make 

the boathouse usable as a private rental facility as well, the 

current rubber flooring will be replaced with a durable, 

easy-to-remove surface that could easily me moved for 

events. The boathouse will be rentable during specified 

times during the winter (Friday and Saturday evenings, 

for example). 

Entrance 

Hall 

Mechanical 

Existing view facing south 

Storage 

Women’s 

Restroom 

Men’s 

Restroom 

X 

Kitchen 

Main Hall 

Entrance 

1’ 4’ 8’ 

N 


59

3. the vision 

Doors & Windows 

To achieve historic preservation status, the Boathouse 

will restore the design of many of the original elements 

of the exterior facade – including the windows, doors. 

The current exterior metal entrance doors will have to be 

replaced with historically appropriate wood doors with 

the original fenestration of the 1937 design. All additional 

exterior and interior doors will emulate the 1937 

architecture – matching the original material, fenestration 

and hardware as closely as possible. 

Mechanical Systems 

The existing mechanical system will be removed and 

replaced with a new energy efficient mechanical system. 

The design team will explore mechanical systems that 

employ higher velocity, small diameter forced air heating 

and cooling distribution systems, which will be essentially 

hidden from view – emphasizing the original historic 

architecture and design. 

The windows of the restored Boathouse will return to the 

original specification of single-glazed divided lights with 

storm windows on the exterior. 

Existing windows to be replaced 

Existing metal opaque doors to be replaced 

60 Glen Ellyn Park District 

Existing mechanical systems and controls to be 

replaced and relocated

3. the vision 

Refuse & Recycling 

The Master Plan also proposes to locate a new refuse and 

recycling enclosure near the accessible parking area with a 

wood screen design that emulates the new restrooms and 

east trellis. The enclosure will be sized to house trash and 

recycling containers serving the Park and Boathouse. A 

separate section of the screened enclosure will house the 

relocated mechanical condensers. The enclosures will be 

made of natural materials whose design complements the 

Boathouse with easy access for park staff and minimizing 

visual impact. 

Conceptual renderings of the proposed refuse and recycling enclosure 


61

3. the vision 

Boathouse Deck 

The shape and design of the current deck obscures rather 

than complements the historic boathouse designs. It is 

proposed that the existing deck be reconfigured to create 

a shape that complements the original historic design - 

simple and symmetrical. The existing wood railings will 

be replaced with an almost transparent design of wire 

cable and thin metal posts. The deck shape will have a 

gentle curve to the east with stairs and a ramp on either 

side. 

In addition to the boat ramp, access for skaters will be 

from the lower deck, where a seasonal ramp or stairs will 

be added. 

Existing Deck Structure to be used for New Deck Design 

Ramp 

Upper Deck 

at Patio Grade 

Stairs 

Lower Deck 

Proposed deck layout 


3. the vision 

Conceptual renderings of the proposed deck 


63

3. the vision 

New Public Restrooms 

In order to make the Boathouse more marketable as an 

event space, it is proposed that the interior Boathouse 

restrooms would need to be to be occasionally closed to 

public use. In order to maintain public restroom access 

during private Boathouse events, an additional restroom 

facility is proposed to serve the public. Located south of 

the Boathouse to better serve the playground areas and 

lawn during park events, the new restroom facility would 

be built within a bermed landscape to minimize blocking 

of lake views from Lenox Road. The structure would have 

two small one-fixture restrooms with sinks and hand dryers, 

either men’s/women’s or unisex. 

Landscape grasses and permeable pavers will cover the 

sides and roof of the building – resulting in a natural 

bermed structure that also creates a new observation deck 

on Lake Ellyn. Exterior wood screen and minimal railings 

will tie the design of the new restroom facility to the proposed 

Boathouse and new deck creating a unified design 

language for the Lake Ellyn Park facilities. 

Conceptual renderings of the proposed restroom facility 


3. the vision 

Outdoor performance area 

Lake Ellyn Park has and continues to be a dramatic setting 

for outdoor performances. In recent history, a temporary 

stage has been used for musical artists and others to 

perform from. The lawn areas both south and north 

of the boathouse are ideal locations for various small 

outdoor performances, with certain restrictions on sound 

levels, time of performances, etc. One of the master plan 

recommendations is to create a small, more permanent 

performance platform in one or both of these locations to 

negate the need for the temporary structure, and serve as 

a lake overlook/seating area when not in use most of the 

time. The Master Plan indicates a performance area north 

of the boathouse that utilizes the natural topography to 

allow for lawn seating for performances that could be 

set up on or near the edge of the lake. The performance 

platform is proposed as either a permanent structure 

(surface with appropriate electrical connections and 

removable or temporary cover) or a “floating stage” that 

could be moored adjacent to the lake shore and provide a 

suitable performance surface and an even more dramatic 

and unique setting. 

outdoor 

performance area 


65

3. the vision 

Picnic Pavilion 

Lake Ellyn Park once was home to a large pavilion used for 

picnicking and social events. The pavilion was located on 

the north end of the park until it had to be removed due to 

vandalism. A new Pavilion is proposed to be constructed 

in the current picnic area on the northwest side of the 

park. The Pavilion will have historic influence of the 

original pavilion and Boathouse as well as design styles 

of other new structures in the park such as the restroom 

facility and trash enclosure. The Pavilion will serve as an 

outdoor facility for private and public events. 

Historic pavilion at Lake Ellyn Park 


3. the vision 

c. Implementation 

1. Phasing & costs 

The master plan for Lake Ellyn Park is based upon a 

long-term vision, and the proposed improvements will 

be completed in phases over time. The park is generally 

divided up into the six primary use areas: 

• Lake Ellyn 

• South Play/Lawn Area 

• Boathouse 

• North Picnic/Lawn Area 

• Ruth Candy Parkway 

• Sam Perry Nature Preserve 

Each of these areas includes trails, landscapes, and park 

features of various types and uses. It is important that a 

more detailed design for each area be developed before 

improvements to that area are started. This will ensure 

the entire park will function and can be maintained as 

intended. It will also help to better define cost and subphasing 

parameters and priorities. 

Costs/budgeting 

As part of this master plan tool to aid in prioritization, 

budgeting, and fundraising, an estimate of potential 

capital costs has been developed and reviewed with 

the GEPD Board. The following is a list of the plan 

elements, and a range of capital costs to implement these 

elements. These costs are conservative, master-plan level 

budgeting figures, and include construction costs, design, 

engineering, permitting, initial warranty period (as 

appropriate), and a contingency. Costs are based upon 

certain design assumptions, typical recent unit costs, and 

similar park construction projects or components, and are 

subject to change based upon detailed design, sequencing, 

escalation, and other factors. 

Sam Perry 

Nature 

Preserve 

Ruth Candy 

Parkway 

North Picnic/ 

Lawn Area 

Boathouse 

South Play/ 

Lawn Area 


Primary use areas 


67

3. the vision 

Trails 

The long-term plan is to renovate and upgrade all of the 

trail surfaces in the park, to realign a few portions of 

existing trails, and to add a few links and connections 

to provide complete access around to and through the 

park and around the lake. Trail improvements could be 

made as one or several phases. The trail and crosswalk 

connections to the west along Lenox Road should be 

planned and implemented in concert with the Village’s 

planned reconstruction of Lenox next year. Similarly, the 

trail and crosswalks along Essex Road should also be done 

in concert with planned renovations to that street by the 

Village. Costs include grading/slope stabilization, subbase, 

pavement material and installation. 

Estimated costs: $250,000 - $550,000 

Lake shoreline and restorers 

The lakeshore renovation includes renewal and 

improvement of the shoreline with both structural 

elements (stone, stabilization/reinforcement, etc.) and 

soil stabilization and vegetation. This category includes 

the floating wetland restorers, which could easily be 

done in phases, which should be evaluated as part of the 

preliminary design and engineering of all of these lake 

elements. This category also includes filtering boardwalk 

berms located on the outflow side of the inlet structures, 

used to filter and treat the water. 

Estimated costs: $2.5 million - $4.3 million 

Landscape 

The landscape category includes tree replacement, 

root zone/soil enhancement, and turf stabilization 

improvements in all portions of the park except Ruth 

Candy Parkway and Sam Perry Nature Preserve. It also 

includes minimal ornamental planting beds where 

appropriate. 

Estimated costs: $1.6 million - $4.8 million 


Ruth Candy Parkway includes the daylighted, naturalized 

water channel and associated bridge crossings. This 

category includes native and manicured landscape, and 

supplemental tree installation. 

Estimated costs: $1.1 million - $2 million 

Sam Perry Nature Preserve 

The Sam Perry Nature Preserve category contains initial 

woodland restoration, including thinning, controlled 

burning, minimal planting, and a pedestrian trail. 


Play/use features 

This category includes the playground replacement, the 

memorial circle improvements, and other feature elements 

within the park plan. 

Estimated costs: $440,000 - 710,000 

Site furnishings/lighting 

Site furnishings, lighting, signage, and other site elements 

are included in this category. It includes fixtures, 

installation, and electrical/plumbing connections as 

necessary. 


Boathouse and structures 

This category includes most of the built structures within 

the park- the boathouse, the restroom structure, the 

trash enclosure, the picnic pavilion, and the outdoor 

performance area. 

Estimated costs: $1.2 million - $2 million 


3. the vision 

Phasing priorities/master plan updates 

This master plan, the descriptions of various elements, 

and cost information are meant to facilitate the long-term 

renovation of the park through various methods and with 

a variety of resources. It is most likely that at least some 

of the improvements will be made to several areas at once, 

while others will be exclusive to a certain park area. Some 

items have been identified in the plan that will be done 

as part of normal or expanded park maintenance, such 

as turf repair/enhancement or clearing of invasive woody 

understory vegetation in natural areas. Other elements, 

such as the trail system, are in all of the areas, and could 

be done in one or several phases. Still other elements are 

individual features located in a particular area, such as the 

boathouse, or the playground. All of the improvements are 

contingent upon the adequate identification and allocation 

of funds to construct and maintain that particular element 

in the park long-term. Improvements and renovations will 

be prioritized based upon the following criteria: 

1. Condition, age, potential liability, and appearance 

2. Available funds for that particular item 

3. Relationship with other anticipated improvements, 

i.e. remote restroom in conjunction with boathouse 

renovations 

4. Uninterrupted use of the park facilities to the 

degree possible 

5. Collaboration/cooperation with the Village and the 

School District on improvements to adjacent sites, 

such as the upcoming reconstruction to Lenox 

Road and Essex Road 

6. Cost/pricing efficiencies 

Phases of park improvement will be structured to address 

these and other factors as they arise. This Master Plan 

should be re-assessed and potentially updated or revised 

after each substantial capital phase, and/or every five 

years, whichever comes first. 


69

3. the vision 

Phase One improvements 

The initial phase of implementation of the master plan for 

Lake Ellyn Park includes several preparatory items, and 

is contingent upon funding allocation as discussed above. 

These preparatory items include: 

1. Continue to coordinate and collaborate closely with 

the Village as the planning, design, engineering, 

and construction of Lenox Road as it proceeds over 

the next twelve months. Participate with the Village 

in the planning and design of the proposed Essex 

Road reconstruction. 

2. Obtain a complete boundary and topographic 

survey of the entire Lake Ellyn park site. Work with 

the Village to share survey data already in existence 

to minimize costs. 

3. Incorporate the existing tree survey data onto the 

park survey data; set up an electronic file with 

multiple layers of data. 

4. Maintain close dialogue with the Village and School 

District and share intended capital improvement 

plans. 

5. Continue community and neighborhood dialogue 

and communication and share intended capital 

improvement plans. 

Based upon the phasing priorities, an initial phase of the 

master plan is likely to include: 

Trails 

Trail improvements that are most imminent are those 

associated with pending Lenox Road reconstruction and 

related to the renovated playground. 


Lake shoreline and restorers 

The lake renovation concepts are likely longer-term items. 

An initial phase could include an initial, investigatory 

floating restorer prototype that would allow the GEPD 

and others to investigate and analyze a very small restorer 

element before committing to large-scale application of 

this green technology. This step could also help inform 

and support the effort to seek additional funding for water 

quality/lake enhancements. 


Landscapes 

The GEPD is already performing some of the 

recommended landscape enhancements, including turf 

reseeding and repair and selective thinning of invasive 

woody shrub layers in several areas. Additionally a small 

area of native/adapted sedge garden understory plantings 

could be explored in a few areas to help restore soil health 

and root zone before implementing these strategies 

throughout the park. This would allow the concept to 

be better priced and fine-tuned before implementing in 

larger portions of the park. 


Play/use features 

The playground is at the end of its intended design life and 

is in need of replacement. An initial phase of construction 

should include replacement of the existing playground 

and surrounding landscape, as well as the reconfiguring 

and design of the playground, an in accordance with this 

master plan. 


Site furnishings/lighting 

A prototype of the site furnishings and elements associated 

with the Southwest portion of the park could be installed 

as part of an initial phase of development. 


Boathouse and restrooms 

An initial phase of the boathouse/structure could include 

all interior and exterior improvements to the structure. 

Later phases could include the site and deck surrounding 

the boathouse and additional restroom facilities. 



3. the vision 

2. Maintenance, operations, and stewardship 

Even the most durable, resilient park construction will 

require perpetual maintenance, and eventual replacement 

certain elements over time. A part of the sustainable 

approach and priority of this master plan is to maximize 

long-term maintenance and operational cost savings, and 

to promote a more “maintenance-friendly” park setting. 

This can be done in part with long-term replacement of 

built elements with more durable, low-input materials 

as is proposed in this plan. It can also be done through 

adaptation of the living landscape to one that thrives 

on renewable resources (rainwater, compost, etc.) and 

stewardship, and reducing mowing, pruning, fertilizing, 

and other maintenance inputs. 

Maintenance and operations costs are also somewhat 

contingent upon programs and use. The proposed master 

plan as it is realized will evolve Lake Ellyn Park into a more 

fully utilized and dynamic park landscape. The approach 

to maintenance costs is similar to that of the capital 

costs- they must be identified and budgeted for prior to 

committing to incurring them. Each capital project should 

be planned and designed with long-term maintenance 

and operations in mind, and implemented along with 

appropriate resources (funding, staff, volunteers, etc.) 

aligned to ensure fiscal sustainability. 

stewardship and maintenance example photos 


71

3. the vision 

3. Funding options 

It is anticipated that funding for realization for the Lake 

Ellyn Park vision will come from a variety of sources. 

This is a long-term master plan, and as stated above will 

be implemented in phases as funding and resources are 

identified, sought, and secured. The long-term operations 

and maintenance costs will be part of the annual GEPD 

budget. 

Grant Assistance - Public Agencies 

There are a number of local, state, and federal agencies 

that promote and support many of the strategies and 

tactics outlined in the Lake Ellyn Park master plan. These 

agencies offer grants, tax incentives, and other forms of 

financial incentives for projects such as this to lead the 

way in implementing and applying sustainable practices. 

While these programs vary considerably, many of them 

have provided significant cost sharing or other financial 

benefits to capital projects that: 

• Improve water quality, habitat, and air quality; 

• Demonstrate leading-edge practices; 

• Support jobs, especially in the green manufacturing 

area; 

• Are shovel-ready (or could be implemented 

quickly) at time of grant/funding request. 

Following is a partial list of current programs and funding 

sources that may be applicable to Lake Ellyn Park: 

USEPA Section 319 Program 

Traditionally, one of the most effective and innovative grant 

programs that support the design and implementation of 

water-based green infrastructure is the Section 319 Non- 

Point Source Water Pollution Control Program. This is 

a USEPA funded program, but it is administered at the 

state level, and each state selects the appropriate agency 

and gives them great latitude as to how they utilize the 

funds. As stated above, in Illinois the 319 program is 

administered by the IEPA, and they have been very 

supportive of site-specific development projects that 

showcase the creative integration of green infrastructure. 

It is not unusual to receive funding support in the range 

of $500,000 to $1,500,000. In most cases, funding goes to 

projects that are part of a watershed that has an approved 

“watershed management plan.” One of the advantages 

of the 319 program is that funds can support both the 

detailed design and engineering aspects of the project, as 

well as project implementation. 

Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant Program for 

Stormwater Management (IGIG) 

IGIG grants are available to local units of government and 

other organizations to implement green infrastructure 

best management practices to control stormwater runoff 

for water quality protection in Illinois. Funds are limited to 

the implementation of projects to install best management 

practices (BMPs). The total amount of funding available 

under IGIG is approximately 5 million dollars annually. 

This is a reimbursement program. Grant recipients 

must perform the work, pay project costs, and submit 

invoices periodically throughout the project period 

with supporting documentation before Illinois EPA will 

reimburse recipients for any approved costs. 

Under IGIG, the Illinois EPA will accept proposals for the 

following three program categories: 

1. Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Rehabilitation 

Category 

Maximum IGIG amount is $3,000,000 or 85 percent of the 

eligible project cost, whichever is lower. 

Minimum local match requirement is 15 percent. 

Illinois EPA anticipates awarding up to 10 of these grants 

per year. 

Typical grant range is $300,000 - $3,000,000 of IGIG funds 

(total grant funds available $3 million). 

Project length ranges from 6-36 months. 


3. the vision 

2. Stormwater Retention and Infiltration Category 

Maximum IGIG amount is $750,000 or 75 percent of the 




per year. 

Typical grant range is $100,000 - $750,000 of IGIG funds 

(total grant funds available $1.8 million). 


3. Green Infrastructure Small Projects Category 

Maximum IGIG amount is $75,000 or 75 percent of the 




per year. 

Typical grant range is $15,000 - $75,000 of IGIG funds 

(total grant funds available $200,000). 


approved project costs can be obtained. Grant awards up 

to $750,000 are available for acquisition projects, while 

development/renovation projects are limited to a $400,000 

grant maximum. 

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 

LWCF is a long-standing federal program that provides 

funds to states to support conservation initiatives 

including land acquisition and development. A variety 

of on-site restoration and recreation initiatives from 

ecological restoration to trail corridor and interpretive 

signage development can be funded by the program. 

Each state determines where and how to deploy funds. In 

Illinois, these funds are routinely administered through 

the Department of Natural Resources in their OSLAD 

(Open Space Land Acquisition & Development) program. 

Access to these funds would require a partnership with a 

local park or conservation agency. 

Open Space Land Acquisition Development Program 

(OSLAD) 

The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development 

(OSLAD) Program is a state-financed grant program that 

provides funding assistance to local government agencies 

for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks 

and open space. The federal Land and Water Conservation 

Fund program (known as both LWCF and LAWCON) 

is a similar program with similar objectives, described 

below. Both are managed in Illinois by the Department of 

Natural Resources with concurrent application due dates, 

equal grant maximums, and similar general rules. 

Projects vary from small neighborhood parks or tot lots 

to large community and county parks and nature areas. 

The state program is financed by a percentage of the state’s 

Real Estate Transfer Tax. The federal program is financed 

nationally by revenue from OSOD leases. 

Under both programs, funding assistance up to 50% of 


73

3. the vision 

Private Foundations 

A growing number of local, regional, and national 

foundations and organizations offer support and 

assistance to help provide capital costs and other resources 

in support of projects and initiatives such as the Lake 

Ellyn Park master plan. An essential component of the 

implementation strategy is the presentation and exposure 

of the master plan and to align elements of the plan with 

the vision and purpose of these organizations to the 

degree practical. 

Kresge Foundation Green Design and Bricks and 

Mortar Grants 

The Kresge Foundation is one of the strongest supporters 

of sustainable, green development initiatives in the 

country. Only governmental entities and non-profit 

organizations are eligible for funding. Building and site 

development projects must have a sustainable focus to be 

eligible for funding; building projects must be eligible for 

LEED Certification. Design grants can be awarded in the 

range of $50,000 to $100,000, and bricks and mortar grants 

have no limits. Educational development and outreach is 

mandatory for consideration. 



Master Plan 

January 2013 

Prepared for: 


Prepared by: 


Farr Associates

Lake Ellyn Park 2013 Master Plan

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