The community input meetings to gather input on whether the garden plots should be destroyed for athletic fields have been concluded. The next step is for the School District (203) to make a recommendation to the Park District for action of some sort. Following that, the Park District will vote and give a recommendation to the City Council. We have no timetable for these events.
Letter to the Park District from Gardeners
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 11:20 PM
Subject: The Garden Plots
Dear Mr. McGury and Mr. Leis
I have just checked the websites for the Park District and School District 203. I was pleased to see that the Community Garden Plots FAQ's prepared by the Park District was available on that site as well on the Park District website.
The brochure on the School District site bears the logo of both organizations and the address & websites for both organizations. However, the closing paragraph that urges emails to be sent only lists the School District's address. The omission of the Park District's email address for responses and comments is a very disappointing oversight. I have already received 2 irate phone calls stating "See the School District is trying to ram this through and take the garden plots"
One thing that is disturbing to me and a number of my friends is the apparent lack of foresight by the School District. I believe that everyone in town was aware in 2006 and 2007 that the cemetery was going to take back their property. Didn't the School District know? If yes, why wasn't that addressed in last year's $114.9 million referendum? Did the need for extracurricular athletic fields suddenly crop up? Surely funds could have been included in the referendum to purchase additional athletic fields as well as funds for any construction and equipment. The proposal to build a complete new school on Knock Park would aggravate the problem now being discussed and I do not remember any discussion of athletic fields.
During the meeting in June 2008 to discuss the CMM review the School District 203 representative outlined the use of the northern section of the garden plots for athletic fields. The gentleman was very specific and emphatically stated that the athletic fields would not be used for Physical Education classes during school hours, but would be used only after school hours for extracurricular activities.
I was pleased to see that the School District is realistic and is exploring four alternative options.
Option 1 - Use the Northern section of the garden plots --- This option should not be pursued.
Option 2 - Use the area between Martin Avenue and Osler Dr. --- This option should not be pursued. This area is extensively used for youth football and baseball. A quick look at a Google map of the area shows significant infrastructure of lights, baseball & softball fields, permanent fencing, snack bar - announcing facility which would have to be converted to green fields for lacrosse & soccer. Of course all of these would have to be rebuilt in some other location.
Option 3 - Use other School District 203 property or other Park District fields --- This option should be pursued. In addition to the fields mentioned I believe there are some schools west of Plainfield/Naperville Rd. which have fields that could be used. Yes, there may be some inter-governmental agreements and expense but it offers the minimum of disruption of existing Park District programs. There are also many open fields, retention basins, etc. that are within a couple of miles of NCHS that could be utilized, purchased, rented or leased.
Option 4 - Create athletic fields at DuPage River Park --- This Option should be should be implemented. As the School District states "This is a long term solution" Why is there any hesitation? There is no disruption of existing Park District programs.
The NNHS teams travel to Nike Park why can't NCHS travel to Naper & Royce? So the children have to be bussed. This is a significant problem? I remember when my children were bussed during the school day to NNHS for PE swimming and for extra curricular swim team practice. Why is bussing a no-no?
Except for the first disadvantage -- bussing which is real but not significant problem -- all of the other disadvantages listed are somewhat or totally misleading.
- "New fields will be needed to be developed" True also for Options 1, 2, and possibly Option 3. The implementation cost for Option 4 will be significantly less than Options 1 & 2 and less than Option 3.
- "Timing of completion would be questionable" Not even remotely true for Option 4. The FAQ document states that no growing season would be lost means that implementing Option 1 would not occur until Spring 2010. In fact Option 4 could be ready by the Spring of 2009. A grader can prepare the fields in a week and sod laid in another week, allowing some time for growth I suspect that 6 weeks from "Go" would get the job done.
- "Added athletic trainer time for off-site use" This would also be true for Options 2 & 3 and maybe Option 1.
- "Additional equipment would need to be purchased" This would also be true for Options 1, 2, and 3.
If Option 4 ...is a long term solution, ... and the cost to make the necessary changes are the lowest of all four options, ... and the disadvantages are essentially the same as for Option 1, 2 and 3 ... and the athletic fields could be ready by the Spring of 2009, why are we even going through this process?
The SOS (Save Open Space) group has reviewed the Park District's plans for the Ponds of Hobson West Park. They have notified the Park District that they recommend Plan "B" with some minor changes. We specifically recommended that the current open space be retained as multi-use fields, specifically for Lacrosse and Soccer.
Some entity will have to bear the cost to develop the fields and relocate the gardens (if Option 1 is selected). The garden plots are used by taxpayers from both of the school districts in town. The tax payers from the other school district have acquired the property and pay for the use and maintenance of those fields. I do not think any Park District programs that cater to taxpayers from both School Districts should be upended or their funds should be expended to satisfy District 203's need for extracurricular athletic fields.
Please keep in mind the following story related to me by a gentleman who supports keeping all of the garden plots on West Street: "When I was in high school, the soccer team often ran to our practice field which was several miles away. We would have never thought to target as our own, a long established, community and public space for our practice field."
Douglas A Dallmer
October 22, 2008
Dear Naperville Gardener,
The Naperville Park District and Naperville School District 203 have placed additional information regarding the garden plots and athletic field space issues on our websites. The information includes the following documents and may be accessed at the corresponding web links.
- Community Report on Naperville Central High School and Athletic Field Space Issues
http://www.napervilleparks.org/docs/GardenPlots-CommunityReport_FieldSpace-Final.pdf
- An Informational Brochure on NCHS and Athletic Field Space
http://www.napervilleparks.org/docs/athleticfieldsbrochurefinal.pdf
- Community Garden Plots FAQ's
http://www.napervilleparks.org/docs/10-17-08GardenPlotFAQ's.pdf
Each of the above items will also be mailed to gardeners to provide information to those who are not part of the email database. Community Engagement Meeting information will also be included in the mailing to gardeners. The Community Engagement meetings are scheduled to be held from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. on:
Wednesday, October 29
District 203 Administrative Center
203 W. Hillside Avenue
Monday, November 10
Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center
305 W. Jackson Avenue
Wednesday, November 12
District 203 Administrative Center
203 W. Hillside Avenue
Those who are unable to attend any of the meetings are encouraged to provide their comments
via e-mail to School District 203 at athleticfields@naperville203.org or to the Naperville Park
District at info@napervilleparks.org; please type "Garden Plots" in the subject line.
Next Steps in the process
- Following the community engagement meetings, School District 203 and the Naperville Park
District will work cooperatively to compile community feedback
- The Naperville Park District will conduct a survey of Garden Plots participants and
subsequently analyze the data received. Surveys are scheduled to be distributed to gardeners within the next week.
- Both School District 203 and the Park District will engage their respective boards to come to a
decision of what course of action to take. These boards will make the determination whether
or not any recommendations will be made to City Council for their consideration and action
Please visit www.napervilleparks.org or www.naperville203.org for more information.
Naperville Park District 630/848-5000
v
NOTICE FROM PARK DISTRICT. MEETINGS ON GARDEN PLOTS TO BE RUN BY SCHOOL DISTRICT 203 W/PARK DISTRICT. GARDEN PLOT USERS ARE NOT INCLUDED EXCEPT AS MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE.
Dear {EMAIL},
Community Engagement Meetings regarding Garden Plots property on West Street
Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and the Naperville Park District will be hosting three community engagement meetings to gather public feedback on site concepts for the proposed future use of the Garden Plots property along West Street. As we realize these discussions involve several different community stakeholders including Park District participants, Garden Plots users, high school athletes, and many others, we encourage the involvement of as many people as possible.
Each of the three meetings will be identical in format, with staff from both School District 203 and the Naperville Park District in attendance. Attendees can expect an open house format beginning with a brief overview presentation to outline the issues, concept drawings displayed, options outlined, and participant feedback taken for further consideration.
Please join us for one of the following Community Engagement Meetings. Each will be held from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.:
Wednesday, October 29
District 203 Administrative Center
203 W. Hillside Avenue
Monday, November 10
Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center
305 W. Jackson Avenue
Wednesday, November 12
District 203 Administrative Center
203 W. Hillside Avenue
Those who are unable to attend any of these meetings are encouraged to provide their comments via e-mail to School District 203 at athleticfields@naperville203.org or to the Naperville Park District at info@napervilleparks.org; please type “Garden Plots” in the subject line. Additionally, the Park District invites all interested individuals to learn more about the Garden Plots on West Street at www.napervilleparks.org. Additional information will be available on both the Park District website and the School District 203 website beginning late in the week of Oct. 20 at www.naperville203.org. Information will include:
• A whitepaper outlining options
• An Informational brochure
• FAQ’s
Please note that all Naperville Park District gardeners will receive this information in a mailing, also to be sent late in the week of Oct. 20.
Gardener Survey by Park District
The Naperville Park District will be developing a survey form for sending to Garden Plots gardeners. They will be meeting together with representatives of the gardeners on Monday, October 20th. If you have any ideas for inclusion in this survey form, please send them to Napergardens.com through our "Contact Us" page. If you have been chosen as a representative, we would appreciate your contacting us through our "Contact Us" page or by E-Mailing info@napergardens.com.
We are not certain of the scope of this survey. Obvious items would be the distance of gardeners from the current West Street location and the distance from the proposed Royce St. location, and if a gardener would like to make a change in garden location for himself/herself.
MESSAGE FROM PARK DISTRICT TO GARDENERS 10/15/08
October 15, 2008
Dear Naperville Gardener,
The purpose of this email is to provide you with an update regarding the Community Garden Plots. Both the Park District and School District 203 continue to identify options that will be considered as we work through the upcoming public input process. In early concepts presented during the Caroline Martin Mitchell study DuPage River Park was identified as a potential site for future garden plots. Copies of the initial concept plans may be viewed on the Park District website under the garden plots link. In addition to DuPage River Park the Park District has also identified an undeveloped park site located near the corner of 248th Street and Wolfs Crossing Road as another potential site for future garden plots. The undeveloped park is called Southwest Community Park and consists of over 30 acres of land that is currently being farmed. The Southwest Community Park site will be evaluated further as we work through the public input process.
Naperville Park District and School District 203 staff met on Monday, October 14th to continue discussions related to the development of future community engagement meetings. The community engagement meetings are tentatively scheduled to take place in late October and early November. Meeting dates and times will be communicated to all gardeners next week.
The Park District is also developing a garden plots survey that will be mailed to gardeners within the next two weeks. Park District staff are scheduled to meet with representatives from the gardening community early next week to review the survey questions.
Please share this information with anyone that may not be part of the Park District's garden plot e-mail database. If you know of someone who would like to be added to our database please have them contact the Park District at (630) 848-5000. Copies of mailings and emails communicated to gardeners may also be found on the Park District website at www.napervilleparks.org under the "Upcoming Community Meetings and Significant Projects" section.
Sincerely,
The Naperville Park District
Naperville Park District 630/848-5000
Napergardens.com is launched
On Thursday, October 9, Napergardens was launched by gardener Elaine Fisher while making a presentation to the Park District Board. On the following day, Napergardens had a heavy volume of visitors, who visited collectively 353 pages on the site. We hope that this will get our message out. Please check back regularly for new information.
Naperville Sun Coverage of October 9 Park District Meeting
October 12, 2008
In a show of solidarity, residents hoping to keep Naperville Park District's garden plots on West Street showed up at Thursday's park board meeting wearing stickers depicting a large sunflower.
"The gardens are a perfect activity for seniors. Just what the doctor ordered," Roger McDonald said. "We can go out in the garden and work at our own pace."
The therapy is not only physical, he said, but it also provides a social activity.
"This is the only Park District program I remember I participated in," McDonald said. "And now you want to take it away."
More than a dozen residents spoke at the park board meeting, with many more in the audience for support. The group has formed an informal network called "Save the Gardens" and set up a Web site at www.napergardens.com.
Residents said those who use the plots are a diverse group of gardeners, and that their efforts are more than just a hobby.
"Most people don't really appreciate how much the garden plots do for the community," resident Stan Nash said.
He said a fellow gardener tends three plots with the intent of donating all of the harvest.
"He does nothing but grow crops for the food deposit places," Nash said.
Last month the Naperville Park District agreed to work with Naperville School District 203 in gathering public input on a proposal to convert a portion of the garden plots site on West Street - part of the Caroline Martin Mitchell property - into athletic fields near Naperville Central High School.
Executive Director Ray McGury stressed at Thursday's park board meeting that no action has been taken by the district, except to gather feedback from the community in partnership with District 203.
"There has been no decision made," McGury said. "There is no hidden agenda where we're going to say 'yes' ... and come in the back door and rip the garden plots out."
The proposal calls for moving 358 garden plots from the northern area of West Street, with 140 plots added to the southern portion of the West Street gardens. More than 330 could potentially be located at DuPage River Park on the city's south side.
Many gardeners said the southern location would be difficult to get to, and that the soil quality is unknown.
"I would like to know how the Park District is going to select the 200 people who get the garden plots proven to be fertile soil," Elaine Fisher said.
Jacky Barrington, who lives nearby in Martin Avenue Apartments, said the plots in their current location are important to her and her neighbors.
"If the students really need more soccer spaces, then I suggest they look at scheduling," she said. "We don't want to deprive the kids, but we really do need the plots."
Park District Meeting
October 9, 2008
Our Commentary
Forty gardeners were in attendance at the bi-weekly Park District meeting. Ten gardeners made presentations in support of keeping the gardens on West Street and changing the upcoming "Community Input" program. At this time that program is slated to be conducted by School District 203, which is one of the contenders for the garden plot land. We have objected to that plan.
In their speeches gardeners expressed many reasons why the garden plots should remain on West Street as they are:
- A central location which is convenient to gardeners, compared with the far southeast replacement location in DuPage River Park. Many of the gardeners are seniors and many walk to the gardens. Moving so far away would present a problem.
-The soil in our present location is excellent. The proposed site is not a commercial farm, but a Park with unknown soil quality. Drainage and flooding has not been explored as of yet. Our current location has excellent drainage.
-There is a community of gardeners on West Street, many of whom have known each other for years. This will be impossible to duplicate in the new location.
Gardeners also expressed their feelings about the process:
-There are many available sports fields for Central High school's students. They can easily use a location blocks away. In the case of the Garden Plots this is not true. We need a site with high quality soil, of which there are extremely few in Naperville.
-The Park District has assigned the critical task of community input to School District 203, which we expressed is unfair and improper. We need an unbiased third party, such as the Park District to conduct these hearings and to compile the results.
-The school district has taken on a new sport for which it had no available fields (Lacrosse). Why is there pressure now that they have made that move, rather than having had this process before that sport was put into place.
