WINNETKA
WHAT MAKES OUR HOMETOWN GREAT BY SUSAN NOYE S
For 150 years, Winnetka has been a small village with a big vision. Its history as a community with proactive, progressive, smart, highly engaged residents—who anticipate potential problems and plan for improvements—laid a firm foundation that still guides Winnetka’s development today. Innovative government, education, public works and conservation choices more than a century ago created a town that still serves residents well. Winnetka’s deep commitment to young families ensures that it will remain a vibrant village for decades to come. Village Manager Rob Bahan explains that based on the most recent village-wide survey and his experience: “Residents value that our town is safe, close to Chicago and has excellent schools, public services and quality shopping.” “They like the proximity to the lake too,” he adds with a grin. Village President Gene Greable and Trustee Carol Fessler provide historical perspective. As early as 1865, Winnetkans understood that urban sprawl would encroach on their pastoral community. These successful Chicago business leaders were proactive in anticipating the problems and opportunities this would bring, resulting in the adoption of what was then a visionary form of local government: the Council-Manager and a Caucus that slates candidates for the Village, School, Park and Library boards. Winnetka also was one of the first local towns ever to create a comprehensive development plan. This led to the construction of its still-impressive town hall, railroad tracks that are safer than most other suburbs, ownership of its own water and electricity plant, engineered lagoon system, influential Women’s Club, stillvibrant Community House and more. Leadership remains committed to thoughtful planning with an engaged citizenry. “We’re in a time of renewal,” Fessler explains. “With the community, we are developing a new Downtown Master Plan and Storm Water Management Alternatives Plan to be finalized this year.” The Park District also is working on multiple plans for the lakefront, bike paths and more. Quality local businesses within walking distance make Winnetka a delightful hometown, too. “We’re in the midst of economic revitalization,” Bahan proudly declares. “At least 35 new businesses have opened in the last two years, including Mrs. Green’s in Hubbard Woods. What other town can boast of three independent grocers?” 16 BEST OF 60093
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Winnetka is nationally known for its progressive public school system. According to Fessler, in the early 20th Century, under the Women’s Club leadership, special education needs were addressed and legendary education innovator Carleton Washburne was hired as Superintendent. His philosophy — making schools as good as possible for each individual child to develop their full potential, well-being and ability to contribute to society at large — insured that administrators, teachers and community work together well, too. This philosophy endures. Furthermore, the schools feed into New Trier High School — long considered one of the best public high schools in the country. Greable enjoys reminding the public of other education options, too. “We have other excellent schools here, including parochial schools, North Shore Country Day and the Music Institute of Chicago,” he explains. Winnetka also offers opportunities for residents young and old to explore every type of interest — including art, theater, fitness, foreign language, even incubating new businesses in the Community House. “As happened when our family arrived in 2000,” Fessler says, “young families move here for the schools, find that neighbors drop by to sincerely welcome them, then invite them to their homes and neighborhood parties. Parents roll up their sleeves to help in schools and elsewhere in the community, eventually rising to become the next generation of community leaders.” Winnetka is great because of its history and culture of contributions by and for a smart, engaged citizenry. It offers opportunities for all. Village leaders honor governance techniques developed more than a century ago, maintain a deep commitment to young families and community development, thoughtfully plan for future improvements. Its future should look and feel just as successful as its past.