6 minute read
The New Golf Mill Park
by VNilesIL
The new Golf Mill Park and Greenwood Stormwater Basin, located at 9101 Greenwood on the site of a former bank, is a legacy project that combines aesthetics and functionality.
The Greenwood Stormwater Basin includes approximately 14 acrefeet of stormwater storage in a pond and underground storage chambers. A system of drainage structures and approximately 5,400 feet of relief storm sewers was built to carry water to the storage basins. New storm sewer was installed along Church Street and Maryland Street, crossing Milwaukee Avenue and continuing to Courtland Drive. The multi-purpose event lawn (over the underground storage chambers), aesthetically pleasing park area around the pond, streetscape revitalization of Church Street, and adjacent added parking complement planned redevelopment in the area, provide desirable new green space, and will benefit the entire Village.
History and Schedule
The Greenwood Stormwater Basin Project was recommended by the Village’s 2012 Stormwater Relief Program. The area experienced flooding due to undersized storm sewer systems and inadequate overland drainage routes. Following the construction of two stormwater basins elsewhere in Niles in 2014 and a large sewer project in 2016, the Greenwood Stormwater Basin Project was the next project on the list—and the most ambitious.
The Village of Niles committed to accommodating the Maria SS. Lauretana Italian Festival at the site over Labor Day weekend in both 2021 and 2022, meaning the construction project needed to be substantially completed between those two dates. Originally scheduled for completion in May 2022, funding logistics delayed the project a few months, but by September 2, 2022, the site was ready and the Festival took place as promised—complete with their processions and famous “Flight of the Angels.” This festival served as the unofficial grand opening of the new space, while a formal ribbon cutting took place on Arbor Day 2023.
Construction Management
The Village of Niles performed construction engineering for this project with in-house staff, while developing a close link with the contractor’s field personnel. DiMeo Construction went above and beyond to minimize impacts to residents. The contractor was able to complete the majority of the storm sewer work by March 2022, benefiting area residents who received flood reduction before the spring thaw and rain season.
One final element that was critical to the success of this project was quality design. The Village partnered with Hey and Associates to prepare the design for the project.
Community Relations and Public Involvement
This project emphasized community outreach at every stage, including:
• Open house presentation during design stage
• Preconstruction resident information bulletin
• Project highlighted at Public Works Open House
• Weekly email updates to affected residents
• Webpage updates
• Project camera with daily pictures and live video
• At-the-door notifications for project impacts
• Full-time on-site oversight by Village personnel
Environmental Considerations & Sustainability
A major goal of the project was to promote sustainability and provide environmental benefits. The project provides stormwater flow rate reduction, sediment collection, and runoff removal. Pollutants from cars, lawns, litter, yard waste and pet waste are now captured before they enter area waterways. Over one hundred new trees were planted around the open event area. Also, Church Street was reconstructed with permeable pavers, which provides temporary storage for stormwater, allows stormwater infiltration, and reduces runoff and flooding.
Other “green” design elements include an electric vehicle charging station, bicycle racks, and new sidewalk connections from Greenwood Road to Milwaukee Avenue. These elements will promote cleaner transportation options and reduce the use of fossil fuels.
This project also promotes appreciation of the environment through its thoughtful design and amenities. It has become a gathering place for people and wildlife. Ducks, herons and other birds are frequently seen at the basin. Parents and children can be seen chasing butterflies around the pond, and teenagers playing catch on the open event space. It has even become a popular spot for wedding photoshoots!
This project truly was an intergovernmental and interagency success. Among the agencies involved in the project:
• Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
• Illinois Environmental Protection agency (IEPA) – Funding Partner
• Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) – Funding Partner
• Niles Park District
• Cook County Housing Authority
• ComEd, Nicor Gas, AT&T, and Comcast
• Village of Niles departments, elected officials, and Stormwater Commission.
Project Finance
The primary funding source is a 0.25% sales tax increment directed towards stormwater. The project maximized the value of taxpayer dollars by securing additional funding sources, including:
• MWRD Funding – Niles secured $2,000,000 in reimbursement from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, which helped offset costs and expanded the scope of the project.
• Construction of the project is partially funded with Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) funding. The State Revolving Fund program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and receives a portion of its money to fund these types of projects from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Using a low-interest IEPA loan reduced the amount of future capital that would be directed to debt service.
• ComEd Powering Safe Communities Grant – The Village secured a grant for the electric vehicle charging station. ComEd recognized that these stations will reduce carbon emissions, improve public health outcomes, and advance community resiliency.
Thanks to the vision of the Village Mayor and Trustees and the Greenwood Stormwater Basin project team, a new destination space for special events and everyday recreation has been created, while contributing to regional stormwater success. It is a space that is uniquely Niles and will be treasured for generations to come.
Learn more about Niles community events at Golf Mill Park on page 28.
This project truly was an intergovernmental and interagency success. Among the agencies involved in the project:
This project truly was an intergovernmental and interagency success. Among the agencies involved in the project:
This project truly was an intergovernmental and interagency success. Among the agencies involved in the project:
