Recreation Center Historical Stewardship Committee

Shaping the Future of Oak Park Parks

Mills Park Site Master Plan Development
Currently work is beginning on the development of a site master plan for Mills Park. The overall objective of a site plan is to provide “a framework or blueprint for future park renewal.”

Mills Park is a 4.43 acre park located at 217 Home Avenue, at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Home Avenue in Oak Park. Historic Pleasant Home, a U.S. National Historic Landmark located within the park, was sold to the Park District by the family of its second owner, Herbert Mills, in 1939. Mills Park is named in his honor. Although owned by the Park District of Oak Park, Historic Pleasant Home is operated by the Pleasant Home Foundation and is not a part of the site master plan development. The Mills Park site master plan will only address the land surrounding Historic Pleasant Home. Click here for more information on Historic Pleasant Home.

Focus groups were held in mid-September to begin to collect information regarding the current and future use of Mills Park. A focus group was held regarding safety and security, and buildings and grounds. Focus groups were also held with members of the Pleasant Home Foundation Board and residents of Mills Tower which borders Mills Park. A final focus group was held with members of the local business community. (focus group notes)

The first community meeting to gather initial public input regarding the current and future use of Mills Park was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 7pm at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Avenue.(Power Point Presentation) One of the many topics discussed was the installation of a pavilion directly west of Pleasant Home by the Pleasant Home Foundation. Other topics included park entrances, the addition of playground equipment, pathways, and general park usage. (meeting notes)

A questionnaire to collect input regarding the future of Mills Park was available on the web page from September 19 through October 10, 2008. (questionnaire results) Look for another questionnaire to collect community input regarding 3 alternate concept designs to be posted on Friday, November 14 by 5pm.

A second community meeting to review preliminary site concepts and collect additional public input was held on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 7pm at Pleasant Home. (PowerPoint Presentation - large file) Concerns were raised at the first community meeting regarding homeless individuals and unruly youth in the park. In response, thefollowing individuals provided presentations and information at the second community meeting.

A third community meeting to present 4 site plan schemes (below) was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 7pm at Pleasant Home. (PowerPoint Presentation)

A questionnaire is available from Friday, November 14 until 5pm on Monday, November 24 to collect public input regarding these site plan schemes.

Click here to complete questionnaire.

A fourth community meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 7pm at Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Avenue to discuss the final draft recommendation for the Mills Park Site Plan.

Next Steps

The Park Board of Commissioners is scheduled to review the Mills Park Site Plan final draft recommendation at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at the Oak Park Conservatory. The Park Board is tentatively scheduled to take action on the Mills Park Site Plan at the Regular Park Board Meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 7:30pm at the Hedges Administrative Center, 218 Madison.

Please see the complete Mills Park Site Plan schedule below.

The Park District of Oak Park values public input and feedback. To provide input or for further information, please contact Diane Stanke at (708) 725-2022 or dianes@oakparkparks.com.

Mills Park Site Master Plan Schedule

Wednesday, Septembr 17, 2008, 7 pm, Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Avenue
Community Meeting to collect initial community input.

Wednesday, October 8 2008, 7pm, Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Avenue
Community Meeting to to review preliminary site concepts and collect additional public input.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, 7 pm, Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Avenue
Community Meeting to present a final draft recommendation and collect public input.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008, 7 pm, Pleasant Home, 217 S. Home Avenue
If necessary, Community Meeting to discuss final draft recommendation and collect input.

Thursday, December 4, 2008, 7:30pm, Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield
Park Board Committee of the Whole Meeting to discuss site plan recommendation.

Thursday, December 18, 2008, 7:30pm, Administrative Center, 218 Madison
Park Board Meeting to consider acceptance of plan.