Itasca board hears detailed update on Usher Park redesign, timeline and budget

The Itasca Village Board heard a presentation Sept. 17 on a redesign of Usher Park that preserves the park’s historic character while adding new plazas, accessibility improvements and infrastructure for events and winter programming.

The presentation, given by Carrie Ann, a project staff member, said design work is more than 50% complete on construction documents and that the construction start is scheduled for March 11, 2025, weather permitting. “We’re over 15% done with construction docs. Design is wrapping up, and we have most of the design elements, principles, objectives,” Carrie Ann said.

The project team said the plan keeps a “passive park” feel while improving event support, accessibility and connections to downtown. Major changes include a north plaza with pond overlooks and trellis swings, a new south plaza with a children’s sensory garden and picnic areas, an extended path around the pond to provide direct access from Walnut Street and Irving Park Road, and a reoriented, larger gazebo designed to function both as a traditional gazebo and, when needed, as a covered performance stage.

The plan also calls for integrated park sound and lighting, irrigation adjustments, pollinator gardens and interpretive signage, additional seating and game tables, and electrical upgrades to support winter “Winter Wonderland” displays and temporary installations. Carrie Ann said ramps on both sides of the gazebo will provide access for people using wheeled devices and that the gazebo railings are designed to be removable so the structure can function as either an enclosed traditional gazebo or an open stage.

Why it matters: The presentation indicated the project is the largest downtown public-improvement effort since the village’s downtown plan. Design choices aim to balance everyday park uses, limited concerts and special events while preserving views used for photography and maintaining the Veterans Memorial area for solemn observance.

Key schedule and budget specifics: Construction documents are expected to be complete by mid-October 2024 and permitting with state and local agencies by Dec. 3, 2024. Substantial completion is targeted for mid-June 2025 so the park remains usable during summer events, with final completion by July 2025. The presenter described a project budget “just under $1,400,000” with a roughly $250,000 contingency and a total available funding pool of about $1.65 million. The board was told the funding package includes a $600,000 grant and roughly $800,000 from the village (split over two years), plus about $300,000 from the Itasca Park District.

Board members asked about entrance signage, gazebo materials, and whether existing holiday displays could be reused. Carrie Ann said signage designs are still under consideration and that a minimum of two new entrance signs is planned pending contingency funds. The gazebo will be bid in two material options (wood and composite) and the team said composite options that mimic wood are being evaluated to reduce long-term maintenance; the current gazebo has lasted 30-plus years and wood remains an option. Staff said electricity is being routed to optimize placement of winter displays and that many existing elements can be reused with some rewiring.

What was not decided: Board members raised the idea of upgrading some entrance or historic signage and of spending additional local funds to enhance the gazebo (for example, using stone or different roofing). Carrie Ann said those changes would increase the village’s share of costs and would be added to the village’s portion of the project if the board chose them; no formal budget augmentation was proposed or approved at the meeting.

Next steps and public access to materials: The project team will finish construction documents, complete permitting, and put the project to bid in October. Full construction sets and larger renderings are available on request, and staff said the new renderings will be posted online and shared by social media and an e-news blast.

Ending: Trustees and staff praised the collaborative work between the village and the Itasca Park District and emphasized preserving the Veterans Memorial setting. Carrie Ann and the project team invited board members to request printed packets of construction documents and plant lists.