McHenry council approves Cold Springs Park plan, authorizes OSLAD grant submission after divided debate

The McHenry City Council on Sept. 15 voted 6–1 to approve a schematic development plan for Cold Springs Park and to authorize the mayor to execute a resolution submitting an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant application for the 2025 cycle on or before Sept. 30, 2025. Alderman Mora moved to approve the plan and Alderman Mbani seconded the motion.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment and council discussion that weighed a nature-based design and trail connections against concerns about maintenance costs, the amount of habitat restoration and legal questions about a strip of land near Ponca Street.

The plan presented to the council includes a nature-based playground and an outdoor classroom, and lists a combined playground-and-fitness cost of $311,686. The packet shows a $30,000 line item for one year of outsourced maintenance, and staff described that amount as intended to fund initial invasive-species removal and to “nurture the native species” in early years rather than as an ongoing permanent annual expense. Director Bill…