Commission narrows master‑plan consultant search; committee to issue vision document

At the May 20 meeting, staff and commissioners said the parks master plan procurement moved from seven proposals to a short list of three firms and that a committee of staff, commissioners and trustees will create a vision document to refine scope before reengaging finalists.

The decision matters because the master plan will direct capital priorities, park programming and long‑term investments across the village; it can also incorporate results from concurrent studies such as a Beck Park turf feasibility study and a village pedestrian‑safety review.

Mike said seven firms submitted proposals and that the working committee — which includes two trustees, Scott Vankie and Michelle Fisher, and commissioners — narrowed the field to three. He described the vision document as a second‑round refinement that will be shared with finalists; the committee expects to meet in June and present material to the commission in July. Chris, speaking as part of staff, said the proposals were high quality and that sharing sample master plans from respondents helped the commission grasp likely deliverables.

Commissioners discussed coordination with two Village Board‑authorized studies: an engineering feasibility and financial analysis for potential turf fields at Beck Park and a separate pedestrian safety study that will examine sidewalks, park access and downtown connectivity. Staff said results from those studies will be shared with the master‑plan consultant once selected. Mike said the comprehensive master plan is expected to take about nine to 12 months after a firm is selected; staff said they will provide sample responses and additional materials to commissioners as part of the refinement process.

No formal selection was made at the May 20 meeting; staff said they expect to bring additional recommendations in July.