Lake Bluff board approves volunteer repairs to Ravine Park bridge and stair complexes

The Lake Bluff Architectural Board of Review on July 1 approved a volunteer project by Union Church of Lake Bluff to repair a bridge deck and several step complexes in Ravine Park, after the church’s representative described the work as a safety-driven, locally organized alternative to its usual out‑of‑state service trips.

John Hirsch, representing the Union Church of Lake Bluff, told the board the bridge “is actually structurally sound. However, the deck boards are all rotten,” and said volunteers would remove existing 2‑by‑6 deck boards and install new decking. The proposal covers five work areas: the bridge deck (scope 1), a steep step complex near Sylvan (scope 2), a short series of steps beneath an adjacent bridge (scope 3), replacement of a deteriorated 6‑inch corrugated pipe with buried Schedule 35 pipe (scope 4), and a longer, settled stair run of about 18 steps (scope 5).

Hirsch said the church will buy materials, provide volunteer labor and carry insurance for participants. He described the step designs as engineered to meet village code—planned 6‑inch risers with intermediate landings where required—and said attachment details include half‑inch rebar pins and compacted Class 9 gravel for landings. “We will be doing the first three projects first,” he said, adding that the group has about 15 youth volunteers and six to seven adults lined up and plans to begin work Saturday at 8 a.m.; material delivery is scheduled for the preceding Thursday.

Board members praised the volunteer effort and pressed for safety clarifications. One member noted the Park District’s involvement; staff said the Parks & Beach Committee had reviewed the work and that a park staff member planned to volunteer. Hirsch said the group would submit the required village permit application, bring construction barricades, cones and caution tape to warn park users, and avoid leaving incomplete work in the trail. He also confirmed the work would be fully funded by church donors and carry no cost to the village or park district.

A motion to approve the project carried on a voice/roll call vote. Members recorded as voting in favor included Member Wicks, Member Kerwick, Member Dolman, Member Cottrell and Chair Hunter.

Next steps noted at the meeting: the applicants will complete permit paperwork with village staff, schedule material delivery Thursday and begin volunteer work the upcoming weekend. If tasks cannot be completed during the weekend, volunteers said they would save unused materials and return on a later date to finish remaining scopes.