Trustees discuss privately funded Burlington Park pavilion; RFP planned, trustees request public input and design guidance

Village President Greg introduced a concept for a privately funded permanent pavilion at Burlington Park, noting the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce has committed $100,000 and that staff prepared a draft RFP for design and construction with the goal of completion by July 4, 2026 if full funding is secured.

Trustees discussed priorities for design and use: architectural compatibility with the train station or Memorial Hall, Chippendale'style railings, use of familiar local materials, acoustics and sound projection, orientation of the pavilion to avoid obstructing performers, and potential stage size. Several trustees urged public engagement before finalizing dimensions or issuing the RFP. Suggestions included convening Historic Preservation Commission and plan commission members as advisors, involving Parks & Recreation and the library for programming input, and a public survey or open house during the design phase.

Staff said the draft RFP currently envisions a "minimum viable product" budgeted at roughly $250,000'$300,000 (not to exceed $300,000), to be entirely privately funded; staff emphasized the village would not proceed without firm funding commitments. Trustees asked staff to build acoustical guidance, orientation options and community engagement into the RFP and to return with refined materials and schedule. No contract or funding appropriation was made at the meeting.