Special meeting approves naming Grayslake playground for Rick Newman family

At a special municipal meeting on Sept. 24, members approved naming the Grayslake playground and spray ground the Rick Newman Family Playground and Spray Ground. The motion passed unanimously, with the chair announcing '7, yes.'

The decision followed a presentation by a project fundraiser (identified in the transcript as Speaker 5), who said, 'We are fundraising for this landmark playground and spray ground at Grayslake Park, which, as you all know, [is the] crown jewel of our park system.' The presenter said the work implements a master plan adopted in 2016 and emphasized the project is being paid for with private donations.

Supporters at the meeting cited the site’s placement next to the restroom and concession building and said the new playground and spray ground will expand year-round activities and include water-safety features. One speaker told the body that 'there's no city money in this project.'

The mover (an unidentified meeting participant in the transcript) made the motion to approve the naming; a second was recorded and the body voted in favor. The roll call earlier in the meeting recorded the presence of Boesen, Simonson, Voss, Coleman, Westergaard, Mandelbaum and Gatto; Coleman was named during the vote as voting yes.

The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn. Members thanked the parks and recreation department for advancing the project. No further procedural steps or additional funding approvals were listed in the transcript.

Next steps: the transcript does not specify a signage, dedication date, or implementation timeline.