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Council reopens discussion on a centralized Distinguished Citizens plaza and next steps for Cold Springs Park
Summary
Council debated replacing honorary street signs with a central 'Distinguished Citizens' plaza, weighing costs (estimated $150,000'$275,000), location (Green Street Park vs Riverwalk vs Landmark), and fundraising options. Separately, council discussed using $600,000 allocated from developer park funds to restore Cold Springs Park and whether to reapply for an OSLAD grant.
McHenry Council reopened a long-running discussion about how best to recognize distinguished citizens, considering a centralized plaza or wall and whether to move existing honorary street signs into a single downtown location. Staff presented two concept renderings prepared pro bono by Hitchcock Design in 2024 and estimates that a plaza could cost between $150,000 and $275,000 depending on the option.
Supporters said a central recognition site would create a destination that preserves history and concentrates recognition where pedestrians see it. Alderman Miller preferred a more "windy," organic design (concept A) and suggested locating recognition elements along the Riverwalk or near the historic bridge to attract foot traffic. Other council members said Green Street Park was an appealing "pause point" and already has historic elements such as the Sullivan clock.
Critics raised cost and timing concerns: one alderman noted the TIF currently owes the general fund roughly $200,000 and argued the city should refrain from new TIF-funded projects until that balance is repaid. As an alternative to an expensive plaza, councilors suggested low-cost options such as the existing Arbor Day tree-donation program (a $400 donation yields a donated tree and a memorial brick) or a donor-funded engraved-brick campaign that could limit city spending.
Staff and several aldermen endorsed continuing the discussion rather than committing funds immediately. They proposed further design work linking recognition to Riverwalk development and outreach to potential donors; Hitchcock or other landscape architects would be asked to produce additional visuals showing how the plaza could tie into future Riverwalk phases and the historic Landmark site.
Separately, council members discussed Cold Springs Park. The city allocated $600,000 from developer-donation park funds for restoration after the city did not receive an OSLAD grant. Staff said the state scoring for OSLAD applications is expected in early March; if the city scores well it may reapply next year to leverage matching funds, otherwise council could bring a reduced plan forward that focuses on paths and wetland restoration. Aldermen emphasized starting basic cleanup and addressing parking, security and access while any larger restoration plans await grant outcomes.
Next steps: staff will ask Hitchcock for Riverwalk-tied concepts, return with cost estimates and options for donor-based fundraising, and bring a Cold Springs Park plan to council after the OSLAD scoring is available.
