Hinsdale trustee outlines privately funded pavilion plan for Burlington Park

Alexis Braden, a member of the Hinsdale Board of Trustees, told the Historic Preservation Commission on March 4 that the village is pursuing a privately funded permanent pavilion for Burlington Park to replace the rented Uniquely Thursday stage. The proposed structure would measure roughly 20 by 30 feet, incorporate architectural details to echo Memorial Hall and sit on the park’s west side to preserve sight lines from the train to Memorial Hall. "The structure itself will be approximately 20 by 30 ft," Braden said.

Why it matters: Trustees and the working group said the pavilion is intended to serve Uniquely Thursday performances and other village and library events while respecting the park’s historic character. Braden said a village survey of 220 residents found about 72% support for a pavilion, and the working group engaged local architect Michael Abraham to prepare exterior appearance and site plans.

Key details: Braden said private donors have committed to underwrite the project; the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce has pledged $100,000 and the hospital is a major donor whose agreement includes caps that will be finalized in letters of intent. Braden said the village expects to present exterior/site plans to the plan commission next week, to the village board on March 16, to put full construction documents out to bid late March and to pursue contract award at the April village board meeting with a target completion in July 2026. She added that some donor agreements include capped amounts and that if the board prefers higher‑cost materials (for example, real slate rather than a DaVinci faux slate product), the village may need to decide whether to add municipal funds or seek additional private donations.

Commission discussion focused on siting, accessibility and materials. Staff and commissioners asked for clarification about an accessibility ramp (Braden and staff described a ramp about 15 feet long with a shallow slope and noted staff would confirm the ramp width); commissioners urged narrowing the ramp where feasible and adding landscaping to soften paved surfaces. Commissioners also pressed about the roof material and cost contingencies; Braden said the working group had cost estimates from a contractor and will value‑engineer where needed.

Next steps: With plan commission review pending and letters of intent being finalized, Braden said the project team will return with final materials selections and construction documents for permit review. The commission provided design feedback and emphasized that donor funding does not remove the village’s approval authority over final design choices.