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Board adopts parks code update, approves temporary volleyball courts at Harbor Island
Summary
Trustees adopted PLLG 2025 to update parks regulations (dawn-to-dusk hours with limited exceptions) after public discussion about picnicking, signage and permitted uses; the board also approved two temporary volleyball courts at Harbor Island, funded from recreation funds.
The Village Board adopted a revision to Chapter 260 (Parks) to set parks generally to open from dawn to dusk with two enumerated exceptions: Harbor Island Park (open until 10 p.m.) and the Columbus Park basketball courts (operable until lights are on but no later than 10 p.m.). The law authorizes the village manager to permit later closing times for those locations.
Public commenters raised questions about the code language around eating and "picnicking," the absence or mismatch of signage designating permitted eating areas, and whether the code should explicitly allow informal ball play outside organized events. Members of the public and trustees agreed staff should review and, if necessary, update signage and designated eating areas; trustees passed the law with the understanding that Parks & Recreation and staff will iterate on details.
Separately, trustees approved a $38,000 recreation-funded project to construct two temporary volleyball courts at Harbor Island, a project projected to generate approximately $79,000 in revenue over the next four to five years.
Trustees said the parks code changes clear an outdated, "indecipherable" statute and enable more routine administration of hours and permits while allowing staff and advisory committees to refine operational details such as signs and designated areas.
