Smithton trustees hear competing proposals for a Park Master Plan, Farnsworth draws most support

Trustees for the Village of Smithton on June 9 reviewed presentations from five consultant teams proposing a Park Master Plan focused on community input, grant-readiness and sustainable maintenance strategies. The presenters were Planning Design Studio, Arbolope Studio, Cochran Engineering, Farnsworth and SWT.

Jonathan Corbett, identified in the transcript as Project Manager for Planning Design Studio, described a process that begins with community engagement, maps priorities against regional standards and produces short-, mid- and long-term recommendations to help with grant applications and operations planning. Planning Design Studio staff also discussed splash pads and surfacing options used in past projects.

Representatives from Arbolope Studio emphasized phased, community-engaged design and trail connections, and noted a partnership with Civil Design for asset management. Darren Dunkle of Cochran Engineering said he would serve as the primary contact and outlined outreach methods — staff and stakeholder interviews, community meetings, surveys and ADA analysis — and recommended diversifying recreational offerings beyond baseball to include facilities such as pickleball and disc golf. Cochran also stressed that grant funders generally require a Master Plan and a maintenance plan.

Farnsworth’s team described prior grant success and how a Park Master Plan could align with Smithton’s Comprehensive Plan; Farnsworth proposed amenities including a shaded amphitheater on the hill, an ADA-compliant whiffleball field, a splash pad sited away from the highway and an additional park entrance between the Senior Center and the church. SWT highlighted sustainable design and public-engagement options and outlined an estimated 6–9 month timeline to produce an actionable capital plan.

Trustee reactions were recorded in the meeting minutes: Trustee Mike Smallwood and Trustee Jim Mourey favored Farnsworth’s presentation, Trustee Jim Elbe said he liked Planning Design Studio but felt Farnsworth aligned better with the Comprehensive Plan, and Trustee Jason Becherer agreed. Administrator George Liyeos said Arbolope did not appear to be a good fit for Smithton; a trustee also noted that Cochran has not previously worked in Illinois.

No formal contract award or vote on selecting a consultant was recorded in the minutes. Next steps as stated in the meeting were limited to continued consideration of the consultants and follow-up work by staff; no timetable or procurement action was documented in the transcript.